Jamie Lee Curtis Shares Her Thoughts on Retirement from Acting
Jamie Lee Curtis on Dec. 9, 2025.
Credit: Michael Buckner/Variety/Getty
Jamie Lee Curtis Discusses Future in Hollywood at Ella McCay Premiere
At the premiere of her new film Ella McCay on December 9, 2025, Jamie Lee Curtis shared her thoughts on potentially stepping back from her Hollywood career. The actress, now 67, indicated a desire to exit the industry gracefully, saying, "The whole reason I’ve talked about self-retiring is, I’m going to leave before you don’t ask me to come anymore."
Curtis elaborated on her decision, reflecting on her previous discussions about retirement. She stated, "I am done self-retiring. But no, of course I’ll retire." She referenced a recent interview with Today‘s Willie Geist, noting with some humor that she has "probably claimed retirement four times" before.
In her reflections, Curtis mentioned the influence of her parents, iconic actors Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, who faced challenges in maintaining their careers as they aged. "They were mega, mega in their era," she recalled. "I watched both of them lose that life force because of aging and just getting older. They just didn’t have those opportunities, and it was heartbreaking."
Curtis has spoken candidly about how her parents’ struggles for work impacted her own perspective on aging in the entertainment industry. She acknowledged her family background and the unique pressures that come with it.
At the premiere, attended alongside her husband Christopher Guest, Curtis expressed her intention to leave the industry on her own terms. "I’m going to step away before you no longer go, ‘Hey, Jamie, come here,’" she explained, adding that she seeks to avoid the humiliation of being sidelined in her career.
As a recipient of both Academy and Emmy Awards, Curtis reiterated her commitment to exiting while still appreciated. "I just don’t want to have the same sad feeling of missing out on the thing that gave me my life force, which was my work," she shared.
When commenting on her recent surge in critical acclaim, Curtis stated, "There’s nothing about it that isn’t just feeling perfect. I’m so happy it’s happening now at my age." She expressed satisfaction with her current trajectory, hoping to fulfill her career aspirations while enjoying the moment.
Ella McCay is set to be released in theaters on December 12, 2025.
Jamie Lee Curtis on Dec. 9, 2025.
Credit: Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty
Jamie Lee Curtis on Dec. 9, 2025.
Credit: Matei Horvath/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty
