The '90s It Girls: When Hollywood Glamour Met Quiet Retreat
The '90s were a golden era for Hollywood, with a celebrity culture that was both intense and all-encompassing. For many of the decade's 'It Girls', the price of fame was a high price to pay, and they chose to step away from the spotlight, trading the red carpet for a quieter, more private life. This article explores the stories of five such stars who, after dominating the '90s, have since walked away from Hollywood and the glitz and glamour of the industry.
Bridget Fonda: From Hollywood to Reclusive Mother
Bridget Fonda, a '90s favorite with a string of acclaimed performances, seemed destined for a lifelong career in the limelight. However, after a car crash in 2003, she decided to take a break from acting, and then stepped away entirely. Her last appearance on screen was in 2002's 'Snow Queen'. Today, she enjoys a reclusive life as a mother to son Oliver and wife of composer Danny Elfman. This decision to leave acting behind highlights a trend among '90s stars who prioritize family and a normal life over the demands of Hollywood.
Leelee Sobieski: From Teen Superstar to Private Citizen
Leelee Sobieski, a teen superstar of the '90s, co-starred with Hollywood A-listers like Tom Cruise and Drew Barrymore. Her performances in films like 'Eyes Wide Shut' and 'Deep Impact' solidified her status as a rising star. However, in 2016, she made a permanent exit from Hollywood, scaling down her roles even before her full-time retirement around 2012. This decision to leave the industry suggests a desire for a more private, contented existence, free from the pressures of constant publicity.
Karyn Parsons: From TV Star to Children's Education Advocate
Karyn Parsons, best known for her role as the eldest Banks sibling on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', has only worked on five full-length projects since 2000. Instead, she's dedicated her energy to children's non-profit Sweet Blackberry, which aims to share untold stories from Black history. As a mother of two, she's found a fulfilling role in helping others manage their mental health, a stark contrast to the fast-paced, often stressful world of Hollywood.
Phoebe Cates: From '80s and '90s Star to Boutique Owner
Phoebe Cates, who found success in the '80s and early '90s with films like 'Gremlins 2: The New Batch' and 'Drop Dead Fred', initially stepped away from acting to raise her two children. Today, she focuses on running her successful New York City boutique, Blue Tree, which she opened on the Upper East Side in 2005. This transition from acting to entrepreneurship showcases a desire for a more stable, family-oriented lifestyle.
Amanda Bynes: From TV and Movie Star to Cosmetology Student
Amanda Bynes, a '90s and '00s TV and movie star, has moved away from the spotlight, focusing on earning her manicurist license. She recently released an EDM track, 'GIRLFRIEND', developed with friends. This shift from acting to a career in cosmetics and music suggests a desire for a more diverse, creative outlet, away from the constraints of traditional Hollywood careers.
Lisa Jakub: From Child Star to Mental Health Advocate
Lisa Jakub, who rose to fame in films like 'Mrs. Doubtfire', 'The Beautician and the Beast', and 'Independence Day', ultimately decided that a career on screen wasn't for her. Instead, she's focusing on a career in writing, releasing two books, and helping others manage their mental health. This decision to leave acting behind and pursue a career in mental health advocacy highlights a desire to make a positive impact on the world, rather than simply pursuing fame and success.
In conclusion, the stories of these '90s It Girls demonstrate a clear trend: a desire for a quieter, more private life, free from the pressures and demands of Hollywood. While some have found success in other fields, such as entrepreneurship or mental health advocacy, others have simply stepped away from the industry altogether, prioritizing family and a normal life over the glitz and glamour of fame.
