Many famous celebrities started as child actors and continued their Hollywood careers, but not everyone chooses to stay in the spotlight. Some former child stars struggled to land roles as they grew older, while others voluntarily stepped away to pursue a different path. Whether they wanted a break from fame or simply sought a normal life, these actors transitioned into everyday jobs. Here are ten former child actors who now work in regular professions.
10. Jeff Cohen – Lawyer
Known for: The Goonies (1985)
Jeff Cohen became a household name after playing Chunk in The Goonies, a cult classic about kids searching for pirate treasure. His character was best known for the hilarious “Truffle Shuffle,” where he lifted his shirt and wiggled his belly.
As Cohen grew older, he struggled to land roles, especially after losing weight. Hollywood typecasting limited his opportunities, leading him to pivot toward a different career. He pursued a law degree from UCLA and co-founded Cohen Gardner LLP, an entertainment law firm in Beverly Hills.
9. Ross Bagley – Realtor & DJ
Known for: The Little Rascals (1994), The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Ross Bagley won hearts as Buckwheat in The Little Rascals and later as Nicky Banks, the youngest cousin on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His comedic timing and charm made him a standout child actor.
After a few minor roles, Bagley stepped away from acting to focus on his education. Today, he works as a realtor in Los Angeles and occasionally DJs at events. Although he hasn’t ruled out a Hollywood return, he currently enjoys his normal life outside the spotlight.
8. Jennifer Stone – Nurse
Known for: Wizards of Waverly Place
Jennifer Stone became famous for her role as Harper Finkle, the quirky best friend of Selena Gomez’s character in Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place.
Her life took a turn when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 20. Motivated to help others with health issues, she switched career paths and pursued a degree in nursing. Stone is now a registered nurse working in the emergency room at a hospital in Burbank, California.
7. Danny Lloyd – Biology Professor
Known for: The Shining (1980)
Danny Lloyd played Danny Torrance, the psychic child in the horror masterpiece The Shining. His performance remains one of the most memorable in horror movie history.
After struggling to find more acting work, Lloyd chose a quiet life away from Hollywood. He became a biology professor at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College in Kentucky. In 2019, he made a brief cameo in Doctor Sleep, the sequel to The Shining, but has no plans to return to acting full-time.
6. Kay Panabaker – Zookeeper
Known for: Phil of the Future, Read It and Weep
Kay Panabaker was a Disney Channel staple in the early 2000s, starring in Phil of the Future, Summerland, and Read It and Weep. However, as she got older, she lost interest in acting and grew tired of the industry’s pressures.
While attending Santa Fe College, she fell in love with zoology. After interning at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, she became an Associate Animal Keeper. Though she once worked on movie sets, she now finds fulfillment working with wildlife.
5. Charlie Korsmo – Law Professor
Known for: Hook, Dick Tracy
Charlie Korsmo was a well-known child actor in the early ‘90s, starring in Dick Tracy and playing Peter Pan’s son in Hook.
However, acting wasn’t his long-term goal. He earned a degree in physics and later a law degree from Yale. Today, he teaches corporate law at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, focusing on mergers, acquisitions, and finance.
4. Josh Saviano – Lawyer
Known for: The Wonder Years
Josh Saviano played Paul Pfeiffer, the nerdy best friend of Kevin Arnold in The Wonder Years. A long-standing internet rumor suggested that he grew up to become rock star Marilyn Manson—but that was completely false.
Instead, Saviano left Hollywood to study law. He earned a degree in political science from Yale, followed by a Juris Doctor from Yeshiva University. He later founded Act 3 Advisors, a brand consulting firm for celebrities, and serves as the President of Spotlight Advisory Group.
3. Danielle Spencer – Veterinarian
Known for: What’s Happening!!
Danielle Spencer starred as Dee Thomas in the hit sitcom What’s Happening!!. Her witty comebacks and signature line, “Ooohh, I’m tellin’ Mama!” made her a fan favorite.
Despite her success in Hollywood, Spencer had always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. She earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tuskegee University and has been practicing for over 25 years. She also holds a place in the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
2. Lisa Jakub – Author & Yoga Teacher
Known for: Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day
Lisa Jakub played Lydia Hillard, Robin Williams’ oldest daughter in Mrs. Doubtfire. She also appeared in Independence Day and other films before deciding to retire from acting at age 22.
Jakub became a writer, publishing two books: You Look Like That Girl (2015) and Not Just Me (2017). She also pursued yoga, eventually becoming a certified instructor. Today, she hosts mental wellness workshops and motivational speaking events.
1. Clayton Snyder – Real Estate Agent
Known for: Lizzie McGuire
Clayton Snyder won over Disney Channel fans as Ethan Craft, Lizzie McGuire’s love interest. After the show ended, he took on minor acting roles and played collegiate water polo at Pepperdine University.
While Snyder still acts occasionally in indie films, his primary job is in real estate. He is a successful realtor in Southern California and also serves as the founder of the Los Angeles Athletics Club Water Polo team.
Conclusion
Not every child actor stays in Hollywood forever. Some leave by choice, while others struggle to transition into adult roles. Whether they pursued law, medicine, or animal care, these former child stars prove that there’s life beyond the entertainment industry.
FAQs
Why do child actors quit acting?
Some child actors leave Hollywood due to typecasting, industry pressures, or a desire for a more stable career.
Which child actors returned to acting?
Some, like Macaulay Culkin and Drew Barrymore, left Hollywood for a while but later made a comeback.
Do former child actors still make money from past roles?
Some do, through residuals, but it depends on their contracts.
Did any of these former child stars surprise you? Let us know in the comments!
