Liya Kebede to announce shock retirement from acting?

  • By Smith Alexander
  • Addis Ababa
  • Last updated on

Kebede created a stir on Saturday when rumors have surfaced that her career was over.
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Sad news for Kebede fans. Speculation had been rife that the Ethiopian actress best known for her roles in Black Gold or Desert Flower, will announce her retirement from acting, at age 47, with immediate effect.

UPDATE 11/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Being an actress isn't fun anymore

“As we get older, there are phases of life that we enter into, and being an actress-model-business woman-fashion designer just isn't fun anymore,” she might have said, says a source who remained anonymous. Other reports hinted that she may branch out into other creative fields she is better at (and more interested in), though they didn't provide any details.

#ThankYouLiya

For a little while on Saturday evening, #ThankYouLiya was a trending hashtag on Twitter. As many fans reminisce and look back on all the unforgettable memories, some may wonder what about now made her make the decision.

“You’ve accomplished everything I ever dreamed of #ThankYouLiya.”
— @DesireePlum, 10 Jan 2026
“Kebede wasn't retired?”
— @borisB0, 10 Jan 2026

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