No king rules forever—and practically no star stays famous forever, either. However, when someone leaves the spotlight, even if it’s dramatic, it doesn’t always end up in the headlines. It sometimes happens subtly and silently. Not with a bang, but a whimper, to paraphrase renowned poet T. S. Eliot.
Inspired by u/Weep2D2, the more celebrity-news-savvy members of AskReddit revealed which stars faded away without many folks even realizing it. Scroll down for a trip down memory lane and a reminder of who used to be very well-known in the public eye.
Bored Panda was curious about what stars can do to stay in the spotlight for longer, as well as what their options are if they want to move away from fame. So, we reached out to Mike Sington, Hollywood's Ultimate Insider, for his advice. Check out what he told us below.
#1
Rick Moranis stepped away after his wife died of cancer so he could concentrate on raising his children. He did a few small roles and voice-over work, but other than that he was a stay at home Dad. Then when his kids were older, he said he really didn't miss it much and just kept out of the limelight. Huge respect for him.
Image credits: zerbey
#2
I heard someone saying "if you wonder why an actress stopped working, the answer is probably Harvey Weinstein".
It's really sad.
Image credits: mimosasallday
#3
Eliza Dushku. She became a therapist.
Image credits: eat_sleep_pee_poo
According to entertainment, pop culture, and lifestyle expert Sington, actors looking to switch career tracks should first identify what sparks their passion. "What are your interests, skills, and values? Perhaps you've always been drawn to technology, business, or education. Once you've pinpointed a potential new career path, research the necessary qualifications and experience," he said.
"Consider taking online courses, volunteering, or shadowing professionals in your desired field to gain insights and build a network. Remember, it's never too late to learn new skills and pursue a different career. Embrace the opportunity to reinvent yourself and find a fulfilling new path," the expert suggested.
#4
Duffy the Welsh singer just dropped off the face of the earth. Years later it came out that she’d been kidnapped by a crazed fan, held captive for days and all the things that go along with that. It wasn’t reported at the time.
Image credits: EarlyStatement4799
#5
Ashely Judd. And then I found out she'd been harassed by Weinstein.
#6
Helen Hunt. She was on a bit tv show in the 90s, then started making movies, won an Oscar, made a few more movies, and then disappeared.
Image credits: MollySleeps
Sington explained to Bored Panda that talent isn't the only factor that determines whether someone stays in the spotlight... though it is "undoubtedly a cornerstone." There are other qualities to consider, from having a strong work ethic and being adaptable to having a keen understanding of audience preferences.
"Celebrities who consistently deliver quality work, evolve with the times, and connect with their fans on a personal level tend to have longer-lasting careers. Additionally, a positive public image, strategic career choices, and a willingness to take calculated risks can significantly contribute to sustained success," he said.
"Ultimately, a combination of talent, hard work, and savvy career management is key to maintaining a long-lasting presence in the spotlight."
#7
Gotye - now he’s just Somebody That We Used To Know.
Image credits: vergessliche
#8
Julia Stiles.
You couldn’t see a romantic comedy without her in it. Then she was nowhere to be found. Has a brief role in a Bourne movie, then went right back to indie work.
Image credits: DefinitelyNotADave
#9
If you had told me 20 years ago the most relevant Olsen sister would be Elizabeth I’d have been very confused, but here we are. The other two are a non-entity and she is part of the biggest film Franchise of our generation.
Fame definitely isn’t for everyone. Being famous has its fair share of pros and cons. On the one hand, with lots of attention comes lots of opportunities—from career and financial ones to networking and philanthropy. If you learn how to use all of that attention to your advantage, you can lay the groundwork for a career spanning decades, build generational wealth, and use it to support the causes near and dear to you.
On the flip side, with lots of attention comes tons of scrutiny, judgment, and envy. There is no person in the history of humankind who was beloved by everyone. No matter how amazing, talented, empathetic, and charismatic you are, someone will find something to criticize.
#10
Craig Ferguson, the true king of late night.
#11
Dido! Was massive and then poof gone.
#12
Will Smith
He had a huge hit at the Oscars, then.......
Furthermore, some people who long for fame can’t stand seeing others who are successful. So, they look for ways to bring them down a notch or two. Nasty comments on social media, mean looks, snide comments in public… They can really hurt if you’re not used to them and take them personally.
If you have hopes of maintaining stardom for as long as you can, you have to learn to let some things go. It also helps to learn to distinguish between positive (aka useful) criticism and plain old negativity. Often, overly critical comments are more a reflection of the commenter’s (lack of) self-esteem than any issues with you as a professional actor, singer, or artist.
But, to be fair, it’s always okay to decide to switch careers and go off to do something else that’s less stressful. Not everyone needs or wants to be a star after having had a taste of fame.
#13
Matthew Fox, he just disappeared after Lost.
Image credits: rexcor11
#14
Rene Russo.
She always gave off Bacall vibes to me, and I feel like at the time she was hitting her stride, she disappeared. There are far more roles now for women in their 40’s, but in the early 2000s we didn’t have streaming services / prestige TV to remind us what wonderful actors weren’t getting roles.
Image credits: Coronado92118
#15
Jonathan Taylor Thomas.
Image credits: literanch
Aside from needing to have a metric ton of emotional resilience and a zen mindset, you have to have something to offer to the public. To put it bluntly, no matter your specific niche and skill set, you have to be a good entertainer. If you don’t provide the public with something interesting and in demand, then you won’t have a career as an entertainer for long.
Obviously, it’s best if you’re authentic. Doing dumb and dramatic stuff can keep the spotlight on you, but it’s hardly sustainable. Being your genuine self, however, is something that will never go out of style. And you don’t necessarily have to be ‘loudly’ charismatic to be likable, either. Real charisma revolves around your presence, whether you’re a chatterbox or take a long while to think before speaking.
#16
Eric Bana! I had the biggest crush on him back in the day. He seemed to be pretty popular from 2001-2006.
Image credits: onyxanderson
#17
Rick Moranis - he's a stand up bloke.
Image credits: wondered-bongo
#18
Chris Tucker.
Image credits: Opposite-Bar3678
So, Pandas, what stars have you suddenly realized are no longer in the spotlight?
On the other hand, which beloved celebrities do you think have such staying power that they’ll be famous until they retire?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below.
#19
Jackie Chan sorta just disappeared back to China.
According to Chris Tucker he is like a god there though lol.
#20
Meg Ryan was everywhere in the 90’s and it seems like she took a pretty significant break, though I know she’s been in a few movies through the years. For such a cultural icon of style, you’d think she would be more “present” since her 90’s looks have made such a serious comeback. .
#21
Leelee Sobieski.
Image credits: nextdoor_babee
#22
Jessica Alba did for a pretty longtime.
Image credits: JamesBPA
#23
Hilary Duff comes to mind.
She never really had any scandals or drama during her career. Started off as a child star, became quite famous for a while and then fell into obscurity. Depending on the shows and music you watched growing up she went from being (what felt like) everywhere to pretty much nowhere.
From what I understand it was intentional though. She had a good career and made lots of money + wanted to focus on her relationship and raising a family so that’s what she did.
Image credits: Goopyteacher
#24
Minnie Driver.
#25
Clive Owen.
Image credits: JuptyTree
#26
Richard Dean Anderson.
#27
This is very era specific, but I feel like I saw tabloid stories about Lara Flynn Boyle, specifically about her weight, every single day for 3 years and then I never heard about her again.
Image credits: drulaps
#28
Shannyn Sossamon.
Image credits: theloch
#29
Steve Guttenberg.
#30
Nelly furtado.
#31
Demi Moore for about 20 years.
#32
Cameron Diaz.
#33
Madeline Stowe.
#34
Bridget Fonda: Gotta be over 20 years at this point.
#35
Don't ask me why, but Ricki Lake was the first one to come to mind.
#36
Heather Graham.
#37
Mena Suvari.
She dropped out of Hollywood after enduring hellish sexual abuse and spoke of how she really wasn't acting in a lot of the roles she was placed in (typically hypersexual/bad young girl roles). Really sad, she's a survivor.
Fiona Apple as well.
ETA - I'm aware she came out with a great album in 2020, but I still rarely hear about her. Not the same as Duffy or Mena Suvari, just was saying.
#38
Fair few people retired and just chilled on their fat sacks of cash. Sean Connery said when he chose League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and passed on Gandalf he realised he didn't understand the game anymore and just retired too live a life.
Image credits: Atzkicica
#39
Rupert Grint.
#40
Amy Smart.
#41
Meg White of the White Stripes. Shows up sells millions of albums wins a few Grammys then dips. The most recent picture of her was from like 10 years ago. You could pass her in a grocery store and probably not know.
#42
MySpace creator, Tom.
#43
Tia Carrera just dropped off the face of the earth, didn't she?
#44
Aaron Eckhart.
#45
Some of the brat pack. Well most of them. Although Jamie Gertz popped up as the owner of the Atlanta Hawks in the draft.
#46
Larisa Oleynik. Has the biggest crush in her in the 90s. Haven't seen her in probably close to 20 years.
#47
Shia LaBeouf. Dude was everywhere until suddenly he wasn’t anymore.
#48
Gerard Butler
He was everywhere from like 2006 to 2016, then just nothing.
#49
2000s singer Mya. She was e v e r y w h e r e and then nowhere. I wouldn't be surprised if she was being roped into Diddy business and decided she'd rather walk away than be subjected to those evils but I'm only making a guess.
#50
Wade Boggs. May he rest in peace.
