See the forgotten A-list stars who disappeared from Hollywood now — Phoebe Cates, Evangeline Lilly and more

Evangeline Lilly stole the show as elven archer Tauriel in The Hobbit and returned to blockbuster action in Ant-Man. But following Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023), the star actress announced she was stepping back from Hollywood. 

Choosing to focus on her family over fame, the actress explained, “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." But the decision was that of closing the door, rather than locking it shut, adding: “I might return to Hollywood one day, but, for now, this is where I belong."

Ally Sheedy starred in two of the best-loved coming-of-age features: John Hughes' The Breakfast Club and Joel Schumacher's St. Elmo's Fire. Whether as a shy goth or grounding advisor, Ally had viewers falling for her on-screen charm.

The '80s star had the industry wrapped around her finger before stepping back from Hollywood. Now, she's teaching the next generation of acting talent how to shoot for the stars as a professor of theatre.

Hollywood's blue-eyed leading man Ian Somerhalder is best known for roles in hit franchises like Lost and The Vampire Diaries. Devastating news broke to teens across the world when Ian decided to leave acting behind in 2019. 

The actor decided to focus on raising his family with wife Nikki Reed, enjoying life on a farm outside of LA. He's brought his passion for nature to the screen, this time behind the camera, filming footage for and executive producing documentaries Kiss the Ground (2020) and sequel Common Ground (2023).

Mia Sara was the final piece to the beloved trio at the heart of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Following an appearance in 2011 feature Dorothy and the Witches of Oz, Mia disappeared from the industry, save for a 2013 short film.

More than a decade later, she appeared on the red carpet to celebrate her return to acting in Stephen King adaptation The Life of Chuck. 

Phoebe Cates got her start in 1982 hit Paradise, following it up with star roles in coming-of-age drama Fast Times at Ridgemont High and fantasy festive hit Gremlins. The actress quickly became one of the '80s favourite leading ladies, thanks to these impressive castings.

But there's more to life than Hollywood fame. In 1989, she walked down the aisle to actor Kevin Kline. The couple welcomed two children, son Owen and daughter Greta, which prompted the actress to focus on family over her silver screen career.

Nineties kids will likely remember Leelee Sobieski's rising stardom with roles in Eyes Wide Shut, Deep Impact and Never Been Kissed. A standout role in Joan of Arc earned her an Emmy nomination in 1999 for Outstanding Lead Actress and a Golden Globe nomination the following year.

But the actress didn't find a lot to love in the industry, telling Another Magazine: "It's kind of a gross industry. In acting, you’re selling your appearance so much." She's now living happily as a mother of two and a working artist under the name Leelee Kimmel. 

Debra Winger's most famous roles made the actress an '80s superstar. Cast in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) and Terms of Endearment (1983), her star only continued to rise after starring in 1980 hit Urban Cowboy with John Travolta. 

Between 2016 and 2020, Debra took a long-standing role on The Ranch but has ultimately decided to leave the days of Hollywood fame behind. She's occasionally spotted in smaller TV roles but is ultimately enjoying a quieter life.