Stars Who Stepped Out of the Spotlight in 2011
Credit: Daniel Boczarski/Getty; Neilson Barnard/Getty
Sorry to see you go!
In 2011, several big-name stars stepped down from the thrones in their respective fields and said good-bye to their longtime fans.
CHECK OUT US WEEKLY'S TRIBUTE TO STARS WHO RETIRED IN 2011
After 25 years as the reigning queen of daytime TV, Oprah Winfrey bid a final farewell. Her May 25 send-off drew in Hollywood's brightest stars and huge ratings. In the fall, Regis Philbin ended his 23-year run on Live! with Regis and Kelly on November 18. His emotional tribute episode left cohost Kelly Ripa and the celeb-filled audience moved to tears.
PHOTOS: The best celeb quotes from 2011
But retirements didn't apply to just daytime TV staples. At age 60 and after 150-million-plus records sold, Phil Collins stepped away from the stage for good. Collins' health problems brought on by his music career ultimately led to his decision.
