Who doesn't want to regularly make headlines in the latest celebrity news? Given the chance, perhaps most people would jump at the opportunity. But what would you say about established celebs who've decided to leave the glitz and glamour behind for a quiet and simple life? Yes, such celebs actually exist!
Join us as we explore well-known stars who found success in Hollywood but chose to leave it all behind for a 9-5 job or a greater calling. You'd be surprised to see some of these faces since we're sure you've spotted them in a few of your favorite movies and TV shows.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas - Screenwriter
Well known for his ultimate role as Randy Taylor in Home Improvement, Jonathan Taylor Thomas started his career in 1990 in The Bradys, a TV show. He has showcased his talent in quite a number of famous shows like Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter, Smallville, Veronica Mars, and Last Man Standing.
He also lent his voice to The Lion King, portraying the character of Simba. Jonathan moved away from the limelight in 1998 to pursue his education. He also had a dream of traveling after he finished school. However, he returned to his first love, this time venturing into writing and directing instead of acting.
Mara Wilson - Writer
Mara Elizabeth Wilson is an American stage and film actress, and writer. Wilson landed roles in numerous films, but she is particularly famous for playing Natalie Hillard in the film Mrs. Doubtfire. She was cast for this film at a very young age and from then on her popularity grew.
Just like many other former stars, Wilson also came to realize she had another passion; writing. She decided to focus on her writing career and later she published three books. Her hard work rewarded her and she received a Shorty Award for Best Author in 2017.
Jeff Cohen - Lawyer
Many actors gave up the chance to have a successful career in the film industry, and Jeff Cohen is one of them. Jeffrey Cohen is an American former child actor and also the founding partner of the Cohen and Gardener LLP. He was cast in the 1985 movie The Goonies when he was just eleven years old.
His role as “Chunk” went viral in a small period of time, but despite his on-screen success, Cohen was always interested in another profession. He wanted to become a lawyer. He, therefore, declined the film industry and started working to achieve his goals in the field of law.
Sarah Michelle Gellar - Entrepreneur
Sarah Michelle Gellar is a popular former American actress, producer, and entrepreneur. Gellar started her career in the film industry in 1983. She was one of the hottest faces on television, well-known for her character “Buffy Summers” in the famous Warner Bros. series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
She received many accolades for her portrayal of Buffy in the TV show. However, Gellar left the film industry to become an entrepreneur. She co-founded a cooking and baking kit company named FoodStirs. This company is famous for organic and non-GMO ingredients, promoting a healthy diet.
Geoffrey Owens - Trader Joe's Crew Member
Geoffrey Owens is a former American actor. He failed to build a successful career in Hollywood even after several attempts, and despite having been cast for the role of Elvin Tibideaux on The Cosby Show. Surprisingly, he didn’t receive any job offers during or after the show.
To secure a monthly paycheck, he joined Trader Joe’s staff and worked as a crew member there. He also faced backlash from the media when The Daily Mail posted a job-shaming article about him. When he got the chance, he clarified that he wasn’t ashamed of his job and today, he is surviving by working at the grocery chain.
Gene Hackman - Author
Eugene Hackman is a famous American former actor and author. He was a remarkable actor in his time and also appeared in many noteworthy films such as; Superman, Bonnie and Clyde, and Unforgiven. He also received an Oscar for his role in Unforgiven.
Additionally, he received five Academy Awards and four Golden Globe awards during his career. After serving the film industry for more than five decades, Hackman is now 88-years-old, retired, and writes novels and articles from his home, which is his passion. His most recent novel is Pursuit, published in 2013.
Cameron Diaz - Author
Cameron Diaz is a former American actress who initiated her career at the age of 16 in the modeling industry; appearing in commercials. Her debut in The Mask led to her being cast for various roles throughout her career. However, she gained prominence from the films There’s Something About Mary, Charlie’s Angels, and Gangs of New York.
She has received the New York Film Critics Circle Award and four Golden Globe awards. After the release of Annie, she took a hiatus from her acting career as she wanted to quit traveling and focus on writing. In 2013, she published her first book titled The Body Book followed by The Longevity Book.
Lark Voorhies - Writer
Lark Voorhies is an American actress who sings and models as well. She became popular when she played the character of Lisa Marie Turtle in the NBC teen sitcom, Saved by the Bell. Having started her career at the age of 2, she has appeared in several shows and movies, including Good Morning, Miss Bliss.
Later on, she began to showcase her other talents as she became the lead singer of the band Third Degree, and has appeared in several music videos. After her Hollywood success, she moved on to another field; writing. She has written three novels since 2010. Her mother, however, attributes Lark's absence from Hollywood to her bipolar disorder.
Phoebe Cates - Boutique Owner
This list would be incomplete if we didn't include the remarkable Pheobe Cates. Cates has worked in various films throughout the years and she was one of the most loved teen stars of the ‘80s. She is famous for her roles in the movies Gremlins and Fast times at Ridgemont High.
She acquired quite the loyal fan base from her acting career, but she moved away from Hollywood to open her Blue Tree boutique in New York City. Additionally, she devoted her life to raising her children. Today, she is happy being a mom, wife and the owner of her boutique, away from the limelight.
Danielle Fishel - Journalist
Danielle Fishel is an American actress and a famous media personality. Fishel was well-known for her role as Topanga Lawrence in the ABC series Boy Meets World. She gave a notable performance in this series which premiered in 1993 and ended in 2000.
She also appeared in the series Girl Meets World which was telecasted on the Disney Channel. But all this work in the acting industry couldn’t keep her glued. She started working as a reporter for Popsugar and its YouTube channel. Today, Fishel works as a talented journalist.
Ali McGraw - Yoga Instructor
Elizabeth MacGraw is a former American actress and author. MacGraw started her career in the film industry and became a public figure after the success of the movie Goodbye, Columbus in 1969. She achieved many awards, including a Golden Globe for the Most Promising Newcomer.
Apparently, fame and glamour can’t stand in the way of one’s true calling. A few years down the line, McGraw realized that the acting profession was not for her. After leaving the film industry, she started advocating for animal rights and later became a yoga fitness instructor.
Karyn Parsons - Philanthropist
Karyn Parsons is an American comedian and actress. Due to her complexion, Parsons had to face a lot of difficulties at the start of her acting career, but she never gave up and made her place in Hollywood. She is well-known for her role as Hilary Banks on the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Parsons also worked with actor Damon Wayans in the film Major Payne in 1995. In 2002, she left the film industry and later became a philanthropist because she wanted to support the work of unsung black heroes with her non-profit organization, Sweet Blackberry.
Steven Seagal - International Government Envoy
Steven Seagal is an American actor and producer profoundly known for his roles in Hard to Kill, Marked for Death and Under Siege. He was initially a martial artist and aikido trainer, therefore, he led a career of starring in action-adventure and martial arts movies.
Seagal has been focusing on other ventures in more recent years. He had served as a Reserve Deputy Chief but later a trafficking lawsuit was filed against him. Therefore, he had to face a complete series of legal troubles. Later on, he was named as a US-Russian envoy by Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Vanilla Ice - House Flipper
Vanilla Ice whose birth name is Robert Mathew Van Winkle was thrust into stardom in the ‘90s. He sang "Ice Ice Baby" when he was a teenager and the song became a huge hit, still receiving rotation to this day. This single was the first hip-hop track to top the Billboard charts.
Things changed, and Robert became the host of an American reality TV series titled The Vanilla Ice Project. He left the music pathway to become a home renovator and his show recently wrapped up its 8th season. He also launched a training program to assist persons who want to invest in real estate.
Erik Estrada - Sheriff
Henry Enrique Estrada is popular for his lead role in California Highway Patrol. He starred as patrol officer Francis Llewelyn Poncherello. He has been featured as a police officer in music videos as well, including Eminem’s "Just lose it". During his acting days, audiences had started associating him only with police roles.
It was a dream come true for Enrique Estrada when he became a deputy sheriff in real life. In 2009, he was appointed as the deputy sheriff of Bedford County located in New Virginia. He now protects people in real-life. He also became a reserve police officer in Idaho.
Josh Saviano - Lawyer
Josh Saviano was born in White Plains, New York. He acted in Wrong Guys when he was still a child, playing the role of Kid Belz. He also acted in Camp Cucamonga and The Wizard. His face became popular when he starred as Paul Pfeiffer in the comedy-drama TV series, The Wonder Years.
Saviano left the acting scene when he started developing an interest in law and order. He went to Yale University and majored in political science, moving on to work as a paralegal in New York City. He became a senior counsel in 2011.
Lisa Whelchel - Author
Lisa Whelchel is remembered for starring in The Double McGuffin, The Magician of Lublin and A Madea Christmas. She got married to Pastor Steven Cauble in 1988 and after her marriage, her on-camera appearances lessened significantly. She then became an author.
She started relishing the public with her writing about religion and motherhood. After that, she made a TV appearance in Survivor: the Philippines, in 2012, where she won $100,000 as a runner up. Some of the work she has written include The Busy Mom’s Guide to Wisdom and The Busy Grandma’s Guide to Prayer.
Jennie Garth - Online Entrepreneur
Jennifer Garth is an American actress who starred in TV series such as Brand New Life and Teen Angel Returns, She also starred in a reality show of her own called Jennie Garth: A Little Bit Country. The reality show aired on CMT.
Jennifer, who was also a cast member of Beverly Hills, 90210, has changed her line of action. In 2017, she started an online subscription company; MomGiftBox.com. This collection indulges, inspires and pampers moms with every purchase. She went on to collaborate with Dune Jewelry, launching a joint collection in 2018.
Charlie Korsmo - Law Professor
Charlie Korsmo used to be a child actor. Born in Fargo, North Dakota, he started his career in Men Don’t Leave, Dick Tracy and Heat Wave in the ‘90s. He became popular for his role in Hook as Jack Banning and was nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor.
Additionally, he has his hands printed in front of The Great Movie Ride at Walt Disney World’s Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Korsmo earned a degree in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is currently a professor in Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland.
MC Hammer - Minister
MC Hammer, whose birth name is Stanley Kirk Burrell gained immense popularity for his music and addictive dancing style. He is a multi-award winner and is considered a pioneer of pop-rap. But where is he today? He faded from the music industry even after he was ranked the No. 7 Best Dancer of All Time.
In the late ‘90s, he went bankrupt and during that period of self-reflection, the music industry lost Stanley Burrell to Christian Ministry. Surprised? Yes, he became a preacher on a program titled M.C. Hammer and Friends. He also performs outreach ministry.
Tiffany Darwish - Boutique Owner
Tiffany Darwish, also known simply as Tiffany, became popular in 1987, thanks to her song, "I Think We’re Alone Now". Her single climbed to the number 1 spot in numerous countries. She also did a mall tour in that same year titled The Beautiful You: Celebrating the Good Life Shopping Mall Tour ’87.
With such success, we wonder, what happened to Tiffany, daughter of Janie Wilson and James Darwish? In 2015, Tiffany opened a boutique in Nashville, Tennessee. Being a lover of fashion, Tiffany’s boutique majored in vintage clothing. However, it's been reported that the store is now closed.
Taran Noah Smith - Carpenter
Taran Smith was an actor whose face you could not miss in the ‘90s, having appeared in Home Improvement, Ebbie and 7th Heaven. He even won the Young Artist Award in 1992 and 1994. With such a promising career, what happened to Taran Smith? Well, he was last seen using his skills to fix homes.
He gave a helping hand to persons who were affected by 2017’s Hurricane Harvey. Down in Texas, Taran was seen assisting Burners Without Borders by rebuilding properties affected by the hurricane. It seems his character in Home Improvement taught him a lot about being a handyman.
Danny Lloyd - Professor
Danny Lloyd, an American former actor and presently a college professor had a short film career in Hollywood. He made his debut in Stanley Kubrick’s horror movie, The Shining in 1980. His role as Danny Torrance made him the center of attention at the age of 5.
Lloyd sought out his next hit role, but after numerous auditions with no success, he decided took take a new path and closed the chapter of acting. Lloyd led a simple life while working as a farmer and now as a professor in Kentucky. He also found his soul mate, Jessi Diana and has 4 children.
Michael Maronna - Electrician
Michael Maronna, a famous name in the industry, attained international fame when he played the role of Big Pete in the Nickelodeon series The Adventures of Pete & Pete. He also played the character of Kevin McCallister’s older brother in Home Alone and Home Alone 2.
Since 1996, Maronna has been working on electrical projects for films and television programs, such as Ugly Betty and Nurse Jackie. He left acting and moved behind the cameras as he was more comfortable away from the spotlight. Nevertheless, he is still active on social media, especially Twitter.
George Foreman - Entrepreneur
George Foreman, known as “Big George,” is a renowned American boxer who started his boxing career in 1969. He earned fame by becoming a two-time heavyweight champion and winning a gold medal in the Olympics. However, he left his sports career behind and opted to be an ordained minister and entrepreneur.
After being inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame, he pitched an exemplary product in infomercials. He excelled in the world of promotion and marketing, also inventing the George Foreman Grills machine for fat reduction. The invention is said to have earned him around $200 million.
Kirk Cameron - Evangelist
Kirk Cameron is an American actor, well known for his role as Mike Seaver in the classic TV show, Growing Pains. He acted in TV shows and films in the ‘80s and ‘90s. He became a staple name in the industry from his role in Like Father Like Son in 1987.
Now he works alongside evangelist Ray Comfort and is training Christians in evangelism. Together, they have formed The Way of the Master. His foremost focus these days is on Christian Ministry and he has co-founded The Firefly Foundation with his wife.
Rick Moranis - Stay-at-home Dad
Frederick Moranis is a Canadian actor who is involved in comedy, music, and production. He began his career in 1984 with the iconic film Ghostbusters, but his fame increased with the sketch comedy series, Second City Television. His most notable performance was in the super comedy Honey, I shrunk the Kids.
He took a long break from his acting career to spend time with his two children as a widower. His wife, Ann Belsky passed away in 1997 due to cancer. Therefore, he opted for a dad’s job at home, although he continues to do voice-overs for animated films.
Freddie Prinze, Jr. - Chef
Freddie Prinze Jr. became a fan favorite with his modish films I Know What You Did Last Summer and Scooby-Doo. Then, he bagged a role in the TV comedy series, Friends. He has won numerous awards in his career and lent his voice to the character Kanan Jarrus in Star Wars Rebels.
However, today, he has a great interest in delicacies. He is involved in the culinary field and lives around mouth-watering aromas. He has also released a cookbook titled Back to the Kitchen and collaborated with Dunkin’ Donuts for a cold brew coffee product line.
Mike Vitar - Firefighter
Michael Vitar is a former American actor who starred in movies like Chicago Hope, D3: The Mighty Ducks, D2: The Mighty Ducks and so much more. He was popularly known for his performance in The Sandlot and as Luis Mendoza in D2.
Vitar retired from acting when he was 19. He then joined the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and began working as a firefighter in 2002. He and his family currently live in Los Angeles. In 2017, Vitar and a fellow firefighter were placed under arrest for assaulting a man named Samuel Chang.
Geena Davis - Social Activist
An American actress and activist, well known for her authentic role in Thelma and Louise and A League of Their Own, Geena Davis first stepped into Hollywood as a model. She made her acting debut in the film Tootsie in 1982 and followed her passion for acting with several projects like The Fly and Earth Girls Are Easy.
After winning the Golden Globe award for Best Actress, she decided it was time to use her influence for the benefit of others. She launched the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media and founded SeeJane.org for the promotion of gender equality. Today, she is a writer, and producer.
Amanda Bynes - Fashion School Graduate
Profoundly known for her roles as a child actress in the Nickelodeon series All That, and The Amanda Show, Amanda Bynes has also acted in several films such as; What a Girl Wants, Hairspray and Easy A. She started her acting career at the age of 7, but after pursuing it for almost 17 years, she bid goodbye.
Inordinately, she struggled with drug addiction and resided in a care facility while receiving medical assistance. Hoping to lead her life onto a new path, she enrolled herself in the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. She graduated in 2019.
Andrew Shue - Online Publisher
Andrew Shue is an online publisher and former American actor who is widely known for his role as Billy Campbell on the TV series Melrose Place. He was also a regional All America soccer player during high school. He began pursuing his acting profession in 1992, appearing in The Rainmaker in 1997.
Andrew was interested in owning his own business and so he co-founded Do Something with Michael Sanchez where he serves as a chairperson on the board of directors. Now he invests in and pursues his business ventures such as CafeMom which is a social networking site that focuses on parenting tips and captivating articles for women.
Peter Ostrum - Veterinarian
Peter Ostrum is a former American child actor. Ostrum was cast in the 1971 motion picture Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. His popularity grew because of his role as Charlie Bucket in the movie. He once again became the interest of movie fans when the film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was released in 2005.
Ostrum is now a successful veterinarian and he left the film industry to pursue this profession. After his first movie, he became interested in horses and was also inspired by the work done by animal doctors. So he decided to move away from the limelight to establish a career in this field.