Where Did They Go? Stars Who Left Hollywood in the 2000s

Some actors and actresses who were huge in the 2000s decided to leave Hollywood. They chose different paths, and some even came back. Let's see what they're up to now.

Amanda Bynes

• Last Seen: 2010 movie Easy A
• New Path: Fashion
• Other: Public struggles with mental health

Brendan Fraser

• Break: Late 2000s
• Issues: Health and personal
• Comeback: Won an Oscar

Frankie Muniz

• Former Star: 2000s sitcoms and movies
• New Path: Professional car racing

Jennifer Stone

• Former Role: Disney Channel star (Wizards of Waverly Place)
• New Path: Nurse

Daniel Day-Lewis

• Retirements: 1997, 2017
• Comeback: 2025 movie
• Status: Not acting anymore

Bridgit Mendler

• Former Role: Disney Channel star (Good Luck Charlie, Lemonade Mouth)
• New Path: Runs a satellite data company
• Education: MIT and Harvard

Cameron Diaz

• Retirement: 2014
• Comeback: Mid-2020s roles
• Status: Not acting full-time

Teddy Dunn

• Former Roles: Veronica Mars, Grey's Anatomy, CSI: New York, Gilmore Girls
• New Path: Attorney

Andy Milonakis

• Former Show: Popular in the 2000s
• Current: Moved to Austin, Texas in 2025

Jane Sibbett

• Famous Role: Friends as Carol
• Break: Took a break, then came back

Michael Douglas

• Status: Not acting right now
• Possible Return: If the right project comes along

Lindsay Lohan

• Status: Moved away from Hollywood
• Current Location: Dubai

Evangeline Lilly

• Status: Doesn't want to be part of Hollywood
• Plans: No acting plans soon

Portia de Rossi

• Former Role: Arrested Development
• New Path: Business

Ellen DeGeneres

• Move: To England after talk show cancellation
• Current Work: Writer and producer

Eliza Dushku

• Former Roles: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bring It On
• New Path: Psychedelic-assisted therapy and counseling

Mischa Barton

• Famous Role: The O.C.
• Current Status: Still acting, lives in Australia

Ian Somerhalder

• Famous Role: Vampire actor
• New Focus: Family and businesses

Lauren Conrad

• Famous Role: Reality TV star
• New Path: Fashion
• Current Location: Laguna Beach with family