What happened to Freddie Prinze Jr. and why did he quit acting?

Freddie Prinze Jr. remains a multi-faceted figure for his fans; he is an emblematic star of the ’90s, the voice of Fred in Scooby-Doo, and part of one of Hollywood’s most cherished couples. At 48 years old, he launched his career on television in the mid-’90s with an appearance on Family Matters in 1995. Shortly thereafter, he landed roles in blockbuster hits such as I Know What You Did Last Summer and She’s All That. These films propelled him to stardom, making him a household name and a heartthrob for countless teenagers. Thus, many young hearts were left broken when Prinze fell in love with his equally gifted spouse, Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Prinze was the quintessential ’90s heartthrob. He and Gellar crossed paths on the set of the 1997 thriller I Know What You Did Last Summer, later tying the knot in 2002. That same year, they solidified their status as a power couple by starring in the live-action adaptation of Scooby-Doo, where their on-screen romance as Fred and Daphne amusingly mirrored their real-life relationship. They have long been the envy of Hollywood, thanks to their enduring romance, though Prinze’s career has experienced some twists and turns over the years.

Despite being a staple of ’90s cinema, Prinze’s career appeared to lose steam in the early 2000s. Recently, reports emerged indicating that he would reprise his role in the upcoming sequel to I Know What You Did Last Summer, with Jennifer Love Hewitt also rumored to return. This marks one of his first significant film roles since Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed in 2004.

Following the success of hits like She’s All That and Scooby-Doo, Prinze found it challenging to land similar major roles. He pivoted to television, securing guest appearances in popular series such as 24, as well as brief roles in Friends and Bones. Although his filmography dwindled, Prinze embraced voice work in animated shows and video games. Meanwhile, he and Gellar shifted their focus to family life, welcoming their daughter Charlotte in 2009 and their son Rocky in 2012. “I became a full-time father,” Prinze shared in an interview. “It’s not a job; it’s what I love to do.”

Prinze’s experience on 24 in 2010 prompted him to reevaluate his career. He labeled that period as “terrible,” particularly citing difficulties with co-star Kiefer Sutherland. “Kiefer was the most unprofessional dude in the world,” Prinze remarked candidly. “I just wanted to quit the business after that.” Subsequently, he stepped back from acting and even took a role with WWE, where he contributed as a producer, director, and creative consultant. In 2016, he released a cookbook titled Back to the Kitchen, showcasing yet another change in focus.

In a 2022 interview, Prinze stated, “I’ve really stepped away from the acting,” emphasizing his commitments to parenting and other pursuits. Yet, in that same year, he revealed that Hollywood had not forgotten him, mentioning that he consistently receives offers for romantic comedies which he chooses not to pursue. Prinze expressed, “I was just never reading any of the scripts. I didn’t have any interest in doing it.”

Currently, Prinze has maintained a balance between family life and passion projects, including voice work for video games, and has made occasional television appearances. His latest acting credit is in The Girl in the Pool, slated for release in 2024, and he also appeared in the 2022 TV movie Christmas With You. Freddie Prinze Jr. is not just a former heartthrob; he is a devoted father and husband, continually carving out his unique path in the entertainment landscape.