A child star’s life is intense and often ends quickly. From struggling to maintain career momentum to dealing with typecasting as they age (combined with mental illness, substance abuse, and neglect or abuse from industry members or family and friends), there are many horror stories about child celebrities managing life after stardom. While some stars, like Christina Applegate and Sean Astin, decided to stay in the spotlight, or others made a comeback later in life, there are many child stars who decided to drop out of Hollywood altogether and give up fame and fortune for a normal life.
1. Jeff Cohen of The Goonies Is an Entertainment Lawyer
Remember Chunk from The Goonies? Yeah, the “Truffle Shuffle” kid grew up and got a law degree. Jeff Cohen used his acting money to fund his education and now works as a partner at his own firm, Cohen Gardner LLP, representing entertainment clients. He hasn’t acted since 1991 — unless you count acting like he loves reading contracts. And yes, he grew up to be kind of a total babe.
2. Josh Saviano of The Wonder Years Went Into Law Too
Josh Saviano — aka Paul Pfeiffer, Kevin’s nerdy but lovable bestie on The Wonder Years — left acting after the show ended. He went to Yale, became a lawyer, and eventually founded two advisory firms that help entertainers, influencers, and entrepreneurs manage their careers. He even popped up on Law & Order: SVU, proving once again that former child stars can’t resist a little TV cameo.
3. Danny Lloyd from The Shining Became a College Professor
Imagine starring in one of the scariest movies ever made… and then deciding, “Yeah, I think I’ll teach biology.” That’s exactly what Danny Lloyd did. After playing little Danny Torrance in The Shining at just six years old, he retired from acting, worked on a farm to pay for school, and eventually became a biology professor at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College in Kentucky. “Here’s to normal careers, Johnny!”
4. Carrie Henn from Aliens Became an Elementary School Teacher
Carrie Henn was only 10 when she starred opposite Sigourney Weaver in James Cameron’s Aliens. But instead of chasing fame, she chose a quiet life teaching elementary school in Atwater, California. Aside from one voice role in 2020, she’s been shaping young minds instead of fighting space monsters — which honestly sounds way less stressful.
5. Chris Herbert of The Last Starfighter Is Also an Educator
After starring in the 1980s sci-fi cult hit The Last Starfighter, Chris Herbert stepped away from Hollywood in 1996 and headed for academia. He earned multiple degrees (film, English, and theology, no less) before becoming a high school English teacher near his hometown in California. He later co-founded a homeschooling co-op with his wife. Talk about leveling up in real life.
6. Danny Pintauro of Who’s the Boss? Worked Regular Jobs
Jonathan Bower grew up! After Who’s the Boss?, Danny Pintauro tried out all kinds of jobs — restaurant manager, vet tech, production coordinator, even an agent’s assistant. He’s also a proud HIV-positive advocate, speaking openly about his diagnosis to help others in the LGBTQ+ community. Most recently, he made a mini comeback in a 2022 Lifetime Christmas movie, because once an actor, always an actor.
7. Steven Mond of Diff’rent Strokes Became a Math Teacher
Steven Mond, who appeared on Diff’rent Strokes, realized early on that he preferred homework to Hollywood. He earned degrees in economics, law, and sports management before settling into a career as a math teacher in Nevada and Utah. Oh, and he won Jeopardy! — because of course he did.
8. Tiffany Brissett of Small Wonder Became a Registered Nurse
From robot to real-world hero! Tiffany Brissett, who played the adorable android V.I.C.I. in Small Wonder, traded acting for nursing. She now lives in Boulder, Colorado, where she bikes, skis, and works as a registered nurse. She once told Page Six that acting was fun, but “moving forward” kept her grounded. We love a queen who chooses peace over paparazzi.
9. Ilan Mitchell-Smith of Weird Science Is a Professor and D&D Expert
After playing Wyatt in Weird Science, Ilan Mitchell-Smith ditched the screen for medieval studies. He earned multiple degrees — including a PhD — and became a professor of English literature at California State University, Long Beach. He also co-directs their Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies and teaches about Dungeons & Dragons. Basically, he’s living every nerd’s dream.
10. Staci Keanan from My Two Dads Is a District Attorney
Staci Keanan went from sitcom teen to full-on legal powerhouse. After earning her art history degree from UCLA and a law degree from Southwestern Law School, she became a deputy district attorney in Los Angeles. These days, she also teaches law and co-hosts a podcast called Keanan and Lakin Give You Déjà Vu. From Hollywood scripts to legal briefs — that’s what we call character development.
