The enchantment of Hollywood is unparalleled. Every year, hundreds of people aspire to make it big in television and cinema, but only a few ever succeed. And yet, some people decide to quit at the top of their game to pursue something else that defines them.
Following one’s passions can be challenging for several reasons, not the least of which are family responsibilities and practical thinking. Reinventing yourself drastically may seem foolish once you have already attained reasonable success. But not doing it may lead to regret and angst for never giving things a shot.
Here are four inspiring Hollywood celebs who have bid adieu to the glamour world to follow their hearts.
1. Daniel Day-Lewis: From Showbiz to Shoe-biz
The man has won three Academy Awards. Three! In 1989, the academy declared him the best actor for his depiction of Christy Brown in My Left Foot. He won Oscars again in 2007 and 2012 in recognition of his work in There Will Be Blood and the biopic Lincoln. And yet, Daniel took extended breaks from Hollywood on multiple occasions. He wanted to learn the craft of shoemaking.
In the late 1990s, Daniel reportedly moved to Florence, Italy. He studied shoemaking under Stefano Bemer, renowned for his classic shoes. In retrospect, Stefano also found that time valuable as he appreciated Daniel’s meticulous approach to his craft.
The beloved actor has been on another extended break since the 2017 movie Phantom Thread. His fans are keenly anticipating the release of his comeback, Anemone, set for October 2025.
2. Ariana Richards: Choosing a Different Kind of Picture
She won a series of awards as a child actor for her work in the Jurassic Park films. As Lex Murphy, she was confident and curious, winning many hearts. In 2013, Ariana appeared in a movie called Battledogs. She has since left show business behind. Instead, she has turned to creating pictures on paper.
Painting has always been Ariana’s passion, and she decided to pursue it despite getting a fair taste of fame. She has become successful, painting a variety of subjects, from portraits and landscapes to a dinosaur! The Mirror reports that she enjoys finding people’s essence as an artist, capturing spontaneous scenes.
3. Ian Somerhalder: Actor Turned Environmental Conservationist
He shot to fame with hugely popular shows like Lost and The Vampire Diaries. Both have become legendary in their ways, attracting audiences from different age groups to find out what the fuss is about. But guess what: it has been almost five years since Ian appeared onscreen as an actor. Instead, he is focusing on environmental conservation.
Lately, Ian has been wearing many hats except an actor’s. He is part of the Greater Ground initiative, which focuses on soil conservation to improve food quality and security. He is also a businessman who launched The Absorption Company, which provides nutritional supplements with more bioavailability.
Turning away from the temptation of fame to pursue something entirely different takes courage. Building a business can be grueling work, far less glamorous than the dazzling lights of LA. But smart, strategic steps can help you out.
Whether it is renting a virtual office in New York City to speed up communication or leveraging your network to garner funding, switching careers demands grabbing opportunities.
Moreover, many are apprehensive about doing business with people from the show business, citing factors such as volatility and a lack of availability. The Farm Soho, which works with many entrepreneurs on office space needs, notes that clients appreciate timely response and visibility.
Anyhow, Ian seems to be happy. He reported feeling content in an interview with People. Following your passion protects you from regret if nothing else.
4. Bridgit Mendler: Reaching for Actual Stars
Bridgit started acting early. She was a child actor in Alice Upside Down and The Clique in 2007-08. As an adult, she garnered several prominent acting credits. Remember her as Teddy Duncan on Good Luck Charlie, the popular Disney sitcom? She also sang parts in shows and even released music albums.
And then, in 2018, Bridgit suddenly announced that she had started a graduate course at MIT. Next, she enrolled in Harvard Law School. As of today, she is the co-founder of Northwood Space, a telecom startup that aims to build a data highway between space and our planet.
Bridgit’s journey so far is a testimony to how you can pursue passion projects even when they seem removed from your present reality. It takes dedication and caliber, yes, but it is possible. Her story also reiterates that formal academic training can help significantly in embracing a different career track.
The next time you are in a dilemma about the feasibility of a career change, give some thought to those who have done it before you. Admittedly, celebrities may have a lot laid out for them—from a network of influential people to monetary resources. But good old perseverance and a belief in oneself also have the potential to create monumental changes.
