5 celebs that left Hollywood to live a more normal life: From Erik Per Sullivan to Amanda Bynes

PRETTY WOMAN CAST: WHAT ARE THEY DOING NOW?

It might seem like being rich, famous, and adored by millions is the ultimate dream. But for some celebs, the glitz and glam of Hollywood was just too much to handle. These stars decided to trade the spotlight for simpler, quieter lives — and their stories might just surprise you.

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1. Erik Per Sullivan

thumbnail — Erik Per Sullivan Getty/Jim Spellman

Remember Dewey from Malcolm in the Middle? Erik Per Sullivan stole hearts as the quirky youngest brother in one of TV’s most dysfunctional families. The show became a cult classic, and Erik was a fan-favorite. During the series, he even managed to snag roles in Finding Nemo and holiday favorite Christmas with the Kranks. But after wrapping up the sitcom in 2006, Erik slowly disappeared from the acting scene.

His last big-screen appearance was in the 2010 film Twelve, and since then, he’s been living life far from the cameras. Erik didn’t even join his co-stars for a Malcolm in the Middle virtual reunion, leaving fans curious about what he’s up to now. And while the rest of the cast is gearing up for a Disney+ reboot, Erik won’t be joining the madness. It seems he’s traded Hollywood chaos for a quieter existence.

2. Michael Schoeffling

If you were a teen in the 80s, chances are you had a crush on Michael Schoeffling. His role as Jake Ryan in Sixteen Candles cemented him as the ultimate heartthrob of the decade. Fans couldn’t get enough of his dreamy looks and laid-back charm. But after just a few more films, including Vision Quest and Mermaids, Michael decided to call it quits in 1991.

So, what happened to Jake Ryan? Turns out, Michael traded Hollywood stardom for woodworking. He now lives in Pennsylvania, running a successful handcrafted furniture business. According to his wife, Valerie Robinson, who spoke to People in 2014, Michael is happily living a quiet, private life — a far cry from the red carpets of the 80s. Every now and then, his kids share adorable throwbacks or updates on social media, giving fans a rare peek into his world.

For many, Michael’s retreat from fame only adds to his charm. Fans of Sixteen Candles might not get to see him on screen again, but his furniture-making career proves he’s still a master craftsman — just in a different way.

3. Jon Gosselin

Jon Gosselin became a household name as the father of eight on TLC’s Jon & Kate Plus 8. The show gave viewers a glimpse into the chaos of raising sextuplets and twins, and for a while, Jon seemed to enjoy life in the spotlight. But after a very public split from Kate, things took a dramatic turn. Jon left the show and went on to explore a variety of careers, from DJing to working in IT. These days, he’s focusing on his music career, sharing updates about his gigs on social media.

While Jon’s career has taken many twists and turns, so has his personal life. After years of dating, he proposed to Stephanie Lebo in late 2024. The couple first met at a barbecue in 2021 and kept their relationship private for nearly two years before going public. Now engaged, Jon seems to have found happiness after a tumultuous decade.

Jon’s relationship with his children has been complicated, but he hasn’t given up hope of reconnecting with his estranged kids. In a heartfelt interview, he said, “my door has always been open to them,” and he’s optimistic about rebuilding those bonds now that they’re adults.

4. Jonathan Taylor Thomas

Jonathan Taylor Thomas, or JTT, was a 90s icon, known for playing Randy Taylor on Home Improvement and voicing young Simba in The Lion King. By the early 2000s, though, he decided to step away from acting. 'I’d been going nonstop since I was 8 years old,' he told PEOPLE in 2013. 'I wanted to go to school, to travel, and have a bit of a break.'

He attended Harvard, Columbia, and the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. After graduating, he explored directing and writing, making brief TV appearances on Last Man Standing from 2013 to 2015.

In 2024, his Home Improvement co-star Patricia Richardson shared that JTT is focused on working behind the camera. Fans also noticed his absence from The Lion King’s 30th-anniversary reunion, a clear sign of his preference for a low-key lifestyle.

Reflecting on his fame, he said, 'it was a great period in my life, but it doesn’t define me.'

5. Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes was the queen of teen comedies in the early 2000s. From She’s the Man to What a Girl Wants, she was the face of funny, feel-good movies. But behind the scenes, Amanda was struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues that eventually led her to step back from acting. In 2018, she announced her sobriety and expressed interest in returning to Hollywood, but her focus has shifted since then.

Now 38, Amanda is charting a new path. As per Parade, she’s back in school, working toward a manicurist license and pursuing a career in cosmetology. In a rare Instagram post, she shared her determination to pass her licensing exam, writing.