The neon spotlight of '80s fame wasn't for everyone. Read on to find out which of the decade's biggest stars made the decision to step away from the glare of the cameras, either for a period of time or permanently...
© Getty ImagesPhoebe Cates starred in '80s classics like 'Gremlins' and 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High'
Phoebe Cates
Star of Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins, Phoebe Cates got her start in 1982 film Paradise and became one of the '80s most defining stars.
In 1989, she tied the knot with actor Kevin Kline and has since welcomed two children, son Owen and daughter Greta, opting to prioritise family life over her '80s fame.
© SplashDaryl Hannah was a famous face in the '80s but has since retreated from the public eye
Daryl Hannah
Daryl Hannah had a run of successes throughout the '80s with hits like Splash, Blade Runner and Wall Street. She wed musician Neil Young in 2018 and the two enjoy a quiet life in Canada.
The actress has broadly left mainstream acting parts in Hollywood behind, focussing her energy on producing and directing roles, as well as her environmental activist work.
© Getty ImagesShelley Duval starred in 'The Shining' but prioritised family duty over fame
Shelley Duvall
Shelley Duval starred in 1980s silver screen classics like Popeye and The Shining, bringing the terrified Wendy Torrance to life in the fan-favourite adaptation of Stephen King’s horror-filled novel.
Public scrutiny and caring responsibilities both contributed to the actress leaving Hollywood in 2002, in order to care for her brother who had been diagnosed with spinal cancer. She enjoyed a life away from the spotlight with her partner of 35 years, musician Dan Gilroy, until her death in 2024.
© Getty ImagesAlly Sheedy now helps the next generation of acting talent find their feet on stage
Ally Sheedy
The '80s wouldn't be what they were without the work of John Hughes and the famed 'Brat Pack' actors who brought his work to life. Ally Sheedy starred in several of the best-loved features, including The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo's Fire.
She's since stepped back from big screen roles completely, guiding the next generation of acting talent as a professor of theatre, writer and occassional TV actor.
© Getty ImagesKelly LeBrock grounded herself at a Californian ranch after showbiz success and a divorce in the public eye
Kelly LeBrock
Kelly LeBrock stepped back from fame in a move that, literally, brought her back down to earth. The actress rose to global notoriety in 1985 sci-fi comedy Weird Science but has since opted for a private life on her Californian ranch.
The move came following her divorce from movie star Steven Seagal in 1996 as Kelly wanted to prioritise the wellbeing of her three children, daughters Annaliza and Arissa and son Dominic.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesMeg Ryan took an eight-year hiatus from showbiz
Meg Ryan
The rom-com queen of the '80s and '90s, Meg Ryan brought beloved writer Sally Albright to the screen in 1989's When Harry Met Sally.... But public scrutiny can take its toll and Meg chose to focus on raising her children, avoiding professional burnout at the same time.
The actress stepped back from the limelight for nearly a decade, taking an eight year break from show business after her directorial and star roles in Ithaca.
