15 Once-Famous Actors Who Now Work Regular Jobs

The glamour of Hollywood can sometimes be overpowering, yet not all celebrities remain in the limelight perpetually. Some actors, renowned as they may be, opt to retreat from the tumultuous world of entertainment in pursuit of tranquil, more down-to-earth professions. They exchange scripts for a sense of stability or follow their personal passions instead.

I’ve collected 15 individuals who gave up acting and moved on to ordinary professions like teaching and business ownership. Their experiences showcase the various directions they’ve taken since stepping away from the limelight, along with the roles that catapulted them to fame. Let’s explore their transitions instead.

Peter Ostrum

Peter Ostrum captivated audiences as Charlie Bucket in the 1971 film ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’, a delightful story about a boy’s journey through a fantastical candy factory. His genuine appeal made the character timeless, but acting was just a one-time experience for him before he left the world of Hollywood behind.

Currently residing in upstate New York, Dr. Ostrum specializes in caring for larger animals such as cattle and horses. His passion for animal care stems from a cherished family horse, and he went on to earn a veterinary medicine doctorate. Rather than pursuing the limelight of celebrity, he chose a path dedicated to service, distancing himself from the glamour associated with fame.

Jeff Cohen

In 1985, Jeff Cohen endeared himself to audiences as the lovable Chunk in ‘The Goonies’, an enduring adventure about youngsters seeking pirate treasure. His impeccable comedic delivery and memorable Truffle Shuffle made an indelible impact, but Cohen opted for a more stable career over acting.

Currently, he operates as an entertainment attorney based in Los Angeles, spearheading Cohen Gardner LLP. His professional responsibilities involve brokering deals, advising clients, and staying immersed in the industry – all of which demonstrate his transformation from a child actor to a successful entrepreneur.

Jack Gleeson

Jack Gleeson’s portrayal of the merciless King Joffrey in ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019), an epic fantasy series centered on power and deceit, was absolutely unforgettable. His chilling performance set him apart from others, but the role’s intensity caused him to contemplate his career path as an actor.

Currently immersed in the study of philosophy and theology at Trinity College in Dublin, Gleeson finds himself deeply engrossed in academic pursuits. Previously active in Hollywood, he decided to take a step back due to waning enthusiasm for acting. Instead, he opted for the allure of knowledge and a more tranquil lifestyle, relinquishing the limelight for a quieter existence.

Erik Estrada

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the days when Erik Estrada was known far and wide as ‘Ponch’ in the popular series ‘CHiPs’ (1977-1983). This captivating show centered around the lives of California highway patrol officers, and Estrada’s allure and thrilling portrayal left an indelible mark on our TV screens. However, as time passed, he yearned for a different avenue to make a difference…

Currently serving as a deputy sheriff in Virginia, Estrada is dedicated to maintaining public safety within the community. The transition from portraying a police officer on screen to becoming an active enforcer of law mirrors his ambition to effect tangible change in the real world.

Mara Wilson

Mara Wilson brilliantly portrayed the precocious child in ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ (1993) and ‘Matilda’ (1996), two heartwarming films focusing on family values and self-empowerment. Her captivating charm catapulted her to child stardom, but the demands of Hollywood eventually led her to seek a different direction.

I’ve transitioned into the role of both a writer and mental health advocate, with my memoir ‘Where Am I Now?’ as a testament to this journey. In my personal experience, I’ve battled OCD and anxiety, and now I use my platform to inspire others and weave tales through the art of writing.

Danny Lloyd

As a cinephile reflecting on the chilling masterwork that is ‘The Shining’ (1980), I can’t help but be captivated by the spellbinding portrayal of young Danny Torrance by none other than Danny Lloyd. His performance, eerily haunting, etched itself indelibly into my memory, yet after this defining role, he opted to abandon the silver screen in pursuit of a different path, yearning for something beyond the realm of acting.

Currently, Lloyd serves as a biology instructor at a community college in Kentucky, while simultaneously engaging in farming. This transition towards education and agriculture showcases his passion for cultivating knowledge and soil, rather than the uncertainty associated with stardom.

Jennifer Stone

Jennifer Stone gained fame as the character Harper Finkle on ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ (2007-2012), a humorous series centered around a magical family. Her unique portrayal garnered admiration from fans, but she felt drawn to a profession with more profound influence.

Currently based in Burbank, California, Stone channels her compassion as an ER nurse, a trait that has been refined over the challenging period of the pandemic. Her move into healthcare demonstrates her dedication to bringing about real, meaningful change.

Carrie Henn

In the 1986 science fiction thriller ‘Aliens’, Carrie Henn portrayed Newt. This film revolved around fighting off alien creatures. Henn’s compelling performance garnered her a Saturn Award, but she decided against continuing with acting and instead opted for more stability in her life.

Currently, Henn serves as an educator, interacting primarily with children while cherishing her position in the classroom. In her role as a parent, she derives satisfaction from molding impressionable minds, a stark contrast to the high-pressure environment of the film industry.

Michael Schoeffling

Back in the ’80s, I was all over the place as Jake Ryan in ‘Sixteen Candles’ (1984). That classic coming-of-age comedy left an indelible mark on us all. My charisma catapulted me to stardom, but family commitments steered me away from the silver screen.

Currently, Schoeffling operates a custom furniture workshop in Pennsylvania, where he meticulously designs pieces by hand. His practical occupation is a testament to his affection for a tranquil lifestyle shared with his spouse and children, as he continues to mold elegance into unique forms.

Charlie Korsmo

In the realm of cinema, I left an indelible mark in ‘Hook’ (1991), that delightful Peter Pan reimagining, and ‘What About Bob?’ (1991), the hilarious tale about a quirky psychiatric patient. My early triumphs didn’t keep me entrenched in Tinseltown; instead, I pursued scholarly endeavors with fervor.

Currently, Korsmo is a law professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. This academic position comes after he earned degrees from MIT and Yale, demonstrating a strong desire for intellectual satisfaction rather than seeking personal recognition.

Phoebe Cates

Phoebe Cates achieved teen idol status in the 1982 high school comedy ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ and the successful horror-comedy ‘Gremlins’ (1984). Following her marriage to Kevin Kline, she decided to prioritize her family over her acting career.

Cates manages Blue Tree, a gift and home goods shop situated in New York City. She takes pleasure in arranging her store as she balances motherhood with a creative yet down-to-earth lifestyle.

Andrew Shue

As a devoted fan of television dramas, I found myself utterly captivated by Andrew Shue’s portrayal of Billy Campbell on the iconic ’90s series, ‘Melrose Place’. Playing a heartthrob among young Angelenos, Shue was undeniably a household name due to his soap opera fame. However, he yearned for something more profound in his acting journey, aiming to make an indelible mark beyond the confines of daytime television.

Shue initially established CafeMom, a platform centered around parenting, and currently dedicates his time to charitable endeavors and business ventures. This transition from acting to promoting altruism highlights a deep-seated enthusiasm for fostering community rather than pursuing personal recognition.

Ariana Richards

In the iconic 1993 movie ‘Jurassic Park’, Ariana Richards portrayed the character Lex, a granddaughter who was proficient in technology and navigated the chaos of dinosaurs on the loose. Her performance left an indelible impression, but she opted for a less flashy, more creative career path, steering away from acting.

Currently residing in Oregon, Richard is a recognized impressionistic landscape artist. Steering clear of the glare of Hollywood, her artistic career provides an outlet for self-expression through the delicate use of brushstrokes, providing her with deep satisfaction.

Taran Noah Smith

Taran Noah Smith played the youngest character, Mark, opposite Tim Allen on the TV show ‘Home Improvement’ (1991-1999), which focused on family dynamics. The audience adored his performance, but after that, he opted for a different career path, shifting towards practical work.

Currently, Smith is operating a vegan cheese business based in California while also pursuing carpentry as his profession. This dual focus demonstrates his commitment to environmentally friendly food production and skilled craftsmanship, which aligns with his desire for impactful and hands-on employment.

Freddie Prinze Jr.

In the ’90s, I, Freddie Prinze Jr., made a name for myself in teen classics like ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1997) and ‘She’s All That’ (1999), which became hallmarks of that era. However, I decided to take a break from acting to devote more time to my family and explore new opportunities.

Currently, Prinze Jr., who is both an author of cookbooks and a producer of wrestling events, offers recipes that reflect his Puerto Rican roots while collaborating with the WWE. This transition towards more creative and family-focused ventures demonstrates a down-to-earth perspective on life following his period of fame.

2025-07-25 10:15