LOS ANGELES: Comedians who reinvented themselves after leaving the spotlight include Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy and Margaret Cho.
Chappelle left “Chappelle’s Show” at its peak despite a $50 million deal on the table. He later returned as a more independent stand-up performer.
Seinfeld ended “Seinfeld” while the sitcom remained a top-rated television show. He later returned to stand-up and created “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.”
Martin quit stand-up comedy at the height of his fame. He later built a career as a screenwriter, novelist, art collector and musician.
Murray moved away from mainstream studio comedies and became known for independent films, including projects with director Wes Anderson.
Read: 8 Actors Who Left Hollywood on Their Own Terms
Burnett shifted after “The Carol Burnett Show” ended, following 11 seasons. She moved into theatre, memoir writing and dramatic acting roles.
Lawrence slowed his public career after health scares and returned with more selective projects. Murphy spent years away from stand-up before “Dolemite Is My Name” renewed attention on his comic roots.
Barr stepped back from network television and moved into podcasting after her sitcom career collapsed.
Sinbad left the spotlight after a 2020 stroke and later became associated with public health resilience.
Macdonald built a quieter post-“Saturday Night Live” career through specials and early comedy podcasting. Shore turned to stand-up clubs, YouTube and podcasting after his 1990s movie run faded.
Cho rebuilt her career through personal stand-up, music and activism after “All-American Girl” ended after one season.
