How quitting became cool in Hollywood

So far, Brad Pitt's been the only one to actually stick his neck out and put a number on it, declaring "three years", when quizzed about the length of time he would remain in front of the camera for. Shrugging, "Hell if I know," when pressed about his post-acting plans, the 47-year-old, father-of-six then admitted that, alright, maybe he won't quit showbiz altogether, and that he's "really enjoying the producing side and development of stories and putting those pieces together."

And Brad's sentiments mirror those of his long-time partner, Angelina Jolie, who has also insisted that she'll step out of showbiz in the near future, saying, "…I don't think I'll do it much longer, because I have a happy home."

But Brad and Ange aren't the only ones publicly declaring that they could happily walk away from the trappings and perks of fame - bearing in mind they're worth around Dh900 million, enough for any family of eight to live happily ever after on.

"Brad suggests that the producing is more rewarding than the acting, and I don't doubt that he believes it. But there's also vanity, no? After a certain point, I don't know that Brad Pitt can handle seeing Brad Pitt ageing on screen," says Etalk's Elaine Lui. "So, will he really retire in three years? Maybe it depends on how he looks in three years." Adding, "He's looking very, very, very good right now though. Good enough for a Mr & Mrs Smith 2 and 3. Maybe that's how he and Ange will cash out? $50 million (Dh180 million) each, plus a cut of the back end and dvd, etc; and they're done."

But although Brad may be forgiven for wanting to quit once he hits the big 5-0, when younger stars such as 29-year-old Jessica Biel and Michelle Williams, 31, start insisting they could walk away from a career that's landed them a second shot at marrying Justin Timberlake and plenty of Oscar buzz respectively - as well as a healthy amount in the bank - there's a distinct whiff of the lost-touch-with-reality about their declarations.

To read more about other stars who believe they could step away from Hollywood, pick up this week’s copy of Scene on newsstands now for just Dh7 or subscribe now!