Popular Child Actors Who Left Hollywood Behind (And What Became of Them)
It’s always intriguing to witness former child stars thriving in the entertainment industry today. However, there’s a silent nostalgia for those who have vanished from the limelight. Ever wondered what happened to those once-beloved child actors? Let’s delve into the journeys of some who chose different paths after their early fame.
Shirley Temple: The Darling of Depression-Era Cinema
A true icon, Shirley Temple graced the silver screen from the tender age of 3, becoming one of the biggest stars during the Depression Era. Famous for classics like “The Little Colonel” and “Bright Eyes,” Temple left acting at 21. Surprisingly, her next act was a political career, including a run for Congress in 1967 and serving as a U.S. ambassador to Czechoslovakia. Her life took an unexpected turn, proving there’s more to these child stars than meets the eye.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas: From ‘Home Improvement’ to Occasional Acts
Jonathan Taylor Thomas, known for his role in “Home Improvement” and as the voice of Young Simba in Disney’s original “The Lion King,” was a ’90s teen heartthrob. While he occasionally returns to acting, such as reuniting with Tim Allen and Patricia Heaton on “Last Man Standing,” he prefers to stay out of the public eye these days. Thomas showcases that some child actors navigate fame differently as they mature.
Mara Wilson: From Matilda to Authorial Fame
Mara Wilson’s rise to fame from “Mrs. Doubtfire” to Roald Dahl’s “Matilda” marked her younger years. However, a negative experience on the set of “Thomas and the Magic Railroad” in 2000 led her to abandon acting. In recent years, she occasionally steps back into the spotlight, but her primary claim to fame now is as an author. Wilson’s journey emphasizes the emotional toll child actors may endure and the diverse paths they carve.
Jeff Cohen: From “Chunk” to Entertainment Law
Jeff Cohen, known for his role in “The Goonies,” faced a career slowdown when he shed weight after hitting puberty. Transforming from “Chunk to hunk” altered his trajectory, leading him to become an entertainment lawyer. Interestingly, one of his notable clients is Ke Huy Quan, who starred alongside him in the ’85 family classic “The Goonies.” Cohen’s story highlights the unpredictable nature of a child actor’s career evolution.
Carrie Henn: From Alien Survivor to Educator
Carrie Henn, remembered as “Newt” in 1986’s “Aliens,” made a distinctive choice. Her only acting credit was in the sci-fi classic, after which she pursued her true passion in education. Henn now thrives as a teacher, showcasing that the desire for a ‘normal’ life beyond Hollywood is a common theme among child actors.
Peter Ostrum: The Golden Ticket to Veterinary Medicine
Peter Ostrum scored the “Golden Ticket” with his debut in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” but turned away from Hollywood immediately. Instead, he embraced a role in veterinary medicine, working with large animals like cows. Ostrum’s unique journey exemplifies how child stars often seek fulfillment outside the entertainment world.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen: Twin Stars to Fashion Moguls
The Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley, soared to fame sharing the role of Michelle Tanner on “Full House.” Their acting careers extended into their early 20s, but they made a significant pivot. Choosing not to cameo in Netflix’s “Fuller House,” they ventured into the fashion industry, establishing successful careers. The Olsen twins demonstrate that diversification is key for child actors navigating adulthood.
Angus T. Jones: A Journey of Faith and Return
Angus T. Jones spent 10 seasons as Jake Harper on “Two and a Half Men” before quitting acting due to religious beliefs. He criticized the show’s content but later returned to the craft, showcasing the complexities child actors face in reconciling personal beliefs with their careers.
Kay Panabaker: Disney Star Turned Animal Keeper
Kay Panabaker, a promising Disney Channel star, appeared in shows like “Phil of the Future” and led the TV movie “Read It and Weep.” However, she left acting for a unique role—working as an animal keeper at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. Panabaker’s journey highlights how child actors might find fulfillment in unexpected places.
Charlie Korsmo: Hooked on Law
Charlie Korsmo, known for his role in “Hook,” transitioned away from acting to become an assistant professor of law at Case Western Reserve University. Despite growing up in the shadow of Peter Pan, Korsmo embraced academia, showing that child stars can find purpose beyond the screen.
Ariana Richards
In the realm of child actors, Ariana Richards achieved fame through her roles in iconic films like Jurassic Park and Tremors. However, her presence on the silver screen diminished in the late ’90s. Instead of pursuing an acting career, Richards delved into the world of art. In the early 2000s, she began taking art classes in Pasadena, ultimately leading to her current profession as a talented painter.
Danny Lloyd
Remembered for his exceptional performance as Danny Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Shining, Danny Lloyd made a deliberate decision to step away from acting during his teen years. He realized that the entertainment industry wasn’t his long-term calling. Fast forward to 2019, Lloyd made a small cameo appearance in Doctor Sleep, a sequel to The Shining.
Alisan Porter
After portraying the title character in John Hughes’ 1991 dramedy Curly Sue, Alisan Porter took a hiatus from acting. In a surprising turn of events, she made a spectacular return, winning The Voice in the singing competition’s tenth season. This triumph marked a significant career resurgence for Porter, showcasing her talents in a different spotlight.
Norman D. Golden II
Norman D. Golden II gained recognition for his role in the 1993 comedy Cop and a Half. However, he shifted his focus away from acting to pursue education and nonprofit work. More recently, Golden has ventured into writing and producing various projects, showcasing his versatility beyond the realm of Hollywood.
Jennette McCurdy
Known for her role as Sam Puckett on iCarly, Jennette McCurdy became one of Nickelodeon’s prominent young stars. However, her departure from acting was marked by a candid revelation on her podcast, Empty Inside. McCurdy disclosed that she quit acting because it wasn’t her initial choice; her mother had introduced her to the industry at a young age, making her the main financial support for her family by the age of 10 or 11.
In the diverse stories of these child actors, one sees a tapestry woven with different colors of ambition, challenges, and transformations. Hollywood may have been their starting point, but each of these individuals chose unique paths, shaping their lives in unexpected ways. These stories remind us that there’s no one-size-fits-all journey for child actors, and their destinies often unfold far beyond the glitz and glam of the entertainment industry.
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