Actors Who Quit Hollywood For Normal Jobs

It’s common for actors to discover that the exciting, public world of entertainment doesn’t bring lasting happiness or security. While some celebrities stay famous for a long time, others decide to leave when they’re most well-known, choosing instead to build careers in more conventional fields. They often become teachers, lawyers, skilled workers, or business owners, seeking quieter, more stable lives. These experiences show that former performers can find success and fulfillment even after leaving the film and television industry.

Danny Lloyd

Danny Lloyd is most remembered for playing Danny Torrance in the iconic horror film ‘The Shining’. After finding fame as a child actor, he chose to step away from Hollywood and live a more private life. He later became a biology professor at a community college in Kentucky. Lloyd has generally stayed out of the public eye, rarely discussing his experiences making the film, and now focuses on teaching and his family rather than acting.

Jeff Cohen

Best known as Chunk from ‘The Goonies,’ this actor later chose to leave the entertainment industry and pursue higher education. He went on to earn a law degree from UCLA and is now a founding partner at a leading entertainment law firm. He uses his insider knowledge of Hollywood to negotiate deals and provide legal advice to actors and production companies, successfully building a new career based on his early experiences.

Peter Ostrum

Peter Ostrum became well-known for playing Charlie Bucket in the classic film ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.’ Surprisingly, despite the film’s huge success, he turned down a contract for three more movies to focus on his education. He discovered a love for animals and decided to become a veterinarian instead of continuing to act. Today, he’s a large animal vet, working with horses and cows in upstate New York, and is often cited as a famous example of a child actor who chose a completely different career.

Michael Schoeffling

Michael Schoeffling became a popular teen idol after starring as Jake Ryan in the movie ‘Sixteen Candles.’ While he acted in a few more films throughout the 1980s, he found that a career in acting wasn’t secure enough for his family. In the early 1990s, he moved to Pennsylvania and started a business making custom furniture. He now enjoys a peaceful, private life, away from the attention of the media and fans. Though people still fondly remember his early films, he has no plans to return to acting.

Charlie Korsmo

This former child actor appeared in popular movies like ‘Hook’ and ‘Dick Tracy,’ but he decided to pursue his passion for physics and law instead of continuing his acting career. He studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and later earned a law degree from Yale University. Now, he works as a lawyer and a law professor at Case Western Reserve University, focusing on legal research and teaching.

Josh Saviano

He’s best remembered for playing Paul Pfeiffer, the dependable best friend in the TV show ‘The Wonder Years’. Instead of continuing to act, he chose to focus on his studies, graduating from Yale University. He then built a career as a lawyer and consultant, spending years working with businesses on complicated legal and business issues. His journey from a young actor to a successful professional is a great example of how to build a life after being in the spotlight.

Ross Malinger

The actor first became well-known for his role as Tom Hanks’ son in the popular movie ‘Sleepless in Seattle’. He continued acting in both TV and films while growing up and in his twenties. Later, he chose a different path and began working in management for a luxury car company, holding positions like general manager and in administration. Since leaving acting, he has largely stayed out of the public eye.

Omri Katz

Most people recognize this actor as Max Dennison from the popular Halloween movie ‘Hocus Pocus’. Before stopping his acting career in the early 2000s, he also had a role in the TV show ‘Eerie Indiana’. He then shifted his focus to farming and eventually started a cannabis company in California. Now, he concentrates on growing and selling specialized cannabis products legally, a career path completely different from his work as a young actor.

Frankie Muniz

Best known for his roles in ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ and the ‘Cody Banks’ movies, this actor decided to try something different. He became a professional race car driver, competing in several major championships. Beyond racing, he’s also a successful business owner, having run shops like an olive oil store in Arizona. He also works as a manager for musicians and still plays the drums in bands when he can. He actively pursues both athletic and entrepreneurial ventures, prioritizing a variety of experiences over a typical acting career.

Barret Oliver

The actor, known for playing Bastian Balthazar Bux in ‘The NeverEnding Story’ and appearing in the short film ‘Frankenweenie’, stepped away from acting in the late 1980s. He then dedicated himself to photography, becoming an expert in older, historical methods. He’s now a respected author and teacher, having written a detailed book about the Woodburytype and leading workshops on 19th-century photographic techniques. His work has earned him recognition from both academic and artistic circles.

Taran Noah Smith

After becoming known for playing Marcus on the TV show ‘Home Improvement’, he decided to leave acting behind. He became an entrepreneur, co-founding a vegan cheese company and dedicating himself to environmental causes. He also worked as a technical specialist, building structures for festivals and events. Since leaving television, he’s focused on sustainable living and practical, hands-on work.

Ilan Mitchell-Smith

The actor who played Wyatt Donnelly in the popular 80s comedy ‘Weird Science’ left Hollywood to pursue a career in academia. He earned a PhD in medieval studies and now teaches as a professor at California State University. His research centers on literature and culture from the Middle Ages, and he’s a well-known scholar who often presents his work at conferences.

Mike Lookinland

Most people remember him as Bobby Brady from ‘The Brady Bunch,’ but the actor eventually left show business. He moved to Utah and built a thriving business working with decorative concrete. Now, he designs and creates custom countertops and architectural features for homes and businesses, finding great satisfaction in his work as a craftsman outside of the entertainment industry.

Harvey Stephens

Many remember him for his frightening role as young Damien Thorn in the classic horror film, ‘The Omen.’ Despite the film’s huge success, he didn’t continue acting as a full-time career. Instead, he moved into the world of finance and became a futures trader in London. He’s also worked in the car industry and explored different business opportunities. While he occasionally makes appearances at horror fan events, his main focus remains his career in finance.

Skandar Keynes

The actor became well-known for playing Edmund Pevensie in ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ movies. Once the films were finished, he chose to stop acting and concentrate on his studies. He went on to study Arabic and Middle Eastern History at the University of Cambridge, and then moved into politics. He’s worked as an advisor and researcher for several UK government officials. This career path is a big change from his beginnings as a film actor.

Reed Alexander

This actor, known for playing Nevel Papperman on ‘iCarly’, transitioned from acting to a career in news and journalism. He studied journalism and now works as a financial reporter for publications like Business Insider, covering Wall Street and the world of finance and technology. In addition to his reporting, he also writes books about healthy living for young readers.

Angus T. Jones

Angus T. Jones was once a very successful child actor, earning the highest salary on television for his role as Jake Harper in ‘Two and a Half Men.’ Later in life, he had a profound spiritual experience that led him to leave acting and pursue other interests. He went back to school and began working in the business side of multimedia production. Since then, he’s dedicated much of his time to religious work and business opportunities that are important to him. Stepping away from fame allowed him to find new meaning in life beyond the world of sitcoms.

Jonathan Taylor Thomas

He was a huge teen star in the 1990s, known for his role on the sitcom ‘Home Improvement’ and for voicing Simba in ‘The Lion King’. Surprisingly, at the peak of his career, he chose to go back to school, attending Harvard and Columbia to study philosophy and history. Although he’s made a few small TV appearances since then, he mostly keeps to himself and lives a private life. Even though he left Hollywood, he’s still remembered as an important part of pop culture history.

Steven Anthony Lawrence

Many people remember him as Beans from the Disney Channel show ‘Even Stevens’. After the series ended, he took on smaller acting roles before shifting his focus to other careers. He’s worked as a teacher and helped guide young performers, and even made headlines working at a mall during the holidays. Despite stepping away from major acting, Lawrence has enjoyed a variety of everyday jobs while staying connected with his fans.

Chris Owen

This actor is best known for playing the Sherminator in the ‘American Pie’ movies. While he’s been in a number of hit comedies, he’s also held down various service jobs to make ends meet, famously working as a waiter at a sushi restaurant in Santa Monica. Beyond acting, he enjoys photography and other creative pursuits. He’s been honest about the challenges of working in Hollywood and the importance of having a stable income.

Bradley Pierce

Though many remember him as Peter Shepherd from the first ‘Jumanji’ movie and the voice of Chip in ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ he’s now a leading figure in the hospitality world. He co-owns a company that offers consulting and tools to bars and cocktail professionals, and is a highly skilled mixologist who often leads workshops and appears at industry events. He’s shifted his career focus from filmmaking to the culinary and beverage arts.

Andrew Shue

The actor first gained recognition for playing Billy Campbell on the hit TV show ‘Melrose Place’. Later, he transitioned from acting to focus on business and using entrepreneurship for social good. He helped create CafeMom, a popular website for parents. Throughout his career, he’s also been involved with several charities and sports-related projects. Ultimately, Shue has combined his skills in technology and business to create a successful and meaningful career.

Robert MacNaughton

Henry Thomas is best known for playing Elliott in the hit movie ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’. Despite the film’s huge success, he stepped away from acting in the early 2000s. He moved to Arizona and later to New Jersey, where he became a mail carrier for the Postal Service. For years, he enjoyed a simple life with his family, delivering mail. This change from a famous actor to a public servant shows he values a normal, down-to-earth lifestyle.

Nate Richert

Best known for playing Harvey Kinkle on ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch,’ actor Richert struggled to find steady acting jobs after the show ended. To make a living, he worked in various fields, including maintenance and janitorial work. He’s also a gifted musician who enjoys writing and performing his own songs. Richert has often spoken about the difficulties of being an actor and the importance of a strong work ethic in any career.

Adam Rich

This actor became famous in the late 1970s for playing Nicholas Bradford on the TV show ‘Eight Is Enough’. After the show ended, he dealt with some difficult personal challenges and chose to leave acting. He then worked in sales and other business jobs, prioritizing his own health and happiness. For most of his adult life, he lived outside of Hollywood and stayed out of the public spotlight. Despite leaving the acting world, he’s still remembered as one of the most well-known child stars of his time.

George Foreman

George Foreman is a celebrated heavyweight boxing champion who also enjoyed a career in entertainment, appearing in numerous TV shows and films. Later, he became a minister and successful entrepreneur, most famously known for the incredibly popular George Foreman Grill. He still leads his church and manages his businesses today. His journey from boxing and acting to becoming a business leader is a remarkable achievement.

MC Hammer

This artist rose to international fame through his music and appearances on TV and in movies. After struggling with money problems, he turned to his faith and started exploring business opportunities. He became a minister and also worked with new technology companies and on social media. He’s also advised and invested in businesses in Silicon Valley. His career has been remarkably varied, taking him from music stardom to the cutting edge of technology.

Vanilla Ice

This rapper and actor first became famous in the early 1990s through his music and movies. As his entertainment career cooled down, he shifted his focus to real estate and renovating homes. He quickly became a successful investor and even hosted his own home improvement show. He now specializes in buying, fixing up, and selling luxury properties, building a thriving construction business. His understanding of the housing market has allowed him to excel in this new career path.

Gene Hackman

The celebrated actor, known for iconic films like ‘The French Connection’ and ‘Unforgiven’, retired from acting in the early 2000s. He moved to New Mexico to focus on his writing, and has since become a successful novelist, publishing critically praised historical fiction and thrillers. He now enjoys a peaceful life, away from the pressures of filmmaking, and views his career change as a fulfilling conclusion to a remarkable life’s work.

Rick Moranis

The beloved comedic actor was a familiar face in 80s and 90s movies, known for his roles in films like ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.’ After his wife passed away, he stepped away from acting for a long time to focus on raising his children as a single parent. While he wasn’t on screen, he kept busy with voice work and music, but his priority was providing a stable home for his family. He willingly traded the glamour of Hollywood for the joys of parenthood, earning the admiration of both his colleagues and fans.

Daniel Day-Lewis

Often hailed as one of the best actors of his time, he’s celebrated for his deeply immersive performances and numerous awards. He famously stepped away from acting for extended periods to explore passions like making shoes and furniture. Following the film ‘Phantom Thread,’ he retired from acting and has since lived a quiet life in Ireland and New York, dedicating himself to personal pursuits and family. His decision to leave acting was widely felt as a major loss for the film industry.

Jack Gleeson

Jack Gleeson gained international recognition for playing King Joffrey on ‘Game of Thrones’. Surprisingly, after the show ended, he decided he wanted to step away from acting. He went back to school to study philosophy and theology, and also became involved with independent puppet theater. He now prefers smaller, more creative projects where he has greater artistic freedom, and has intentionally avoided big Hollywood roles in favor of a more scholarly life.

Kevin Jonas

Nick Jonas first found fame as part of the Jonas Brothers, appearing in music and on TV. When the group took a break, he surprised many by starting a construction company and becoming a builder. He also used that time to create mobile apps and invest in tech businesses. Building homes let him explore his interests in architecture and how businesses are run. Though he eventually went back to making music, he continues to pursue his other business ventures.

Tony Danza

Best known for his roles in popular sitcoms like ‘Taxi’ and ‘Who’s the Boss?’, the actor took on a unique challenge: he spent a year teaching English at a Philadelphia high school. A reality show followed his experiences, shedding light on the challenges teachers face. He continues to champion education and often speaks about the need to support educators. This time spent in the classroom gave him a fresh appreciation for public service.

Kirk Cameron

Kirk Cameron first gained fame as a teen idol on the TV show ‘Growing Pains.’ Over time, his strong religious beliefs led him to focus on ministry and advocacy. He now creates and stars in films and projects centered around his faith, and also runs an organization that supports and serves the Christian community. He’s largely shifted his career away from traditional television and now dedicates himself to faith-based work and community service.

Dave Sheridan

The actor is most famous for playing Special Officer Doofy in the movie ‘Scary Movie.’ He still acts in independent and comedy films, but he’s also spent time teaching. He’s worked with students in different educational roles, providing guidance and support. He likes the combination of creative work and having a steady job that helps his community. His career demonstrates how adaptable performers can be, successfully moving between different types of work.

Brandon Quintin Adams

You might remember him as a kid from classics like ‘The Sandlot’ and ‘The Mighty Ducks,’ but this actor has really reinvented himself. He stepped away from the spotlight as he got older, diving into the music world and building his own businesses. He’s now more focused on producing and managing creative projects than acting, and honestly, he keeps a pretty low profile, only popping up at fan events now and then. It’s a familiar story – a former child star successfully transitioning into the business side of things, and it’s great to see him thriving in a new way.

Lee Aaker

I always loved watching ‘The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin’ growing up, and Lee Aaker, who played Rusty, was a huge part of that! It’s sad to hear things didn’t really work out for him in Hollywood after that, but it’s inspiring how he reinvented himself. He became a carpenter and worked in construction for years, and even taught skiing! He seemed like a really down-to-earth guy who appreciated his time as a child actor, and lived a simple, grateful life. It’s great to know he found happiness outside of the spotlight.

Jason Hervey

Josh Saviano is best known for playing Wayne Arnold, the exasperating older brother, on the popular show ‘The Wonder Years’. Once the series ended, he moved behind the camera, working as a television producer and executive. He helped start a production company that created several hit reality shows and sports programs. He’s also worked in public relations and communications for different organizations, and his work behind the scenes has led to a lasting career in the entertainment industry.

Kel Mitchell

The actor first became well-known for his funny roles on the sketch comedy shows ‘All That’ and ‘Kenan and Kel,’ and later starred in the movie ‘Good Burger.’ Though he’s continued acting, he also became a pastor and devoted a lot of his energy to religious work. He focuses on helping young people and offering spiritual support to his community. He’s successfully combined his entertainment career with his strong faith and commitment to serving others, and being a pastor has become a key part of who he is and what he does.

Thomas Wilson Brown

Many people remember him as Little Russ Thompson from the movie ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.’ While he continued acting for a while, he eventually shifted his focus to the behind-the-scenes work in filmmaking. Now, he produces and films independent movies and documentaries. He also enjoys a peaceful country life with his family and working on his ranch. Stepping away from being in front of the camera has given him the freedom to pursue a variety of passions both creatively and personally.

David Faustino

Best known for his role as Bud Bundy on the hit TV show ‘Married with Children,’ Faustino continues to work in entertainment. He’s branched out beyond acting, finding success in music and the club scene. He’s worked as a radio host, managed entertainment venues, and even explored production and digital media, proving his ability to thrive in a constantly evolving industry.

Brian Bonsall

Brian Patrick Clarke is best known for playing Andy Keaton, the youngest son, on the hit TV show ‘Family Ties’. After leaving acting in the mid-1990s, he pursued his love of music and became involved with several punk rock bands. He’s continued to write and perform music ever since, choosing a lifestyle very different from his days as a child actor. To support himself and his music, he’s also held a variety of everyday jobs. This shift to the music world gave him a new sense of community and a way to express his creativity.

David Dorfman

This actor is remembered for his parts in the movies ‘The Ring’ and ‘Galaxy Quest’, but he’s become much more known for his work as a lawyer. A gifted child, he started college young and later went to Harvard Law School. He’s now a lawyer for the U.S. government, and his legal career has surpassed his early fame as an actor. He’s a great example of someone who used their intelligence to build a successful career in a completely different field.

Share which of these career changes surprised you the most in the comments.

2026-02-06 23:21