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Mara Wilson, 'Matilda' (1996) -

Child actress Mara Wilson had a successful career in the '90s, starring in films like 'Mrs. Doubtfire' (1993), 'Miracle on 34th Street' (1994), and 'Matilda' in 1996. Regrettably, her time filming 'Matilda' at the age of nine was a distressing experience.

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Mara Wilson, 'Matilda' (1996) -

During the making of 'Matilda,' Wilson's mother passed away from breast cancer, and the film was dedicated to her memory. This period was very difficult for Wilson and had a negative impact on her acting career for several years. She chose to retire in 2000. She worked on writing for several years, and dipped her toe into the world of acting again in 2012.

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Omar Sharif, 'The 13th Warrior' (1999) -

Omar Sharif, a renowned actor, was recognized for his roles in epic films, such as 'Dr. Zhivago' (1965) and 'Lawrence of Arabia' (1962). Despite his esteemed career, his self-esteem waned following his appearance in 'The 13th Warrior.'

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Omar Sharif, 'The 13th Warrior' (1999) -

'The 13th Warrior' was unsuccessful, causing Sharif to express his regret for participating. He seemed to have a deep sense of shame, stating that even his grandchildren laughed at him for appearing in that movie. Following this, he began declining roles, ultimately leading to the end of his career.

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Sean Connery, 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' (2003) -

Sean Connery died in 2020, but he officially retired from acting in 2003 after his last film, 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen'. During filming, there was considerable tension between Connery and director Stephen Norrington due to production delays and artistic disagreements, with Connery not appreciating Norrington's unconventional approach to filmmaking.

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Sean Connery, 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' (2003) -

Connery announced his retirement in 2006 while accepting a lifetime achievement award. He attributed his decision to the "foolish individuals currently involved in Hollywood filmmaking."

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Shelley Duvall, 'The Shining (1980) -

Shelley Duvall, a young actress on the rise, achieved a significant breakthrough in Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining.' Regrettably, this would mark the conclusion of her acting for a considerable period. Known for his brilliance, Kubrick was equally notorious for his meticulousness and unconventional techniques.

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Shelley Duvall, 'The Shining' (1980) -

Duvall had a notoriously difficult time while working with Kubrick on 'The Shining,' as her character demanded high levels of stress, fear, and fatigue. Kubrick sought authentic desperation and hysteria, resulting in numerous scene repetitions that emotionally and physically drained Duvall. This experience led her to retire from acting for several years.

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Jake Lloyd, 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Episode I)' (1999) -

Jake Lloyd came before Hayden Christensen, taking on the role of young Anakin Skywalker in the earlier 'Star Wars' prequel film. Considered a cursed role, Lloyd was just under 10 years old when he achieved instant superstardom during his time working on the movie.

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Jake Lloyd, 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (Episode I)' (1999) -

Lloyd explained that he was frequently photographed and sometimes had to do up to 60 interviews in a day.  At the same time, he was being relentlessly bullied by his schoolmates. The whole experience was a nightmare, leading him to have no interest in pursuing a career in acting.

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Greta Garbo, "The Two-Faced Woman" (1941) -

Greta Garbo, a prominent 1930s Hollywood figure, had reservations about her Hollywood life, and often felt melancholic. Despite being offered a role in the 1941 comedy 'The Two-Faced Woman,' she was not pleased with the script and was too apathetic to do much about it. In a letter, she expressed: "Since I would rather go walking in the country than fight for stories, it will have turned out like it has."

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Greta Garbo, 'The Two-Faced Woman' (1941) -

Garbo, aged 36, quit acting permanently after her movie was panned by critics. Despite winning three Academy Awards and starring in 27 films, she chose to withdraw from public life in 1941, living as a recluse until her passing in 1990.

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Hayden Christensen, 'Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (Episode III)' (2005) -

At just 19 years old, Hayden Christensen was chosen by George Lucas to portray Anakin Skywalker in the prequels of 'Star Wars'. This significant role brought immense excitement and a sense of triumph for the aspiring Canadian actor.

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Hayden Christensen, ''Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (Episode III)' (2005) -

His acting in the series received strong criticism, causing him to feel like an imposter and doubt the effortless and deserved nature of his success. As a result, he left showbiz and the glamorous lifestyle for a quiet farm life, staying out of the public eye for a long time. Eventually, he returned to small roles and guest appearances in acting.

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Gene Hackman, 'Welcome to Mooseport' (2004) -

Gene Hackman, a renowned actor, vanished from our screens in the early 2000s. Recognized for playing formidable, serious roles, he also was known for being a tough character behind the scenes.

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Gene Hackman, 'Welcome to Mooseport' (2004) -

Gene Hackman was cast in the comedy film 'Welcome to Mooseport' in 2004, but unfortunately, the movie did not perform well. Hackman's lack of enthusiasm was evident as he chose to skip the premiere and swiftly enter retirement.

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Heather Donahue, 'The Blair Witch Project' (1999) -

Heather Donahue, known for her role in the chilling horror film 'The Blair Witch Project' (1999), expressed her desire to pursue acting after completing the film. However, she simply couldn't land any roles.

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Heather Donahue, 'The Blair Witch Project' (1999) -

Donahue tried to work as an actor for the next 10 years, but finally gave in and accepted that 'The Blair Witch Project' was her one big success. She admitted to gathering all her belongings connected to her acting career and burning them in the desert.

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Daniel Day-Lewis, 'Phantom Thread' (2017) -

Daniel Day-Lewis, known for his meticulous selectiveness in project choices and dedicated method acting, has recently retired. Regarded as one of the finest actors in the industry, his last film was the 2017 production 'Phantom Thread'.

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Daniel Day-Lewis, 'Phantom Thread' (2017) -

Day-Lewis is known for being both an artist and a perfectionist. During the making of 'Phantom Thread', he experienced a deep sadness, which stayed with him even after the film's completion. This feeling ultimately led him to decide to retire from acting. He wasn't satisfied with his performance, but said “it’s not why the sadness came to stay. That happened during the telling of the story, and I don’t really know why.”

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Jaye Davidson, 'The Crying Game' (1992) -

Jaye Davidson auditioned for his role in 'The Crying Game' without much hope. To his surprise, he was chosen for the part, which initially made him think about backing out. Eventually, he proceeded with the film and even received an Oscar nomination for his remarkable performance.

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Jaye Davidson, 'The Crying Game' (1992) -

While Davidson may have possessed talent, he consistently lacked any desire to pursue an acting career. He hated his taste of fame, which only reinforced his determination to avoid it.

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Cameron Diaz, 'Annie' (2014) -

Diaz didn't mention any issues with her last film, but she expressed her exhaustion with the acting profession and public life in general. She expressed a desire to devote time to herself, stating, “I’ve given more than half of my life to the public. I feel it’s OK for me to take time for myself now." 'Annie' became her final film. Although she initially announced a comeback in 2022 for the film 'Back in Action' with Jamie Foxx, it is reported that she ultimately decided to return to retirement.

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Cameron Diaz, 'Annie' (2014) -

In 2014, Cameron Diaz played the role of Ms. Hannigan in the new version of 'Annie.' The movie was heavily criticized, prompting Diaz to announce her decision to temporarily step away from acting.

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Carrie Henn, 'Aliens' (1986) -

At the time of her casting in 'Aliens' by James Cameron, Carrie Henn was only nine years old. Despite lacking previous acting experience, Cameron believed she was an ideal fit for the character of Newt.

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Carrie Henn, 'Aliens' (1986) -

She delivered a good performance alongside Sigourney Weaver, yet didn't like to be away from her family. Consequently, she opted not to pursue a career in acting.

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Peter Ostrum, 'Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory' (1971) -

Peter Ostrum landed the remarkable role of Charlie in 'Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory' at the age of 12. Although discovered by casting agents, he realized that acting wasn't his true passion.

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Peter Ostrum, 'Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory' (1971) -

Ostrum made the decision to decline any additional acting opportunities following his role in 'Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory.' Instead, he stayed in school and eventually became a veterinarian.

Sources: (TheThings) (Smithsonian Magazine) (Variety)

For more information, check out: Actors who almost quit right before their big break

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