Why Josh Hartnett Refused to Sell His Soul to Hollywood

In the late 90s, Hollywood had its eye on budding young star Josh Hartnett. He became a teen heartthrob after his performance in THE VIRGIN SUICIDES in 1999. By 2001, he had appeared in blockbuster hits BLACK HAWK DOWN and PEARL HARBOR, and Hollywood was certain they had found their next bankable star.

He ticked all the boxes: looks, charm, talent, down to earth. Even being labelled ‘the next Tom Cruise’, everything was pointing towards Josh Hartnett becoming the next big thing.

But right at the peak of his fame, Hartnett raised eyebrows when he suddenly left Hollywood.

Now, after almost 20 years, Josh Hartnett has started to make a comeback. With roles in mainstream shows and films including M Night Shyamalan’s TRAP, Hartnett has finally returned to the spotlight – this time, on his own terms.

This is why Josh Hartnett refused to sell his soul to Hollywood.

[threethrushes]

To turn down 100M at 22, aware of the hidden cost of fame, shows rare maturity and prudence.

I wish him nothing but good fortune and success - on his own terms. Bravo.

[Laurenbj]

30 days of Night is one of my favorite movies ❤

[lokimirazita]

I loved this guy since The Faculty. I have a lot of respect for someone who walked away from millions of dollars for a normal life. What a heart of gold too. Love him!

[jimjohnson]

I wish there were more Josh Hartnetts in Hollywood

[Father_Daniel]

Josh Hartnett is great. Penny Dreadful was so underrated. I'm happy to see him popping up in more high profile projects these days.

[ms.ellenlevy]

I always liked Josh hartnett. Iam glad he did things his own way. You gotta do what makes you happy and content. 😊

[grnggs]

Josh is a stand up down to Earth guy. If any actor desires success; it's him.
He REFUSED all the B.S. of Hollywood!

[paige-vtfn]

Ever since I saw The Faculty, I've adored Josh Hartnett. He was always my biggest "celebrity" crush. It's so amazing to see his humility and humbleness. I wish for nothing but the best for Josh. Thank you for all you've given us! ❤

[NathanDNJ]

I have mad respect for him. Not only is he is very talented, he is also a man of his word.

[DiscoPrysm]

I didn’t enjoy Trap as a whole but as an avid fan of Josh I was beyond excited to watch it and I was not disappointed in his acting

[illusione_xx]

He is the epitome of the Man for me because of his soul, mentality and apporach for life. He is a right thinking person and stands up for value. One of my fav movies with him is Wicker Park but i loved him in Lucky Number Slevin and he was very good in Black Dahlia as well. Honestly everything i've seen from him i liked so far.. i wish that would be more people like him in our world.

[svetlanaandrasova]

I noticed how those who refused to play Hollywood's game got their career ruined

[shelleywantiez]

He's the smartest one. And deserves All the success and happiness life can give him. He's a family man with great values. Good for him taking a step back to really think things through.

[JeffreyDeCristofaro]

I have always admired Josh Hartnett - since first seeing him in theaters in 2001 at age 16, I could tell that he had a sincerity to his performances. Hollywood just likes to package people like him as cookie-cutter flavors of the year before moving on to the "next big thing" but he has never been one to want to fall into the trap.

[VectorSpector]

A mixture of Keanu Reeves and Heath Ledger.

[dyrectory_com]

His parents taught him well. He choose the right path. Good on Josh Hartnett. I hope we see more of him on screen. 🕊

[tienchen]

He did the right thing. If it doesn't feel right at that moment in life, then it's just not right. Many end up in drugs and alcohol because they can't deal with the sudden big fame. Stepping on the breaks might have saved him from something bad.

[snoopysnoopy]

Most handsome Hollywood actor❤ love Josh forever ❤

[BobbyBoucher]

At the end of the day it’s up to each individual to define what success looks like for themselves personally and good for Josh Hartnett for finding his lane and doing what makes him happy.

[marcusmiller]

Josh Harnett put his entirely knowledge of 'the craft' into his work, and it showed. He wants to make GREAT movies...not necessarily make money. Respect.