Brad Dourif's Shocking Retirement Confession: 'I Just Didn't Want to Work Anymore'

2025-06-09 12:00:21.167

Brad Dourif, the acclaimed character actor known for his roles in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Lord of the Rings, and the Child's Play franchise, has retired from acting. He says he reached a point where acting no longer excited him, leaving him feeling empty and tired. His retirement has allowed him to focus on his personal life, including building a large outdoor enclosure for his cats. While financially secure now, Dourif acknowledges the financial struggles he faced throughout his career as a character actor, often taking roles for the money. He also describes the mental toll of playing numerous villains and disturbed characters, expressing difficulty separating himself from these dark roles, particularly after Mississippi Burning. However, his role as Chucky was an exception, and he is open to returning for future projects involving his family. Dourif reflects on his career, highlighting the magical experience of filming One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and the beauty of working on The Lord of the Rings. Despite his anxieties and the pressures of his career, he considers his life fulfilling and doesn't concern himself with his legacy.