Meghan Markle is making her first return to acting in seven years with a role in the upcoming film Close Personal Friends, which stars Brie Larson and Lily Collins. This Amazon MGM Studios comedy, currently filming in London and Santa Barbara, California, follows two partners who befriend a famous couple during a vacation, with Meghan portraying herself in a cameo role.
Meghan’s involvement in Close Personal Friends comes after she stepped away from acting in 2018 to fulfill her duties as the Duchess of Sussex upon marrying Prince Harry. The film, directed by Jason Orley and also featuring Henry Golding and Jack Quaid, marks her first appearance on screen since leaving the legal drama series Suits, where she played Rachel Zane for seven seasons.
Details on Meghan Markle’s Role and the Film’s Production
The new project was announced in August 2024, with production beginning the following month in London. While many details about the movie remain under wraps, Lily Collins recently shared a behind-the-scenes image featuring herself, Brie Larson, Henry Golding, and Jack Quaid, hinting at the film’s close-knit storyline. Meghan was seen on the set portraying herself in what is described as a small part within the comedy.
Meghan’s return to acting is notable given her conscious decision to leave Hollywood to support her royal commitments and later her and Harry’s transition away from senior royal roles. After stepping back from the spotlight, the couple relocated to California with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
During her departure interview with the BBC in 2018, Meghan stated,
“I don’t see it as giving anything up,”
Meghan explained in an interview with the BBC at the time.
“I just see it as a change.”
She also reflected,
“For me, once we hit the 100-episode marker, I thought, you know what? I have ticked this box, and I feel really proud of the work I’ve done there, and now it’s time to, as you said, work as a team with [Harry].”
Transition from Royal Duties to Entertainment Ventures
Since stepping down as senior working royals in 2021, Meghan and Harry have pursued various business and creative projects. The Duchess launched a lifestyle brand called As Ever, debuted a Netflix homemaking series titled With Love, Meghan, and produced a documentary series about their lives under a multi-year deal with Netflix. Despite these ventures, Meghan has expressed reluctance to return to full-time acting.
In a 2022 interview with Variety, she said,
“I’m done,”
before adding,
“I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not.”
Notable Celebrities Who Have Stepped Away from Hollywood
Meghan Markle is not alone in stepping back from Hollywood’s intense limelight. Numerous stars have shifted gears, leaving the entertainment industry for diverse personal and professional reasons.
Ellen DeGeneres’ Departure from Her Show and Hollywood
After 19 seasons, Ellen DeGeneres ended her iconic talk show in 2022, following allegations of a toxic workplace that sparked investigations and executive firings. Ellen returned briefly for her final Netflix stand-up special, For Your Approval, released in September 2024. She announced her formal exit from Hollywood during her farewell tour, declaring,
“This is the last time you’re going to see me,”
and,
“After my Netflix special, I’m done.”
In the wake of political shifts including Donald Trump’s reelection, Ellen and her wife, Portia de Rossi, relocated to England in late 2024.
Tyra Banks’ Move to Australia to Support Her Business
Tyra Banks relocated to Australia partly to oversee her ice cream brand, SMiZE and Dream. Speaking in 2025, she explained that the company’s production shifted to a large facility in Australia, a key market along with the U.S. and New Zealand. With her son York and boyfriend Louis Bélanger-Martin, Tyra shared,
“Australia has been a dream come true for me and my family.”
Eva Longoria’s Life Split Between Mexico and Spain
Eva Longoria left Los Angeles amid shifts in the city’s environment and COVID-19 impacts. She divides her time between Mexico and Spain with her husband José Bastón and son Santiago. Eva clarified her move was not politically motivated despite speculation, citing work obligations as a driving factor. She remarked,
“I had my whole adult life here,”
and discussed the changing vibe in Los Angeles. Eva remains active in acting, with recent roles in series like Only Murders in the Building and films such as Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip.
Richard Gere’s Family-Centered Life in Spain
Richard Gere and his wife, Spanish native Alejandra Silva, established their home in Madrid for an extended stay to raise their two sons, Alexander and James, who are growing up bilingual. Gere spoke about this move positively, stating,
“Our kids are bilingual, so they’re going to flourish there.”
Along with his adult son Homer from a previous marriage, Gere described his family’s happiness in Spain:
“The truth is that you are seeing us in our momentum… We are happier than ever.”
Christina Milian’s Family Life Centered in Paris
Singer and actress Christina Milian made Paris her home to provide her children a French education. Married to French singer Matt Pokora, she commutes seasonally but now resides fully in the city with her kids Violet, Isaiah, and Kenna. Christina explained,
“They’re all going to school in Paris,”
and shared a glimpse of her daily routine, balancing active family life with working remotely, stating,
“My kids are happy there… It’s a nice, healthy balance for me.”
Lindsay Lohan’s Retreat from Hollywood Spotlight
Lindsay Lohan addressed rumors behind her departure from Los Angeles, expressing frustration about her work being overshadowed by tabloid attention. She revealed to Bustle,
“I feel like some of [my work] got overshadowed by paparazzi and all that kind of stuff when I was younger, and that’s kind of annoying.”
After moving to London and subsequently Dubai, where she also opened beach clubs in Greece, Lindsay found love with husband Bader Shammas. They married in 2022 and have a son named Luai. Though distanced from Hollywood, Lindsay continues acting in films such as Our Little Secret, Irish Wish, and Freakier Friday.
Josh Hartnett’s Choice of Quiet Life in the English Countryside
Josh Hartnett stepped away from Hollywood’s recurring film-centric conversations to embrace a broader life perspective. Reflecting on his decision in 2024, he said,
“Hollywood is more than a place; it’s like a state of mind.”
He moved with his wife Tamsin Egerton and their four children to Hampshire’s countryside, focusing on family life while still engaging in selected projects like Verity, Fight or Flight, and Trap. Hartnett described his days as quieter yet filled with meaningful moments:
“With four children, you have so much to do… more of the important stuff is happening.”
Jesse Eisenberg’s Return to Indiana Life
Oscar-nominated Jesse Eisenberg has spent much of the past decade living off Hollywood’s radar in Indiana, citing comfort and a desire to avoid industry instability. Eisenberg shared,
“I’m not on social media, and I’m not a person who’s on the phone with industry people all the time… So, my life feels pretty separate.”
He lives quietly with his wife Anna Strout and their son Banner, maintaining a modest lifestyle far from the industry’s hustle.
Eliza Dushku’s Shift to Mental Health Advocacy
Former actress Eliza Dushku pursued certification in psychedelic-assisted therapy and now dedicates herself to mental health work. She revealed,
“I had the means to shift directions and choose a course in my life that focused on healing myself so that I could help heal others.”
This career change brings her a sense of purpose and fulfillment beyond acting.
Rosie O’Donnell’s New Chapter in Ireland
Rosie O’Donnell relocated to Ireland in early 2025 with her youngest son Clay and is seeking Irish citizenship, linked to her family heritage. She cited political developments in the U.S. as influential in her move but remains open to returning home when conditions allow, stating,
“I miss my other kids, I miss my friends… when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that’s when we will consider coming back.”
Evangeline Lilly’s Indefinite Break from Acting
Star of Ant-Man and the Wasp, Evangeline Lilly declared an indefinite pause from her acting career after two decades. She reflected,
“I am so filled with joy and contentment today as I live out my vision… Stepping away from what seems like the obvious choice (wealth and fame) can feel scary at times, but stepping into your dharma replaces the fear with fulfillment.”
She did not rule out a future comeback, adding,
“I might return to Hollywood one day, but, for now, this is where I belong.”
Ian Somerhalder’s Environmental Commitment
Ian Somerhalder, widely recognized for The Vampire Diaries, stepped away from acting over four years ago to focus on advocacy for climate change and regenerative agriculture. He explained his new path,
“I stepped away from acting… to raise my kids, build my companies and get these films launched.”
He envisions a future as a rancher and health entrepreneur, rooted in sustainable soil management:
“That’s where my life was going. So when people say ‘Why do you care?’ That’s why I care. Because that’s who I am, that’s what I’m going to become.”
Jennette McCurdy’s Departure to Pursue Writing and Directing
Former child star Jennette McCurdy left acting after struggling with dissatisfaction over her past roles. She candidly shared,
“My experience with acting is, I’m so ashamed of the parts I’ve done in the past… I resent my career in a lot of ways.”
She now focuses on writing, directing, and hosting her podcast. McCurdy did not completely rule out returning to acting if she could create her own material, stating,
“Maybe if I write something for myself. I think that’d really be maybe one of the only ways I could kind of try exploring it again.”
Cameron Diaz’s Intentional Hiatus from Acting
Cameron Diaz withdrew from films following a demanding career that began in 1994. She explained to Gwyneth Paltrow,
“I just decided that I wanted different things out of my life… You’re there for 12 hours a day for months on end and you have no time for anything else.”
Diaz has since prioritized wellness, writing, and family life with husband Benji Madden. Yet, she may return for select projects, with Jamie Foxx revealing,
“We just begged and pleased on my knees, like, ‘Just give the people one more again.’ We love her, we’ve been waiting on her and this is just gonna be fantastic.”
Terrence Howard’s Struggles with Acting and Ongoing Projects
Terrence Howard announced his retirement from acting after his role on Empire, expressing fatigue with the profession. He said in 2019,
“Oh, I’m done with acting. I’m done pretending.”
Despite declaring his exit again in 2022, Howard has continued to appear in several productions, including the Peacock series The Best Man: The Final Chapters and projects like Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist and Shirley.
Jack Gleeson’s Break and Return to Acting
After playing King Joffrey in Game of Thrones, Jack Gleeson quit acting in 2014, explaining,
“I’ve been acting since age 8… I just stopped enjoying it as much as I used to.”
He described how professionalism changed his relationship with the craft:
“When you make a living from something, it changes your relationship with it.”
Six years later, he resumed acting, appearing in BBC’s Out of Her Mind and various films and series.
Phoebe Cates’ Family-Focused Career Shift
Phoebe Cates stepped back from acting after marrying Kevin Kline, with an agreement to alternate work schedules to prioritize parenting. Her husband stated,
“Whenever it’s been her slot to work, Phoebe has chosen to stay with the children.”
Cates largely withdrew from films, focusing on her New York boutique Blue Tree.
Rick Moranis’ Return After a Long Hiatus
Rick Moranis left Hollywood after his wife’s death in 1991 to raise their children. He has not taken live-action roles since 1997 and declined cameos in major remakes such as 2016’s Ghostbusters. Nevertheless, Moranis is preparing to return in the upcoming Disney reboot Shrunk alongside Josh Gad.
Leelee Sobieski’s Intentional Exit to Focus on Family
Leelee Sobieski stepped away from acting due to discomfort with typical roles involving intimate scenes. She remarked,
“Ninety percent of acting roles involve so much sexual stuff… if you’re going to walk through fire, there has to be something incredible on the other side.”
Since becoming a mother, Sobieski has dedicated herself to parenting and supporting her husband’s business ventures, noting,
“I am just focused on my kids. I think that’s mainly why I stopped.”
Portia de Rossi’s Career Shift and Business Ventures
Portia de Rossi ended her acting career after notable roles in series like Arrested Development and Scandal to pursue entrepreneurship. She explained,
“I was approaching 45 and I just kind of…was wondering is there something that I could tackle now… I kind of knew what acting would look like for me… so I decided to quit and start a business.”
She maintained connections to the industry by appearing in five episodes of Arrested Development after her decision due to a collaborative agreement.
Daniel Day-Lewis’ Retirement and Unexpected Comeback
After winning three Academy Awards and receiving a sixth nomination for 2017’s Phantom Thread, Daniel Day-Lewis announced his retirement from acting in 2017. His representatives stated,
“He will no longer be working as an actor. He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years.”
However, in 2024 the Oscar-winning actor announced a return to star in Anemone, a film he co-wrote with his son Ronan Day-Lewis, who will direct.
Bridgit Mendler’s Shift to Academia and Entrepreneurship
Former Disney star Bridgit Mendler left Hollywood in 2018 to pursue higher education, earning a master’s and a PhD from MIT and enrolling in Harvard Law School. Simultaneously, she launched Northwood Space, a startup focused on building ground satellite stations, where she became CEO in 2023.
The Broader Impact of Celebrity Departures on Hollywood
The wave of high-profile actors, performers, and entertainers stepping away from Hollywood underscores a growing complexity within the industry. Many have cited desires for personal growth, family commitments, dissatisfaction with roles, or a shift toward business and activism as motivations. This movement reflects a challenging landscape filled with intense scrutiny, political tensions, and a demanding pace that can overwhelm individuals.
For Meghan Markle, returning to acting with Brie Larson’s new movie signals a cautious engagement, as she balances motherhood, entrepreneurial efforts, and creative expression outside the royal framework. Her choice to appear in Close Personal Friends aligns with a measured return amid an evolving career and life trajectory.
As Hollywood continues to evolve, the stories of these celebrities illustrate the diverse directions talent can take beyond traditional stardom, impacting how the industry functions and how audiences perceive fame and personal fulfillment.
