Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
In the glitz and glam of Hollywood, not every actor has a smooth sailing journey, In fact, it can be even more dramatic than the films they star in. For instance, many stars step away from the limelight and fade away with time. Their reasons could be personal, professional, or both. Either way, it doesn’t matter to the audience who only remembers the recurring faces.
However, some of these stars make a return to the industry after a long hiatus and try to re-establish the spot they once claimed. Some of them were driven by desire, others by a sense of confidence, but regardless of the reason, they surprised everyone! So, let’s dive into the stories of these five celebrities, who shocked us by coming back from their career break.
Cameron Diaz: A Decade of Rebuilding and Returning to the Spotlight
Cameron Diazwas known to be one of the most bankable stars in the industry, and she has starred in big projects likeThe MaskandCharlie’s Angels.Her career was filled with hit films, and she became widely popular among the masses. Diaz also enjoyed critical acclaim, but her successful run was cut short after her final filmAnniein 2014.
At Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, Diaz explained that she stepped away from the spotlight to reclaim her life. She wanted to focus on her well-being and have a beautiful family. Diaz married Benji Madden, and started a new chapter, giving birth to two children and launching her own clean wine brand.
Jamie Foxx is Taking All the Credit For Cameron Diaz’s Acting Return But What About Tom Brady?
But she made a smart move by always keeping the door open, and now she’s going to make a comeback in 2025, alongside Jamie Foxx inBack in Action.The actress mentioned that her supportive husband encouraged her to work again. Moreover, she’s also in talks forShrek 5,a dark comedy with Keanu Reeves (viaThe Hollywood Reporter). So, her epic return to Hollywood is a reminder that it’s never too late to restart a venture or career.
Brendan Fraser: From The Mummy to The Whale and an Oscar Nod
Brendan Fraserwas one of the biggest names in Hollywood in the late 1990s and early 2000s. With hits likeThe MummyandGeorge of the Jungleto his name, the actor seemed to have it all, at least from a distance. But by the time the mid-2000s rolled in, he began to falter and disappeared from the scene altogether.
His divorce, health issues, personal struggles, and a declining film career caved in on him all at once and he had to take a break from acting (viaHello Magazine). But in 2022, the actor made another otherworldly comeback withThe Whalewhere he played an English teacher who is struggling to reconnect with his daughter. The role garnered him a lot of critical acclaim and even an Oscar win in 2023.
The actor returned with a sense of newfound confidence, having realized that he essentially had nothing to prove. His success story in Hollywood has been one of many ups and downs, but ultimately he rose back to his feet and delivered the performance of a lifetime.
Winona Ryder: A Scandal, a Hiatus, and a Triumphant Return
Winona Ryderbecame one of the most beloved and celebrated actresses in the 1980s and 1990s, and was known for her classic films likeBeetlejuice, Heathers,andEdward Scissorhands. But her career took a sharp downturn in the early 2000s after her alleged involvement in a shoplifting scandal.
She was reportedly arrested in 2001, and convicted of grand theft vandalism, which led to three years of probation and community service (via HuffPost). The scandal tarnished her reputation and Ryder’s mental health was also declining due to all the public scrutiny. She stepped away from Hollywood for a while, until her eventual comeback.
Winona Ryder is a Real Champion After What a Casting Director Told Her in an Audition: ‘You should go back to wherever you came from’
A few years away from the spotlight did not fade Ryder away, as she made a successful return withStranger Thingson Netflix. Her portrayal of Joyce Byers showed that the actress’ talent was still intact, and aged like fine wine. She also returned to theBeetlejuicefranchise and reprised the role of Lydia Deetz inBeetlejuice 2.Ryder proved that second chances after a major setback are always possible, and everyone deserves them.
Ke Huy Quan: A Long Hiatus and an Oscar Win
Ke Huy Quan’sstory marks one of the most remarkable comebacks in Hollywood history. The actor had found early success in the industry with roles in films likeIndiana Jones and the Temple of DoomandThe Goonies.However, the industry offered only a few opportunities for Asian actors, and by 1990, Quan largely disappeared from movies.
But he worked behind the scenes for years and gained experience in fight choreography and direction (viaScreen Daily). By 2018, he returned to Hollywood inCrazy Rich Asians, but all his hard work paid off with one movie, i.e.,Everything Everywhere All at Once, released in 2021.
The film was a worldwide success, it was loved by the audience, and praised by the critics. His victories at the Golden Globes and Oscars were high points in his career, which came late, but we’re grateful that it did. He now enjoys a steady stream of work, after securing lucrative projects likeLokiand more.
Michael Keaton: A Break to Rediscover Himself
Another actor who took a long break from Hollywood in the early 2000s wasMichael Keaton. He starred in amazing films likeBatmanandBeetlejuicebut was soon burned out by the demands of the entertainment industry. He became a household name in the 1990s, but after 1998, he only made small appearances. The actor explained that he intended to live a normal life, and that he also felt creatively uninspired (viaCheatsheet).
His hiatus went on for several years, and then he returned withBirdman, which revitalized his career and earned him several nominations. He played the role of a washed-up actor who was seeking relevance, and the audience was reminded of his immense talent. Since then he has appeared in multiple big projects and rediscovered his passion for acting.
Michael Keaton: ‘I let him down on one movie’ About His Biggest Regret That Still Bugs Him Today
The return of these actors to Hollywood, whether driven by dissatisfaction or motivation, shows that one can reassess their life and start their career with renewed vigor. Their comebacks not only reignited their chances at having a second life in Hollywood, but they also gave hope to countless others who wish to resume something they once left behind.
Sonika Kamble
Articles Published :1196
Sonika Kamble is an entertainment writer at Fandomwire, covering everything from timeless classics to newly released movies. With over 1000+ articles published, she delves into breakdowns, think pieces, speculations, and more.She enjoys connecting the dots and covering newfound angles about characters, scenes, and themes from movies directed by Scorsese, Fincher, Tarantino, Linklater, and other exceptional filmmakers.
