Hollywood’s no easy place for kids—that’s why so many famous child stars opt to step out of the spotlight. It’s wonderful to see former child actors still flourishing, but it also leaves us curious about those who’ve faded from view. It really makes you wonder: what are they up to now?
After spending their youth growing up in the limelight, these child stars decided to back away and pursue other passions for one reason or another. They often made it huge in Hollywood, some working from birth and others growing up as actors, quickly becoming household names. Likely thanks to their adorable looks and sweet personalities, these children were instant hits on the screen.
However, not every child actor is meant for a life in the public eye, and that’s perfectly fine! These individuals were lucky enough to discover their true passions early on. We’re about to explore the lives of some notable child stars who left Hollywood behind, often for careers that brought them much more happiness and fulfillment. Prepare for some fascinating insights!
1. **Shirley Temple**When we talk about child stardom, one name immediately springs to mind: Shirley Temple. She is, undeniably, the quintessential name in child stardom, getting her start when she was just 3 years old. She rose to fame as one of the Depression Era’s biggest stars, captivating audiences in beloved movies like “The Little Colonel” and “Bright Eyes.” She truly was a national treasure, bringing joy to millions during tough times.
However, the bright lights of Hollywood weren’t her forever home. Shirley Temple famously quit acting at the age of 21, choosing to embark on an entirely different path. As “Time” published in her obituary following her 2014 death at 85, she “had enough of pretend,” got married, and felt it was time for a change. Imagine leaving such a massive career behind at such a young age!
What she pursued next was truly remarkable: a political career. Her journey included running for Congress in 1967, showcasing her commitment to public service. Most notably, she served as a U.S. ambassador to Czechoslovakia, proving that her star power translated seamlessly from the silver screen to international diplomacy. Talk about a glow-up!
2. **Jonathan Taylor Thomas**For anyone who grew up in the ’90s, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, or “JTT” as he was affectionately known, was the ultimate teen heartthrob. After getting his big break on the hugely popular sitcom “Home Improvement,” his career took off like a rocket. He lent his distinctive voice to Disney’s original “The Lion King” as the young Simba, solidifying his status as a major star.
He landed even more movie roles that made him one of the ’90s most popular teen idols, gracing the covers of magazines everywhere. Yet, despite this massive success and adoration, Thomas made a surprising decision. He left “Home Improvement” in 1998, stepping away from the spotlight to focus on his education and “live a different life.”
As Thomas shared in 2013, he “’d been going nonstop since I was 8 years old.” He expressed a desire “to go to school, to travel and have a bit of a break.” While he still acts on occasion — like his reunion with Tim Allen and Patricia Heaton on “Last Man Standing” — he is rarely seen in public these days. He’s also reportedly pursued interests in environmental conservation, and works on smaller projects behind the camera as a writer and director, preferring to keep his current work completely private. We totally get wanting a break after that intense schedule!
3. **Mara Wilson**From her unforgettable debut in 1993’s “Mrs. Doubtfire” to her iconic leading role in Roald Dahl’s “Matilda” three years later, Mara Wilson was absolutely the talk of the town in her younger years. Her performances were always so captivating, making her a household name almost overnight. She brought a unique blend of innocence and intelligence to her characters that audiences adored.
However, Mara didn’t always enjoy the experience of child stardom. A particularly negative experience on the set of 2000’s “Thomas and the Magic Railroad” profoundly influenced her decision to “abandon acting.” It’s tough out there, even for the most talented kids. This pivotal moment led her to explore other avenues where she could truly thrive.
These days, Mara Wilson’s primary claim to fame is as an author. She has used her experiences as a former child star to create thoughtful content about growing up in Hollywood, and is now an advocate for young actors, sharing her insights about the industry. She has written books and essays that offer incredible insight into the challenges young performers face, truly making a positive impact with her words.
4. **Jeff Cohen**Who could ever forget the lovable Chunk from “The Goonies”? Jeff Cohen delivered one of the most memorable performances in 1980s cinema, iconic for his “truffle shuffle” dance. The adventure classic launched him into childhood fame, and his character remains a fan favorite to this day. His comedic timing was impeccable, making him an instant standout.
However, as Jeff Cohen himself once told “The Daily Mail,” his acting career began to slow down when he went from “Chunk to hunk” and started losing weight after hitting puberty. Hollywood, unfortunately, can be notoriously rigid about appearances and typecasting, making it challenging for child stars to transition into adult roles when their looks change significantly.
Instead of chasing the spotlight, Cohen prioritized his education and made a remarkable career change. Today, he’s a successful entertainment lawyer who founded his own firm, representing actors, writers, and directors in contract negotiations. He uses his deep understanding of the industry to advocate for his clients, including his ‘Goonies’ co-star Ke Huy Quan, the Academy Award winner who played Data! What a wonderful full-circle moment that must be.
5.Imagine landing the lead role in a beloved film as your very first acting job! That’s precisely what happened to Peter Ostrum, who snagged the ‘Golden Ticket’ to play Charlie Bucket in the 1971 classic ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.’ At just 12 years old, his performance enchanted audiences worldwide. What an unforgettable debut!
Despite the film’s immense success and the potential for a huge Hollywood career, Ostrum turned his back on the industry immediately. He hasn’t acted since, famously declining a three-picture deal. He realized the film industry ‘wasn’t for him,’ a common sentiment among child stars who prefer a life away from the intense glare of the spotlight.
Instead, Peter Ostrum pursued his love of animals, and you could say that he still makes some contribution to the chocolate industry today, though indirectly! He became a large animal veterinarian, studying at Cornell, and now works in rural New York, caring for horses and cattle. As he explains in a segment of OWN’s “Where Are They Now?”, he finds fulfillment in helping farmers and their livestock rather than entertaining audiences. From a magical chocolate factory to caring for real-life animals – what a journey!
6. **Mary-Kate And Ashley Olsen**The Olsen twins were stars literally from birth! Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s career began at the age of six months when they booked the iconic role of Michelle Tanner on “Full House.” Filming for the series began three months later, taking up a big chunk of their early childhood. They were truly on top of the world, growing up in front of millions of viewers.
Before “Full House” came to an end, the Olsen twins began starring in TV movies like “Double, Double Toil and Trouble” (1993) and “How the West Was Fun” (1994), which shot them to superstardom. Following the end of the series, the twins found massive success with their own movies, including “Passport to Paris” (1999), “When in Rome” (2002), and “New York Minute” (2004), cementing their status as tween and teen icons.
By their early twenties, the twins had made a significant life change. In 2012, they retired from acting, surprising everyone, to concentrate on their growing fashion careers. They notably didn’t reprise their roles for a cameo in the Netflix revival sitcom, ‘Fuller House,’ as their successful fashion ventures were already in full swing. Now, they are incredibly successful fashion designers, owning their own luxury fashion label, The Row, and are true powerhouses in the industry.
7.Angus T. Jones grew up before our very eyes, starring as Jake Harper on ‘Two and a Half Men’ for an impressive 10 seasons. The show was a massive sitcom hit, and Jones was integral to its huge success. He became a familiar face in millions of homes each week, recognized by a vast audience.
However, as he entered his late teens, Angus T. Jones became increasingly uncomfortable with the show’s content. Due to his religious beliefs, he openly criticized the top-rated sitcom’s “raunchy material” and, at 19, he urged people to stop watching it. This led him to quit the show and acting altogether, seeking a path more aligned with his personal values and interests in business opportunities.
While he would later make an uncredited cameo on a 2023 episode of “Bookie,” reuniting with Charlie Sheen, he has largely stepped away from the acting world. Jones now works in event planning and management, organizing corporate functions and private parties. He’s found peace in creating memorable experiences for others without being in the public eye himself, embracing a life that truly resonates with him. “Had I stayed at the show and tried to do academically what I’m doing now, I would’ve put myself in an early grave,” he once said, highlighting the immense pressure he felt.
8. **Kay Panabaker**Remember Kay Panabaker? This talented actress, along with her older sister Danielle, was once one of Disney Channel’s most promising stars. She appeared in hit shows like “Phil of the Future” and even led the made-for-TV movie, “Read It and Weep.” Her career certainly seemed to be on an upward trajectory, with roles extending to popular shows like “ER” and “7th Heaven” in the early 2000s, and even a part in “Summerland” alongside Lori Loughlin and Zac Efron!
However, in 2012, after starring in “Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva la Fiesta,” Kay decided to switch gears completely. Disney star Kay Panabaker retired from acting in 2016, reportedly because she lost her love for it. Instead of chasing more scripts, she opted for an education, beginning her studies at UCLA.
Her passion led her down a truly wild new path: zoology! As of 2016, she’s been working as an animal keeper at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, according to “Naperville Magazine.” It’s pretty cool to think she’s still working for Disney, just with a much different, furrier cast of characters! Talk about a career pivot that truly lets her live her best life.
9.If you were a fan of ’90s movies, you’ll definitely recall Charlie Korsmo. He made a memorable impact with his role as Jack Banning, Robin Williams’ son, in Steven Spielberg’s iconic 1991 film ‘Hook.’ He also appeared in ‘Dick Tracy,’ showcasing his talent for big-screen adventures from a young age. He was a relatable presence in family films, bringing charm to his characters.
But after starring in “Can’t Hardly Wait,” Charlie made a deliberate choice to step away from the acting world. It seems he wasn’t keen on making Hollywood his forever home. In fact, he once revealed to the school’s official website that he “managed the trick of leaving [acting] voluntarily just about the time I would have been thrown out anyway.”
Coincidentally, his next career path mirrored one of his most famous roles: law! Charlie Korsmo grew up to become an assistant professor of law at Case Western Reserve University. Imagine having a law professor who was once Jack Banning! He reportedly still receives fan mail from admirers of “Hook” and “Dick Tracy,” proving his impact endures even in the hallowed halls of academia. It’s truly amazing how some stars trade the courtroom of public opinion for a real one!
10. **Taylor Momsen**From a tiny tot in Whoville to a grunge goddess, Taylor Momsen’s transformation is nothing short of rockstar epic! She shot to fame as the adorable Cindy Lou Who in 2000’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” instantly capturing hearts with her innocent charm. Later, she traded festive cheer for high school drama, becoming Jenny Humphrey on the hit series “Gossip Girl.”
However, as her style began to evolve, so did her career aspirations. Her persona on “Gossip Girl” was put on indefinite hiatus, signaling a major change. Taylor realized her true calling wasn’t in front of the camera, but on stage with a microphone in hand. She felt the pull of music much more strongly than the allure of acting.
Taylor ultimately chose to abandon acting completely to pursue her passion as the frontwoman for the rock band The Pretty Reckless. She famously called this decision a “lifesaving” one when speaking to “People,” highlighting how deeply meaningful music was to her. It’s so cool to see someone follow their artistic heart, even if it means leaving a massive acting career behind for the raw energy of rock and roll!
11. **Barret Oliver**Barret Oliver was a true master of iconic ’80s child roles, with a filmography that makes any retro movie buff smile! You might remember him vividly as Bastian in 1984’s enchanting “The NeverEnding Story.” He also brought to life the eponymous robotic child from “D.A.R.Y.L.” and played David in the “Cocoon” movies, not to mention the title role in Tim Burton’s breakout short film, “Frankenweenie.”
Despite this impressive list of credits, Barret Oliver hasn’t acted since the late ’80s. He made a clear choice to step away from the glare of Hollywood. “The Neverending Story” star quit acting around 1989, seeking a different creative outlet for his talents.
Today, his passion lies in the art of photography! As the blog “Photo Culture” details, he now makes a living as a photographer who specializes in fascinating 19th-century printing processes. It’s a completely different world from movie sets, but one where his artistic eye clearly thrives. Who knew that Bastian would end up capturing real-world magic through a lens?
12.Amanda Bynes was a true icon of Nickelodeon and teen comedies in the late ’90s and early 2000s! Her career took off on the sketch comedy show ‘All That,’ where she quickly became a viewer favorite. Her comedic talent was so evident that she landed her own series, ‘The Amanda Show,’ in 1999.
Her star continued to rise with leading roles in popular movies like “Big Fat Liar,” “What a Girl Wants,” “She’s the Man,” and “Easy A.” She also graced our screens in the sitcom “What I Like About You,” proving her versatility. Amanda was truly everywhere, a beloved icon for a generation of young viewers.
However, after her 2010 role in “Easy A,” Bynes announced her retirement from acting on Twitter in 2013. She later shared that her departure was due to mental health and substance abuse issues. After a period under a conservatorship that ended in 2022, she made a brief return to the public eye with a podcast, but quickly canceled it after just one episode.
Today, Amanda has pursued a new direction entirely. She has focused on her personal well-being and has reportedly gone back to school. She pursued education in fashion and design, even graduating with an associate’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. It’s inspiring to see her focus on recovery and finding a new passion away from the intense spotlight.
13. **Jennette McCurdy**Jennette McCurdy was undeniably one of Nickelodeon’s brightest young stars, charming audiences as Sam Puckett on the wildly popular show “iCarly.” Her comedic timing and sassy personality made her a standout, and she continued to act for a few years even after “iCarly” wrapped up in 2012. She was a household name, synonymous with a generation of kid-friendly television.
However, Jennette eventually made a powerful decision to step away from acting. On her podcast, “Empty Inside,” she bravely shared the raw truth: “I quit… because I initially didn’t want to do it. My mom put me in it when I was 6, and by… age 10 or 11, I was the main financial support for my family.” This sheds light on the immense pressure and lack of personal choice she experienced.
Jennette also revealed that she quit acting because she was “so ashamed” of the roles she had done in the past, a sentiment many former child stars can relate to. Her candid revelations have resonated deeply with fans and fellow performers, highlighting the often-unseen struggles behind the scenes of child stardom.
Today, Jennette has found her voice and her truth as an author, with her powerful memoir becoming a bestseller. She’s shifted from performing characters to sharing her authentic self, offering a vital perspective on the challenges young actors face. Talk about turning pain into purpose!
And that’s a wrap! From lawyers and diplomats to zookeepers and musicians, these extraordinary individuals show that stepping away from Hollywood doesn’t mean giving up success or happiness. For many, it was the start of uncovering their true callings and carving out one-of-a-kind paths. It just goes to prove: sometimes the most meaningful role isn’t on screen—it’s the one you build in real life. Each story is a gentle nudge that growing up means finding what truly lights you up, no matter your early fame. Here’s to these stars, bravely penning their own amazing life stories!
