15 Once-Famous Actors Who Now Work Regular Jobs

Hollywood’s allure can be intoxicating, but not every star stays in the spotlight forever. Some actors, despite their fame, choose to step away from the chaos of showbiz for quieter, more grounded careers, trading scripts for stability or personal passion.

I’ve gathered 15 actors who left acting behind for regular jobs, from teaching to running businesses. Their stories highlight the diverse paths they’ve taken after leaving the screen, alongside the roles that made them famous. Let’s dive into their journeys.

Peter Ostrum

Peter Ostrum won hearts as Charlie Bucket in ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’ (1971), a whimsical tale of a boy’s adventure in a magical candy factory. His innocent charm made the role iconic, but it was his only acting gig before he walked away from Hollywood.

Now a veterinarian in upstate New York, Ostrum cares for large animals like cows and horses. Inspired by a family horse, he earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine and embraced a life of service, far from the glitz of fame.

Jeff Cohen

Jeff Cohen became a fan favorite as Chunk in ‘The Goonies’ (1985), a classic adventure about kids chasing pirate treasure. His comedic timing and iconic Truffle Shuffle left a lasting mark, but Cohen chose a steadier path over acting.

Today, he’s an entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles, running Cohen Gardner LLP. His legal work keeps him connected to the industry, negotiating deals and guiding clients, showing how he turned childhood stardom into a thriving career.

Jack Gleeson

Jack Gleeson was unforgettable as the ruthless King Joffrey in ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019), a fantasy epic about power and betrayal. His chilling performance made him a standout, but the role’s intensity pushed him to rethink acting.

Now studying philosophy and theology at Trinity College in Dublin, Gleeson embraces academia. He stepped away from Hollywood, citing a lack of passion for acting, choosing knowledge and a quieter life over fame.

Erik Estrada

Erik Estrada became a household name as Ponch in ‘CHiPs’ (1977-1983), a hit series about California highway patrol officers. His charm and action-packed role made him a TV icon, but he later sought a different way to serve.

Now a deputy sheriff in Virginia, Estrada works in law enforcement, focusing on community safety. His shift from playing a cop to being one reflects his desire to make a real-world impact.

Mara Wilson

Mara Wilson shone as the precocious kid in ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ (1993) and ‘Matilda’ (1996), both heartwarming films about family and empowerment. Her charm made her a child star, but Hollywood’s pressures led her to a new path.

She’s now a writer and mental health advocate, having penned the memoir ‘Where Am I Now?’. Wilson speaks openly about OCD and anxiety, using her voice to help others while crafting stories through writing.

Danny Lloyd

Danny Lloyd played young Danny Torrance in ‘The Shining’ (1980), a horror masterpiece about a haunted hotel. His haunting performance was memorable, but he left acting after this single major role, seeking a different life.

Today, Lloyd is a biology professor at a Kentucky community college and also farms. His shift to teaching and agriculture reflects a love for nurturing minds and land over the unpredictability of fame.

Jennifer Stone

Jennifer Stone was a Disney star as Harper Finkle in ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ (2007-2012), a comedy about a magical family. Her quirky role won fans, but she felt called to a career with deeper impact.

Now an ER nurse in Burbank, California, Stone uses her empathy to care for patients, a skill honed during the pandemic. Her transition to healthcare shows her commitment to making a tangible difference.

Carrie Henn

Carrie Henn played Newt in ‘Aliens’ (1986), a sci-fi thriller about battling extraterrestrials. Her emotional performance earned a Saturn Award, but she chose not to pursue acting further, preferring stability.

Henn is now a teacher, working with kids and valuing her classroom role. As a mother, she finds joy in shaping young minds, a far cry from the intensity of Hollywood.

Michael Schoeffling

Michael Schoeffling was a teen heartthrob as Jake Ryan in ‘Sixteen Candles’ (1984), a coming-of-age comedy that defined the ‘80s. His charm made him a star, but family priorities led him away from acting.

He now runs a woodworking shop in Pennsylvania, crafting custom furniture. Schoeffling’s hands-on career reflects his love for a quiet life with his wife and kids, creating beauty in a new form.

Charlie Korsmo

Charlie Korsmo stood out in ‘Hook’ (1991), a playful Peter Pan tale, and ‘What About Bob?’ (1991), a comedy about a neurotic patient. His early success didn’t keep him in Hollywood, as he chased academic goals.

Now a law professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Korsmo holds degrees from MIT and Yale. His shift to academia highlights a drive for intellectual fulfillment over fame.

Phoebe Cates

Phoebe Cates was a teen icon in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ (1982), a high school comedy, and ‘Gremlins’ (1984), a horror-comedy hit. She left acting after marrying Kevin Kline to focus on family.

She runs Blue Tree, a New York City boutique selling gifts and home goods. Cates enjoys curating her store while raising her kids, blending creativity with a grounded lifestyle.

Andrew Shue

Andrew Shue was a heartthrob as Billy Campbell in ‘Melrose Place’ (1992-1999), a drama about young adults in Los Angeles. His soap opera fame was strong, but he wanted to make a broader impact.

Shue co-founded CafeMom, a parenting website, and now focuses on philanthropy and entrepreneurship. His shift from acting to social good shows a passion for building community over chasing fame.

Ariana Richards

Ariana Richards played Lex in ‘Jurassic Park’ (1993), a blockbuster about dinosaurs run amok. Her role as the tech-savvy granddaughter was memorable, but she chose a quieter creative path over acting.

Now an award-winning painter in Oregon, Richards creates impressionist landscapes. Her art career allows her to express herself away from Hollywood’s spotlight, finding fulfillment in brushstrokes.

Taran Noah Smith

Taran Noah Smith was Tim Allen’s youngest son, Mark, in ‘Home Improvement’ (1991-1999), a sitcom about family life. His role was beloved, but he left acting to explore hands-on work.

Smith now runs a vegan cheese company in California and works as a carpenter. His focus on sustainable food and craftsmanship reflects a desire for meaningful, tangible work.

Freddie Prinze Jr.

Freddie Prinze Jr. starred in teen hits like ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1997) and ‘She’s All That’ (1999), romantic thrillers and comedies that defined the ‘90s. He stepped back from acting to focus on family and new ventures.

Now a cookbook author and wrestling producer, Prinze Jr. shares recipes inspired by his Puerto Rican heritage and works with WWE. His shift to creative and family-oriented work shows a grounded approach to life after fame.

Which actor’s career change surprised you most, or did I miss someone who deserves a spot? Share your thoughts in the comments!