Movie Stars Who Disappeared After One Big Role

Hollywood can launch actors into stardom with a single role, but for some, the spotlight fades fast. These stars delivered unforgettable performances in major films, only to step away from acting or struggle to find another hit.

This list covers actors who had one iconic, career-defining role in a major movie and then largely vanished from the big screen. From child stars to leading actors, here’s why they left and what they’re doing now.

Carrie Henn – ‘Aliens’ (1986)

Carrie Henn played Newt, the tough young survivor in ‘Aliens,’ stealing scenes alongside Sigourney Weaver. Her performance earned a Saturn Award, but it was her only major role.

Henn left acting to become a teacher in California, saying it was her true passion. She stays connected to fans through conventions and has no plans to return to films.

Peter Ostrum – ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’ (1971)

Peter Ostrum won hearts as Charlie Bucket in ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.’ His earnest performance made the film a classic, but he never acted again.

Ostrum became a veterinarian in New York, choosing a quiet life over Hollywood. He occasionally attends ‘Willy Wonka’ events but has no interest in acting.

Danny Lloyd – ‘The Shining’ (1980)

Danny Lloyd played Danny Torrance, the psychic child in ‘The Shining,’ delivering a haunting performance at age five. It was his only major film role.

Lloyd found acting dull as he grew older and became a biology professor in Kentucky. He had a cameo in ‘Doctor Sleep’ but prefers a private life.

Taylor Dooley – ‘The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D’ (2005)

Taylor Dooley starred as Lavagirl in ‘The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D,’ a vibrant role in a cult classic. It was her only big film part.

A growth spurt at 13 made casting tricky, and Dooley struggled to find roles. She now focuses on family and has stepped away from acting.

Tommy Morrison – ‘Rocky V’ (1990)

Tommy Morrison played Tommy Gunn, the ambitious boxer in ‘Rocky V,’ leveraging his real-life boxing skills. It was his only major acting role.

Morrison returned to boxing, winning the WBO heavyweight title, but retired after an HIV diagnosis in 1996. He passed away in 2013, leaving acting behind.

Amber Scott – ‘Hook’ (1991)

Amber Scott played Maggie Banning, Peter Pan’s daughter, in ‘Hook,’ delivering a charming performance. It was her only significant film role.

Scott pursued education at Trinity College in Connecticut and later produced a short film. She’s stayed out of acting and lives privately.

Dorothy McGowan – ‘Who Are You, Polly Magoo?’ (1966)

Dorothy McGowan starred as Polly Magoo in the satirical ‘Who Are You, Polly Magoo?,’ playing a model in a sharp comedy. It was her only major film role.

Already a successful model, McGowan returned to posing for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. She chose a private life over acting and remains out of the spotlight.

Brittany Ashton Holmes – ‘The Little Rascals’ (1994)

Brittany Ashton Holmes played Darla in ‘The Little Rascals,’ winning fans with her adorable performance. It was her only major role.

Holmes left acting to focus on school, later earning a political science degree. She now lives quietly, far from Hollywood’s attention.

Daniel Tay – ‘Elf’ (2003)

Daniel Tay played Michael, Buddy’s brother, in the holiday hit ‘Elf,’ shining alongside Will Ferrell. It was his only major film role.

Tay studied economics at Yale and now works as a tutor. He has no plans to return to acting, preferring a normal life.

Joey Gaydos Jr. – ‘School of Rock’ (2003)

Joey Gaydos Jr. played Zack, the guitarist in ‘School of Rock,’ showcasing his musical talent. It was his only major acting role.

Gaydos focused on music, performing at festivals and releasing albums. He’s content with his music career and has no interest in films.

Robert Tsai – ‘School of Rock’ (2003)

Robert Tsai played Lawrence, the shy keyboardist in ‘School of Rock,’ earning fans with his charm. It was his only significant film role.

Tsai studied music at Dartmouth and plays piano occasionally. He’s happy with a low-key life and has stayed out of acting.

Liesel Matthews – ‘A Little Princess’ (1995)

Liesel Matthews played Sara Crewe in ‘A Little Princess,’ delivering a touching performance. It was her biggest role, though she appeared in one other film.

Born into a wealthy family, Matthews focused on philanthropy and education. She lives privately and has no plans to act again.

Jonathan Ke Quan – ‘The Goonies’ (1985)

Jonathan Ke Quan played Data in ‘The Goonies,’ a fan-favorite kid inventor. His roles dried up after starring in ‘Indiana Jones.’

Quan studied film at USC and worked as a stunt coordinator. He returned in ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once,’ but spent decades away from acting.

Linda Blair – ‘The Exorcist’ (1973)

Linda Blair played Regan in ‘The Exorcist,’ earning an Oscar nomination for her terrifying role. It defined her career, but she struggled to find big roles after.

Typecasting and a drug arrest hurt Blair’s career, and she turned to animal rights activism. She made a cameo in ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ but stays out of Hollywood.

Alex Winter – ‘Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure’ (1989)

Alex Winter played Bill in ‘Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure,’ a cult classic. While Keanu Reeves soared, Winter’s acting career didn’t.

Winter moved to directing and producing, working behind the scenes. He reprised Bill in later sequels but focuses on filmmaking over acting.

Paul Hogan – ‘Crocodile Dundee’ (1986)

Paul Hogan starred as Mick Dundee in ‘Crocodile Dundee,’ a global hit he also co-wrote. His later films failed to match its success.

Hogan was typecast and struggled with new roles. He now lives quietly in Australia, occasionally taking small projects.

Shannon Elizabeth – ‘American Pie’ (1999)

Shannon Elizabeth played Nadia in ‘American Pie,’ a breakout role in the teen comedy. It was her only major film success.

Elizabeth took smaller roles in films like ‘Scary Movie’ and focused on animal rights and poker. She’s largely stepped away from acting.

Patrick Fugit – ‘Almost Famous’ (2000)

Patrick Fugit starred as William in ‘Almost Famous,’ earning praise as a young journalist. It was his biggest film role.

Fugit took smaller parts in TV and film, like ‘Outcast,’ but never matched his early success. He’s content with a quieter career.

Sam Jones – ‘Flash Gordon’ (1980)

Sam Jones played Flash Gordon in the campy sci-fi hit ‘Flash Gordon.’ It was his only major starring role.

A dispute led to his performance being dubbed, and he struggled to find big roles after. He now does cameos and works in fitness training.

Elizabeth Berkley – ‘Showgirls’ (1995)

Elizabeth Berkley starred as Nomi Malone in the controversial ‘Showgirls,’ a role that brought her fame but also criticism. It was her only major lead.

The film’s backlash hurt her career, and she struggled to find big roles. She now works in TV and runs a dance program for kids.

Tami Stronach – ‘The NeverEnding Story’ (1984)

Tami Stronach played the Childlike Empress in ‘The NeverEnding Story,’ a magical role in a fantasy classic. It was her only major film part.

Stronach pursued dance and theater, founding her own company. She recently returned to film but prefers a private life.

Jake Lloyd – ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’ (1999)

Jake Lloyd played young Anakin Skywalker in ‘Star Wars: Episode I,’ a massive role in a blockbuster. It was his only major film.

Lloyd faced bullying and mental health challenges, leading him to quit acting. He now lives privately, away from Hollywood.

Mara Wilson – ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ (1993)

Mara Wilson played Natalie in ‘Mrs. Doubtfire,’ a standout child role. She also starred in ‘Matilda,’ but left acting as a teen.

Wilson found acting stressful and became a writer, publishing a memoir. She occasionally acts but focuses on advocacy.

Brandon Lee – ‘The Crow’ (1994)

Brandon Lee starred as Eric Draven in ‘The Crow,’ a dark, iconic role. His tragic death during filming ended his career.

Lee’s passing at 28 cut short a promising future. The film’s success made him a legend, but he never got another role.

Charlie Korsmo – ‘Hook’ (1991)

Charlie Korsmo played Jack Banning, Peter Pan’s son, in ‘Hook,’ a key role in a major film. It was his biggest part.

Korsmo studied at MIT and became a lawyer and professor. He had a small role in ‘Chained for Life’ but prefers academia.

Michael Schoeffling – ‘Sixteen Candles’ (1984)

Michael Schoeffling played Jake Ryan, the heartthrob in ‘Sixteen Candles.’ It was his only major starring role.

Schoeffling left acting to start a furniture business and raise a family. He lives privately with no plans to return to films.

Barret Oliver – ‘The NeverEnding Story’ (1984)

Barret Oliver played Bastian in ‘The NeverEnding Story,’ a beloved fantasy lead. It was his biggest role, though he appeared in ‘Cocoon.’

Oliver became a photographer and wrote a book on photography history. He’s content outside Hollywood’s spotlight.

Jennifer Grey – ‘Dirty Dancing’ (1987)

Jennifer Grey starred as Baby in ‘Dirty Dancing,’ earning a Golden Globe nomination. It was her defining role, but her career faded after.

Grey faced typecasting and took smaller roles in TV and film. She now focuses on family and occasional projects.

Edward Furlong – ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)

Edward Furlong played John Connor in ‘Terminator 2,’ a blockbuster role at age 13. It was his career peak.

Substance abuse issues derailed his career, and he lost major roles. He’s had small parts since but stays out of the spotlight.

Phoebe Cates – ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ (1982)

Phoebe Cates became a star as Linda in ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High,’ iconic for her pool scene. It was her biggest role.

Cates prioritized family with Kevin Kline and took only minor roles after 1994. She now runs a boutique and avoids acting.

Rick Moranis – ‘Ghostbusters’ (1984)

Rick Moranis played Louis Tully in ‘Ghostbusters,’ a comedy hit that defined his career. His later roles didn’t match its success.

Moranis stepped away after his wife’s death to raise his kids. He’s done voice work but hasn’t returned to major films.

Bridget Fonda – ‘Single White Female’ (1992)

Bridget Fonda starred as Allison in ‘Single White Female,’ a thriller that showcased her talent. It was her biggest lead role.

Fonda turned down TV roles like ‘Ally McBeal’ and stopped acting in the 2000s. She now lives privately with her family.

Which of these stars’ exits from Hollywood shocked you the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know!