Lupita Nyong’o‘s career choices have made a significant impact in Hollywood, with the actress openly discussing her journey and the decisions that followed her Academy Award win. Reflecting on the aftermath of her Oscar victory, she shared how navigating the industry’s expectations shaped her path and influenced the roles she embraced.
Lupita Nyong’o Reflects on Post-Oscar Challenges and Decision-Making
After being honored with the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2014 for her portrayal of Patsey in Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave,” Lupita Nyong’o faced a wave of industry reactions that would define the initial years of her career. She noted how the recognition arrived at the start of her film journey, explaining the complexities that came with such early acclaim. In an interview with Angélique Kidjo for CNN Inside Africa, Nyong’o emphasized how that initial triumph influenced everything that followed.
Despite her success, Nyong’o was taken aback by the types of roles she was offered, many of which leaned into stereotypes linked to her heritage. She recounted being approached repeatedly for roles that mirrored her award-winning debut, describing the pressure to accept parts that didn’t align with her desire for rich, multidimensional portrayals.
“My winning an Academy Award came at the very start of my career,”
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
“It was for the very first film that I had done. It really did set the paces for everything I’ve done since.”
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
“But you know what’s interesting is that, after I won that Academy Award, you’d think, ‘Oh, I’m gonna get lead roles here and there,’”
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
“’Oh, Lupita, we’d like you to play another movie where you’re a slave, but this time you’re on a slave ship.’”
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
Nyong’o pointed out that being thrust into the spotlight generated both opportunities and scrutiny. She described a period filled with assumptions about her future, and critical commentary questioning whether her Oscar was a starting point or a peak, especially in the context of African women’s careers in the global film industry.
“It was a very tender time,”
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
“There is an expectation for you and your career. There were think pieces about, ‘Is this the beginning or the end of this African woman’s career?’”
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
“I had to deafen myself to all those pontificators because at the end of the day, I am not a theory,”
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
“I am an actual person. I like to be a joyful warrior for changing the paradigms of what it means to be African.”
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
Strongly motivated by her principles and a desire to challenge stereotypes, Nyong’o chose projects carefully. She acknowledged the personal cost of this approach but remained committed to avoiding roles that did not contribute to greater representation or nuanced storytelling about Africans and African women.
“If that means I work one less job a year to ensure that I am not perpetuating these stereotypes that are expected of people from my continent,”
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
Diversifying Roles and Upholding Integrity
Nyong’o’s firm stance opened doors to a variety of high-profile projects in Hollywood, including performances alongside Liam Neeson in “Non-Stop,” and appearances in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy, “The Jungle Book,” and “Queen of Katwe.” These choices reflected her dedication to diversity and complexity in her roles.
Her portrayal of Nakia in “Black Panther,” acting opposite Chadwick Boseman, stands out as one of her most celebrated performances. In collaboration with costar Danai Gurira, Nyong’o voiced the importance of bringing depth and authenticity to African women on screen, ensuring that characters were portrayed with agency, complexity, and realism.
“When we’re dealing with African representation in story,”
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
“we feel such a strong sense of responsibility and desire, deep desire to see African women on screen that look and feel like we know them to be.”
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
“With these characters, we wanted them to be women that we know,”
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
“The women that I know are complex and they’re deep and they’re about something other than just the man in their lives. I think that was really important to us to show women with agency and strength.”
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
This dedication to multi-faceted roles extended to her understanding of strength, which she articulated as being more than just resilience—it involves vulnerability and growth. Nyong’o’s work on “Black Panther” and other films highlighted her pursuit of storytelling that is both truthful and inspiring.
“Strength does not mean an absence of vulnerability,”
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
“It means that you have it in yourself to get yourself through things, to seek help. Strength in itself is a very complex idea. It was important to us that the women come across as being full. That’s not hard if you commit to expressing humanity and not.”
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
The Broader Context: Celebrities Shaping Their Own Narratives
Lupita Nyong’o’s steadfast approach to career choices echoes a broader movement among influential figures in Hollywood—several actors, musicians, and personalities have decided to redefine their careers by prioritizing personal values, growth, or well-being even as it means stepping back from the spotlight or exploring new ventures. The following stories highlight how others have navigated similar crossroads, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about fame, fulfillment, and authenticity.
Ellen DeGeneres Shifts Focus After End of Talk Show
After a 19-season run, Ellen DeGeneres concluded “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in 2022, following an internal investigation and shakeup due to allegations regarding a toxic workplace environment. She re-entered the public eye for her Netflix special, “For Your Approval,” released in September 2024, but confirmed during her farewell stand-up tour that she would be departing Hollywood entirely. Ellen and her spouse Portia de Rossi relocated to England in late 2024, a decision coinciding with political changes in the United States, as DeGeneres detailed in a later interview with Richard Bacon.
“This is the last time you’re going to see me,”
Ellen DeGeneres, Talk Show Host
“After my Netflix special, I’m done.”
Ellen DeGeneres, Talk Show Host
Tyra Banks Relocates to Australia to Pursue Entrepreneurial Passion
Tyra Banks, known for hosting “America’s Next Top Model,” embarked on a new chapter in Australia to nurture her ice cream business, SMiZE and Dream. She credited the nation’s robust ice cream market and her frequent visits for deepening her connection to the country. Moving with her son York and her partner Louis Bélanger-Martin, Banks shared how the move benefited both her family and her growing business ventures.
“So I have this ice cream company, SMiZE and Dream,”
Tyra Banks, Entrepreneur
“But we’ve been more what we call B2B, like on an airplane and on cruises. I’ve been going to Australia a lot because we were making a lot of our ice cream there in a big facility doing our recipes. And I just fell in love with it every time I went back and went back.”
Tyra Banks, Entrepreneur
“The three countries that eat the most ice cream?”
Tyra Banks, Entrepreneur
“Australia has been a dream come true for me and my family.”
Tyra Banks, Entrepreneur
Eva Longoria Embraces Life and Work Abroad
Eva Longoria, recognized for her role in “Desperate Housewives,” discussed how shifts in Los Angeles’ environment and her evolving work took her and her family to Mexico and Spain. Her career pulled her overseas for projects such as “Land of Women” and “Searching for Mexico,” and she expressed gratitude for the privilege of mobility, while also acknowledging the anxiety many Americans face about the country’s future. Longoria has remained active professionally, taking on parts in “Only Murders in the Building” and other film endeavors.
“I had my whole adult life here,”
Eva Longoria, Actress
“But even before [the pandemic], it was changing. The vibe was different. And then Covid happened, and it pushed it over the edge. Whether it’s the homelessness or the taxes, not that I want to s–t on California—it just feels like this chapter in my life is done now.”
Eva Longoria, Actress
“I didn’t leave because of the political environment,”
Eva Longoria, Actress
Richard Gere Finds Joy in Family Life in Spain
Richard Gere, after a notable Hollywood career, moved with his family to Madrid. He noted that the decision was partly to balance the years his wife, Galicia native Alejandra Silva, spent in the United States, and he looked forward to giving their children Alexander and James the chance to thrive in a bilingual environment. Gere expressed contentment with their life in Spain, highlighting family happiness and a sense of momentum in their new home.
“My wife is Spanish, and she gave me about seven years here,”
Richard Gere, Actor
“And so we’re going to spend some years in Madrid.”
Richard Gere, Actor
“Our kids are bilingual,” Richard Gere, Actor
“The truth is that you are seeing us in our momentum,”
Richard Gere, Actor
Christina Milian Adapts to Parisian Life for Family Stability
Christina Milian, singer and actress, moved to Paris to give her children, including daughter Violet and sons Isaiah and Kenna, the chance to study in France. With her husband Matt Pokora, she highlighted the family’s adaptability and happiness in their new routine, balancing wellness and career through international living.
“My husband is French, and we’ve been together for over seven or eight years,”
Christina Milian, Singer/Actress
“And for the last three or four years we were commuting back and forth every six months.”
Christina Milian, Singer/Actress
“They’re all going to school in Paris,”
Christina Milian, Singer/Actress
“My kids are happy there,” Christina Milian, Singer/Actress
Lindsay Lohan Explains Her Move Away from Los Angeles
Lindsay Lohan revealed that the intense scrutiny from paparazzi led her to seek normalcy abroad, settling in London, Dubai, and briefly opening beach clubs in Greece. She reflected on the impact of fame on her personal development, emphasizing her wish for privacy and personal growth that followed her time in the spotlight. Eventually, Lohan found stability in Dubai with husband Bader Shammas and their son Luai, all while maintaining her involvement in film projects such as “Our Little Secret” and “Freakier Friday.”
“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,”
Lindsay Lohan, Actress
“I wish that part didn’t happen. I feel like that kind of took on a life of its own. So that’s why I wanted to disappear. I was like, ‘Unless there’s no story here, they’re not going to focus on just my work.’”
Lindsay Lohan, Actress
“I was like, ‘What if I never fall in love? What if this never happens?’”
Lindsay Lohan, Actress
Josh Hartnett Prioritizes Family and Personal Growth in England
Josh Hartnett relocated from Hollywood to Hampshire, England, with his wife Tamsin Egerton and their four children. He preferred a lifestyle less dominated by the film industry, surrounded by people engaged in diverse pursuits, which contributed to his personal growth. Hartnett, still active with projects like “Verity” and “Trap,” expressed the value of focusing on meaningful experiences outside of Hollywood’s intense environment.
“Hollywood is more than a place; it’s like a state of mind,”
Josh Hartnett, Actor
“I’ve always wanted to be around … people generally doing lots of other things that would bring my mind off of my work and force me to grow in different directions,”
Josh Hartnett, Actor
“Time passes quickly,” Josh Hartnett, Actor
Jesse Eisenberg Finds Comfort and Balance Away from Hollywood
For Jesse Eisenberg, Indiana provides a more comfortable and stable base than Los Angeles. The Oscar-nominated actor and playwright lives with his wife Anna Strout and their son Banner, deliberately maintaining distance from Hollywood’s pressures and keeping their family life separate from showbiz. Eisenberg’s choice underscores a desire for normalcy and personal clarity, as he continues his craft outside the industry bubble.
“I’ve lived in Indiana for the last decade on-and-off,”
Jesse Eisenberg, Actor
“I’m not on social media, and I’m not a person who’s on the phone with industry people all the time,”
Jesse Eisenberg, Actor
Eliza Dushku Palandjian Pursues Healing and Mental Health Advocacy
Once celebrated for roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Bring It On,” Eliza Dushku Palandjian shifted her focus to mental health, obtaining certification in psychedelic-assisted therapy. She emphasized the fulfillment she found in healing herself and helping others, describing this shift as her true calling beyond Hollywood.
“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,”
Eliza Dushku Palandjian, Mental Health Professional
“I would be remiss if I didn’t now share the transformation and the peace and the passion that I have. This is just absolutely so clearly my real calling, my real purpose.”
Eliza Dushku Palandjian, Mental Health Professional
Rosie O’Donnell Moves to Ireland Amid Political Changes
Rosie O’Donnell relocated to Ireland with her youngest child, pursuing Irish citizenship and reflecting on the country’s appeal due to her grandparents’ roots. O’Donnell explained that political developments influenced her decision, but she retains hope for a future in the United States where equal rights are secured for all citizens.
“I miss my friends. I miss many things about life there at home and I’m trying to find a home here in in this beautiful country. And when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that’s when we will consider coming back.”
Rosie O’Donnell, Actress/Comedian
Evangeline Lilly Steps Away from Acting for Fulfillment
After two decades in the industry, Evangeline Lilly, star of “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” announced a hiatus from acting. She shared that pursuing a life aligned with her vision brought her greater fulfillment than following the traditional path of fame and financial reward. Lilly left open the possibility of returning, but for now prioritizes a life that resonates with her sense of purpose.
“I am so filled with joy and contentment today as I live out my vision,”
Evangeline Lilly, Actress
“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.”
Evangeline Lilly, Actress
“I might return to Hollywood one day, but, for now, this is where I belong.”
Evangeline Lilly, Actress
Ian Somerhalder Embraces Environmental Advocacy and Entrepreneurship
Ian Somerhalder, known for “The Vampire Diaries,” shifted focus from acting to raising his children with Nikki Reed and working on environmental projects. After launching documentaries like “Kiss the Ground,” Somerhalder underscored his ongoing commitment to regenerative agriculture and building brands rooted in health and legacy, envisioning a future centered on sustainability.
“I stepped away from acting a little over four years ago to raise my kids, build my companies and get these films launched,”
Ian Somerhalder, Actor
“I will be a rancher and building legacy brands, whether it’s my bourbon or my health and wellness company, and the regenerative agriculture and healthy soil management practices that I live by and our family lives by. 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.”
Ian Somerhalder, Actor
Jennette McCurdy Turns to Writing After Leaving Acting Career
Jennette McCurdy, best known for “iCarly,” stopped acting due to dissatisfaction with her past TV roles, channeling her energy into writing, directing, and podcasting. She described earlier projects as embarrassing and unfulfilling, but through writing found a potential pathway back to acting on her own terms.
“My experience with acting is, I’m so ashamed of the parts I’ve done in the past,”
Jennette McCurdy, Writer/Podcaster
“I resent my career in a lot of ways. I feel so unfulfilled by the roles that I played and felt like it was the most cheesy, embarrassing. I did the shows that I was on from like 13 to 21, and by 15, I was already embarrassed. My friends at 15, they’re not like, ‘Oh, cool, you’re on this Nickelodeon show.’ It was embarrassing.”
Jennette McCurdy, Writer/Podcaster
“I do feel like only through writing the book have I gotten to a place where I think there might be a way of exploring acting that doesn’t carry that baggage that I carried with me for so long,”
Jennette McCurdy, Writer/Podcaster
“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.”
Jennette McCurdy, Writer/Podcaster
Meghan Markle Navigates Life Beyond Hollywood and Royalty
Meghan Markle made the transformative leap from Hollywood and her standout role in “Suits” to a new life as part of the British royal family. Although she left the industry, Meghan has since re-entered the creative world through projects like her Netflix docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” the lifestyle show “With Love, Meghan,” podcasting endeavors, and her brand As Ever, demonstrating adaptability and a drive to use her platform for philanthropic and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Cameron Diaz Steps Away from Acting for Personal Renewal
With over 40 films to her name, Cameron Diaz decided to pause her acting career after “Annie” in 2014, seeking new outlets including writing and wellness, and starting a family with Benji Madden. She explained that the demands of filmmaking left little time for personal life. Though hesitant to return to performing, she was eventually convinced by Jamie Foxx to star in “Back in Action” for Netflix, reflecting her openness to occasional comebacks when inspired by the right creative opportunities.
“I just decided that I wanted different things out of my life,”
Cameron Diaz, Actress
“I had gone so hard for so long, working, making films and it’s such a grind. When you’re making a movie—it’s a perfect excuse—they own you. You’re there for 12 hours a day for months on end and you have no time for anything else.”
Cameron Diaz, Actress
“I don’t miss performing. Right now I’m looking at the landscape of wellness and all that,”
Cameron Diaz, Actress
“We just begged and pleased on my knees, like, ‘Just give the people one more again,’”
Jamie Foxx, Actor
Terrence Howard Announces Retirement, Yet Returns for Select Projects
Terrence Howard declared his intention to retire after concluding his role in “Empire,” stating he no longer wanted to act. However, he continued to participate in select projects, offering new performances despite earlier announcements of stepping back. Howard described having given his all as an actor and looked forward to seeing new talent thrive.
“Oh, I’m done with acting. I’m done pretending.”
Terrence Howard, Actor
“I’ve gotten to the point where now I’ve given the very best that I have as an actor,”
Terrence Howard, Actor
“Now I’m enjoying watching other new talent come around, and I don’t want to do an impersonation of myself.”
Terrence Howard, Actor
Jack Gleeson Leaves and Returns to Acting on His Own Terms
After his memorable role as King Joffrey in “Game of Thrones,” Jack Gleeson stepped away from acting at just 21, citing a loss of enjoyment. He described acting as once being recreational, but commercialization altered his relationship with the craft. After a six-year hiatus, Gleeson returned to television and film in roles that allowed him to reconnect with the joy of performance.
“I’ve been acting since age 8,”
Jack Gleeson, Actor
“I just stopped enjoying it as much as I used to.”
Jack Gleeson, Actor
“Now there’s the prospect of doing it for a living, whereas up until now it was always something I did for recreation with my friends, or in the summer for some fun,”
Jack Gleeson, Actor
“I enjoyed it. When you make a living from something, it changes your relationship with it. It’s not like I hate it, it’s just not what I want to do.”
Jack Gleeson, Actor
Phoebe Cates Prioritizes Family over Career
Following her marriage to Kevin Kline, Phoebe Cates chose to focus on raising their children, never resuming her former pace of on-screen appearances. The couple agreed to alternate working periods to balance family needs, though Cates eventually opted to remain with their children during her turn and now runs the Blue Tree boutique in New York City.
“agreed to alternate so that we’re never working at the same time,”
Kevin Kline, Actor
“whenever it’s been her slot to work, Phoebe has chosen to stay with the children.”
Kevin Kline, Actor
Rick Moranis Chooses Family Following Personal Loss
Rick Moranis, beloved for his roles in “Ghostbusters” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” took leave from Hollywood to focus on parenting after his wife’s passing in 1991. Though he declined many offers and cameo invitations over the years, Moranis plans a return in the anticipated Disney reboot “Shrunk,” starring alongside Josh Gad, to the delight of fans.
Leelee Sobieski Leaves Acting, Focusing on Family and Artistic Pursuits
Leelee Sobieski departed from acting, citing discomfort with many of the roles offered and a desire to avoid on-screen intimacy after marrying designer Adam Kimmel. She now centers her life on her children and creative endeavors outside film, such as supporting her husband’s business and painting.
“Ninety percent of acting roles involve so much sexual stuff with other people, and I don’t want to do that,”
Leelee Sobieski, Former Actress
“I don’t do movie stuff anymore. I am totally an outsider! I … am just a mom and an outsider,”
Leelee Sobieski, Former Actress
“I am just focused on my kids. I think that’s mainly why I stopped.”
Leelee Sobieski, Former Actress
Portia de Rossi Transitions from Acting to Entrepreneurship
Australian actress Portia de Rossi departed from acting careers in “Ally McBeal,” “Arrested Development,” and “Scandal” to launch her consumer-art company General Public. She explained a desire to take on unexplored, challenging new ventures and intentionally exited long-term entertainment commitments to focus on business innovation.
“I was approaching 45 and I just kind of…was wondering is there something that I could tackle now that I’ve never done before that would be really challenging and different,”
Portia de Rossi, Entrepreneur
“I kind of knew what acting would look like for me for the next 10, 20 years, so I decided to quit and start a business.”
Portia de Rossi, Entrepreneur
“I called Mitch Hurwitz, who’s the creator of Arrested Development and I said, ‘If there is a season 5, I won’t be doing it because I quit acting. And he seemed really understanding and he totally got it. We had a great conversation, and then he wrote me into five episodes.”
Portia de Rossi, Entrepreneur
Daniel Day-Lewis Announces Final Retirement, With a Potential Return
Triple Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis, regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, declared his retirement after “Phantom Thread” in 2017, requesting privacy regarding his decision. However, he signaled a willingness to re-engage with the industry, co-writing and potentially starring in “Anemone,” a film project with his son Ronan Day-Lewis, as announced by Focus Features.
“will no longer be working as an actor. He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years. This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject.”
Daniel Day-Lewis (via representative)
Bridgit Mendler Pursues Advanced Education and Aerospace Entrepreneurship
Bridgit Mendler, formerly of “Good Luck Charlie,” prioritized graduate studies at MIT and Harvard Law School and moved into the tech sector, launching Northwood Space. As CEO, Mendler leads efforts to build ground satellite stations, underlining her successful transition from television to pioneering space communication solutions.
The Impact of Redefining Success in Hollywood
Lupita Nyong’o’s journey provides a compelling example of how principled choices and advocacy for authentic representation can redefine a star’s career. By pursuing projects that reflect integrity and multiple dimensions—not only for herself but on behalf of broader cultural narratives—she stands alongside many peers now choosing unconventional or purposeful paths. As the film industry continues to change, the bold moves made by figures like Nyong’o, DeGeneres, Banks, and others suggest a future where personal fulfillment and representation take priority over traditional definitions of fame and success.
