Alec Baldwin and Other Stars Who've Quit Public Life

Feb. 25, 2014— -- intro: Despite his disdain for the younger actor, Alec Baldwin now has something in common with Shia LaBeouf: They are both retiring from public life.

Baldwin is the latest star to proclaim he is quitting the spotlight.

"I've lived this [public life] for 30 years. I'm done with it," he told New York Magazine in its new issue. "I loathe and despise the media in a way I did not think possible. ... I'm aware that it's ironic that I'm making this case in the media -- but this is the last time I'm going to talk about my personal life in an American publication ever again."

Alec Baldwin Is Done With the Spotlight and Here's Who He Blames

In a first-person narrative, the 55-year-old actor stated that he was giving up the spotlight, not acting.

"'Letterman.' 'Saturday Night Live.' That kind of thing," he wrote. "I want to go make a movie and be very present for that and give it everything I have, and after we're done, then the rest of the time is mine."

Baldwin said that after years of being in "show business, where you seek only an audience's approval, whether you deserve it or not," he wants to return to being an actor.

He admitted that this is the way he feels now, in February 2014, leaving open the possibility that he could change his mind.

Shia LaBeouf's Biggest Public Missteps

Baldwin's declaration comes one month after LaBeouf tweeted that he was quitting "public life."

The irony was not lost on Baldwin, who locked horns with the young star when they were cast in the Broadway play "Orphans" in 2013.

"There was truly a part of me that felt sorry for him, oddly enough," Baldwin wrote in New York magazine.

Click through to read more about LaBeouf and other celebrities who've quit public life.

quicklist:title: Shia LaBeouftext: After he was accused of ripping off graphic novel writer Daniel Clowes for his short film, "HowardCantour.com," and apologized profusely, LaBeouf announced on Twitter in January, "In light of the recent attacks against my artistic integrity, I am retiring from all public life." But since retiring, LaBeouf has had no shortage of headlines. He showed up on the red carpet at the Berlin Film Festival wearing a bag on his head that said, "I AM NOT FAMOUS ANYMORE." He wore the same bag a week later as part of his art installation titled #IAMSORRY at a Los Angeles gallery. media: 22652418

quicklist:title: Dave Chappelletext: In 2005, at the height of his fame, comedian Dave Chappelle abruptly walked away from a $50 million contract and the third season of his acclaimed "Chappelle's Show," fleeing to Africa because "I want to make sure I'm dancing and not shuffling," he told Time magazine. Since then, Chappelle has remained remote, avoiding interviews and social media, which only make his occasional surprise standup appearances at comedy clubs more special. media: 22652909

quicklist: title: Amanda Bynestext: After appearing in "Easy A" in 2010, Amanda Bynes announced via Twitter that she was retiring from acting. Two months later she said she was "unretired," telling People magazine that she was "taking time off." But instead of pursuing a new career as a fashion designer and rapper, Bynes racked up legal problems and headlines for erratic behavior. After spending time in the psychiatric wing of UCLA Medical Center, Bynes was moved to an inpatient treatment center for four months and her mother was put in charge of her care and finances. Now out of the facility, Bynes is taking classes at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and doing well, according to her lawyer.media: 22653350

quicklist:title: Joaquin Phoenixtext: Joaquin Phoenix didn't exactly say he was retiring from the spotlight, so much as he was giving up acting to become a rapper in 2008. The surprise announcement was followed by a strange appearance on "Letterman" to promote what would have been his last film, "Two Lovers." Phoenix was not responsive for part of the interview and gave only one word answers to other questions. A year later, he returned to "Letterman" and revealed that his "retirement" and unusual behavior were for a mockumentary, "I'm Still Here," that he was making with Casey Affleck.media: 22652791