Photography by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

9 Celebrities Who Failed at Retiring

A list of big fat liars.

Date August 17, 2017

We don’t fault celebrities for wanting to quit their jobs—if you had enough money to buy an island and charter a yacht to get there, wouldn’t you retire too?

But faux farewell tours and hoax retirement headlines have become a right of passage in Hollywood. Stars make a show of giving up the spotlight, just to return to the stage or screen years (or days) later. TBH, the whole thing comes off as gimmicky: You have to see Daniel Craig in his FINAL James Bond film! Or, pay $1000 to watch Barbra Streisand sing for the LAST TIME EVER!

Dear Hollywood: if all you need is to take some time off…call it that. But if you say you’re going to disappear forever, follow through. (Unless you’re Adele. Adele, if you’re reading this, you aren’t allowed to leave us.)

Here are nine celebs who said they were goners … and then came back. In most cases, we’re glad they did.

1/9

Un-Retired Celebs

Daniel Craig

When asked if he’d consider returning to James Bond after 2015’s Spectre, Craig told The Guardian, “I’d rather slash my wrists.” After that comment, the world assumed the actor had ended his term in the superspy role for good – and we all started speculating who the next Bond would be. But… SURPRISE! It’s recently been announced that Craig is signed on for another film with the franchise. Daniel Craig’s 007-era will die another day.

2/9

Un-Retired Celebs

Cher

In 2005, Cher wrapped up her three year Living Proof: The Farewell Tour—which, of course, she claimed would be her final concert tour. Three years later she began a very successful three-year residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. She went on tour again in 2014 with her Dressed to Kill Tour, and is now back in Las Vegas performing at Park Theatre. Don’t sweat it if you haven’t seen her yet—Cher doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.

3/9

Un-Retired Celebs

Steven Soderbergh

Soderbergh—the director of Magic Mike and the Ocean’s Eleven series—has a new blockbuster coming out August 18, titled Logan Lucky. Which would be cool if in 2013 he didn’t tellThe Guardian he was retiring because “movies [just don’t] matter as much any more, culturally.”

4/9

Un-Retired Celebs

JAY Z

Once upon a time Jay Z declared that 2003’s “The Black Album” would be his last. Since making the empty promise, Jay has released five platinum selling records. But hey, at least he’s is real about his failure. When he came back, the rapper told Entertainment Weekly his “was the worst retirement in history.”

5/9

Un-Retired Celebs

Emma Watson

After the final Harry Potter film wrapped, Watson claimed that she would move away from acting to pursue her academic career at Brown University. In 2009, she told Teen Vogue that she didn’t have a passion for performing, and said boldly: “I don’t want to act again.” That didn’t last long. In 2016, Watson was number 6 on Forbes’ list of top paid actresses for her iconic role as Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

6/9

Un-Retired Celebs

Ozzy Osbourne

In 1992, Osbourne embarked on his farewell tour, the No More Tours Tour. Three years later, Ozzy returned to the stage with his Retirement Sucks Tour. He continued performing, recording music, and in 2002 launched his own TV show — then in 2011 the Black Sabbath singer turned solo artist returned to his bandmates for a reunion album and tour.

7/9

Un-Retired Celebs

Shia LeBouf

LaBeouf announced he was done with acting in early 2014 — but (surprise!) the former Even Stevens star didn’t follow through. His “retirement” lasted about three weeks. Since coming back, LaBeouf has acted alongside Brad Pitt in Fury, and starred in his own feature films American Honey and Man Down.

8/9

Un-Retired Celebs

Barbra Streisand

In 2000, the now 75-year-old singer went on the most expensive farewell tour in history, with attendees paying over $1000 to see Streisand sing for the “last time.” Then in 2006, she came back—and fans who attended the original “farewell” concerts were so upset they threatened to sue.

9/9

Un-Retired Celebs

Joaquin Phoenix

For a while, everyone thought Phoenix had quit acting to pursue a career as a musician. “I’m not doing films anymore,” the two time Oscar nominee told Extra in 2008, “I’m working on my music. I’m done. I’ve been through that.” Apparently, the whole thing was a hoax, and was meant to prepare the world for his 2010 mockumentary, I’m Still Here. Since coming back from the “fake” retirement, Phoenix has had acclaimed performances in Her, The Masters, and Inherent Vice.