Naomi Watts Reveals Why She Almost Quit Hollywood
Naomi Watts Reflects on Career Saved by David Lynch: Oscar nominee Naomi Watts shared how she almost quit Hollywood before late director David Lynch cast her in Mulholland Drive (2001). Reflecting on her early career, Watts recalled struggling for a decade with failed auditions before meeting Lynch, who gave her a pivotal role. She credits Lynch with saving her career, stating, “I wouldn’t have stayed” in the U.S. without him. Watts fondly described Lynch as a “real mentor and friend” and expressed gratitude for his creative guidance and impact on her life.
Other Stars Who Left Hollywood
- Ellen DeGeneres: After the end of her talk show and a period of controversy, DeGeneres announced she would retire from Hollywood following the release of her Netflix stand-up special in 2024. She and wife Portia de Rossi have since relocated to England.
- Eliza Dushku: Formerly known for roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Bring It On, Dushku shifted her focus to mental health, becoming certified in psychedelic-assisted therapy to help others heal.
- Evangeline Lilly: After 20 years in acting, Lilly announced in 2024 that she’s taking an indefinite hiatus to live a life focused on joy and fulfillment, although she’s open to returning to Hollywood.
- Ian Somerhalder: Somerhalder, known for The Vampire Diaries, stepped away from acting to focus on environmental advocacy, particularly regenerative farming, and raising his family.
- Jennette McCurdy: The iCarly alum stepped away from acting, expressing her dissatisfaction with her past roles. She’s now focused on writing and directing, having published a memoir detailing her acting career.
- Meghan Markle: After marrying Prince Harry, Markle left her acting career behind, including her role in Suits, for royal duties. Although now involved in a Netflix production deal, she’s distanced herself from Hollywood.
- Cameron Diaz: Diaz took a break from acting after 2014 to focus on family and wellness. However, she returned in 2024 for Back in Action, a Netflix film.
- Terrence Howard: The actor, who said he was “done with acting” after Empire, has since returned to the screen for a few projects, including Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist and Shirley.
- Jack Gleeson: After his iconic role as King Joffrey in Game of Thrones, Gleeson stepped away from acting but returned in 2020 for Out of Her Mind.
- Phoebe Cates: Cates, known for Fast Times at Ridgemont High, left Hollywood to focus on her family and operate a boutique in New York, making only rare appearances.
- Rick Moranis: After taking a break from acting to care for his children following his wife’s death, Moranis is set to return in the Shrunk reboot.
- Leelee Sobieski: After her marriage in 2010, Sobieski retired from acting to focus on family life and personal pursuits, saying most acting roles didn’t align with her values.
- Portia de Rossi: After leaving acting, de Rossi started a business, General Public, and told her Arrested Development creator she wouldn’t return, though she made exceptions for a few episodes.
- Daniel Day-Lewis: Following his acclaimed career and three Oscars, Day-Lewis announced his retirement in 2017. However, he has returned to acting in 2024 for Anemone, a project he wrote with his son.
- Bridgit Mendler: After stepping away from acting, Mendler pursued academic achievements, earning degrees from MIT and Harvard Law, and launched a space-tech startup in 2023.
