Stars who quit at their peak
In the middle of a massive tour in 2015, Zayn Malik quit the band One Direction. He could learn a thing or two from other stars who have dropped out of high-stakes pop culture phenomena while the going was still good.
Geri Halliwell
Geri “Ginger Spice” Halliwell suddenly left the mega-group the Spice Girls at the height of its popularity in 1998. She cited depression as the main reason. She announced this year that she’s back in the studio, working on new material.
Agatha Christie
Mystery buffs know Agatha Christie as the creator of some of the most iconic characters in mystery fiction. But did you know that the British author voluntarily disappeared for 11 days in 1926, spurring a 1,000-cop manhunt? Christie was eventually found at Yorkshire hotel under an assumed name.
Larry Sanders
In February 2015, basketballer Larry Sanders of the Milwaukee Bucks announced he was leaving a hard-won spot with the NBA to seek treatment for depression, anxiety and mood disorders.
Cote de Pablo
Cote de Pablo’s departure from "NCIS" wasn’t sudden — she stayed on long enough to finish out her storyline — but her decision to leave a wildly popular TV series without explanation left many fans scratching their heads.
Howard Hughes
Howard Hughes was famous for many things — his glamorous girlfriends, his aircraft industry tycoonery and his amazing wealth. But one of America’s most visible figures of the mid-20th century became a recluse later in life, vanishing from public view.
Mandy Patinkin
There were early signs that Mandy Patinkin wanted out of the hit TV series "Criminal Minds" in 2007. But his absence from a third-season table reading was kinda the way that people found out he was leaving the show. He now co-stars on "Homeland."
Dave Chappelle
Just when the third season of his wildly popular show was slated to air, comedian Dave Chappelle shocked fans by simply walking away and heading to South Africa. He’s since built a reputation for surprise stand-up appearances.
Greta Garbo
“She just gave up, she didn’t want to go on.” That’s how director George Cukor characterized the decidedly early retirement of screen icon Greta Garbo in 1949.
Joaquin Phoenix
Around 2008, actor Joaquin Phoenix "quit" a lucrative acting career in what he swore was a sincere attempt at rap stardom. It was a hoax, of course, later exposed via the promotion for the mockumentary, “I’m Still Here.” Phoenix later returned to acting in films such as “Inherent Vice.”
Rosie O'Donnell
Comedian Rosie O’Donnell walked away from a co-host position on the “The View” in February 2015. She later explained, “[My health] got a little bit worse right before the holidays — [my doctor] was kind of concerned.”
David Caruso
Imagine leaving your breakout TV show only four episodes into its second season. That's what "NYPD Blue" star David Caruso did in 1994, reportedly because he didn't get the raise he wanted. Caruso's career had its ups and downs before he finally landed on "CSI: Miami," where he starred for a decade.
Barry Sanders
Top athletes aren’t known for quitting at the height of their prowess, but football star Barry Sanders did just that in 1999. His retirement came just when he was within sight of breaking a record for rushing.