MomSkoop
The 1990s gave us some of the biggest stars in entertainment history. They filled our TV screens, topped music charts, and starred in blockbuster movies that defined a generation. Then suddenly, many fan favorites seemed to vanish without explanation. Whatever happened to those familiar faces who were everywhere one minute and nowhere to be found the next?
1. Jonathan Taylor Thomas: The Teen Heartthrob Who Walked Away
JTT was the ultimate ’90s teen idol who captured millions of hearts as Randy Taylor on “Home Improvement” and as the voice of young Simba in “The Lion King.” At the height of his fame, he shocked fans by leaving Home Improvement in 1998 to focus on his education.
Thomas attended Harvard, Columbia, and St. Andrews in Scotland, deliberately stepping away from Hollywood’s spotlight. While he made occasional TV appearances in the 2000s, including a brief Home Improvement reunion on “Last Man Standing,” he’s largely lived a private life away from cameras.
Unlike many child stars, Thomas left fame on his own terms, choosing academic fulfillment over continued stardom.
2. Mara Wilson: The Matilda Star Who Chose a Different Path
The adorable girl who brought Matilda Wormwood to life in 1996 seemed destined for Hollywood greatness. After starring in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” and “Matilda,” Mara Wilson made a surprising decision to step away from the acting world as she entered her teens.
Wilson later revealed that puberty and the harsh realities of being judged on appearance in Hollywood contributed to her exit. Instead of pursuing acting, she focused on writing and education, graduating from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Today, she’s a successful author who occasionally does voice acting but has no regrets about leaving mainstream Hollywood behind.
3. Rick Moranis: The Comedy Legend Who Put Family First
From “Ghostbusters” to “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” Rick Moranis was comedy gold throughout the ’80s and early ’90s. His sudden disappearance from Hollywood in 1997 left fans wondering what happened to the beloved actor.
The heartbreaking truth was that Moranis stepped away from acting after his wife died of breast cancer. He made the ultimate career sacrifice to be a full-time dad to his two young children, turning down countless roles including a “Ghostbusters” reunion.
Though he continued voice acting occasionally, Moranis remained largely absent from screens for over 20 years until announcing a surprise return for a “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” reboot.
4. Lark Voorhies: The Saved by the Bell Beauty Who Faded From View
As fashion-forward Lisa Turtle on “Saved by the Bell,” Lark Voorhies was the crush of countless teens in the early ’90s. Her character’s style and sass made her a standout on the iconic teen sitcom that defined a generation.
When the Bell gang moved on to new projects, Voorhies initially found work in soap operas and music videos. However, by the early 2000s, her public appearances became increasingly rare, and her behavior in occasional interviews raised concerns among fans.
In 2020, Voorhies revealed her struggles with schizoaffective disorder, explaining her absence from reunions and the entertainment industry. She made a welcome comeback in the Saved by the Bell reboot.
5. Macaulay Culkin: The Home Alone Star Who Escaped Hollywood
The most successful child actor of the ’90s, Macaulay Culkin became a household name after “Home Alone” broke box office records. His mischievous smile and iconic hands-on-face scream made him instantly recognizable worldwide.
After a string of hits including “My Girl” and “Richie Rich,” Culkin abruptly stepped away from acting at age 14. His exit came amid family troubles, with his parents battling over control of his fortune and career.
For years, Culkin avoided mainstream roles, occasionally making headlines for his appearance or personal life. He’s since found his groove with selective acting projects, his Bunny Ears podcast, and embracing his status as a ’90s pop culture icon.
6. Phoebe Cates: The Fast Times Beauty Who Chose Family Over Fame
With unforgettable roles in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Gremlins,” Phoebe Cates was the definition of ’80s and early ’90s cool. Her stunning looks and natural acting ability promised a long Hollywood career ahead.
Fans were shocked when Cates essentially retired from acting after 1994’s “Princess Caraboo.” Unlike many disappearing acts in Hollywood, her choice wasn’t driven by scandal or career troubles – she simply wanted to focus on raising her children with actor Kevin Kline.
Cates made an exception to appear in 2001’s “The Anniversary Party” as a favor to her friend Jennifer Jason Leigh, but otherwise has happily remained out of the spotlight, running a boutique in New York City.
7. Taylor Momsen: The Cindy Lou Who Actress Who Rocked Away From Hollywood
Most ’90s kids remember Taylor Momsen as the adorable Cindy Lou Who in Jim Carrey’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Her angelic appearance and performance suggested a future of sweet roles in family-friendly films.
Momsen later gained fame as Jenny Humphrey on “Gossip Girl,” but fans were stunned when she transformed from teen actress to hardcore rock musician. With heavy black eye makeup, provocative outfits, and a rebellious attitude, she completely shed her child star image.
In 2011, she quit acting entirely to focus on her band, The Pretty Reckless. The gamble paid off – they’ve topped rock charts multiple times, proving Momsen found her true calling far from the Hollywood path everyone expected.
8. Mike Myers: The Comedy Superstar Who Virtually Vanished
Few comedians dominated the ’90s like Mike Myers. From “Wayne’s World” to “Austin Powers” and “Shrek,” his characters became cultural phenomena that defined comedy for a generation.
After 2008’s poorly-received “The Love Guru,” Myers mysteriously retreated from the spotlight. His absence was particularly puzzling given his previous box office power and beloved status among fans.
Behind the scenes, Myers gained a reputation for perfectionism that sometimes made him challenging to work with. He’s made occasional appearances since, including a cameo in “Bohemian Rhapsody” and hosting “The Gong Show” in disguise, but has never returned to his former ubiquity, focusing instead on raising his children away from Hollywood’s glare.
9. Bridget Fonda: The Hollywood Royal Who Left It All Behind
As part of the legendary Fonda acting dynasty, Bridget seemed destined for long-term stardom. Throughout the ’90s, she impressed in films like “Single White Female,” “Point of No Return,” and “Jackie Brown,” showcasing both acting chops and star power.
In 2003, after appearing in the TV movie “Snow Queen,” Fonda completely disappeared from Hollywood. No farewell tour, no gradual career slowdown – she simply walked away at the peak of her powers.
Fonda married composer Danny Elfman and dedicated herself to family life, raising their son and becoming one of Hollywood’s most complete departures from public life. Unlike many stars who announce breaks but return, Fonda has maintained her privacy for nearly two decades.
10. Karyn Parsons: The Fresh Prince’s Hilary Banks Who Stepped Away
As the spoiled but lovable Hilary Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Karyn Parsons created one of the most memorable characters in ’90s sitcom history. Her impeccable comic timing and chemistry with the cast made her a fan favorite throughout the show’s run.
After Fresh Prince ended in 1996, Parsons appeared in several films and TV shows, including “The Ladies Man” and “13 Moons.” However, by the mid-2000s, she had largely disappeared from entertainment, leaving fans wondering about her whereabouts.
Parsons found a new calling as founder of Sweet Blackberry, a production company creating animated films about unsung Black heroes in American history. She’s focused on education and raising her family rather than pursuing acting fame.
11. Andrew Shue: The Melrose Place Heartthrob Who Built a New Life
As Billy Campbell on “Melrose Place,” Andrew Shue made hearts flutter weekly throughout the ’90s. His boy-next-door charm and good looks made him one of TV’s biggest sex symbols during the show’s heyday.
Unlike many actors who jump from hit to hit, Shue largely left acting behind after Melrose Place ended. Instead, he co-founded DoSomething.org, a nonprofit encouraging young people to get involved in social change.
Shue later helped create CafeMom, a social networking site for mothers. His entrepreneurial spirit and focus on positive social impact led him away from Hollywood and into business and activism. Though he occasionally appears on TV as himself, his acting career remains firmly in the ’90s.
12. Geena Davis: The Oscar Winner Who Gradually Faded From Films
Geena Davis was everywhere in the ’90s. From “Thelma & Louise” to “A League of Their Own” and “The Long Kiss Goodnight,” her tall presence and fierce talent made her one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
After starring in the expensive flop “Cutthroat Island” and experiencing several other box office disappointments, Davis’s leading roles gradually diminished by the early 2000s. Rather than accepting smaller parts, she largely stepped away from the spotlight.
Davis channeled her energy into founding the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, researching and advocating for better female representation in entertainment. Though she’s made occasional TV appearances, she’s now more recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy work than recent acting roles.