- Some actors have had to leave Hollywood
- Many of them return and do great things
- We love a redemption arc for our favourites
Sometimes stars need to step away
Whether it was due to health issues, personal reasons or parenting journeys, we never want to see celebs walk away from their work. But when they make their return, it can be very exciting for fans. Check out the best acting comeback stories in recent years.
Robert Downey Jr.
He arguably had the biggest redemption in the eyes of the public when he landed the role of "Iron Man" in 2008. Before that, he was notorious for being a mess. He struggled with drug addiction, multiple arrests and the total breakdown of his career.
Lindsay Lohan
She stole our hearts as the twins in the 1998 film 'The Parent Trap'. After a successful career as a child and teen star, Lindsay struggled with substance abuse, DUI charges and the decline of her reputation.
After several years away doing other business ventures, Lindsay made her acting comeback in 2022 with her holiday romcom 'Falling For Christmas'. She is rumoured to make two more films for Netflix in the next few years.
From ostracized to Oscar winner
Brendan Fraser
This beloved actor has had quite the career roller coaster. He started as a hunky action film hero and a treasured comedian, but after he faced alleged sexual assault he was blacklisted from Hollywood.
He stepped away from acting and interviews for years. In 2018 he returned to acting, and fans celebrated his "Brenaissance". In 2023, he won the Oscar for his leading performance in 'The Whale'. In his tearful acceptance speech, he thanked his fans and the industry for giving him another shot.
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Ke Huy Quan
He burst onto the acting scene at the age of 12 as the adorable sidekick "Short Round" in 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom'. As he grew into adulthood, he was unable to get acting jobs in Hollywood. He started working behind the camera, often coordinating stunts for films.
His career resurgence came in 2022 after the breakout success of 'Everything Everywhere All At Once', which he earned an Oscar for. He won the award for Most Outstanding Supporting Actor the same night his old 'Encino Man' co-star Brendan Fraser won his Oscar for Most Outstanding Lead Performance. Such a great comeback for them both!
