Celebrities who quit acting Celebrities who quit acting. Sure, we’ve all had a bad day at work and wanted to throw in the towel, but how do you “quit” being a celebrity? Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman is the latest superstar to publicly hint at quitting the business. Here are some actors who tried to leave the business. Did any of them succeed? Ryan Phillippe Just as his latest movie hits theaters, the young actor announced he was leaving the business. Here’s what he said. A rep is already denying the report. Amanda Bynes The former Nickelodeon teen queen appeared in a modest Colin Firth hit and this cult fave before announcing that she was retiring in June 2010. She had a change of heart one month later. Joaquin Phoenix In 2008, the Oscar-nominated actor said “I’m done” with acting. What followed was a bizarre interview with David Letterman in 2009, followed by him un-retiring in 2010. Evangeline Lilly In 2009, the actress revealed plans to quit acting afte...