UPDATE — 8/19/26, 2:05 p.m. ET: David Krumholtz is clarifying his temporary break from acting.
“Firstly, I am very well. And I feel very loved. Secondly, I never used the word ‘retiring’ or ‘quitting.’ Instead, I said that I decided to put my career on hold,” Krumholtz wrote via Instagram to set the record straight on Wednesday, August 19. “I don’t expect anyone to understand, but the outpouring of support for my decision has been deeply heartwarming. I am wildly grateful, as more than one of my biggest dreams have come true as a result of being an actor. Grateful to all who support and believe in me.”
At the same time, the Supergirl star acknowledged having a “mountain of disappointments” alongside his successes.
“My mental health is vital to my family. My career has run the gamut. I’m in disbelief. But I find myself at a crossroads between the inherent self involvement being a professional actor requires, and a burning desire to give more of myself to others in need, in whatever way I can,” he continued. “And so, for the time being, I’m pursuing that goal. There’s still more work to come. Stuff to be seen. And as always, I really hope you enjoy what I’ve put out there. Just,… gimme a sec ❤️.”
Original story below:
Oppenheimer and Supergirl actor David Krumholtz announced he’s taking an “indefinite break” from acting, saying he is “fed up.”
“I kinda sorta put my acting career on hold the other day. It’s been something I’ve been petrified to do for years,” Krumholtz, 48, shared in a now-deleted Threads post on Tuesday, 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 wrote, per Deadline, Just Jared and other outlets.
Krumholtz 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.”
In response to a follower who asked if he was retiring from acting, he responded, “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. Thanks for the very kind thought. Means the world,” he added.
Krumholtz shared another post, reacting to the support he received from the acting community.
“The love and encouragement re: my last post is overwhelmingly surprising. Acting professionally is a very different concept than the exercise of acting itself,” he wrote. “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.”
Most people have thought about giving up their jobs at one time or another — including some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. During a 2019 interview with Australian Men’s Health, Chris Hemsworth admitted that he considered leaving acting behind after his role in 2009’s Star Trek sparked fewer opportunities than he’d hoped. Thank You! You have […]
The Mindy Project’s Garret Dillahunt commented on Krumholtz’s post, “This is sad news for me. But I am happy for you. I understand completely.”
“Garret, man. Means the world. Ain’t over, rather, redefining my terms. Hoping to find a new, more rewarding passion,” Krumholtz responded. “Me, my product, and I mentality is not working anymore. I want to try to be of service. No crystal ball.”
Krumholtz played physicist Isidor Rabi in Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning Oppenheimer in 2023. He most recently played Zor-El in DC Studios’ Supergirl, starring opposite Milly Alcock. His other credits include Disney’s The Santa Clause franchise, 10 Things I Hate About You and a role in Apple TV’s hit show The Studio.
