Popular actors and actresses who quietly disappeared from the screen (11 photos)

Leaving the big stage is not always accompanied by an enchanting farewell and a grand party. Many stars disappear unnoticed, like dew in the sun. And there are different reasons for this. Some were struck down by illness, some were simply tired and burned out, others decided to change their occupation, and there are those who never left at all, and we simply did not notice their new works. So, let's see which popular actors and actresses have quietly disappeared from the screens.

Richard Gere





The prince on a white horse from "Pretty Woman" (1990) took a long break from his career, starring in "State of Mind" and "The Dinner" in 2017, and then only in 2023 in the romantic comedy "Meet the Parents."

Whoopi Goldberg



An actress who is remembered by many for her charismatic comedic roles, as well as the dramatic film “The Color Purple” (1985). Since the 2000s, she has mainly worked as a voice actress or played minor roles.

Amber Heard





Due to long and scandalous legal battles with her ex-husband, Johnny Depp, the actress did not appear in films after 2021, when Zack Snyder's Justice League was released. One of her most memorable roles is Mera in the first Aquaman (2018).

Tim Curry



The actor's most famous works are Dr. Frank-n-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) and Pennywise from the film It (1990). After 2012, when Tim suffered a massive stroke, he ended his acting career.

Gwyneth Paltrow



The actress gained wide fame after the film “Shakespeare in Love” (1998), for which she received an Oscar. A new wave of popularity came to her with the role of Pepper in Marvel films. Gwyneth Paltrow retired from acting in 2019 after starring in the film The Politician.

Matt LeBlanc



The performer of the role of Joey Tribbiani in the series “Friends” (1994–2004) shone in the early 2000s, but then there was a big break and several roles in the 2010s. Now the Golden Globe winner is not filming anywhere.

Eva Mendes



The American actress is remembered by many for her role in 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), and most recently she starred in the debut film of her husband, actor Ryan Gosling, How to Catch a Monster (2014). Now Eva is completely devoted to her family.

Joe Pesci



The peak of the actor’s work came in the 1990s (“Goodfellas,” “Home Alone”), but now he appears in films extremely rarely. Since the 2000s, Joe Pesci has starred in only three films and one TV series: “False Temptation” (2006), “Love Ranch” (2010), “The Irishman” (2019), “Nothing” (2023).

Jessica Alba



The actress gained great popularity thanks to the films “Sin City” (2005) and two parts of “Fantastic Four”. And although she occasionally appears in films, her main activity is the non-toxic products company The Honest Company.

Michael J Fox



The performer of the role of Marty McFly has worked only as a voice actor since the 2000s, since back in the 1990s he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which prevented him from continuing his career.

Bruce Willis



One of the most popular and highest-paid Hollywood actors of his time, known for the films “Die Hard” (1988) and “The Fifth Element” (1997), was forced to end his career by 2022 due to rapidly developing dementia. Now he is surrounded by his loved ones.