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‘Oppenheimer’ actor David Krumholtz taking “an indefinite break” from acting because “the profession has lost its gleam”
He described himself as “Frustrated, fed up, fried” on social media
Oppenheimer actor David Krumholtz announced that he was stepping away from acting in a series of social media posts.
- READ MORE: ‘Oppenheimer’ review: like a bomb going off in your brain
Starting out as a child, the actor has enjoyed a long career in the industry. Among his best known roles are Bernard the elf in The Santa Clause franchise, the lead in the TV series Numb3rs, and Michael Eckman in 1999 high school movie 10 Things I Hate About You. In recent years he worked with Christopher Nolan on Oppenheimer, and played Zor-El in this year’s DC blockbuster Supergirl.
Now, after appearing in TV and film since 1992, the actor has decided to go on hiatus. “I kinda sorta put my acting career on hold the other day. It’s been something I’ve been petrified to do for years,” he posted on Threads yesterday (August 18). “Specifically, the fear was that I’d go broke and not be able to handle being out of the game. But I sent the definitive email.”
He continued, “And gotta say, a huge wave of relief washed over me. Not sure what I’m going to do for money instead, or how I’m going to do it, but I just removed a humongous burden, one that I truly didn’t fathom the weight of until it was gone. Frustrated, fed up, fried.”
His announcement drew a wave of positive responses, to which he replied: “The love and encouragement re: my last post is overwhelmingly surprising. Acting professionally is a very different concept than the exercise of acting itself. I’ve enjoyed every single minute of exercising the muscle. I’ve enjoyed the fanfare. There was a time when being competitive and self-involved really served my pursuit. That time has passed. Much to MY overwhelming surprise. There will always be great joy in the exercise. But for me, the profession has lost its gleam.”
He later clarified that he wasn’t leaving acting entirely, replying to one comment: “Not quitting entirely. Just taking a bit of a step back and an indefinite break. The stress of the moment has me wondering if there’s a higher calling to pursue.”
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The original posts have since been deleted but were reported by Deadline among others.
Many notable actors have stepped away from the profession over the years, citing pressure or a loss of passion for their work. Daniel Day-Lewis stepped away after 2017’s Phantom Thread, only to return last year with drama Anemone, directed by his son. He discussed the decision while promoting his new film, saying he felt “hollowed out”.
Cameron Diaz also stepped away from the big screen, taking an 11-year hiatus between 2014’s Annie and 2025 Netflix film Back In Action to focus on family. Lena Dunham also shared last year that she limits acting appearances due to media scrutiny of her body.
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Oppenheimer actor David Krumholtz announced that he was stepping away from acting in a series of social media posts.
- READ MORE: ‘Oppenheimer’ review: like a bomb going off in your brain
Starting out as a child, the actor has enjoyed a long career in the industry. Among his best known roles are Bernard the elf in The Santa Clause franchise, the lead in the TV series Numb3rs, and Michael Eckman in 1999 high school movie 10 Things I Hate About You. In recent years he worked with Christopher Nolan on Oppenheimer, and played Zor-El in this year’s DC blockbuster Supergirl.
Now, after appearing in TV and film since 1992, the actor has decided to go on hiatus. “I kinda sorta put my acting career on hold the other day. It’s been something I’ve been petrified to do for years,” he posted on Threads yesterday (August 18). “Specifically, the fear was that I’d go broke and not be able to handle being out of the game. But I sent the definitive email.”
He continued, “And gotta say, a huge wave of relief washed over me. Not sure what I’m going to do for money instead, or how I’m going to do it, but I just removed a humongous burden, one that I truly didn’t fathom the weight of until it was gone. Frustrated, fed up, fried.”
His announcement drew a wave of positive responses, to which he replied: “The love and encouragement re: my last post is overwhelmingly surprising. Acting professionally is a very different concept than the exercise of acting itself. I’ve enjoyed every single minute of exercising the muscle. I’ve enjoyed the fanfare. There was a time when being competitive and self-involved really served my pursuit. That time has passed. Much to MY overwhelming surprise. There will always be great joy in the exercise. But for me, the profession has lost its gleam.”
He later clarified that he wasn’t leaving acting entirely, replying to one comment: “Not quitting entirely. Just taking a bit of a step back and an indefinite break. The stress of the moment has me wondering if there’s a higher calling to pursue.”
Recommended
The original posts have since been deleted but were reported by Deadline among others.
Many notable actors have stepped away from the profession over the years, citing pressure or a loss of passion for their work. Daniel Day-Lewis stepped away after 2017’s Phantom Thread, only to return last year with drama Anemone, directed by his son. He discussed the decision while promoting his new film, saying he felt “hollowed out”.
Cameron Diaz also stepped away from the big screen, taking an 11-year hiatus between 2014’s Annie and 2025 Netflix film Back In Action to focus on family. Lena Dunham also shared last year that she limits acting appearances due to media scrutiny of her body.
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