12 Celebrities Who Quit Hollywood For A ‘Real’ Life.
By
Editorial Staff in
Entertainment
On 25th February 2017
Hollywood gives the illusion that everything is perfect once you land a role in a hit TV series or film. You make insane amounts of money, everyone likes you, you are invited to the best parties in town, and you always look good. But the realities of showbiz are anything but the glitz and glamour it portrays.
Depending on the production you are involved in you may have to work in another city, country, or even continent. Spending long hours and sometimes under less than ideal conditions are just part of giving an authentic characterization.
You may love the artistic aspect of acting but you soon realize it's more of a politics and popular game rather than improving your craft. Giving endless interviews, attending premieres, and posing for the cameras; thus missing out on what your family and friends are doing. It is possible to walk away from the spotlight and have a normal and happy life. 12 stars gave up having their names splashed across glossy magazines and opted for a civilian life that includes normal jobs.
#1 Chris Owen’s career in Hollywood went downhill after his role in American Pie.
Best known for his role as the Shermanator in the teen, romp-comedy Owen has had small roles on and off. As of 2014, he works as a waiter at a sushi restaurant in Los Angeles.
#2 Tony Danza jumped from the hit TV show Taxi to Who's the Boss? while also making appearances in films.
By 2010, the Italian American actor had switched gears as he began teaching grade 10 English classes at Northeast High School in Philadelphia. He admitted during an interview as this being the toughest job he's ever had. "You ultimately not only have a responsibility to the kids you have daily, but for their future. They only get one tenth grade, it’s got to count, and they don’t care. You have to convince them, I’m getting a sweat just thinking about it," he revealed.
#3 Robert Winkle, aka Vanilla Ice, owned the radio waves in 1990 with his hit "Ice, Ice Baby." But he hasn't been rapping in two decades.
Vanilla Ice used the earnings from his music career to buy properties, later selling it for profit. Seeing he had the talent for real estate, he committed himself to do it full time.
#4 Jonathan Bennett was the hottie in the 2005 teen hit Mean Girls, making him a heartthrob overnight.
He appeared on other teen flicks before giving it all up. He is now a spin instructor in Los Angeles.
#5 Amanda Bynes kept acting after her hit Nickelodeon show went off-air.
She suffered several and very public mental breakdowns which included being arrested for a DUI and a hit and run in separate incidents. Finally, her parents placed her in an involuntary 72-hour psychiatric hold. She was later diagnosed with schizophrenia. She announced in 2013 she had enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Irvine, California.
#6 Danica McKellar played the role of Winnie Cooper, the girl next door, on The Wonder Years.
She had other small roles after the show went off-air. She focused her energy in school and graduated from UCLA with honors and a BS in Mathematics. She has written math-related books encouraging girls to like the subject.
#7 Peter Ostrum landed the coveted role of Charlie in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Shortly after filming, his family got a horse for Ostrum. He fell in love with his horse and his passion for animals grew to the point where he became a vet.
#8 Nikki Blonsky was working in an ice cream parlour when she learned she landed the role of Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray.
After the film though, her career fizzled. She now works ironically as a hairdresser in New York. But she still goes for auditions hoping for a second break.
#9 Dan Lloyd gave an unforgettable performance as Danny Torrance in The Shining.
He only made another film after the cult classic, stating he didn't particularly like acting. He is now a biology professor in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
#10 Frankie Muniz played the lead in the Malcolm in the Middle, a genius teen growing up in a dysfunctional, albeit, loving family.
When the show ended, he delved into a couple small roles but gave it all up in 2008. Instead, he chose to become a race car driver. He's had some health concerns, including two small strokes.
#11 Karyn Parsons played the snobby and ditzy cousin to The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
After the series ended she switched careers, running the non-profit organization Sweet Blackberry. The NPO educates children about the unsung heroes in African American history.
#12 Gene Hackman is Hollywood royalty with films like The Poseidon Adventure..
The French Connection, Bonnie and Clyde, and Crimson Tide, to name a few.
He left a successful career to devote his time to writing. Hackman graduated with a degree in journalism and TV production at the University of Illinois before breaking into acting. He has written four novels since 1999; Wake of the Perdido Star, Justice for None, Escape from Andersonville, and Pursuit.
