Phoebe Cates made jaws drop… for both men and women alike. She starred in 1982’s “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” She continued to appear in several movies throughout the ’80s and early ’90s. However, following a time period during which she was completely absorbed in her film career, she disappeared.
It seemed that she retired from her career as an actress in 1994 to focus on her marriage to Kevin Kline and their two children. Since her retirement, she has acted in only one movie, “The Anniversary Party,” as a favor to Jennifer Jason Leigh, who was the film’s director.
Nikki Blonsky
It appeared like Nikki Blonsky was going to be the next big star after playing the role of Tracy Turnblad in 2007's movie adaptation of "Hairspray." Although she starred alongside an impressive list of actors like John Travolta, Queen Latifah, and Zac Efron, her career path took a big turn after the movie... for the worse.
In 2011, she earned a cosmetology license and started working part-time as a makeup artist and hairstylist. How could somebody who was poised to be the next big thing experience such a turn of events?
Leelee Sobieski
It seemed like Sobieski could have had a promising career based on her performance in the blockbuster asteroid drama "Deep Impact" in 1998. The film brought her to the attention of many casting directors. Unfortunately, the movie didn't seem to have a deep impact on her career and the actress pretty much vanished afterward.
In 2012, Sobieski confirmed, "I don't do movie stuff anymore". Commenting on the reasons for her early retirement to Us Weekly, Sobieski said, "I am just focused on my kids. I think that's mainly why I stopped...Also, ninety percent of acting roles involve so much sexual stuff with other people, and I don't want to do that.
Kelly McGillis
McGillis became a major star after appearing in Top Gun. However, her negative experience in the 1989 "Cat Chaser" discouraged her from wanting to pursue her acting career any further.
She continued to star in some films and TV shows here and there until she settled on being a theatrical actor and character TV actress. She has since come out as a lesbian in 2009.
Kel Mitchell
Kel Mitchell had a lot of fans back when he starred as a regular on Nickelodeon's "All That" and "Kenan and Kel." It seemed like his decline began when he lost out to his former costar Kenan Thompson for a spot on "SNL" in 2003.
Now that Kenan has become the show's longest-standing cast member, the two have virtually stopped speaking, besides an appearance together on "The Tonight Show." Nowadays, Mitchell appears in kids' shows and smaller roles.