5 Actors Who Quit the Industry Permanently

We may think we all want to be famous actors (or actresses) someday, but the truth is much harder than the fantasy. As much as we imagine the fame and the money and the accolades, there are aspects of it we do not understand. Politics and such, that make it a complicated and tough business. In some cases, actors quit the industry because of all the fine print, and in other cases, it was solely to they could raise their kids away from the spotlight. Here are five actors who quit the industry and never looked back.

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for AFI)

Rick Moranis

This Ghostbusters star seemed like he had the nerd market cornered, and then he just vanished. The truth is quite moving, actually. His wife had passed away due to Cancer, and he decided to leave Hollywood so he could raise his kids the right way. Has earned the internet nickname of “Good Guy Moranis” since this news went wide spread. There is talk that, now that his kids are adults, he may be looking to make a comeback. All I can say is, I hope it happens.

(Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images)

Jonathan Taylor Thomas

Oh man, JTT jumped out of the Hollywood ring as soon as he was about to skyrocket to fame. This Home Improvement star decided that the Hollywood life was not for him, and after his show ended and he did a few movies, he decided to go off to college and struggle like the rest of us.  Hey, it may give him cred and say a lot about him, but passing up a job where you make millions could be seen as a little insane, too.

Cary Grant

Though he may be from well before your time, he was very much the Brad Pitt of his era. Many were shocked when Grant upped and left his illustrious career. Come to find out, he was just another Dad who wanted to make sure raised his kids right. I mean, come on. You cannot even be mad at that unless you are a monster.

(Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images)

Gene Hackman

The only one on the list who actually pretty much retired from Hollywood, Hackman is best known for his portrayal of Lex Luthor in the first Superman movies. A wonderful actor and a loss felt by all when he finally said goodbye to the silver screen.

(Photo by Takashi Seida/Heightened Productions Inc. via Getty Images)

Sean Connery

See same as above. I, personally, think it was after he made League of Extraordinary Gentleman and realized just how awful the movie was. He saw that film and thought to himself: I would rather be remembered for Bond. Still though. We all loved Sean Connery and have secretly hoped he would at least make a few cameos post career. So far, no luck.

So who did we miss? Take to our comments and let us know some other actors who quit the industry. Just don’t mention females, because we have a list of actresses who quit the industry coming next week. See, always one step ahead!

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for AFI)

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3 Comments

  1. I am not sure I would count Gene Hackman as “quitting” his last film was in 2004 and he is now 85 years old, so he retired when he was 75. That isn’t quite the same thing as bowing out early, is it?

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