10 Incredible Comeback Performances by Actors Returning from Retirement

Actors often step away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood for various personal reasons. Nonetheless, some find that an irresistible role can rekindle their passion and draw them back into the spotlight. Such comebacks not only excite audiences but also give fans long-awaited glimpses of their beloved stars returning to the big screen.

10 Joe Pesci as Russell Bufalino

The Irishman (2019)

Joe Pesci enjoyed a prolific career in the 1980s and 1990s, gracing screens with memorable roles in films ranging from family classics like Home Alone to critically acclaimed dramas such as Raging Bull and Casino. He garnered an Academy Award for his performance in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas. However, at the close of the 1990s, Pesci announced his retirement from acting to pursue a career in music.

Yet, his exceptional return in the world of cinema was highlighted by his role in Martin Scorsese’s 2019 film, The Irishman. This film, inspired by real events, narrates the life of a truck driver-turned-hitman entwined with a crime family, culminating in connections with the infamous union leader, Jimmy Hoffa.

Pesci’s collaboration with Scorsese and Robert De Niro, who were also key figures in the film, marked an impressive reunion. Portraying the commanding Russell Bufalino, Pesci’s performance received widespread acclaim, earning him another Academy Award nomination. His formidable presence contributed to The Irishman being recognized as one of the year’s finest films.

9 Shelley Duvall as Mama

The Forest Hills (2023)

Beginning her career in the early 1970s, Shelley Duvall showcased her talent across multiple genres. Although she received several accolades, including a Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival, Duvall’s fame peaked with her iconic roles in 1980’s The Shining and Popeye.

After retiring in 2002 for personal reasons, she remained out of the spotlight for twenty years until her remarkable return as Mama in The Forest Hills.

This unsettling film delves into the psyche of a hiker plagued by disturbing visions following a head injury, with many visions involving his mother, played by Duvall. Despite mixed reviews for the film, audiences celebrated Duvall’s return to the horror genre after a long hiatus. Unfortunately, The Forest Hills would tragically mark her final film performance before her passing later that year.

8 Ke Huy Quan as Waymond Wang

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

Ke Huy Quan in Everything Everywhere All At Once

Once a child star in the ’80s, Ke Huy Quan captivated audiences with performances in classics like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies. After years out of the limelight, Quan transitioned into behind-the-scenes roles. His perseverance paid off when he made a stellar comeback in the 2022 A24 hit, Everything Everywhere All at Once, where he portrayed the charming Waymond, the protagonist’s supportive husband.

In his role, Quan showcased his range by adopting various identities of Waymond from alternate universes, each representing diverse traits and challenges. The complexity of his character was further heightened as he underwent kung-fu training for the action scenes. Quan’s outstanding performance not only earned him the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor but also propelled the film towards its Best Picture recognition.

7 Brendan Fraser as Charlie

The Whale (2022)

Brendan Fraser looking worried in The Whale

Brendan Fraser’s acting journey has seen ups and downs, with a notable decline in the 2000s following his rise to stardom with films like George of the Jungle and The Mummy. After shifting primarily to television, Fraser finally made a remarkable return to the cinematic world in the 2020s with the poignant A24 film The Whale.

In the film, Fraser plays Charlie, an English teacher grappling with obesity while striving to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter. Although opinions on the film’s narrative were mixed, Fraser’s performance received universal acclaim. He ultimately won the Academy Award for Best Actor, reinvigorating his career and opening doors to upcoming projects, including a role in Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon.

6 Daniel Day-Lewis as Bill the Butcher

Gangs of New York (2002)

Regarded as one of cinema’s greatest actors, Daniel Day-Lewis made a surprise return to the screen after a hiatus where he focused on shoemaking. His re-entry into acting was marked by his captivating performance in Gangs of New York, directed by Martin Scorsese. The film uncovers the violent turf wars in 1860s New York City.

In this historical drama, Day-Lewis embodied William Cutting, or Bill the Butcher, a notorious gang leader. His portrayal garnered immense praise and earned him a third Academy Award nomination. Following the film’s success, Day-Lewis continued to act, winning two more Oscars before stepping away from the industry once more.

5 Jane Fonda as Viola Fields

Monster-In-Law (2005)

Throughout her career in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, Jane Fonda earned acclaim across genres, racking up numerous awards, including two Oscars. After her 1990 film, Stanley & Iris, Fonda took a lengthy break from acting, finally returning in 2005 with the romantic comedy Monster-in-Law.

In this light-hearted film, she plays Viola Fields, a mother-in-law determined to sabotage her son’s wedding, employing every trick in the book to intimidate her son’s fiancée. While the film underperformed, Fonda’s portrayal stood out, showcasing her undeniable talent. She continued to work in various mediums in the years following, re-establishing her presence in film and television.

4 Emma Watson as Sam Button

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Emma Watson in The Perks of Being a Wallflower

English actress Emma Watson catapulted to fame with her performance as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series. After the conclusion of this iconic franchise, Watson expressed her intention to take a break from acting, a decision that quickly changed. She made her return in the heartfelt coming-of-age drama, The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

In this film, she portrays Sam, a compassionate student who befriends Charlie, the high school protagonist facing his own challenges. Watson’s ability to embody a character so different from her previous role won her accolades from both critics and audiences alike, highlighting her remarkable versatility as an actress.

3 James Cagney as Commissioner Rhinelander Waldo

Ragtime (1981)

Few names are as synonymous with classic Hollywood as James Cagney. With a career spanning several decades since 1930, Cagney became known for his dynamic performances before deciding to step away in 1961, remaining out of the spotlight for twenty years. However, he made a triumphant return in 1981 with a role in Ragtime, a historical drama that weaves together fact and fiction to narrate a sweeping tale of America’s past.

Cagney starred as Police Commissioner Rhinelander Waldo. Despite being part of an ensemble cast, he left a lasting impression, showcasing his commanding presence and charisma even after two decades away from the screen. Ragtime marked Cagney’s swan song, as he passed away in 1986, concluding a remarkable career that spanned fifty years.

2 Phoebe Cates as Sophia Gold

The Anniversary Party (2001)

Phoebe Cates smiling in The Anniversary Party

Phoebe Cates gained fame in the 1980s with her standout roles in comedies such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins. After welcoming her second child in 1994, Cates chose to retire from acting. However, she made a delightful return seven years later, teaming up with her husband Kevin Kline in The Anniversary Party.

This 2001 comedy-drama centers on a couple hosting a tense sixth-anniversary celebration with friends, where Cates plays Sophia Gold. Displaying her natural chemistry with Kline and the cast, Cates showcased her enduring talent, emphasizing that her time away had not diminished her skills. Following the film’s release, Cates quietly returned to retirement.

1 Clint Eastwood as Gus Lobel

Trouble With The Curve (2012)

Clint Eastwood in Trouble With The Curve

Clint Eastwood, a Hollywood legend with a career spanning seventy years, has made his mark as both an actor and a director. With numerous awards under his belt, Eastwood shifted focus primarily to directing in the 2000s, suggesting that his acting days were behind him. However, he made a welcomed return in 2012 with the film Trouble with the Curve.

While the film experienced a mediocre box office performance, it marked Eastwood’s return to the screen. He portrayed Gus Lobel, an aging baseball scout accompanied by his daughter searching for new talent for the Atlanta Braves. Critically acclaimed for his performance, Eastwood’s chemistry with co-star Amy Adams stood out, reaffirming his enduring appeal in Hollywood. Even after Trouble with the Curve, Eastwood has continued to grace the screen in various roles, maintaining his stature as an iconic figure in the industry.

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