Ryan Phillippe has announced plans to end his acting career after nearly successful 20 years
at the top. The 36-year-old star began acting as a teenager and found
fame in 1992 playing a gay youth in American daytime drama One Life to
Live. He went on to enjoy a stellar Hollywood career with films including Cruel Intentions, Gosford Park and Oscar-winning drama Crash.

Phillippe is adamant he has grown tired of life in front of the camera
and now intends to pursue roles behind the scenes. He also wants to
move out of Los Angeles and spend more time in New York.

He tells New York Post gossip column Page Six, “I’m going to move. I’m going to spend a third of my year in New York… I think I’m going to end my acting career. I’m so introverted. I’m ready to be behind the scenes. I’m 36, but I’ve been doing this for 20 years.”
http://networkedblogs.com/h4vCw

I recall him, back when he and Reese were together, giving an interview once saying that he had to seek counseling because of how in demand her career was compared to his. I don't know what his issue is, but he seems like he has a hugely fragile ego. I wouldn't be surprise if this decision to quit show business was prompted by his not being an A-lister. At this point, he's gradually sliding out of the B-range, and could realistically star in his own VH1 reality show.

Knowing that his career is fading, maybe he wants to try his luck doing something else before he is out completely.

Chris wrote:

I recall him, back when he and Reese were together, giving an interview once saying that he had to seek counseling because of how in demand her career was compared to his. I don't know what his issue is, but he seems like he has a hugely fragile ego. I wouldn't be surprise if this decision to quit show business was prompted by his not being an A-lister. At this point, he's gradually sliding out of the B-range, and could realistically star in his own VH1 reality show.

I think he's been out of the b-list since after Crash. Ryan's is an alright actor, but he's just alright.
Often times I'm bored by his performance, because it's usually so murky.

I did like him in.......................damn, what movie was that he was in? I think he co-starred with Reese in that one.