Unrecognizable, actor Matthew Fox (Lost) explains why he decided to leave Hollywood in the midst of success

Between 2004 and 2010, the series “Lost” marked television history. For six years, viewers passionately followed the six seasons telling the story of plane crash survivors stranded on a mysterious island plagued by supernatural events. Among the actors who made this series a cult favorite is Matthew Fox, who portrayed the character of Dr. Jack Shepard.

While the actor had Hollywood at his feet, he decided to step back for several years. Returning in the series “The Madison,” a spin-off of “Yellowstone,” Matthew Fox spoke to Variety on March 10, 2026, about the reasons that led him to pause his acting career.

Matthew Fox explains being withdrawn to spend time with his family

On the red carpet at the premiere of “The Madison,” Matthew Fox reflected on his departure from Hollywood in 2014, four years after the end of “Lost.” “I felt that it was time to fully invest in my family,” he explained, admitting that his busy schedule during the peak success of the ABC series prevented him from fully enjoying certain periods of his children’s youth.

“I had missed part of their childhood because I was constantly on the set of ‘Lost,’ between filming and promoting,” he continued. “It was the right time for me to step back, refocus, and spend time with the people I love and who are most dear to me in the world.” After more than a decade away from the television world, Matthew Fox eventually admitted that he missed his profession.

Matthew Fox had the feeling of accomplishing everything he wanted

After starring in the western “Bone Tomahawk” released in 2015, Matthew Fox felt like he had come full circle. “I sort of had a list of things I wanted to accomplish in this profession,” he confided in 2022 to Variety. “I wanted to do a western. A particular western, certainly, but still a western. So, in a way, that completed my list.”

Meanwhile, his two sons, now aged 28 and 25, were growing up quickly. “I felt it was time to come home,” he continued, while praising the merits of his wife of over thirty years, Margherita Ronchi, who had “beautifully” managed the household while he worked. “I really felt like I was retiring from the business world and dedicating myself to other creative projects that truly resonate with me: music and writing.”

Before achieving international fame with “Lost,” Matthew Fox had gained recognition in the series “Party of Five” between 1994 and 2000, notably alongside Neve Campbell.