Why did Rick Moranis leave Hollywood?

Rick Moranis left Hollywood in the late 1990s to focus on raising his children as a single parent after his wife's death.

Is Rick Moranis returning to acting?

Yes, Rick Moranis is returning to acting after a 30-year break, with new projects including a Spaceballs sequel.

What was Rick Moranis's last major role?

Rick Moranis's last major onscreen role was in the 1990s, though he did some voice work later, most recently in 2020.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Moranis's 30-Year Acting Hiatus Ends for New Roles

Moranis's 30-Year Acting Hiatus Ends for New Roles

8 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Rick Moranis stepped away from acting in the late 1990s to raise his children.
He is returning to acting after a 30-year absence from the screen.
Moranis will reprise his role as Dark Helmet in a Spaceballs sequel.

Moranis's 30-Year Acting Hiatus Ends for New Roles

Rick Moranis, a prominent comedic actor from the 1980s, made the decision to retreat from Hollywood in the late 1990s. Following the tragic loss of his wife to cancer in 1991, he chose to focus entirely on raising their two children as a single father, finding the demands of filmmaking incompatible with his parental responsibilities.

After a nearly 30-year absence from major on-screen roles, Moranis is now making a highly anticipated return to acting. While he had previously expressed disinterest in reprising old roles, a recent shift in perspective has led him to new projects. His comeback includes a role in a new Honey, I Shrunk the Kids movie and a confirmed appearance.

The actor's return to the screen is marked by his decision to reprise his beloved character, Dark Helmet, in a sequel to the 1987 sci-fi comedy Spaceballs, which is currently in production. This marks the end of his extensive break from acting, exciting fans who have missed his unique comedic talent.