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11 Actors Who Got Honest About Taking Breaks From Hollywood, Including Some Who Were Left So “Burnt Out” And Exhausted By Extremely Taxing Roles

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Original Story by BuzzFeed
June 12, 2025
11 Actors Who Got Honest About Taking Breaks From Hollywood, Including Some Who Were Left So “Burnt Out” And Exhausted By Extremely Taxing Roles

Context:

Many actors have taken breaks from Hollywood to manage the intense pressures of the industry and personal challenges. Tom Holland paused his career after filming 'The Crowded Room' due to mental health struggles. Leonardo DiCaprio took time off post-'Titanic' to escape the overwhelming public scrutiny, while Jennifer Lawrence stepped back feeling the public and herself had grown weary of her presence. Brendan Fraser, after a traumatic incident, retreated before making a successful return with 'The Whale'. Additionally, actors like Cameron Diaz and Chris Hemsworth have taken breaks to focus on personal lives and health concerns, respectively.

Dive Deeper:

  • Tom Holland decided to take a year-long break from acting after his role in 'The Crowded Room' severely impacted his mental health, highlighting the emotional toll that intense roles can have on actors.

  • Leonardo DiCaprio, overwhelmed by the massive public attention following 'Titanic', took a hiatus to recharge and refocus, illustrating the personal cost of sudden global fame.

  • Jennifer Lawrence stepped back from the limelight, feeling both the public and herself had grown tired of her, underscoring the pressures of maintaining a constant public presence.

  • Brendan Fraser's career was derailed following an incident of sexual assault by a Hollywood executive, but he returned with a critically acclaimed performance in 'The Whale', marking a significant comeback.

  • Cameron Diaz took a 10-year break from acting to concentrate on her personal life, particularly after becoming a mother, and later returned to the screen with a film slated for release in 2025.

  • Chris Hemsworth, after discovering a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's, decided to take a break to spend more time with his family, reflecting the impact of personal health issues on career choices.

  • Matthew McConaughey and Daniel Kaluuya also took breaks, with McConaughey addressing typecasting issues and Kaluuya stepping back due to racial barriers in the industry, showing varied challenges faced by actors.

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