Celebrities are no strangers to making retirement plans and turning their back on them. Whether driven by an enduring passion for their craft, the introduction of fresh opportunities, or an overwhelming demand from fans, a lot of stars have found their way back to the spotlight after stepping away. Even if it is an iconic actor, a musician, or a world-class athlete, all these returns often redefine their legacies and capture the public’s imagination.
1) Cameron Diaz
In 2014, after starring in the film Annie, Cameron Diaz stepped away from acting to focus on her personal life and family. She confirmed her retirement in a 2018 interview where she expressed contentment with her decision. But in June 2022, Jamie Foxx announced via Twitter that Diaz would return to the screen in the Netflix action-comedy Back in Action which would reunite the duo after their previous collaborations. The film is scheduled for release on January 17, 2025.
2) Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra declared his retirement from show business on March 22, 1971, during a concert in Los Angeles. At the time, he cited fatigue and a desire to step away from the limelight. But by 1973, he had a change of heart. Sinatra staged a triumphant return with the release of his album Ol’ Blue Eyes Is Back. Alongside this, he starred in a widely acclaimed television special of the same name, marking his reentry into the entertainment world. The album and special were well-received, proving Sinatra’s enduring appeal as a music and cultural icon.
3) Elton John
Elton John shocked fans in 1977 by announcing his retirement from live performances during a concert at Wembley Stadium. He claimed he needed a break from the relentless pace of touring and performing. However, by 1979, John resumed performing a series of concerts in the Soviet Union and became one of the first Western artists to play there. His decision to return to the stage revitalized his career which led to decades of sold-out tours and chart-topping albums.
4) Cher
In 2002, Cher launched her Living Proof: The Farewell Tour and announced it as her final world tour. During the extensive tour, she repeatedly mentioned that it would be her last and cited her age and desire to step away from performing. The tour ended in 2005, but retirement didn’t last long. In 2008, Cher returned to the stage with a glitzy residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, titled Cher at the Colosseum. The residency happened to be a massive success.
5) Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman officially announced his retirement from acting in 2004 where he cited a desire to enjoy a quieter life and focus on writing. In 2008, he reaffirmed his retirement during an interview with Reuters, where he dismissed any possibility of returning to film. But in 2016, Hackman briefly stepped into the spotlight again to narrate the documentary The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima. While it wasn’t a full-fledged acting return, the voice role allowed fans to experience his talent once more.
6) Daniel Day-Lewis
In June 2017, Daniel Day-Lewis announced his retirement from acting through a statement released by his spokeswoman, citing personal reasons without further elaboration. His final film before retirement was Phantom Thread, released later that year. However, in October 2024, it was reported that Day-Lewis would return to the screen in Anemone, a film directed and co-written by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis.
7) Adriana Lima
Adriana Lima is a prominent Brazilian supermodel who announced her retirement from the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2018 while expressing gratitude to the brand and her fans on Instagram. After a six-year hiatus, she made a stunning return to the Victoria's Secret runway in October 2024, at the age of 43. Her comeback was celebrated by fans and marked a huge moment in the fashion industry.
8) Lindsey Vonn
Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn retired in February 2019 due to persistent injuries where she announced her decision on Instagram and expressed pride in her career achievements. Following successful knee surgery in April 2024, Vonn announced her return to competitive skiing in November 2024 where she aims to participate in the upcoming World Cup circuit and potentially the 2026 Winter Olympics.
9) Gareth Barry
Former Premier League footballer Gareth Barry retired in 2020 after a distinguished career, holding the record for the most Premier League appearances. In July 2024, at the age of 43, Barry came out of retirement to join the non-league side Hurstpierpoint which was motivated by his connection to the village and a desire to contribute to the local team.
10) Marvin Sordell
Marvin Sordell is a former Premier League striker who retired in 2019 at the age of 28 where he cited mental health struggles and the impact of racist abuse. In September 2024, he returned to football by signing with Kettering Town, a non-league club, and he aims to enjoy the game again and inspire others facing similar challenges. His comeback has been viewed as a positive step towards addressing mental health issues in sports.
11) Barbra Streisand
In 2000, Barbra Streisand announced her retirement from live performances, expressing a desire to focus on her personal life and citing stage fright as a contributing factor. She embarked on a "Farewell Tour," with her final show at Madison Square Garden in September 2000. But in 2006, Streisand returned to the stage with a North American tour, and in 2016, she launched the Barbra: The Music... The Mem'ries... The Magic! tour, performing across the U.S. and Europe.
12) Garth Brooks
Country music star Garth Brooks announced his retirement in 2000 to focus on raising his three daughters and he stated that family was his priority. He stepped away from recording and performing, fulfilling only occasional obligations. In October 2009, Brooks ended his retirement and announced a five-year concert deal with the Encore Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas that marked his return to the stage.
13) Phil Collins
In 2011, Phil Collins announced his retirement from music, citing health issues, including nerve damage and hearing loss, as well as a desire to focus on his family. He clarified that his decision was not due to disinterest in music but personal well-being. In 2015, Collins announced he was coming out of retirement, and in 2017, he launched the "Not Dead Yet Tour," named after his autobiography, marking his return to performing despite ongoing health challenges.
14) Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne, the "Prince of Darkness," announced his retirement in 1992 during the "No More Tours" tour, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. However, he returned to music in 1995 with the "Retirement Sucks Tour" and continued to release albums and perform. Osbourne has since announced multiple retirements and comebacks, with health issues occasionally prompting breaks, but his passion for music has consistently drawn him back to the stage.
15) Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. first retired in 2007 after defeating Ricky Hatton, aiming to focus on his promotional company. He returned in 2009 to fight Juan Manuel Márquez. Mayweather retired again in 2015 after defeating Andre Berto, achieving a 49–0 record. In 2017, he came out of retirement to fight UFC star Conor McGregor in a highly publicized match, securing his 50th win. Mayweather's comebacks have been motivated by lucrative opportunities and his desire to solidify his legacy in boxing.
16) David Letterman
In April 2014, David Letterman announced his retirement from The Late Show during a taping, expressing gratitude to his staff and audience. His final episode aired on May 20, 2015, concluding over three decades in late-night television. However, in January 2018, Letterman returned with the Netflix series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, featuring in-depth interviews with prominent figures, marking his reentry into the public eye.
17) Joaquin Phoenix
In 2008, Joaquin Phoenix announced his retirement from acting to pursue a rap career, making the revelation at a charity event. His unexpected decision was later revealed to be part of the mockumentary I'm Still Here, directed by Casey Affleck. Phoenix returned to acting with the 2012 film The Master, earning critical acclaim and reestablishing his presence in the film industry.
18) Sean Connery
In 2006, Sean Connery announced his retirement from acting, citing dissatisfaction with the state of the film industry. He publicly criticized Hollywood, stating he was fed up with "idiots now making films." Connery’s decision came after his experience working on the film The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, which he reportedly found frustrating. Despite stepping away, Connery briefly returned in 2012 to voice the title character in the animated film Sir Billi, which was a project he also executive produced.
19) Mike Tyson
In 2005, Mike Tyson announced his retirement from professional boxing after a loss to Kevin McBride. He stated, "I don't have the guts to be in this sport anymore." Tyson remained largely out of the ring until 2020 when he faced Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition match. In March 2024, it was announced that Tyson would return to face Jake Paul in a sanctioned bout on November 15, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Despite his age and health challenges, Tyson accepted the fight, which he lost by unanimous decision.
20) Jay-Z
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In 2003, Jay-Z announced his retirement from music, presenting The Black Album as his final project. He marked this decision with a "retirement party" concert at Madison Square Garden on November 25, 2003, which was later featured in the documentary Fade to Black. Despite stepping away, Jay-Z remained active in the industry, notably collaborating with Linkin Park on the 2004 EP Collision Course. In 2006, he officially ended his retirement with the release of Kingdom Come, his ninth studio album.
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