The glitz and glamour of Hollywood often seem like the peak of success, but for some (especially child) actors, it’s merely one chapter in a multifaceted life. We've put together a list of actors from your childhood who left the entertainment industry behind (or put it on pause) to chase new dreams, proving that reinvention is always possible.
Cody McMains: From Annoying Brother to Skydiving Pro
Cody McMains, fondly remembered as the irritating younger sibling in Bring It On and Not Another Teen Movie, traded in his acting chops for a parachute. Today, he’s a professional skydiver, embracing adrenaline-filled adventures far above the ground. McMains’ career shift is a testament to finding passion outside of the spotlight.
Beau Brady: Soap Star Turned Soldier
Beau Brady, best known for his role on Home and Away, has taken a different path. While he hasn’t officially retired from acting, Brady joined the Australian Army Reserves. His decision showcases his commitment to serving his country while still keeping a foot in the world of entertainment.
Mara Wilson: Matilda’s Magical Pen
Mara Wilson, the beloved child star of Matilda, stepped away from acting to pursue a quieter life as a writer. She’s now an accomplished author, sharing her wit and wisdom through books and essays. Wilson’s journey highlights the power of storytelling, whether on screen or in print.
Lucas Babin: Rocker to Attorney
Lucas Babin, who played the memorable Spider in School of Rock, now serves as a district attorney. Babin made headlines when he sued Netflix for streaming Cuties, accusing the platform of distributing lewd content. The U.S. Court of Appeals dismissed the case, deeming it a suit brought in bad faith, with critics suggesting it was a political move to bolster his future ambitions.
Jeff Cohen: Chunk’s Legal Transformation
Jeff Cohen, forever immortalized as Chunk from The Goonies, traded in his Truffle Shuffle for law books. Now a successful entertainment lawyer, Cohen even negotiated the deal for Ke Huy Quan’s role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. His journey from actor to advocate illustrates the versatility of a Hollywood education.
Ariana Richards: Jurassic Artist
Ariana Richards, who captured our hearts as Lex Murphy in Jurassic Park, left acting to focus on her passion for art. Today, she’s a celebrated painter whose work can be explored at Gallery Ariana. Richards’ transformation from screen star to artist shows how being a creative can transcend so many different fields.
Michael Schoeffling: From Dreamboat to Craftsman
Michael Schoeffling, the heartthrob Jake Ryan from Sixteen Candles, stepped out of the limelight to open a woodworking shop. He now creates handcrafted furniture, channeling his artistry into tangible, timeless pieces. Schoeffling’s story is a reminder that fame isn’t the only path to fulfillment.
Daniel Tay: Buddy’s Brother Turned Scholar
Daniel Tay, best known as Michael Hobbs in Elf, shifted gears to academia. After studying Economics at Yale, he’s now an SAT instructor, helping the next generation reach their educational goals. Tay’s transition reflects the value of lifelong learning.
Final Thoughts
These actors demonstrate that stepping away from Hollywood doesn’t mean the end of success. Whether it’s pursuing art, justice, or adrenaline, they’ve shown that reinvention is not only possible but often rewarding. In the past, people picked a career and did it until they retired, so seeing actors like these step away from acting to follow their passions is an inspiration to those of us who have also changed careers.
