As a huge admirer of both Robert Redford’s artistry and Daniel Day-Lewis’ unparalleled talent, I find myself at a crossroads between respecting their decisions to potentially retire from acting and yearning for one more masterpiece from these two legends.
Acting is a cruel beast. Even a legendary actor can grow tired of the scrutiny, auditioning process, unwanted media attention, and lack of privacy. The “stay looking good” motto of Hollywood actors is often easier said than done, and many actors find themselves aging out of the roles they would prefer the most. Others end up cherishing time with family over the many hours spent on location, in makeup chairs and trailers, rehearsing lines while plotting out their next film with agents who are often more concerned with lining their own pockets. One misstep in their personal life can lead to a sudden sidelining, and a series of flops can see an actor wind up in ‘movie jail,’ unable to get cast in the quality roles they are used to.
It’s no wonder many actors retire earlier than we want them to, whether for the sake of family, their own personal health — or merely to quit while they’re ahead. Some actors have had their hands forced, like Jack Nicholson’s recent retirement due to health issues. Others, however, leave some potentially great performances on the table — even at a seriously advanced age. Let’s get to the bottom of some of our favorite, now-retired actors and whether we can ever hope for a glorious return.
15 Leelee Sobieski
Leelee Sobieski, who gained fame as the star of ‘Never Been Kissed’, stepped away from acting in 2010, expressing discomfort with an industry that often required her to engage in adult themes and sexual content even during her teenage years. Tired of a profession that seemed to objectify her, she decided to leave Hollywood, explaining, “Most acting roles involve a lot of sexual scenes with others, and I don’t wish to participate in that.” One notable instance was her role as a sex worker in Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Eyes Wide Shut’, which she took on at the age of just 14.
Sobieski Has Already Waffled on Retirement From Acting
After announcing retirement, Sobieski took on a few more roles, but it has been several years since she last appeared in a movie. Instead, she chose to focus on a career as a visual artist. However, a 2016 appearance in the Dennis Hopper film “The Last Film Festival” served as a reminder of her innate acting talent. Given that it’s only been about a decade since that performance, it wouldn’t be surprising if she decided to return to acting once more.
14 Taylor Momsen
Occasionally, actors choose to abandon their profession in favor of pursuing other passions. This is exactly what Taylor Momsen did, even with her initial acclaim as a child actor and her significant role on Gossip Girl. She has referred to acting as an isolating experience, implying that she was essentially thrust into the profession at a very tender age.
Momsen Still Has Major Acting Chops, Even if She’d Rather Not Admit It
On Penn Badgley’s podcast “Podcrushed”, Momsen revealed that she departed from “Gossip Girl” to focus more on her music career. In the podcast, she stated, “Larger forces than me decided this was a good opportunity.” Despite leaving acting, Momsen’s talent for performance is evident in her band The Pretty Reckless’ music videos. At just 31 years old, it seems plausible that she might return to acting if the ideal role presented itself.
13 Evangeline Lilly
After finding great fulfillment beyond acting, Evangeline Lilly has shifted her focus towards family, writing, and philanthropy. Earlier this year, she made the announcement of her retirement from acting via Instagram, expressing gratitude for the countless years spent shining in hit shows like “Lost.
Lilly Seems Poised to One Day Make a Comeback
Lilly hinted that she might come back to acting someday when she penned a statement for Variety, stating “I’ve been away from acting for the past three years. This break has given me a solid sense of contentment and happiness. I could return tomorrow, in two years, or never, but currently, I’m not seeking any roles within the industry and I don’t have any contractual commitments to anyone.
12 Phoebe Cates
Phoebe Cates is still fondly remembered as one of Hollywood’s unfulfilled potentials, largely due to her remarkable early acting career which propelled her into becoming a sex symbol through films like “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” Some industry experts believe that her career was poorly managed, but it’s speculated that even greater success wouldn’t have significantly altered her decision to leave acting in 1994 to prioritize raising her children following her marriage to actor Kevin Kline. Nevertheless, her captivating performances in “Fast Times,” “Drop Dead Fred,” and “Gremlins” continue to resonate with fans of ’80s and ’90s cinema.
Cates Could Be Coaxed Out of Retirement for the Right Role
After retiring on her own terms, Cates has been enticed back in front of the camera on occasion. Her friend Jennifer Jason Leigh persuaded her to take a minor part in her movie titled “The Anniversary Party” in 2001. Later, she provided voice-overs for the video game “Lego Dimensions“, reviving her character from “Gremlins“. This suggests that an appealing role might lure her back to the screen once more… maybe even a reunion for “Fast Times“?
11 Meghan Markle
Prior to her encounter with Prince Harry and the subsequent transformation in her life, Meghan Markle was steadily climbing up the ladder in her acting career. She landed a significant role on the television series Suits, and also appeared in minor roles in films such as Horrible Bosses. Currently, she holds the title of Duchess of Sussex, but her relationship with fame is complex; she and Harry appear to yearn for privacy, although an episode of South Park, which humorously portrays them, suggests otherwise.
Why a Markle Comeback Seems Inevitable
One strong indication that Meghan Markle might soon return to acting is her potential financial gain. The royal family continues to captivate tabloids globally, and given the massive offers she has likely received, another acting stint seems plausible or even impending. Considering Harry and Meghan’s penchant for independence from their family, wouldn’t a challenging role with explicit language serve as an intriguing choice for them?
10 David Caruso
It seems that David Caruso may have been effectively retired, not by his own choice, but due to reported difficult behavior on set. Since his role in CSI: Miami, there hasn’t been any other work for him, and it appears that he is challenging to collaborate with, causing producers to avoid hiring him. However, it’s hard to dispute that he possesses remarkable talent.
Despite His Bad Reputation, Caruso Has Had Major Success
Caruso, who runs a clothing store in Miami named Steam on Sunset, is also known for his involvement in the art world. It seems acting, particularly trying to control things behind the scenes on TV sets, may have been a challenge for him. Yet, 14 years since his last screen performance, it’s not entirely impossible that he might return. At present, he’s just two years away from turning 70, and his distinctive red hair could potentially reappear on the screen if someone is willing to work with him!
9 Lisa Bonet
Lisa Bonet rose to fame as a child star on sitcom television, captivating audiences as the beloved sister on ‘The Cosby Show’ with her exceptional acting talent and otherworldly beauty. Following this success, she continued an impressive acting career, delivering standout performances in films like ‘High Fidelity’ and ‘Biker Boyz’, as well as TV shows that left us craving more. Bonet values her privacy deeply, which led her to adopt the name Lilakoi Moon and step away from auditioning for roles.
Why a Lisa Bonet Return Is Distinctly Possible
Although Bonet hasn’t appeared on television since her role in Ray Donovan back in 2016, she has not formally announced retirement. Her high-profile relationships with Lenny Kravitz and Jason Momoa have kept her personal life under the spotlight, as well as overshadowing her daughter Zoë Kravitz’s thriving career. At 56 years old, Bonet remains stunning, and the success of her daughter might entice her to return to acting.
8 Ali MacGraw
In my opinion, although Steve McQueen remains an iconic figure in Hollywood’s cool scene, upon further reflection, I can’t help but question if he was as remarkable as his reputation suggests. A significant factor that casts a shadow over his legacy is his tumultuous relationship with the exceptionally talented Ali MacGraw. It’s astonishing to recollect the immense stardom MacGraw achieved following her performances in “Love Story” and alongside McQueen in “The Getaway.” However, her career seemed to lose its sparkle due to McQueen’s desire for her to abandon her acting aspirations and become a homemaker. Unfortunately, her career never fully regained the momentum it once had.
Why an Ali MacGraw Return Shouldn’t Be Ruled Out
Although Ali MacGraw has not starred in a movie since 1997’s “Glam,” she frequently graces documentaries. It’s evident that the actress enjoys being interviewed, and at age 85, she continues to avoid hiding from the public spotlight. One may wonder if another acting comeback is on the horizon? It’s uncertain, but we remain hopeful, as it seems MacGraw has left an abundance of untapped talent behind.
7 Bridget Fonda
To those thoughtless individuals who bully others by body shaming in comment sections, boosting their own self-esteem at the expense of our beloved ’90s actresses like Bridget Fonda – shame on you! Such cruel behavior has kept Bridget Fonda, one of our favorite ’90s actresses, away from the public eye for years. After marrying musician Danny Elfman, Fonda decided to focus on her family and stepped away from acting. However, the response to recent photos of the actress in public may discourage her from re-entering the film industry.
Hopefully Bridget Keeps the Fonda Family Name Alive in Hollywood
Following the passing of Bridget Fonda’s father Peter and with her aunt Jane Fonda approaching 90, it’s heartening to speculate about the return of the last remaining prominent actor from the Fonda family dynasty to the silver screen. Her memorable performances in films such as “Singles,” “Single White Female,” and “Jackie Brown” stir our desire to see her act again, regardless of whether she’s now too old for the roles that initially brought her fame. Although we may need patience, it’s hoped that Fonda overcomes her apprehensions and makes a triumphant comeback.
6 Eva Mendes
Eva Mendes appeared to be at the pinnacle of her career when she chose to step away from acting. In an interview on the Today show, Mendes shared her reasons for retiring. “It just felt right,” she stated, emphasizing, “I’m incredibly fortunate to have this time with my children.” Her partner, Ryan Gosling, continues to act, and while Mendes supports him wholeheartedly, she rarely attends high-profile events on the red carpet.
An Acting Return by Mendes Is Definitely Worth Betting On
As her two daughters are entering their tween years and there’s a high demand for Eva Mendes’ return to acting, it’s likely that we’ll see her on the screen soon. After expressing feelings of exhaustion from competing for quality roles, let’s hope that her break from Hollywood has reignited her passion for acting. It would be wonderful if Ryan Gosling could handle parenting duties completely, allowing Mendes to return to her craft of captivating audiences once more.
5 Debra Winger
It might surprise you to learn that at one point, Debra Winger held the title of one of the most prominent actresses in Hollywood following her remarkable performances in films such as “An Officer and a Gentleman,” “Terms of Endearment,” and “Shadowlands.” These roles even landed her Best Actress nominations. After reaching the pinnacle of her career, Winger decided to retire at 40, feeling that age was working against her in Hollywood. However, she occasionally returned to the industry, with her latest comeback being on the show “Mr. Corman,” serving as a poignant reminder of her exceptional talent.
Winger Hasn’t Acted Since the Pandemic, But That Could Change
Actor Winger pursues various passions beyond her craft, notably as a teaching fellow. Since the pandemic, she’s chosen to dedicate more time to Hand in Hand Schools, which promote understanding between Arabs and Jews. Though her acting career has been on hold for three years, it’s reasonable to anticipate that she may reappear on screen someday.
4 Gene Hackman
Although it seems unlikely given his advanced age of 94, one can’t help but hope for another remarkable acting performance from the agile and active Gene Hackman. He is frequently seen in Santa Fe, New Mexico, looking as spry as ever and managing daily tasks at his ranch. In a rare 2004 interview with Larry King, Hackman declared his retirement, a decision he seems to have stuck with, devoting himself to writing books and spending time with family instead.
Hackman Likely Won’t Return for One More Role, But Crazier Comebacks Have Happened
Before you cross Gene Hackman off the list for future acting roles, just remember some of the names of actors still working in their ’90s: Carol Burnett, Dick Van Dyke, and Rosemary Harris. Did we mention Eva Marie Saint, who is still acting at 99 years old? Never say never.
3 Rick Moranis
Following his wife’s heartbreaking demise in the ’90s, Rick Moranis immersed himself in the role of a single parent, ultimately stepping away from his highly successful comedy acting career. Known for movies such as Ghostbusters and Little Shop of Horrors, Moranis has consistently turned down offers to come out of retirement, except for Ryan Reynolds who managed to persuade him for a Super Bowl commercial (likely earning a substantial amount). However, recent signs hint that Moranis might be making a significant comeback to the silver screen.
Spaceballs and Honey I Shrunk Remakes Could Bring Moranis Back
Previously, Rick Moranis had agreed to appear alongside Josh Gad in the new version of “Shrunk”, which is a remake of his classic ’90s films “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids”. Even though it seems that project has been temporarily put on hold due to the pandemic, this indicates that Moranis is eager to resume acting. With the potential reboot of “Spaceballs” coming up, we anticipate it won’t be long before the Canadian comedian makes a comeback to the big screen.
2 Robert Redford
Robert Redford’s impressive background speaks for itself, and his outstanding performances in movies like “Avengers: Endgame” prove that he still possesses a wealth of talent. However, contrary to this perception, Redford himself expressed in a speech at the Telluride Film Festival that “I’ve been doing this since I was 21. I’ve poured my soul and emotions into it over the years. I thought, ‘That’s enough.’ Why not quit while you’re somewhat ahead? Don’t wait for the final call. Just leave.'” Politely, Bob… we respectfully disagree with your decision to retire.
Redford Will Certainly Have Offers, But a Return Would Require the Right Project
It seems difficult to believe that Redford is satisfied with his swansong being an MCU film. Despite this, he has carried on producing work, keeping fans of the actor optimistic for another remarkable acting role. Given Clint Eastwood’s active career beyond Redford’s age of 88, and Redford appearing remarkably energetic at his advanced age, there is a strong desire among us to see him end his career with a powerful performance.
1 Daniel Day-Lewis
Without a shadow of a doubt, Daniel Day-Lewis’ departure from acting left us craving for more. Known as the greatest actor in cinema by numerous industry insiders, he ended his career on an exceptional note with his captivating portrayal in “Phantom Thread.” However, it is worth noting that Day-Lewis never collaborated with some of the most influential directors such as Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan.
While His Fans Salivate For a Return, Day-Lewis Has Played His Cards Close to the Vest
Day-Lewis appears quite content in his life after acting, and he has always been independent in his choices, often taking extended breaks between roles and maintaining a private lifestyle. Jim Sheridan, a friend and fellow collaborator, suggests that Day-Lewis might be disenchanted with the streaming era, but at 67 years old, there may still be numerous opportunities for him to return to acting. Potential projects like Tarantino’s reported attempts to recruit Day-Lewis for his abandoned “The Movie Critic” could potentially lure him back; only time will tell.
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2024-09-30 01:04