Even though many dream of one day seeing themselves on the big screen, some A-listers find out that superstardom is not all it's cracked up to be. In fact, many celebrities have turned their back on the entertainment industry—including major movie and television actors. In a new interview, Cameron Diaz opened up about whether or not she would ever act again after leaving the industry several years ago. Read on to find out what this beloved star said about returning to the screen, and for more recent celebrity news you may have missed, take a look at the Hilarious Makeover Charlize Theron Got From Her Daughter.
In an Oct. 27 interview for model Naomi Campbell'sNo Filter series, Diaz said that while she was certainly open to the idea of acting again, she's in no rush.
"I haven't made a movie since 2014. It's been a long time—it's been seven years or six years since I made a film. Girl, I am OK with that," Diaz told Campbell. "There's no part of me that's like, 'I gotta get in front of a camera!' I don't feel that way—and that's not to say I won't some day. But I'm really resolved at where I'm at right now."
Diaz is no stranger to the screen. She's starred in some beloved blockbusters, including the original Charlie's Angels movies and Shrek. But after appearing in the 2014 remake of Annie, the now 48-year-old movie star stepped back from her career.
Columbia Pictures
Since then, Diaz has made significant strides in her personal life. In 2015, she married long-time boyfriend Benji Madden, and at the end of 2019, the couple welcomed their first child, daughter Raddix. And Diaz's professional life hasn't been completely on hold either. In July of this year, Diaz launched her own organic wine brand, Avaline, with her close friend, entrepreneur Katherine Power.
Of course, this is not the first time Diaz has spoken about her decision to put Hollywood on hold. In August, Diaz spoke to Gwyneth Paltrow on an episode of In Goop Health: The Sessions, telling Paltrow that she felt "peace" after pausing her career.
"A peace in my soul because I was finally taking care of myself," Diaz said. "I stopped and really looked at my life. When you’re making a movie ... they own you. You’re there for 12 hours a day for months on end—you have no time for anything else. I realized I handed off parts of my life to all these other people. I had to basically take it back and take responsibility for my own life."
Diaz is not the only major celebrity that has stepped away from the screen, however. For some other celebrities who left the business behind, keep reading, and for even more big name departures, check out these Stars Who Quit Acting After Hitting It Big.
1 | Daniel Day-Lewis
Featureflash Photo Agency/ShutterstockAfter receiving multiple awards—not to mention a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II—actor Daniel Day-Lewis was apparently ready to pack it up. In 2017, the Lincoln star's rep said in a statement, "Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor. This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject." And for more recent celeb news, check out The Creative Way Emily Ratajkowski Just Announced Her Pregnancy.
2 | Mara Wilson
20th Century FoxWhile some child stars transitioned their early work into massive careers as adults, some simply want no more—like Mara Wilson, who rose to fame as a child star in Mrs. Doubtfire and Matilda. In her 2016 book, Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame, Wilson said that as she got older, she no longer felt like she fit the model of what Hollywood wanted. And for other stars that contemplated abandoning acting, find out which Huge Stars Almost Quit Hollywood.
3 | Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen
ShutterstockThese twins also got their start early, playing Michelle Tanner on Full House. But after many movies and shows, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsenstopped acting entirely by 2011. However, their younger sister, Elizabeth Olsen, is still acting after starting her movie career in 2011. And for more fun content delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
4 | Gene Hackman
ShutterstockGene Jackman retired from acting in 2004, when he was 74 years old. In a 2009 interview with Empire, Hackman said that his ultimate decision to step away from the business came after he took a stress test.
"The doctor advised me that my heart wasn't in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress," he said. And since then, the actor has been pursuing a writing career, with his latest book, Pursuit, being published in 2013. And for more actors who pursued different avenues, revisit these Actors Whose Singing Careers You Completely Forgot.
