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Shocking moment Lee Evans announced retirement before disappearing from showbiz completely

Shocking moment Lee Evans announced retirement before disappearing from showbiz completely

The comedian gave up his career to spend time with his family.

It's not often that Lee Evans is spotted out and about, having stepped away from showbiz completely nine years ago.

The 59-year-old retired from comedy back in 2014 and is very rarely seen in public.

Earlier this year, he was spotted making his way through London's Covent Garden Market as he enjoyed a rare night out with his wife, Heather Nudds. But, prior to that he hadn't been seen since 2021.

The Mousetrap actor shocked fans when he announced his retirement nearly a decade ago.

In fact, fans were so taken aback by the news - which he announced on The Jonathan Ross Show - that they weren't quite sure whether to believe it.

Many, including host Ross himself, thought that maybe the comedian was joking and laughed along.

“This is it,” he told a shocked audience.

“Finished. It's the end. Yep. Not doing anything. This is it. My manager [Addison Cresswell] died last year... I suppose really, I started off cleaning toilets when I was a kid, I've had loads of jobs, I've been working, working, working. My dad always said to us, 'you've got to work'.

"But, I've ignored for far too long, my missus. And I want to spend more time with her.

"I ain't doing nothing. I'm going to go and see my wife, I'm going to give her a big hug and said, 'I am yours.'"

Lee Evans announced his retirement on The Jonathan Ross Show.
The Jonathan Ross Show/ITV

He added: “I've come to a junction in my life where - please forgive me if it sounds very narcissistic - I've done musicals and plays and films and stand-up and you sort of get to a point where you go, 'I don't know what else to do next'.”

Prior to retiring, Evans enjoyed a hugely successful career and even broke into Hollywood with There’s Something About Mary and The Fifth Element in the late nineties.

At the height of his fame, he regularly sold out arena tours and performed for over 10,000 people as one of Britain’s best-loved comics.

Evans appeared in There’s Something About Mary and The Fifth Element.
Getty

According to The Richest, Evans is worth approximately $8 million (£5.6 million) with the majority of that being earned from his massive arena tours, rather than his film appearances.

Not only did he manage to sell £7 million worth of tickets for his 2011 'Roadrunner' tour on the first day alone, but the comedian was so in demand that further dates were added and the tour ended up grossing £12.9 million.

Lee, we miss you! But we certainly hope you're enjoying retirement.

Featured Image Credit: The Jonathan Ross Show/ITV

Topics: Celebrity