It is said that breakout role acts as a springboard to develop actors' careers, so every actor needs to have at least one. After making it big, they will get more offers for movies or sign many multimillion-dollar advertising contracts. Indeed, iconic roles not only help them gain widespread fame but enhance their net worth. However, some actors are not lucky enough to stay in the film industry. They seem to disappear after their big break.
while actors and actresses are such a big part of what makes movies successful and nostalgic, it comes as a shock to viewers to see their favorite characters as real-life people years down the road, especially when they have been out of the limelight. But, no matter where they are or what they are doing, we always remember them as the iconic characters.
Here are some actors who were one-hit wonders but then chose to walk away from their success.
#1 Hayden Christensen – The “Star Wars” Prequels
Source: 20th Century Fox
In the early 2000s, Hayden Christensen took on small roles in some movies. His role in “Life as a House” earned him several major award nominations. But it was not enough for him to famous. Until he starred as Anakin Skywalker in 2002's Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and 2005's Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, he was recognized as superstardom. But, instead of going on developing his acting career, he chose to leave Hollywood and bought a farm. He shared, “I guess I felt like I had this great thing in Star Wars that provided all these opportunities and gave me a career, but it all kind of felt a little too handed to me… I didn't want to go through life feeling like I was just riding a wave”.
#2 Alicia Silverstone – “Clueless”
Source: Paramount Pictures
After the success of “Clueless’, Alicia Silverstone was struggling to find another success. She worked hard but her experience in Hollywood left her feeling somewhat disillusioned. In 2017, she returned to the big screen, acting in some projects.
#3 Mark Hamill – “Star Wars”
Source: 20th Century Fox
Outside of “Star Wars”, Mark Hamill hasn’t really made a splash. He had difficulty finding the right movies o roles to take him to that next level of fame. Fortunately, he found success as a voice actor in “Batman: The Animated Series” and other shows.
#4 Lacey Chabert – “Mean Girls”
Source: Paramount Pictures
Lacey Chabert was acclaimed for her performance in “Mean Girls”. After the role, she has focused almost exclusively on Hallmark Channel movies and seemingly become their resident star. The actress said about Hallmark’s movies, “To be a part of a project that adds a little love and light and levity into the world is something I'm very proud of”.
#5 Ralph Macchio – “The Karate Kid”
Source: Columbia Pictures
Ralph Macchio was famous for his performance in “The Karate Kid”. After the success of the movie, he continued to act in some movies. However, none of his subsequent performances have matched the popularity of Daniel.
#6 Brandon Routh – “Superman Returns”
Source: Warner Bros.
Brandon Routh, who played Superman in “Superman Returns”, won the role of arguably the most superhero of all time. Despite his considerable talent, the actor was offered lower-profile roles and projects. He told ABC News in 2016, “I would have liked to done another movie”.
#7 Jack Gleeson – “Game of Thrones”
Source: HBO
At the age of 19, Jack Gleeson became the baby-faced tyrant, King Joffrey, on HBO’s Game of Thrones. The role brought Jack Gleeson a significant amount of exposure and notoriety. However, after years success of in the movie, he retired from mainstream acting and got a degree in philosophy and theology. He also shared his view on fame: “I suppose something just changed. I still love acting, and I see myself acting in the future, but that kind of spark is not there anymore, and I don’t know why”.
#8 Alex Winter – “'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure”
Source: Orion Pictures
Despite the popularity of “'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure”, Alex Winter’s career has never had a great turning point, which is why he’s often regarded as a one-hit-wonder. Now, his work is largely focused on directing. In 2018, he shared about his recovery from abuse as a child actor, saying, “It’s going to take time, it’s going to take mental health work, it’s going to take the capacity of society to listen to some very unpleasant truths about itself”.
#9 Kate Bosworth – 'Blue Crush'/'Superman Returns'
Source: Universal Pictures
Kate Bosworth leaves a great impression in two roles: Lois Lane in “Superman Returns” and Anne Marie Chadwick in “Blue Crush”. But, at the end of the decade, her career started slowing down. She has kept on acting in small roles but she’s also turned her attention to fashion and jewelry design.
#10 Jake Lloyd – “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace”
Source: 20th Century Fox
After starring as the young Anakin Skywalker in “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace”, Jake Lloyd became a promising star. However, the level of celebrity this role brought him would be difficult to manage even for an adult. For him, fame turned his life into a “living hell”. After the movie, she decided to retire from acting.