7 Actors Who Have Stayed Out of the Public Eye

The nature of the entertainment industry often makes it impossible for even the most camera-shy actors to reman out of the limelight. However, once a star finally breaks into the business, some opt to downplay their presence in the media, choosing to keep their personal lives a mystery and focus on their work instead. Now, we turn our attention to some major movie stars who have decided to stay out of the public eye in recent years, regardless of how busy their careers have been.

1. Rick Moranis

Rick Moranis in Spaceballs

Rick Moranis in Spaceballs | Source: MGM

In the 1980s, Rick Moranis was a comedic powerhouse, appearing in classics like Ghostbusters, Spaceballs, and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. However, the beloved funnyman faded out of the spotlight in the mid-1990s following his wife’s tragic passing. His last live-action credit is the 1997 direct-to-video sequel Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves. Although we still miss Moranis and hope that he will one day reappear on the big screen, it’s hard to argue with his decision to care for his children and put his family first.

2. Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman in Black Swan

Natalie Portman in Black Swan | Source: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Oscar winner Natalie Portman has appeared in countless films since her debut in Léon: The Professional way back in 1994. Despite roles in franchises like Star Wars and Thor, the actress remains intensely private about her personal life, even choosing to downplay her prominence in Hollywood to pursue a college education. While many stars her age have reveled in the media attention, Portman has traditionally shied away from it, keeping her film career entirely separate from her home life.

3. Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle in Chappelle's Show

Dave Chappelle in Chappelle’s Show | Source: Comedy Central

From 2003 to 2006, Chappelle’s Show stood as one of the pillars of Comedy Central’s lineup. However, star Dave Chappelle brought the series to a pre-emptive end when he left the show during filming of its third season. Following a spiritual trip to Africa, Chappelle has continued to lay relatively low and stay out of the spotlight. In 2015, he appeared in Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq, which marked his first acting role in nearly a decade. He also continues to make impromptu appearances at comedy clubs throughout the nation.

4. Penelope Cruz

Penelope Cruz in Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Penelope Cruz in Vicky Cristina Barcelona | Source: The Weinstein Company

Another Academy Award winner with a distaste for media attention, Penelope Cruz has been involved in two major relationships with fellow movies stars, including Tom Cruise and current husband Javier Bardem. Perhaps it was the former that informed her decision to keep her personal life out of the realm of Hollywood gossip. Whatever the case may be, Cruz has made a concerted effort to stay out of the headlines and instead focuses on her variety of film projects.

5. Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean The Curse of the Black Pearl

Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl | Source: Disney

Considering the most recent scandal to come his way, one might understand why Johnny Depp would be no fan of the public eye. Yet, the acclaimed actor has a long history of contention with media attention, dating all the way back to his initial popularity after his breakout role on TV’s 21 Jump Street. Despite high-profile romances with stars like Winona Ryder and Amber Heard, Depp has tried in vain to keep the paparazzi off his tail and his personal life off the front page. Alas, his sex symbol status has proven to be a particularly perilous obstacle for the actor to overcome.

6. Halle Berry

Halle Berry in X-Men: Days of Future Past

Halle Berry in X-Men: Days of Future Past | Source: Fox

Long considered one of the most attractive and talented women in Hollywood, Halle Berry has led an extensive film and television career, including an Academy Award win for Monster’s Ball. She has become an activist over the years and notably joined other stars in establishing new anti-paparazzi laws that would protect the children of celebrities. Berry continues to keep her personal life as separate from her career as possible.

7. Joe Pesci

Joe Pesci in Goodfellas

Joe Pesci in Goodfellas | Source: Warner Bros.

Even though Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio have become synonymous with filmmaker Martin Scorsese, Joe Pesci played an integral role in three of the director’s most cherished films, winning an Oscar for his turn as a psychopathic mobster in Goodfellas. Yet, Pesci largely retired from acting in the late 1990s, aiming to escape the rigors of the business. He has only appeared in two live-action roles since his 1998 film Lethal Weapon 4.

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