18 Famous Celebrities Who Retired And Now Live A Happy Normal Life

Lucas Aquino
Jan 16, 2024
Jan 16, 2024

Being a celebrity is all about fame, wealth, and glory. You are always surrounded by fans and paparazzi, followed by millions of people on social media sites, and attend worldwide events in your best suits that cost a fortune. Such a busy yet extravagant life is so hard to grasp, that we mortals don’t even dare think about it.

However, not every TV star out there enjoys being in the spotlight. Some of them feel suffocated because of the overwhelming attention the media gives them, while others simply just have better things to do. For today’s list, let’s take a look at some of the former Hollywood big-shots who have retired from their successful showbiz life, and are now fully enjoying their normal lives just like any others.

#1. Hayden Christensen

Source: Disney

Hayden Christensen, who portrays Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, bought a farm outside of Toronto and lives happily there

#2. Andree 3000

Source: Andrew Thoth, Getty Images

Andree 3000 from Outcast, one of the greatest rappers in the world, now works in a laundromat and plays his flute there daily, living his dream.

#3. Cameron Diaz

Source: Stephanie Lennon, Getty Images

The sweetheart of Charlie’s Angels, Cameron Diaz, has had a luxurious Hollywood career with multiple Golden Globe nominations and Teen Choice Awards. She steps out of the limelight quite early, and is now enjoying her simple life, raising her kids alongside her husband, Benji Madden.

#4. Rick Moranis

Source: Jeff Kravitz, Getty Images

Best known for his role in Spaceball, the former comedian left the stage after his wife’s passing, and is now raising his kids by himself.

#5. Steffi Graf/Andre Agassi

Source: Andrew Chin, Getty Images

Tennis’ most famous couple, Graf and Agassi, are enjoying a wonderful life post-retirement. They’re also running a tennis academy together in Las Vegas.

#6. Bill Withers

Source: Gilles Petard, Getty Images

Before passing away in 2020, the acclaimed musician was focusing on his publishing company. He retired from the music industry when he was on top.

#7. Pheobe Cates

Source: IMDb

Phoebe Cates was best known for her role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The ex-performer retired more than 20 years ago, and is currently running a shop with her husband in New York.

#8. Danny Lloyd

Source: IMDb

Sounds familiar? Danny Lloyd is that one kid from The Shining. Now, he works as a professor in Kentucky, at a community college. Hopefully he doesn’t teach hotel management though!

#9. Rick Astley

Source: Rick Astley, YouTube

As his song Never Gonna Give You Up became an Internet phenomenon, Rick Astley’s name is also skyrocketed to stardom, for good reasons, of course. Now the singer has returned to showbiz with a new version of the song, and even had a live TV show last year. However, before that, Astley was enjoying his normal life with his family.

#10. Jake Ryan

Source: IMDb

The main star in 16 Candles, Jake Ryan, is now a woodworker. He has a daughter, Scarlett Ryan, who now works as a model.

#11. Bobby Sherman

Source: Pinterest

The American singer was incredibly popular with the ladies back in the 1970s. However, he left all the fame behind to become a paramedic.

#12. Dylan Sprouse

Source: Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

Dylan rose to fame alongside his brother Cole in The Suit Life of Zach and Cody, however, now he’s best known as a brewer. In fact, he holds the record of America’s youngest master brewer of all time. He’s also the founder and current CEO of the All-Wise Meadery in Brooklyn.

#13. Angus T. Jones

Source: ABC

The Two and a Half Men star, Angus Jones retired from the scene to attend college at the University of Colorado. Recently, he’s reported to be a president of Entertainment for Tonite.

#14. Peter Ostrum

Source: IMDb

Remember that lucky boy who found the last golden ticket in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? That kid is Peter Ostrum, however, it was also the last time he starred in such a big show. Ostrum never acted again, and is now working as a vet in New York City.

#15. Amanda Bynes

Source: Christopher Polk, Getty Images

At one point, Amanda Bynes was widely considered one of Disney’s next big stars alongside Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan. However, her career plummeted as the former actress struggled with her drug addiction and depression. Bynes has been gaining back momentum lately, though, as she graduated from Los Angeles’ Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in 2019.

#16. President Jimmy Carter

Source: Bettman Archive, Getty Images

With his fame and wealth, President Carter could have made more big bucks back in his days. Instead, he used his money to build houses for lower-income people, making him a beloved and respected figure among other politicians.

#17. Nikki Reed

Source: Angela Weiss, Getty Images

Nikki Reed is best known for her portrayal of Rosalie in the Twilight Saga. Now she’s remembered as the wife of Ian Somerhalder, and the two are living on a farm somewhere in California.

#18. Macaulay Culkin

Source: Vogue, Getty Images

Macaulay Culkin is the perfect example of “everyone deserves a second chance”. After rising to stardom thanks to his two Home Alone Movies, the former star’s life had been a downward spiral, with several cases of arrests and drug addictions. However, thanks to his wife Brenda Song, Culkin has bounced back miraculously, and is now working as a lifestyle blogger.

Can you think of any other examples, where celebrities retired from their spotlight and are now enjoying their happy normal lives? Let us know in the comments.

18 Famous Celebrities Who Retired And Now Live A Happy Normal Life

#1. Hayden Christensen

#2. Andree 3000

#3. Cameron Diaz

#4. Rick Moranis

#5. Steffi Graf/Andre Agassi

#6. Bill Withers

#7. Pheobe Cates

#8. Danny Lloyd

#9. Rick Astley

#10. Jake Ryan

#11. Bobby Sherman

#12. Dylan Sprouse

#13. Angus T. Jones

#14. Peter Ostrum

#15. Amanda Bynes

#16. President Jimmy Carter

#17. Nikki Reed

#18. Macaulay Culkin

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