Black Child Stars Now Working Regular Jobs (Where Are They?)

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It’s common for former child actors to leave the entertainment industry and pursue more traditional careers. Some dedicate years to becoming doctors, lawyers, or other professionals, while others find stability in fields like real estate or security. These transitions demonstrate how early fame can lead to practical life choices and new beginnings. Here’s a look at what happened to several Black child stars after they left the industry.

Gary Coleman

Gary Coleman, famous for his role as a child on ‘Diff’rent Strokes’, later worked a variety of jobs outside of entertainment to ensure a stable income. Between infrequent TV appearances, he worked as a security guard and took on other hourly positions. He also explored opportunities in public service and other ventures to improve his financial situation. Ultimately, his later life showed a shift towards dependable work outside of the Hollywood spotlight.

Ross Bagley

Ross Bagley, best known as Nicky from ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,’ transitioned to a career in real estate after acting. He became a licensed agent and now helps people buy and sell homes in Los Angeles. His work involves the usual tasks for real estate agents, like showing properties, negotiating deals, and handling paperwork. He still occasionally makes appearances for fans who remember him from the show, balancing that with his real estate work.

Danielle Spencer

Danielle Spencer, known for her childhood role in ‘What’s Happening!!’, left acting and pursued a career as a veterinarian. She completed all the necessary education and training, and practiced small-animal medicine, providing exams, diagnoses, and preventative care to pets in her community. Sadly, she passed away in 2025 at the age of 60.

Shavar Ross

After his time as a child actor on ‘Diff’rent Strokes,’ Shavar Ross dedicated himself to faith-based work and helping his community. He started a ministry, taking on leadership roles like mentoring young people and connecting with those in need. Alongside this, he also pursued entrepreneurial and creative projects outside of the typical Hollywood scene. Ultimately, Shavar focused on serving his local community, building a business, and prioritizing his family.

Billie Thomas

Billie Thomas, best known as Buckwheat from ‘Our Gang,’ later joined the U.S. Army and then found a long-term career working with film technology. After his time in the military, he worked at a major film lab, where he was responsible for the precise processing and delivery of film for studios. He built a stable career behind the camera, focusing on technical work rather than acting.

Vanessa Baden

Vanessa Baden, known as a child actress on shows like ‘Gullah Gullah Island’ and ‘Kenan & Kel’, transitioned to behind-the-scenes work as an adult. She built skills in writing and production, which led to roles managing the practical side of media – things like schedules, budgets, and scripts. Alongside her creative projects, she also handled typical office tasks like coordinating teams and ensuring projects stayed on track. Her career shows a shift from performing to the organized work that keeps film and television production running smoothly.

Rodney Allen Rippy

Rodney Allen Rippy, known as a child for his memorable fast food commercials, later worked in marketing and public relations. He helped businesses connect with their communities by organizing advertising, events, and outreach programs. His responsibilities often included managing accounts, tracking budgets, and working with outside vendors – all common tasks in marketing campaigns. He also started his own businesses, offering branding services to local companies.

Allen Hoskins

Allen Hoskins, best known as Farina from ‘Our Gang,’ later joined the U.S. Army and dedicated his career to helping others through healthcare. He worked at a veterans hospital, assisting with patient care, managing equipment, and following hospital procedures. Beyond his hospital work, he volunteered with programs supporting children with disabilities, leading workshops and advocating for their needs. Throughout his adult life, Allen focused on stable positions in healthcare and social services.

Sunshine Sammy Morrison

Ernest Morrison, a young Black actor who found fame in the ‘Our Gang’ series, later switched to working in manufacturing. He spent years at a leading aerospace company, building and inspecting parts, and making sure the workplace was safe. This job involved working different shifts and meeting production goals while collaborating with quality control teams. After leaving acting, he continued to work in union jobs that offered reliable pay and benefits.

Ralph Carter

Ralph Carter, known for his role on ‘Good Times’ as a teenager, later dedicated his life to faith and helping his local community. He became a music leader at his church, organizing rehearsals, scheduling performances, and managing the choir. Alongside this, he worked in real estate, showing properties, preparing contracts, and staying in touch with clients. Throughout his career, Ralph focused on being involved in his community and handling licensed business transactions.

Share who else you have seen switch from childhood fame to everyday careers in the comments.

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2025-11-18 05:15