Gay Actresses Who Quit Hollywood to Pursue Other Interests

The landscape of Hollywood is often seen as the ultimate goal for performers but many talented women have chosen to step away from the limelight. These actresses transitioned from successful careers in film and television to pursue fulfilling lives in art, politics, music, and business. Their departures often stem from a desire for privacy or a need to explore creative outlets that the mainstream industry cannot accommodate. This list explores the diverse paths taken by gay and queer actresses who redefined success on their own terms outside of the traditional studio system.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi rose to prominence with iconic roles in television series such as ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Arrested Development’ where she showcased her comedic timing. She announced her formal retirement from the acting profession in 2018 to focus on her entrepreneurial goals. De Rossi founded General Public which is an innovative art curation company that uses proprietary technology to print three dimensional fine art. She now spends her time revolutionizing how people interact with and collect art pieces while supporting working artists.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres became a household name through her sitcom ‘Ellen’ and her long running daytime talk show. After decades of being a central figure in American media she decided to step away from the entertainment industry to focus on her personal life and charitable endeavors. She has expressed a strong interest in interior design and real estate which has led her to flip several high profile properties. DeGeneres also continues to support wildlife conservation through the Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund and its work with mountain gorillas.

Kristy McNichol

Kristy McNichol was a major star in the late 1970s and 1980s known for her work in ‘Family’ and ‘Empty Nest’. She officially retired from acting in 2001 to pursue a more peaceful life away from the intense pressure of the public eye. McNichol spent much of her post Hollywood years teaching acting at a private school in Los Angeles and focusing on her own wellness. She remains an advocate for mental health and has occasionally appeared at charity events to support the community.

Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis reached global stardom with leading roles in ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Witness’ during the 1980s. She eventually stepped back from the Hollywood machine to prioritize her family and work in the field of addiction recovery. McGillis spent years working at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in New Jersey and also taught acting to aspiring students. She prefers a quiet life in North Carolina and only occasionally takes on small independent projects that align with her personal values.

Clementine Ford

Clementine Ford is known for her roles in ‘The L Word’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’ but she has largely moved away from the screen. She shifted her energy toward writing and motherhood while exploring her identity outside of her famous family lineage. Ford has written extensively about her experiences with sobriety and parenting on various digital platforms. Her work now focuses on community engagement and sharing honest perspectives on personal growth and recovery.

Amanda Bearse

Amanda Bearse spent eleven seasons playing Marcy Rhoades on the hit sitcom ‘Married… with Children’ while also developing her skills behind the scenes. While she still works in the industry she effectively quit mainstream acting to focus on directing and academic pursuits. She has directed dozens of television episodes and served as a mentor to new generations of filmmakers. Bearse also spent time teaching at the Seattle Film Institute to share her extensive knowledge of the craft.

Meredith Baxter

Meredith Baxter became an American icon as the mother on ‘Family Ties’ and starred in numerous made for television movies. In her later years she moved away from frequent acting roles to focus on public speaking and advocacy work. She became a vocal advocate for breast cancer awareness and domestic violence prevention after sharing her own personal history. Baxter also launched a successful skincare line and wrote a memoir detailing her journey toward self discovery.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello is recognized for her powerful performances in ‘ER’ and ‘A History of Violence’ but she has transitioned into other professional spheres. She has become heavily involved in international advocacy work with a particular focus on women’s rights in Haiti. Bello also wrote a book titled ‘Whatever… Love Is Love’ which explores modern relationships and fluid identities. While she still produces content she has stated that her interests lie more in diplomacy and writing than in traditional acting.

Jasika Nicole

Jasika Nicole is well known for her role in the science fiction series ‘Fringe’ where she played Astrid Farnsworth. Over the last few years she has leaned into her identity as an artisan and maker with a significant focus on sewing and shoe making. She shares her detailed garment construction projects with a large community of followers who appreciate her dedication to sustainable fashion. While she still takes occasional voice roles her daily life is now centered on her art and crafting business.

Amber Heard

Amber Heard appeared in major blockbusters like ‘Aquaman’ before deciding to relocate and change her lifestyle significantly. Following intense public legal battles she chose to leave Hollywood and move to Spain with her daughter. She now lives a much more private life in Madrid where she focuses on parenting and local community involvement. While she has completed some international film projects she has largely stepped away from the traditional Los Angeles industry circuit.

Mariel Hemingway

Mariel Hemingway earned an Oscar nomination for ‘Manhattan’ and was a prominent figure in the film industry for decades. She eventually pivoted her career toward health and wellness advocacy after dealing with her family history of mental illness. Hemingway is now a certified health coach and an author who writes about holistic living and emotional well being. She spends her time giving keynote speeches and consulting on wellness initiatives rather than pursuing lead acting roles.

Heather Matarazzo

Heather Matarazzo made a massive impact with her debut in ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’ and appeared in ‘The Princess Diaries’. She has spoken openly about her struggles with the Hollywood system and her decision to focus on public speaking and activism. Matarazzo is a dedicated advocate for the LGBTQ community and mental health awareness. She uses her platform to educate others through workshops and speaking engagements while living a more grounded life away from major studio productions.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein is a multi talented performer who gained television fame in the sketch comedy series ‘Portlandia’. Although she is a skilled actress her primary focus has remained on her legendary music career with the band Sleater-Kinney. She has also successfully transitioned into directing for television and writing acclaimed books. Brownstein prioritizes her musical output and directorial projects over traditional acting roles in the current stage of her career.

Leisha Hailey

Leisha Hailey became a cult favorite as Alice Pieszecki in ‘The L Word’ but her roots have always been in the music industry. After the original run of the show she focused heavily on her band Uh Huh Her and toured extensively. She also cofounded a luggage and lifestyle brand called Marimacho that catered to the queer community. Hailey continues to balance her creative interests in music and fashion while maintaining a selective approach to her acting work.

Guinevere Turner

Guinevere Turner was a key figure in the New Queer Cinema movement as the star and writer of ‘Go Fish’. While she appeared in films like ‘The Watermelon Woman’ her career eventually moved toward professional screenwriting and teaching. She wrote the screenplays for ‘American Psycho’ and ‘The Notorious Bettie Page’ while also becoming a published author. Turner now spends much of her time teaching screenwriting at the university level and working on her own literary projects.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is world famous for portraying Miranda Hobbes in ‘Sex and the City’ but she has shifted her focus toward the political arena. She ran for Governor of New York in 2018 and has become a prominent activist for education and reproductive rights. While she returned for the revival series she considers herself an activist first and an actress second. Nixon uses her visibility to champion progressive causes and work on local grassroots organizing in New York City.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell had a successful career in films like ‘A League of Their Own’ and as a legendary daytime talk show host. She stepped away from the Hollywood grind to focus on her family and her passion for the visual arts. O’Donnell is a prolific painter who has sold her work for charity and frequently shares her creative process online. She also hosts a podcast where she engages in deep conversations about culture and politics while staying away from traditional film sets.

Laurel Holloman

Laurel Holloman won fans over as Tina Kennard in ‘The L Word’ but she walked away from acting at the height of her popularity. She decided to dedicate herself entirely to her career as an abstract painter and has since found international success. Her large scale paintings have been exhibited in prestigious galleries in Venice and Berlin. Holloman has stated that painting provides her with a sense of freedom and autonomy that she never felt as an actress.

Erin Daniels

Erin Daniels is best known for her role as Dana Fairbanks in the early seasons of ‘The L Word’. After her character was written off the show she gradually moved away from professional acting to pursue her interest in photography. She has established herself as a lifestyle and portrait photographer with a keen eye for natural light. Daniels lives a quiet life in Los Angeles where she balances her photography business with raising her children.

Rachel Shelley

Rachel Shelley played the character Helena Peabody in ‘The L Word’ and had a successful career in both British and American television. She eventually transitioned into journalism and podcasting with a focus on her experiences within the industry. Shelley has written for various publications and produces content that explores the intersection of entertainment and social issues. She remains active in the creative world but her focus has shifted from being in front of the lens to reporting behind it.

Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo was one of the most famous actresses in the world during the silent and early sound eras of film. She shocked the world by retiring at the age of thirty six following the release of ‘Two-Faced Woman’. Garbo spent the rest of her life in New York City living as a recluse and avoiding the public eye at all costs. She never returned to the screen and spent her time walking the city and collecting fine art until her death.

Louise Brooks

Louise Brooks was a silent film star known for her bobbed hair and her performance in ‘Pandora’s Box’. She grew disillusioned with the Hollywood studio system and walked away from her contract to live a life of independence. After a brief period of struggle she reinvented herself as a brilliant film historian and critic. Her writings on the early days of cinema are now considered essential reading for film scholars and enthusiasts.

Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich was a global icon of the silver screen who starred in classics like ‘The Blue Angel’. As she aged she moved away from acting in films and transitioned into a highly successful career as a cabaret performer. She spent her final years in a Paris apartment where she became a complete recluse and refused to be photographed. Dietrich chose to live in isolation to preserve her image and enjoy a life of private reflection.

Patsy Kelly

Patsy Kelly was a popular comedic actress in the 1930s who appeared in dozens of films and shorts. She was often open about her sexuality within industry circles which eventually led to her being blacklisted by the major studios. Kelly left Hollywood for several years and worked as a personal assistant and domestic employee for other celebrities. She eventually made a small comeback in later life but her primary career was cut short by the prejudices of the era.

Alla Nazimova

Alla Nazimova was a silent film legend and a powerful producer who owned her own studio called Garden of Allah. She was a central figure in the queer community of early Hollywood and hosted legendary parties for her female friends. As her film career declined she returned to her first love which was the theater and Broadway. Nazimova spent her final years dedicated to the stage and nurturing the careers of younger performers who admired her trailblazing spirit.

Mary Portas

Mary Portas is a British personality who began her career with minor acting roles before finding her true niche in the world of retail. She became a famous consultant known as the Queen of Shops and worked to revitalize the British high street. Portas has also been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ community and has written several books on business and social change. Her transition from performance to retail expertise made her one of the most influential women in British commerce.

Please share your thoughts on these career transitions in the comments.