Hollywood’s allure is as much about the glitz and glamour as it is about the ephemeral nature of fame. Some stars, despite once commanding box offices and dominating magazine covers, gradually fade from public consciousness.
1. Brendan Fraser
In the late 90s and early 2000s, Brendan Fraser was a cinema heartthrob, snagging lead roles in blockbuster hits like ‘The Mummy’ series, ‘George of the Jungle’, and ‘Bedazzled’. Fraser’s blend of brawny charm and comedic timing made him a captivating on-screen presence. However, a combination of professional setbacks, personal struggles, and a series of physical injuries led to his retreat from the spotlight. There was a shift in cinematic tastes as well, and Fraser’s style of popcorn adventure films saw a decline in popularity.
2. Meg Ryan
The queen of romantic comedies in the 90s, Meg Ryan’s infectious smile and girl-next-door appeal won many hearts. Her performances in ‘When Harry Met Sally’, ‘Sleepless in Seattle’, and ‘You’ve Got Mail’ are considered classics in the genre. However, after reaching immense heights, Ryan opted for more low-key roles and independent films which didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences. Moreover, intense media scrutiny over her personal life and the pressures of Hollywood’s ageism led her to step back, forging a quieter path in recent years.
3. Mike Myers
Mike Myers was the epitome of 90s and early 2000s comedy, creating iconic characters like Wayne in ‘Wayne’s World’, Austin Powers, and the voice of Shrek. However, after the less favorable reception of ‘The Love Guru’ in 2008 and the saturation of his character personas, Myers took a step back from acting. He occasionally appeared in smaller roles or as a unique character but hasn’t anchored a major film project in years. His pivot to more behind-the-scenes work in production and documentary filmmaking marked a stark shift from his former comedic limelight.
4. Jessica Alba
Earmarked for superstardom in the early 2000s, Jessica Alba became an instant sensation with her kick-ass role in ‘Dark Angel’ and movies like ‘Honey’ and ‘Fantastic Four’. Despite her on-screen charisma and a strong fan following, she struggled to find roles that allowed her to evolve beyond the ‘sex symbol’ stereotype. Alba astutely shifted gears and leveraged her fame to co-found The Honest Company in 2011, turning into a highly successful entrepreneur. This business venture moved her away from the constant scrutiny of the silver screen into the boardrooms of corporate America.
5. Taylor Lautner
Taylor Lautner shot to fame as Jacob Black in the ‘Twilight’ saga, where his chiseled abs and brooding persona left a memorable mark on the franchise’s fanbase. But post-Twilight, the actor found it challenging to replicate his success. Efforts to break into action and comedy met with lukewarm responses, and roles that showcased the same physical bravado as ‘Twilight’ lacked depth and variety. Lautner’s retreat from Hollywood’s frontline was gradual, and while he hasn’t recaptured the blockbuster success of his earlier days, he still holds a place in the collective memory of ‘Twilight’ fans maintaining a low-key acting career.
If you want to know what happened to some other celebrity as well, you can find out on The VIP Roll – where the stars of yesterday find their stories told today.
Conclusion
Fame in Hollywood is as capricious as it is coveted, and the stories featured by The VIP Roll epitomize this stark reality. While these actors might not be the talk of Tinseltown as they once were, their past works continue to be celebrated, and their legacies remain part of the fabric of Hollywood’s rich history.
