Child Actors Who Quit Hollywood After Their Hit movie

Child stardom can launch a lifetime in the spotlight—or serve as a one-time chapter before a very different path. Plenty of young performers land a breakout role, then step away from sets, premieres, and press junkets to build careers in classrooms, courtrooms, clinics, and studios. The reasons vary—personal choice, changing interests, the pressures of fame—but the common thread is a clear, intentional pivot after an early hit.

Below are child actors who starred in a high-profile film and then chose another direction. You’ll find what their ‘big one’ was and, just as importantly, where they put their talent and energy afterward.

Carrie Henn

Carrie Henn was discovered at an English primary school and cast as Newt in James Cameron’s sci-fi sequel ‘Aliens’. After the film’s success, she didn’t pursue more screen work, opting to return to school in the United States when her family relocated.

She later earned degrees in liberal studies and child development and built a career in education as an elementary-school teacher in California, appearing at franchise anniversary events rather than on new film sets.

Peter Ostrum

Peter Ostrum made his screen debut as Charlie Bucket in ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’, then declined a multi-picture contract and left acting. A formative experience with a local veterinarian during his teens set him on a different track.

He studied veterinary medicine, built a decades-long career as a large-animal vet in upstate New York, and has spoken publicly about choosing a profession he loved over Hollywood.

Jeff Cohen

Jeff Cohen’s first major credit was Chunk in ‘The Goonies’, a role that became part of pop-culture history. Instead of chasing more parts, he focused on school and the business side of entertainment.

He qualified as an attorney and co-founded an entertainment law firm in Beverly Hills, handling deals for creators and performers rather than appearing on camera himself.

Danny Lloyd

Danny Lloyd played Danny Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s ‘The Shining’ and then appeared once more in a television film before stepping away from acting as a kid. He kept his childhood largely private and moved into academia as an adult.

He became a biology professor at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, returning to the screen only for a brief cameo in ‘Doctor Sleep’ long after his childhood performance.

Jake Lloyd

Jake Lloyd portrayed young Anakin Skywalker in ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’ and soon withdrew from acting. Over time, his family has discussed how he faced school bullying and later, significant mental-health challenges that shaped his decision to step back from public life.

Updates shared by his mother have focused on his treatment and recovery, noting his continued affection for the franchise even as he remains out of the industry.

Mara Wilson

Mara Wilson followed ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ and ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ with the title role in ‘Matilda’ before choosing a life away from film sets. She has explained that she wanted more creative autonomy and a healthier environment than she felt on movie productions.

Wilson shifted to writing and voice work, publishing the memoir ‘Where Am I Now?’ and contributing to projects like ‘BoJack Horseman’ and the podcast ‘Welcome to Night Vale’, while also advocating around mental-health topics.

Ariana Richards

Ariana Richards became widely known as Lex Murphy in ‘Jurassic Park’. In the years after the film’s release, she redirected her focus from acting to fine art.

She established a professional painting career—exhibiting, taking commissions, and selling prints—while maintaining ties to the dinosaur-franchise community through interviews and premiere appearances rather than new roles.

Barret Oliver

Barret Oliver headlined ‘The NeverEnding Story’ as Bastian and led ‘D.A.R.Y.L.’ before deciding to leave screen acting by the end of the decade. His interests turned toward historical photographic processes.

He became a photographer and printmaker specializing in 19th-century techniques and authored the reference book ‘A History of the Woodburytype’, building a reputation in photographic-history circles rather than film.

Liesel Pritzker Simmons

Credited as Liesel Matthews, Liesel Pritzker Simmons starred in ‘A Little Princess’ and played the first daughter in ‘Air Force One’. After a short run in film and stage, she transitioned out of acting while at university.

She moved into philanthropy and impact investing, co-founding Blue Haven Initiative and backing efforts in education and economic development as part of her long-term career.

Mary Badham

Mary Badham’s first film role as Scout Finch in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ earned an Academy Award nomination. She made a handful of additional appearances before stepping away from film work in her mid-teens.

She later worked as an art restorer and in education, occasionally returning to the story that launched her—appearing on stage as Mrs. Dubose in a national tour of the play ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.

Share your picks—and where they ended up—in the comments!