20 times actors quit Hollywood and why they came back

The Iconic Hollywood Sign - Source: Getty
The Iconic Hollywood Sign - Source: Getty

19. Daniel Day-Lewis

Puma x Dapper Dan Collection Launch Event / Image Source: Getty
Puma x Dapper Dan Collection Launch Event / Image Source: Getty

Daniel Day-Lewis, known for his extraordinary acting, stunned the world by leaving Hollywood in the late 1990s, citing burnout and a desire for a simpler life. During his hiatus, he worked as a shoemaker in Italy, far from the spotlight. His return came when Martin Scorsese convinced him to star in Gangs of New York, reigniting his career and leading to acclaimed roles in There Will Be Blood and Lincoln. In 2017, after Phantom Thread, he retired again, leaving a legacy that underscores the importance of stepping back to regain balance and passion.

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Edited by Sarah Nazamuddin Harniswala