Everyone has fantasized about what it’s like to be a wealthy and famous celebrity. At some point in our lives, we’ve all secretly wished for a taste of it.
Glamour has always appealed to me as a fascinating and appealing world. For years, young aspirants have struggled to break into the madhouses of fashion and movies. They do everything they can to keep ahead of the competition.
However, there are some of the celebrities who we can consider as “seasoned players” who have been there and done that and weren’t all that impressed. They craved normalcy as much as they craved achievement. For them, the grass was always greener on the other side.
So, what exactly did they do? They simply gave up. They walked away from the spotlight without looking back.
These are celebrities who reached the peak of their careers and have chosen to live ordinary lives. You know, doing work, following one’s passions, going grocery shopping, and so forth.
So, here they are, in all their splendor, both before and after stardom.
Table of Contents
Kevin Jonas
With his two brothers, he started out as a member of the world-famous band The Jonas Brothers. The three-piece combo quickly rose to fame and fortune and marked their name among the famous celebrities. Their albums reached the top of the charts. They sold out all of their performances. They were featured in every magazine. Kevin, on the other hand, resigned. Yood is a food-finding software he created. It lists the best restaurants in the area, as well as their addresses and phone numbers. Now that he has more time on his hands, he is also a father, chilling with his child.
Amanda Bynes
Bynes was once America’s sweetheart, a youthful, bubbly girl with beautiful blue eyes, cute straight hair, and a positive outlook. She appeared in a number of films, many of which we fondly recall – “She’s The Man”, “What A Girl Wants”, “Easy A”, and so on – but then she had a mental breakdown and completely changed her life. She is presently employed as a designer in the fashion industry. Bynes went the extra mile and enrolled in a formal fashion school. Her perseverance will undoubtedly pay off. She’d always had a sense of style.
Dylan and Cole Sprouse
As children, the twins Dylan and Cole Sprouse played Zack Martin in the Disney Channel series The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and The Suite Life on Deck. Dylan believed it was time to branch out when the series concluded. He graduated from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study with a four-year degree in video game design.
Freddie Prinze Jr.
He was an entire generation’s heartthrob. After starring in movies such as “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and “She’s All That”, Freddie became a household name. He reveled in the spotlight and flaunted his fashion sense wherever he went. However, he afterward opted to pursue a greater passion. He is currently a chef, as seen by his Instagram profile. Back To The Kitchen is his new book, and it contains 75 great recipes that you may try at home. Who knew he had a secret fondness for stoves all along? Talk about a smokin’ hot situation…
Steven Seagal
Indeed, even the name is threatening. The famous actor, and the martial arts. Seagal had gained notoriety for action that nobody could even dare to challenge him. His unique style is famous. He has been an icon to millions. Eventually, he chose to change his reel job over to a genuine one. However, after living the celebrity’s lifestyle, he’s presently New Mexico’s Sheriff’s Deputy! Damn, he should make one extreme cop. With him in control, the crime percentages will undoubtedly drop. This man can kill you with a look. I’m certain he’s doing fine and dandy.
Macaulay Culkin
One of the most Hollywood kids since the first Home Alone movie, Macaulay landed up a large fan base, he was equal with his grown-up partners. In any case, there were hypotheses that the little celebrity was a drug addict as he grew up, destroying his status in the movies industry. Macaulay in the end chose to accept circumstances for what they are. He retired from the spotlight following years of harassment by the paparazzi and got on the road, touring with other celebrities as they move between various destinations to perform for various fans. He’s presently an official roadie, requiring each day in turn, chilling without a consideration. A lot of people can say that he was crazy to leave everything, but no cost is too high to live the way he wanted.
Tara Reid
Tara’s career began in the hit movie “American”, and she proceeded to cut out a specialty for herself as the queen of teenage films, starring in “Josie and the Pussycats” and “American Pie 2”. In any case, before long, her profession took off, it was wrecked by newspaper dramatization, bad reviews, and flailing box office returns. In 2007, she concluded it was the ideal opportunity for a change and opened up a fast-food restaurant in LA named Ketchup.
Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey is quite possibly the most well-known and respected Hollywood celebrity. He began in stand-up comedy shows, but he quickly moved to the big screen and turned into an easily recognized name after his comedies like “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective”, “The Cable Guy”, and “Liar, Liar”. He made millions and had well-known loves, yet he has experienced some hard times. He turned to more serious projects, such as writing books for kids, and publishing politically charged multi-colored artwork.
Chuck Norris
The notorious Chuck Norris traverses the 70s through to the 90s, where he was famous in movies like “The Way of the Dragon”, and appeared on TV to play in “Walker”, “Texas Ranger”. While serving in the U.S. air forces during the Korean War, he turned into a martial artist, and he got a dark belt in Tang Soo Do, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He retired from the movies business to seek after his passion for martial arts, yet in 2017, Chuck became the familiar face for Fiat-Chrystler’s Fiat Professional ads.
Julia Stiles
Julia Stiles was at the pinnacle of her game in the 1990s, starring in many award-winning films. She has concluded, however, that there is more to being a mainstream actor now that she has married and started a family. She has done a few independent projects, such as Trouble in 2017, Hustlers in 2019, and The God Committee in 2021, but she is currently focusing on her humanitarian efforts and her children.
Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz is a former actress and model who has been awarded numerous awards throughout her career, including Golden Globe Award nominations, Screen Actors Guild Award, New York Film Critics Award, and was at a certain time, the highest-paid actress in Hollywood. She has released a health book and has put resources into health and biotech startups. Yet that as it may, her real passion is being a mother and a wife, and she has no intention of returning to the big screen.
Marisa Tomei
Marisa Tomei had her forward leap in the blockbuster “My Cousin Vinny” and then got top roles in “Untamed Heart”, “What Women Want”, “The Big Short”, and “The Ides of March”. Despite the fact that she has recently starred in a Netflix thriller, her career was cut short by delays by easing back down on taking great movie projects. She wants to focus on Broadway and work on a wellness and diet routine for over 50s.
Lucy Liu
Not many people know about this, but Lucy Liu isn’t only a Charlies Angel or a hard-talking counselor in the American parody “Ally McBeal”, Lucy is additionally a genuine artist. Nowadays she invests more energy in her art studio than in the movie studio. She has a remarkable portfolio including shows at Cast Iron Gallery, LA’s Purple Gallery, as well as exhibits displayed at the National Museum of Singapore.
Shaquille O’Neal
Outside of the spotlight, everyone’s favorite basketball player, novelty rapper, and Icy Hot marketer has had a remarkably successful career. Shaq received an MBA and a degree in education after quitting sports. He’s also served as an honorary sheriff’s deputy in Georgia, and a new song about LaVar Ball rekindled his musical career.
Frankie Muniz
When you’re a cool kid, you’re always a cool kid. Frankie will be remembered as Agent Cody Banks for the rest of his life. He was a huge hit as a badass spy who protected the globe during times of distress. He ascended to celebrity status and a sizable fan base, but he had his sights set on something else. It appears that his characters’ adrenaline has rubbed off on him. He’s now a full-fledged race car driver! The child dashed off to a completely other location, but it suits him perfectly.
Vanilla Ice
Baby, it’s all ice. Remember the anthem of everything cool, the chill life’s motto? We’ve all scorched the dance floor to this smash hit. It’s most likely one of the most well-known tunes of all time! Robert Matthew Van Winkle (yes, that’s his entire name) bought a handful of homes when he was at the top of his money and fame game. That sparked an idea in him. He’s currently a house innovator and real estate investor. He also teaches applicants how to conduct market research. He realized that selling the property would net him a substantial sum of money. As a result, he chose to pursue it as a career. Ice’s transition from hip-hop to house astonished the world.
Jack Gleeson
Do you remember Godfrey from Game of Thrones, the one we loved to hate? He turned into the most hated character of the series, which shows what a splendid actor he was. After a particularly encouraging beginning to his acting career, it appeared to be the young fellow who went to the sad awareness that acting was no longer for him. The theory was it was the pressure and public harassment he got due to his character. He dropped out of Game of Thrones and alternately went to seek after an academic career.
Jonathan Bennett
Every girl lusted after him. Not just in “Mean Girls”, but throughout the entire world. Isn’t he Regina George’s ex-boyfriend? With his stunning beauty and the kind of smile that leaves you weak in the knees, this guy won over the female league. But he had an unanticipated passion. He subsequently pursued it and is now a spin class instructor! Yes, you read that correctly. He’s adaptable and eager to get started. Consider how well-liked his class is. There were no concerns with attendance as well. atta buddy, keep going!
George Foreman
Former professional boxer George Foreman converted his interest in the cuisine into a multimillion-dollar business in one of the most stunning re-brandings of all time. George Foreman’s celebrity name was given to all of his children, as well as the George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine (better known as the George Foreman Grill), which has sold over 100 million units worldwide. In fact, in the first ten years on the market, Foreman is estimated to have made $240 million promoting the grill.
MC Hammer
A lot of people will still remember MC Hammer, despite the fact that he was at the peak of his career during the 80s and 90s. With all the accomplishments during his musical career, MC Hammer grinded to maintain his finances appropriately and wound up declaring bankruptcy. Luckily, he had the option to work everything out, as he currently manages weddings, addresses at Ivy League Schools, and is developing iPad Apps. This year he’s setting out on a nostalgic 90s tour.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Following years of achievements playing and coaching NBA teams, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has accepted his gifts as an author. Abdul-Jabbar has written and co-wrote over 13 books and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom under President Barack Obama for his humanitarian work.
Elisabeth Shue
Elisabeth Shue was one of the best actresses of the 80s and 90s, starring in “The Karate Kid”, “Cocktail”, “Back to the Future Part II”, and she was nominated for The Las Vegas award for Best Actress Role. At 55, she spends her time as a devoted mother and wife, slowing down her appearance on the screens.
Bo Derek
Bo Derek is the 70s stunner who featured in the sex parody called “10” (1979). She later had some roles in Fantasies, “Tarzan”, “the Ape Man”, “Bolero”, and “Ghosts Can’t Do It”, directed by John Derek, her husband. He passed away in 1998 and she was never remarried. She is a horse owner and extremist, an injured veterans advocate, upholds Wild Aid, and has her own pet care brand.
Angus T. Jones
Angus played the young Jake Harper in “Two and a Half Men” for ten seasons. He left the show, and he left the spotlight, for religious reasons. Jones said as a passionate Christian, and he was at chances with the show that made him a commonly recognized name. He even compared the program with rottenness and advised the viewers to quit watching it. After giving up acting, he took on the University of Colorado at Boulder to seek a degree in environmental studies.
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Sarah Michelle Gellar is best known for her role as Buffy Summers in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, and she started in different movies and TV shows since then. But after her daughter’s birth in 2009 and a second child was born in 2012, she decided that the family comes first. She is involved in charity work and kept herself busy with her cooking and lifestyle brand, Foodstirs.
Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison
Corey “Huge Hoss” Harrison appeared on the History Channel’s reality show “Pawn Stars”. The show has been perhaps the best reality show since its presentation in 2009. He was a big success, however, in 2014, he suffered a serious back injury from an accident. While the series has taken a break, Corey proceeds with his work at the World Famous Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, which he co-possesses with his dad.
Peter Ostrum
Peter Ostrum was an actor who played a big part in millions of kids’ childhoods with his role in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” with Gene Wilder. But the 70s wasn’t Peter’s golden ticket to greatness. Indeed, he never acted again. Peter is now a veterinarian in New York, specializing in large animals. He once told The Mirror: “Back then when the movie came out there was no red carpet premiere. I was in my hometown in Ohio and they had an opening there and I was the only one there. There was a little bit of fanfare but not much and the movie died a quiet death. It had lukewarm reviews and people forgot about it”.
Corrie star Kevin Kennedy AKA Curly Watts
The celebrity Corrie star made a return of the Cobbles in 2014 as a tour guide, showing fans around the recently opened Corrie tour at the previous Quay Street site in Manchester. During his long spell on the cleanser during1983-2003, former deputy manager of Binman turned Bettabuys, Curley, was a fan top choice. Features incorporated his quibbling with supervisor Reg Holdsworth and marriage with barmaid Raquel, played by Happy Valley’s Sarah Lancashire. Kevin Kennedy would now be able to be found on the Royal Caribbean journey transport Anthem of the Seas featuring in the creation of We Will Rock You.
Fabio Lanzoni
Fabio is an Italian-American actor and a model who rose to fame in the 90s. As his acting profession slowed down, he appeared in advertisements for ‘I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!’, and he was a representative for the American Cancer Society. Since then, he has created a line of women’s clothing, released a fitness book, and started his own organization selling protein, glutamine, and colostrum products.
Tony Danza
Tony from the 80s series, “Who’s The Boss”, has made an outstanding acting career and was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But acting had run its course, and Danza wanted to take different roads to present his skills. He is also a tap dancer, fighter, and teacher, and he co-wrote a cookbook with his child.