Hollywood actors and actresses who have stepped away from the spotlight to lead normal lives

Whether it was because the pressures of being famous became too much for them or they were battling secret health problems, some of Hollywood’s biggest stars have thrown away their glamorous lives of luxury and completely vanished from the spotlight while they were at the height of their careers.

Take Bonnie and Clyde actor Gene Hackman, for example. In 2004, the Hollywood legend shocked the world when he announced that he was suddenly retiring from acting after he was told by his doctors that his heart may give out if he continued on with his ‘stressful’ lifestyle.

The now 93-year-old former movie star, who was recently seen for the first time in public in years, packed up his things, left the razzle-dazzle of Hollywood, moved to Santa Fe, and never looked back.

And his quiet life in New Mexico, where he now spends his days painting, fishing, and writing, is a harsh contrast to the whirlwind time that he spent as an actor.

Jack Nicholson was once a beacon of success – starring in more than 70 movies and TV shows and earning 12 Oscar nominations during his vast, decades-long stint as an actor – but after more than 50 years in the spotlight, he put his previously fast-paced and highly successful career on pause in 2010.

Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars have completely vanished from the spotlight while they were at the height of their careers. Jack Nicholson is seen left in 1974 and right in 2021

FEMAIL has rounded up all the stars who have quit acting in the midst of immense success – and uncovered why they left Hollywood behind. Shelley Duvall is seen left in 1970 and right in 2016

Despite never formally retiring from showbiz, he hasn’t starred in anything since then – and the former movie star rarely ever leaves his home now.

His The Shining costar Shelley Duvall completely fell off the grid after she decided to move back to her home state of Texas in 2002 – a decision that is rumored to have stemmed from the terrible filming conditions she was put through while making the horror flick.

She didn’t re-emerge until 14 years later, when she did a sit-down interview with Dr. Phil, during which she claimed there were recording devices inside her body and that her former Popeye costar, Robin Williams (who died by suicide two years prior), was still alive but had become a ‘shape shifter.’ 

Other stars opted to stop acting because they fell in love with another career path and decided it was a better fit – like Loving You star Dolores Hart, who became a nun after playing a woman who had a spiritual awakening in a movie, and Charlie And The Chocolate factor alum Peter Ostrum, who decided to become a vet after he gained a passion for helping animals.

Some actors and actresses, on the other hand, stepped away after their reputations were shattered – like Marlon Brando, for example, who disappeared for nine years during the ’80s after he faced a slew of negative publicity about his temper, fierce outbursts, and tumultuous love life.

As Gene re-emerges, FEMAIL reveals all the other stars who have quit acting in the midst of immense success – and uncovered the real reasons why they decided to leave Hollywood behind.

Jack Nicholson

Jack was once a beacon of Hollywood success – starring in more than 70 movies and TV shows, and earning 12 Oscar nominations throughout his vast, decades-long career

But in the late 2000s, after spending more than 50 years in the spotlight, the Hollywood legend (seen in The Shining), now 85, shocked the world when he stopped acting

Jack traded in his highly publicized and glamorous life for a much quieter lifestyle in the late 2000s.  

And while the movie star never publicly announced his retirement from acting, he hasn’t appeared in anything since 2010.

He hasn’t even been seen in over a year – the last time he was photographed was at a Los Angeles Lakers game in October 2021 – but what lead to Jack putting his previously fast-paced and highly successful career on pause?

Numerous reports have suggested that he is suffering from ‘dementia’ or ‘memory loss,’ but when asked about his sudden disappearance in 2013, he insisted his brain was as sharp as ever and that he was simply being more picky about his roles.

He said that he was less driven to ‘be out there any more’ because he ‘only wanted to do films that move people’ and movies ‘about emotions.’

‘I had the most chilling thought that maybe people in their twenties and thirties don’t actually want to be moved anymore,’ he explained.

And while the movie star never publicly announced his retirement from acting, he hasn’t appeared in anything since 2010. He is seen in his final role, How Do You Know

He now hasn’t even been seen in over a year – and the last time he was photographed was at a Los Angeles Lakers game in October 2021 (seen)

Sources say he now spends his days shackled up inside his Beverly Hills mansion and that he almost never leaves. He is seen in October 2021

‘They may want just to see more bombs, more explosions, because that is what they have grown up with. And I’ll never do that type of movie.’

Sources say he now spends his days shackled up inside his Beverly Hills mansion – and that he almost never leaves.

RadarOnline reported in January that the actor’s long-time friends were growing concerned over his increasingly reclusive nature.

‘He’s made it clear his home is his castle. But people just wish he’d come out of the house and pop up to tell them how – or at least reassure folks he’s OK,’ a source told the outlet.

The insider added that his ‘socializing days are gone,’ while voicing their fears over him ‘dying a recluse’ after ‘leading such a colorful life.’

‘His kids will visit, but they’re his only connection to the world. It’s like he doesn’t want to face reality anymore – and that’s just sad,’ they explained.

Shelley Duvall

Shelley, now 73, was skyrocketed into the spotlight after she starred opposite Jack in the psychological thriller The Shining 43 years ago

However, when the star (seen in 1980’s Popeye) was at the height of her popularity, she made the shocking decision to leave her glorious life behind and move back to her home state, Texas

Shelley’s emotionally raw performance in the 1980 cult classic The Shining blew everyone away, but starring in the beloved horror flick was so strenuous for the actress that it may have led to her stepping out of the spotlight for two full decades.

Shelley, now 73, was skyrocketed into the spotlight after she starred opposite Jack in the psychological thriller 43 years ago.

After relocating to Texas with her boyfriend – Breakfast Club lead vocalist Dan Gilroy, who she had started dating in 1989 – in 2002, Shelley went 14 years practically unseen by the public

She played Wendy Torrance – the wife of a psychotic murderer who was left fighting for her life as her husband began to unravel after they got stuck in an abandoned hotel together. 

The role earned Texas-native Shelley massive fame practically overnight, and it led to her landing a slew of other roles in movies like Popeye, Suburban Commando, and Tale of the Mummy. 

However, when the star was at the height of her popularity, she made the shocking decision to leave her glorious life behind and move back to her home state of Texas, where she pretty much fell off the grid for 20 years – a decision that many believe stemmed from the intense stress that she was put under while filming The Shining.

She later opened up about the grueling process, explaining that she and the rest of the stars were sometimes forced to re-film scenes more than 100 times, which left her mentally and physically exhausted, while ‘cruel and abusive’ director Stanley Kubrick ‘pushed and prodded’ her ‘further than she’s ever been pushed before.’

After relocating to Texas with her boyfriend – Breakfast Club lead vocalist Dan Gilroy, who she had started dating in 1989 – in 2002, Shelley went 14 years practically unseen by the public.

But in 2016, she appeared on the show Dr. Phil, where she gave a shocking interview in which she claimed there were recording devices inside her body

After spending 20 years living under the radar, it was reported in November that Shelley is set to make her return to acting in the forthcoming indie horror flick, The Forest Hills 

But in 2016, she appeared on the show Dr. Phil, where she gave a shocking interview in which she claimed there were recording devices inside her body and that her former Popeye costar Robin (who died by suicide two years prior) was still alive, but had become a ‘shape shifter.’ 

After the appearance, she checked into a mental health facility in southern California – but left a few days later after refusing medication. 

In January 2021, Shelley spoke to to The Hollywood Reporter for her first interview in five years, and the interviewer claimed that they found her memory to be ‘sharp’ and her stories to be ‘engrossing.’ 

At the time, the publication reported that she spent most of her days ‘in her car, chatting with locals and snacking on takeout food.’

When asked why she decided to trade in her glamorous life as a movie star for a much more reclusive lifestyle, the star didn’t divulge a lot of information on the decision, but she did state, ‘They wear you out, man. The people.’ 

After spending 20 years living under the radar, it was reported in November that Shelley is set to make her return to acting in the forthcoming indie horror flick, The Forest Hills. 

A representative for the movie told The Hollywood Reporter that Duvall ‘thoroughly enjoyed herself and said she missed acting’ while making the movie.

‘It was a lot of fun and I’m excited to be back,’ she added in a statement.

Melissa Gilbert 

Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert rose to fame after playing Laura Ingalls Wilder on the hit series when she was just a kid. She is seen in the show 

After that came to an end, she continued to act, starring in a series of movies and TV shows over the years. She is seen in 2014 

However, last year, it was revealed that she had left Hollywood to move into a ramshackle cottage in the Catskill mountains with her husband, Timothy Busfield. They are seen in 2020 

Little House On The Prairie star Melissa Gilbert rose to fame after playing Laura Ingalls Wilder on the hit series when she was just a kid.

After that came to an end, she continued to act – starring in a series of movies and TV shows over the years.

However, last year, it was revealed that she had left Hollywood to move into a ramshackle cottage in the Catskill mountains with her husband, Timothy Busfield.

Afterwards, the former child star, now 58 – who underwent multiple plastic surgery procedures throughout her career – told Fox News that she opted to make the move to upstate New York so that she finally could be free in her own skin.

‘This is me now – no hair color, no filler, no implants, no Botox. I just take care of myself. I try to eat as well as I can. I drink a lot of water. And I’m really enjoying the aging process because of that,’ she said.

‘[Aging] is an uphill battle. Eventually, everyone loses. It just does not fit in with who I am and what my life is now. It’s exhausting and it’s unnecessary.

‘I had to find a place within myself where I could stop trying to, or feeling like I needed to be what everybody else wanted me to be and be exactly who I am.’

She also told Yahoo that the decision came to her after she looked back at old photos and didn’t even recognize herself. 

Afterwards, the former child star, now 58, told Fox News that she opted to make the move to upstate New York so that she finally could be free in her own skin

Melissa admitted that she was also having a ‘hard time’ living her life in a place where the ‘external mattered more than the internal.’ Her new home is seen 

The couple purchased the 14-acre property for $98,000 in 2018 and spent about a year renovating it before moving in in 2019 

She recalled thinking, ‘Who is that person? That’s not me. That’s like a shell over what the real me is.’

The 58-year-old now spends her days raising chickens and growing her own food at her new home. She is seen with her husband at her new home 

Melissa admitted that she was also having a ‘hard time’ living her life in a place where the ‘external mattered more than the internal.’

‘I really wanted to reverse that. I wanted to become more spiritual, more grounded, more at peace, more connected to my community, to my family, to my friends,’ she explained. 

The couple purchased the 14-acre property for $98,000 in 2018 and spent about a year renovating it before moving in in 2019. 

The 58-year-old now spends her days raising chickens and growing her own food at her new home.

Melissa explained that starring in Little House as a kid inspired her to want to live so close to nature. 

‘I actually feel like Little House On The Prairie was sort of the bait that opened my eyes to what could be,’ she told Yahoo.

She also told Fox that she always knew at her ‘core’ that she ‘loved being in the outdoors’ and ‘around animals’ and enjoyed the ‘sweet, simple things in life’ 

‘Our lives are simple now, and there’s a sweetness to that simplicity. And with that simplicity comes a real love for stillness,’ Melissa (seen with her grandchild) gushed

‘I would be on the set, especially when we were outdoors with the chickens and then the frogs and the pond and horses and cows, and everybody had their dogs with them.

‘I was outside in Simi Valley on the ranch and it was always dusty, always dirty, but [I was] just gleeful and happy.’ 

She also told Fox that she always knew at her ‘core’ that she ‘loved being in the outdoors’ and ‘around animals’ and enjoyed the ‘sweet, simple things in life.’ 

‘Our lives are simple now, and there’s a sweetness to that simplicity. And with that simplicity comes a real love for stillness and living my life in a peaceful place,’ she gushed. 

‘Once we got up here, once we got our land and started to look at all the things we could do with it, and then when lockdown happened, it unleashed all of this stuff inside me. There was a person who was dying to have this [new life].

‘I still can’t believe this is what my life is like now. It’s heaven. I’m just so blessed.’ 

Michael Schoeffling

When Michael Schoeffling, now 62, starred as Jake Ryan in the cult classic Sixteen Candles, it seemed like it was just the beginning for him 

However, after starring in a few more roles, he completely disappeared from the public eye. It’s now been reported that he started his own furniture-making business

When Michael Schoeffling, now 62, starred as Jake Ryan in the cult classic Sixteen Candles, it seemed like it was just the beginning for him. 

However, after starring in a few more roles – including Vision Quest, Mermaids, Let’s Get Harry, and Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken – he completely disappeared from the public eye.

It’s now been reported that he decided to quit acting to start his own furniture-making business in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. 

‘Actors spend most of their time out of work, so I actually spend more time making furniture,’ he once said. 

‘The thing about furniture that’s much better than acting is that it’s just me. There’s no director, no script – the concept is me, unless a client wants something.’

He married a woman named Valerie C. Robinson, and together, they welcomed two children – a daughter named Scarlett, who works as a model, and a son named Zane, who is an aspiring musician.

The once-beloved star hasn’t been pictured publicly since the ’90s and seems to be enjoying his quiet life away from the limelight.

Bridget Fonda 

Bridget Fonda retired from acting in 2002 after appearing in a number of critically-acclaimed films throughout the ’90s 

She famously starred in the classic 1992 thriller Single White Female (left), and in 1997, Bridget landed arguably her biggest role in Quentin Tarantino’s crime-drama Jackie Brown (right)

Her career came to a screeching halt in 2003 when she decided to stop acting to start a family with her husband, Danny Elfman, 69. The couple (seen in 2005) went on to welcome a son

Bridget Fonda retired from acting in 2002 after appearing in a number of critically-acclaimed films throughout the ’90s.

The actress, now 59, who comes from a long line of famous faces – her grandfather is acclaimed movie star Henry Fonda, her dad is actor Peter Fonda, and her aunt is well-known icon Jane Fonda – began her career at the young age of four in the 1969 movie Easy Rider.

She famously starred as protagonist Allison ‘Allie’ Jones in the classic 1992 thriller Single White Female and that same year, she appeared alongside Matt Dillion in the Cameron Crowe-directed romantic comedy Singles.

In 1997, Bridget landed arguably her biggest role, starring alongside Robert De Niro, Samuel L. Jackson, and Pam Grier in Quentin Tarantino’s crime-drama Jackie Brown.

After that, the former screen siren went more than a decade without being seen in public, but she was photographed for the first time in 12 years in January 2022. She is seen last year 

Her other big acting credit include the drama Scandal, rom-com You Can’t Hurry Love, comedy Shag, The Godfather III (alongside Al Pacino and Diane Keaton), action flick Point of No Return, action thriller Kiss of the Dragon, The Whole Shebang in 2001, and TV movie Snow Queen.

But her career came to a screeching halt in 2003 when she was involved in a serious car accident, which resulted in her suffering from ‘a slight fracture of two thoracic vertebrae,’ according to BBC.

After making a full recovery, Bridget then decided to stop acting in order to start a family with her 69-year-old husband, Danny Elfman. The couple welcomed son Oliver two years later. 

After that, the former screen siren went more than a decade without being seen in public, but she was photographed for the first time in 12 years in January 2022. It’s been said that Bridget resides on a ranch in California. 

Peter Ostrum

Peter Ostrum was propelled into the spotlight after he played Charlie Bucket in the 1971 movie Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory 

The now 65-year-old actor was only 12 when he was cast in the movie, making it his first (and last) role 

Despite the immense attention he received from the flick, he opted not to pursue a career in acting after that, and instead, he focused on following his other passion: helping animals 

While he was offered a three-film contract with TV and movie producer David L. Wolper, he ultimately turned it down and moved back home to his family’s farm in Texas

Peter was propelled into the spotlight after he played Charlie Bucket in the 1971 movie Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.

The now 65-year-old actor was only 12 when he was cast in the movie, making it his first (and last) role.

Despite the immense attention he received from the flick, he opted not to pursue a career in acting after that, and instead, he focused on following his other passion: helping animals.

Peter, who now lives in Lowville, New York, has been practicing veterinary for 37 years, and mostly works on farms, treating cattle and horses 

While he was offered a three-film contract with TV and movie producer David L. Wolper, he ultimately turned it down and moved back home to his family’s farm in Texas, where he completed his schooling while helping tend to his parents horses.

He then received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984.

‘I had a great experience, but it was just something I didn’t think that I wanted to do the rest of my life,’ he said in a 2022 interview while reflecting on his short-lived movie career.

Peter, who now lives in Lowville, New York, has been practicing veterinary for 37 years, and mostly works on farms, treating cattle and horses.

He also serves as a managing partner with Dairy Health & Management Services.

Donnie Dunagan

It’s safe to say that almost everyone has seen the beloved Disney flick Bambi, but the actor who voiced the baby deer that we all know and love seemed to not be a fan of the role

He actually decided to stop acting afterwards and joined the Marine Corps. He kept the fact that he was a former Hollywood star a secret from everyone he knew for 25 years

It’s safe to say that almost everyone has seen the beloved Disney flick Bambi, but the actor who voiced the baby deer that we all know and love seemed to not be a fan of the role.

He actually decided to stop acting afterwards and joined the Marine Corps. He kept the fact that he was a former Hollywood star a secret from everyone he knew for 25 years.

Donnie, now 88, started acting at age three after he was discovered by a talent scout.

He starred in a slew of films and shows during his childhood – including Son Of Frankenstein, Tower Of London, and Vigil In The Night – but after voicing Bambi in 1942, he left the spotlight completely.

He then enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 18 and went on to become the youngest-ever drill instructor, serving three tours in Vietnam before retiring as a major in 1977.

‘I never said a word to anybody about Bambi, even to [my wife],’ he revealed in a 2015 interview. ‘I never said a word about it.’ He is seen in 2016

But throughout his 25-year stint as a Marine, he went through great lengths to keep the fact that he was famous hidden.

‘I never said a word to anybody about Bambi, even to [my wife],’ he revealed in a 2015 interview. 

‘When we first met, I never said a word about it. Most of the image in people’s minds of Bambi was a little frail deer, not doing very well, sliding around on the ice on his belly.’

But looking back, the former actor admitted that there were a lot more parallels between his life and Bambi’s than he realized. 

‘Bambi was shot, [but] had to get up. I was shot more than once, and I got up, and I’m still here with you. The irony of that is worth thinking about, isn’t it?’ he added.

Donnie now lives a quiet life out of the spotlight with his wife, Dana, in San Angelo, Texas.

Dolores Hart  

Dolores Hart made her acting debut in the 1957 movie Loving You, where she famously starred as Elvis Presley’s love interest

Following the movie’s immense success, Dolores, now 84, quickly became one of the most in-demand actresses of the ’60s

But in 1963, at age 24, Dolores (seen in 1998) decided to give up her promising acting career to become a Roman Catholic nun at the Benedictine Abbey of Regina Laudis in Connecticut

Dolores made her acting debut in the 1957 movie Loving You, where she famously starred as Elvis Presley’s love interest.

Following the movie’s immense success, Dolores, now 84, quickly became one of the most in-demand actresses of the ’60s.

She went on to star in movies like Wild Is The Wind, King Creole, and Where The Boys Are, and she also had a flourishing career on Broadway.

But in 1963, at age 24, she decided to give up her promising acting career to become a Roman Catholic nun at the Benedictine Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, Connecticut. 

She explained that she first thought of becoming a nun after she starred in the movie Lisa in 1962, which followed a World War II refugee who has a spiritual awakening

At that time, she also began visiting a Christian community in Connecticut, and she told the Post that she soon found it ‘harder and harder’ to return to Hollywood. She is seen in 2012

It wasn’t an easy decision for her, with Dolores telling The Washington Post in 2008, ‘Even my best friend, who was a priest, said, “You’re crazy. This is absolutely insane to do this.”‘

She explained that she first thought of becoming a nun after she starred in the movie Lisa in 1962, which followed a World War II refugee who has a spiritual awakening.

At that time, she also began visiting a Christian community in Connecticut, and she told the Post that she soon found it ‘harder and harder’ to return to Hollywood.

‘I had this feeling. I was home,’ she added.

Dolores is still a nun today. She also released a memoir called The Ear of the Heart: An Actress’ Journey From Hollywood To Holy Vow in 2013. 

Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman was first propelled into the spotlight when he starred in Bonnie and Clyde in 1967 (seen)

He went on to star in a slew of beloved movies and TV shows like Superman (left), The French Connection (right) and Get Shorty, to name a few

At what was arguably the height of Gene’s success, he completely fell off the grid – disappearing from the public eye almost entirely. He is seen in his final role in 2004

Gene was first propelled into the spotlight when he starred in Bonnie and Clyde in 1967, and he went on to star in a slew of beloved movies and TV shows like Superman, The French Connection and Get Shorty, to name a few.

Some initially thought that the shocking decision had to do with his marriage. The movie star – who once admitted to having a hard time with balancing his immense fame and family life – fell for a woman who worked at his gym named Betsy Arakawa in the late ’80s, and the two went on to become husband and wife in 1991 

But in 2004, he announced that he was done being an actor. He packed up his things, left the razzle-dazzle of Los Angeles for the quiet of New Mexico – and he never looked back. 

At what was arguably the height of Gene’s success, he completely fell off the grid – disappearing from the public eye almost entirely and leaving many to wonder: What really lead to his sudden departure? 

Some initially thought that the shocking decision had to do with his marriage. The movie star – who once admitted to having a hard time with balancing his immense fame and family life – fell for a woman who worked at his gym named Betsy Arakawa in the late ’80s, and the two went on to become husband and wife in 1991. 

And while on first glance, it seemed like Gene may have decided to leave the limelight so that he could settle down and become a family man, he later revealed that it actually had to do with a slew of health problems he was secretly facing.

It turns out, the Oscar-award winning actor actually quit acting because of the severe stress he was under, which became too much to handle after he started to have issues with his heart. 

Gene (seen in 1993) later revealed that it actually had to do with a slew of health problems he was secretly facing

He explained that his ‘doctor advised him that his heart wasn’t in the kind of shape’ anymore that he should be ‘putting it under so much stress.’ He is seen in 2005 

In 1990, Gene was rushed to the hospital with chest pain, and he needed to have a balloon catheter inserted to help open an artery that had dangerously narrowed. 

And he told Empire in 2009 that the ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’ was ‘a stress test’ he took per the recommendation of his doctor. He explained that his ‘doctor advised him that his heart wasn’t in the kind of shape’ anymore that he should be ‘putting it under so much stress.’ 

‘The business part of show business is kinda wicked. You jump from trying to be a sponge, if you will – in terms of input from other actors and the director and everything that’s surrounding you – you jump from that to a luncheon meeting with an agent and a producer on another film,’ he explained.

‘It’s kind of a frying pan. It was jarring and at my age and with my health, I decided I didn’t want to do that any longer.’

After leaving the spotlight, Gene settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his wife, where he took up fishing, painting, and writing. 

After leaving the spotlight, Gene settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his wife, where he took up fishing, painting, and writing. He is seen in 2018 

When asked by if he’d ever return to the big screen by Empire in 2009, Gene (seen in 2021) stated: ‘I’m officially retired. No doubt about it. And I guess that [Hollywood] has moved on’

Gene went many years without ever being seen by the public, however, he was recently spotted for the first time in ages – and he looked healthy and happy

When asked by if he’d ever return to the big screen by Empire in 2009, Gene seemed uninterested.

He stated: ‘I’m officially retired. No doubt about it. And I would guess that [Hollywood] has moved on.’ 

He echoed the same sentiment to GQ two years later. When the outlet wondered if he’d be interested in doing another movie, he stated, ‘I don’t know. If I could do it in my own house, maybe, without them disturbing anything and just one or two people.’

He added that it was ‘very kind’ that his fans wanted him back but that he was ‘pretty satisfied’ with his career and where he is now.

Gene went many years without even being seen by the public, however, he was recently spotted for the first time in ages – and he looked healthy and happy as he enjoyed lunch at a Wendy’s drive-through in New Mexico. 

Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando first gained attention when he starred in the 1951 movie adaptation of the popular play A Streetcar Named Desire (seen)

His other best known roles include On the Waterfront, Apocalypse Now (left) and The Godfather (right) – in which he played the crime boss and patriarch of the Corleone family

Marlon was once regarded as one of the most influential actors of all time. Over his six-decade long career, he starred in tons of critically acclaimed movies, and earned two Academy Awards and two Golden Globes for his work.

Marlon first gained attention when he starred in the 1951 movie adaptation of the popular play A Streetcar Named Desire.

His other best known roles include On the Waterfront, The Wild One, Julius Caesar, Guys and Dolls, The Missouri Breaks, Superman, Apocalypse Now, The Formula, and The Godfather – during which, he played the crime boss and patriarch of the Corleone family, Vito Corleone.

He was married multiple times over the years and fathered 11 children. He was well-known for having a temper and was accused of acting rude on-set on numerous occasions.

In 1973, he broke a photographer’s jaw and was forced to pay $40,000 to the paparazzi in an out-of-court settlement.

Marlon (seen with one of his wives, Anna Kashfi) was married multiple times over the years and fathered 11 children. His temper was notorious

Marlon acted in his final role in 2001, The Score (seen), and embraced a reclusive lifestyle after that, hardly ever leaving his home before he passed away in 2004

The actor, who suffered from Type 2 diabetes, also made headlines in the ’70s after his weight gain, surpassing more than 300 pounds at one point. 

The Telegraph describing him as ‘a troubled recluse, wrestling with demons, bent on self-destruction through overeating – an aberration of his former youthful beauty.’ He is seen in 2001

In 1980, after negative publicity surrounding his nasty outbursts and tumultuous love life, Marlon shattered the hearts of millions around the world when he announced he was retiring from acting.

For nine years, he disappeared from the public eye – but to much of his fans’ delight, he returned to the industry in 1989 when he starred in the drama A Dry White Season. 

He then added a few more roles to his impressive list, including The Freshman (which also starred Matthew Broderick), Don Juan DeMarco (opposite Johnny Depp), and his final role in 2001: The Score (alongside Robert De Niro, Edward Norton, and Angela Bassett). 

During the final years of his life, Marlon returned to his reclusive lifestyle, with the Telegraph describing him as ‘a troubled recluse, wrestling with demons, bent on self-destruction through overeating – an aberration of his former youthful beauty.’

He passed away in 2004 at age 80. He was suffering from liver cancer at the time and ultimately died of respiratory failure from pulmonary fibrosis with congestive heart failure. 

Greta Garbo

Swedish actress Greta Garbo entered the scene in 1924 after she starred in the Swedish movie The Saga Of Gosta Berling. She then moved to Hollywood one year later

She soon became an international superstar, acting in movies like Flesh And The Devil (seen), Anna Christie, Romance, Grand Hotel, Queen Christina, Camille and Ninotchka

Swedish actress Greta Garbo entered the scene in 1924 after she starred in the Swedish movie The Saga Of Gosta Berling.

Her performance caught the attention of the head of MGM and he brought her to Hollywood one year later.

She was nominated for an Oscar three times – and it seemed as though there was no one who didn’t know her face throughout the 1930s. However, after starring in 28 movies across 15 years, she quit acting in 1941 at age 36. She is seen in 1940

She soon became an international superstar, acting in movies like Flesh And The Devil, A Woman Of Affairs, Anna Christie, Romance, Grand Hotel, Queen Christina, Anna Karenina, Camille and Ninotchka.

She was nominated for an Oscar three times – and it seemed as though there was no one who didn’t know her face throughout the 1930s.

However, after starring in 28 movies across 15 years, she decided she was done with the world of lights, camera, and action – and quit acting in 1941, at age 36, a move that left many around the globe confused and devastated.

As for why she opted to leave the spotlight, she was notoriously private during her time as a star, and she once said, ‘I feel able to express myself only through my roles, not in words, and that is why I try to avoid talking to the press.’

As for why she opted to leave the spotlight, she admitted to growing ‘tired’ of the pressures that come with being famous. She is seen in 1951

‘I was tired of Hollywood. I did not like my work. There were many days when I had to force myself to go to the studio… I really wanted to live another life,’ she said. She is seen in 1951

After retiring, it’s been said that Greta (seen in 1960) moved to New York City, where she became an art collector. She never got married or had any kids, and died in 1990

She also admitted to growing ‘tired’ of the pressures that come with being famous, telling Conversations With Greta Garbo biographer Sven Broman in his 1992 book: ‘I was tired of Hollywood. I did not like my work.

‘There were many days when I had to force myself to go to the studio… I really wanted to live another life.’

In a series of letters that she wrote during her career but were published years later, in 2017, she also spoke about being fiercely lonely and missing her home in Sweden.

‘I am almost always alone and talk to myself. I drive to the beach and take walks and that’s always marvelous. But that’s it,’ she wrote.

After retiring, Greta practically fell off the face of the Earth. It’s been said that she moved to New York City, where she became an art collector.

She never got married or had any kids, and she died alone in 1990 at age 84, as a result of pneumonia and renal failure. 

Erin Moran 

Erin Moran was cast as Joanie Cunningham in Happy Days at age 13, which launched her into mega-stardom 

Erin (seen in Happy Days) later revealed that she suffered from depression after the show ended. She eventually left Los Angeles to live in the California mountains 

In 2010, she revealed that her house had been foreclosed on and that she had moved into her mother-in-law’s trailer home in Indiana. She is seen in 2008

The once-beloved actress (seen with her husband) then turned to drugs and alcohol, and in 2012, it was reported that she was living in a motel room

Erin Moran was cast as Joanie Cunningham in Happy Days at age 13, which launched her into mega-stardom. 

Following the success of Happy Days, Moran went on to star in The Love Boat, Murder, She Wrote, Galaxy Of Terror, and the 2010 flick Not Another B Movie. She also participated in VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club.

She died in April 2017, at age 56, due to complications of stage-four throat cancer. She is seen in 2014 

She later revealed that she suffered from depression after Happy Days ended. She eventually left Los Angeles to live in the California mountains, but revealed in 2010 that her house had been foreclosed on and that she had moved into her mother-in-law’s trailer home in Indiana. 

The once-beloved actress then turned to drugs and alcohol, and she often made headlines for her wild partying.

In 2012, it was reported that she was living in a motel room after getting kicked out by her mother-in-law after the two got into a drunken brawl. 

‘Erin was going out to bars and coming home at all hours of the night, sometimes with her rowdy bar friends, and Steve’s mom just couldn’t take it anymore,’ a source told The National Enquirer at the time. 

She died in April 2017, at age 56, due to complications of stage-four throat cancer. Despite rumors that she died of a drug overdose, a report showed that no illegal substances were found in her body or in her home at the time of her death.