After rising to fame in the early 2000s with blockbuster hits like Pearl Harbor and Black Hawk Down, Josh Hartnett seemingly vanished from the spotlight. The actor, now 45, has spoken candidly about his decision to step back from the limelight, revealing the pressures of stardom and the importance of prioritizing personal life took a toll on him.

In an interview with The Guardian in 2020, Hartnett explained that he felt like he was losing himself in the process of becoming a Hollywood star. ‘I think when you’re young and you’re doing well, people are gonna tell you what to do, and you’ll start to lose your sense of self,’ he said.

The actor also spoke about the intense scrutiny that comes with fame, which took a significant toll on his mental health. ‘It’s like, you’re not even allowed to have a bad day, you know? You can’t just go out and get a coffee or something without it being a big deal,’ he recalled.

Hartnett revealed that he started to feel like he was living in a fishbowl, with every move he made being watched and judged by the public. This pressure eventually became too much for him, leading him to step back from the spotlight.

In recent years, Hartnett has focused on his personal life, including starting a family with his wife, Tamsin Edwards. The couple shares two daughters together.

Though he’s no longer a household name, Hartnett seems content with his decision to step away from Hollywood fame. ‘I’m really happy where I am now,’ he said in the interview. ‘I don’t feel like I’ve lost anything. I feel like I’ve gained something.’

The actor’s journey serves as a reminder that even those who achieve great success can still struggle with the pressures of fame and the importance of prioritizing personal life.