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Just because we might love a particular actor doesn’t automatically mean that acting is what they’ll do for the rest of their lives. Some beloved actors, from child stars to grownup celebs, gave up acting and picked entirely different paths in their lives.
While some became writers and reporters (in my biased opinion, the very best career paths ever), others were more adventurous with their aspirations, going for PhDs, working as nurses and soldiers, and even going into law.
Bored Panda has dug deep to find out what former actors went on to do with their lives, so scroll on down, upvote the career path changes that you think are the coolest, and let us know which of these actors’ roles you enjoyed in films the most.
Hollywood’s Ultimate Insider, Mike Sington, explained to Bored Panda that some fans believe that acting is a lifelong career because they only hear about them when they’re acting. “When they take a regular job, they fall out of the media’s attention and fans forget about them,” the celebrity and entertainment industry expert said. Read on for our full interview with Mike!
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#1
Rick Moranis, The Star Of 'Honey, I Shrunk The Kids' Became A Stay-At-Home Dad To Care Of His 2 Children After His Wife Passed Away In 1991
Pepper Pots 4 years ago
I love him in little shop of horrors, ghost busters and honey I shrunk the kids
Bettina Falconer 4 years ago
Great caring dad ...who wanted to bring his kids up with dad around so made a sacrifice to his career till they were older ..great man in my books
Thenatural 4 years ago
Little shop of horrors..honey I shrunk series....he was pretty successful
Joyoyo 4 years ago
Also the "Gate Keeper" in Ghost Busters! " ...makes good economical sense..." lol Love him!
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Dwayne Kendrick 4 years ago
As a working father, I can honestly say fair play to this gentleman, after losing his poor wife too. Bless him
RELATED:
#2
Karyn Parsons, Former Star Of The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. After Playing The Role Of Hilary Banks For Six Years, She Moved On To Nonprofit Work. She Founded Sweet Blackberry, A Non-Profit Focused On Teaching Children About Black History
Logic and Reason 4 years ago
Equating educating children about black history to being racist is a symptom of being a dumbass. Consult your physician for an evaluation.
Load More Replies... #3
Peter Ostrum, Who Played Charlie In Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, Is Now A Dairy Veterinarian
Thorfin Wolfsbane 4 years ago (edited)
Wait a second, I thought he was running W***y Wonka's candy factory!!!!!!!
Thorfin Wolfsbane 4 years ago
P.S. I have no idea why BoredPanda is censoring the word w***y...haha
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Marlowe Fitzpatrik 4 years ago
That's probably a lot better for the mental state than being a Hollywood actor.
Ryan Badgley 4 years ago
Got to make sure W***y gets his milk from the healthiest and best of cows
It’s far harder to switch careers for well-known individuals like actors than it is for regular folks because there’s an ungodly amount of attention directed at the stage… and celebrities are right in the center of the spotlight.
“It’s difficult to switch careers for an actor because doing so brings with it a feeling of failure, which it shouldn’t. And switching careers is done under public scrutiny for actors, which makes it even more difficult,” celeb expert Mike said.
#4
Jeff Cohen, Who Played Chunk In The Goonies, Is Now A Lawyer
Bob Belcher 4 years ago
You know there was supposed to be a sequel but it never got filmed
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Louise B 4 years ago
I know! He was a really cute kid, but didn't he age well? In looks, but obviously he worked hard and made a great career for himself too. You have to admire that.
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#5
Danny Lloyd, Who Played Danny Torrance In The Shining, Is Now A Biology Professor At Elizabethtown Community And Technical College In Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Jimi Laoshi 4 years ago
It's surprising to see him choose a career over being a "kid"....Life, right?
#6
Kal Penn From Harold & Kumar Nabbed A Serious Position As The Associate Director In The White House Office Of Public Engagement
Sara Rodrigues 4 years ago
But but but.. he played a similar role in the TV series Designated Survivor! The odds of that... Wow!
Mangelo Il Fumatori 4 years ago
Penn was on Designated Survivor after his stint at the White House.
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Emperor Kitten 4 years ago
That's why his character in House died so unexpectedly. He got a job working for Obama starting immediately.
Mangelo Il Fumatori 4 years ago
Kal Penn returned to acting after leaving that White House position in 2011.
He pointed out that establishing a career as a successful actor is a huge accomplishment and it doesn’t happen as often as we might think. Giving up such an accomplishment in exchange for something else is “a major risk.” Though the expert added that “at times, you have to do what you have to do.” Difficult, life-changing decisions shouldn’t be made lightly, but they shouldn’t be a prison that stops you from your other dreams, either.
#7
Mara Wilson, Who Played The Titular Character In Matilda, Is Now A Writer
glowworm2 4 years ago
Yes, she voices the Faceless Old Woman Who Secretly Lives in Your Home in the podcast, Welcome to Nightvale and voiced the teacher, Mrs. Mayberry in Helluva Boss.
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RatherLoopy 4 years ago (edited)
Being a successful child actor/actress has to be tough. You gain a measure of success and fame, your future looks so exciting and bright, then you're no longer a child, and the work vanishes along with all your hopes and dreams for the future. Mara Wilson managed this difficult transition with maturity and grace, and I'm really happy she found her place in adult life.
Marsha Sturgill 4 years ago
Her looks really haven't changed that much. She did a wonderful job in the movie. Beyond believable. One of my favorites.
#8
Mike Vitar From “The Sandlot” Is Now A Firefighter
#9
Lucas Babin, Who Played Spider In School Of Rock, Became The District Attorney For Tyler County, Texas
Hollywood’s Ultimate Insider, Mike, gave Bored Panda a further sneak-peek into the acting industry. He detailed that actors tend to have a lot of downtime on sets so they can pursue various other activities. That is unless you’re the star of the show and you’re carrying the entire project on your back.
#10
Jennifer Stone, Who Played Harper On Wizards Of Waverly Place, Is Now A Registered Nurse
*me* 4 years ago
I think not only should military& firefighters& police people get “thank you for your service” but nurses too. So thanks for your service, especially nowadays
Marcellus the Third 4 years ago
If you propose thanking military & police for their service, you rightly get laughed at in most countries. Nurses not, they deserve it everywhere.
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#11
Erik Estrada, Who Played Officer Francis Llewellyn "Ponch" Poncherello On Chips, Became A Real-Life Police Officer In St. Anthony, Idaho
Nadine 4 years ago
When I was in college, I was flying home from Rome and I was so sad to be leaving, I was crying my eyes out. Erik was at the airport with a beautiful lady, and he came over to ask if I was okay, etc. All I could manage was a nod of my head. It was pretty nice of him to care.
V Martinez 4 years ago
How long was he a real officer? Or is he still doing it? I've seen him do small parts or be a guest on other shows over the years. This is new info I'm learning.
Requiem 4 years ago
Hes a Reserve officer and worked in Internet Crimes against Children for 8 years. Hes never stopped being an actor
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#12
Ariana Richards Most Known For Her Role In Jurassic Park Became A Full-Time Painter
Toko Danganronpa 4 years ago
Her art is unbelievably good: do check it out. She has an insane amount of talent.
JonaLou2U 4 years ago
My daughter looks a lot like her. People have approached us in airports and other places asking if she was this actress
Andrew Tamburello 4 years ago
Ahahha how is that even possible?! That movie came out in 92-94 maybe? So that means in 2021 she would be in her mid 40s right now. So that would be impossible. Pretty cool story though…
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Noel Benavente 4 years ago
...and her brother went to the war on the pacific and played bass on a band called Queen.
“For some, it can be an all-consuming profession, but for the vast majority of actors, it’s not uncommon to go weeks or months between acting jobs. It’s one of the most unstable and non-consistent professions one can choose. I have huge respect for anyone who’s successful at it,” Mike shared his admiration for actors and their ability to weather the uncertainty inherent to their chosen profession.
#13
Frankie Muniz Of "Malcolm In The Middle" Has Become A Legitimate Professional Racer, Even Earning An Award For Sportsmanship From His Peers. Muniz Also Manages An Olive Oil Shop In Arizona
Demi Zwaan 4 years ago
Yeah, and he doesn't remember much of his acting days, due to cerebral haemorrhages.
#14
Josh Saviano Who Played Paul From The Wonder Years Now Works As A Lawyer In His Native New York
Aria Whitaker 4 years ago
One of my all time fav shows as a kid...and it seems very fitting that Paul would grow to become a lawyer.
#15
Charlie Korsmo, Who Played Jackie In Hook, Is A Law Professor At The Case Western Reserve University School Of Law
Kookamunga 4 years ago
He was also the miserable goth kid in What About Bob? which was my favorite.
Randy Klefbeck 4 years ago
He became a lawyer!!! Just like his screen dad Pan ( actor Robin Williams) was in his alter life.
Ian Sirota 4 years ago
And wasn't he also in the movie "Can't Hardly Wait"? Good on him for his personal successes!
Switching careers can be stressful because we’re uncertain about a lot of things that might happen in the future: from how our daily routines will change to how this will change our long-term financial and other prospects.
#16
Freddie Prinze, Jr. Known For “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “Scooby Doo” Is Now A Chef And A Cookbook Author
Mumchkin 4 years ago
With his wife Sarah Michelle Gellar, they could've put them in the same slot.
Laura Dawson 4 years ago
Not true, SMG has a food company called Foodstirs but still acts. In fact she’s been cast in a huge Amazon show that’s filming right now so....
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#17
In The ’50s, Tommy Rettig Was The Adorable Boy Whose Sidekick Was The Ubiquitous Lassie. After Lassie He Found Work As A Computer Software Engineer.
John C 4 years ago
LOL I missed the "he" in the sentence and read "After Lassie Found Work As A Computer Software Engineer."
CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago
I first read that as Lassie found a job as a software engineer.
#18
Ali Mcgraw From "Love Story" Followed Her True Passions And Started Rallying For Animal Rights And Also Became A Yoga Instructor
F. H. 4 years ago
Except her teeth, they are bleached. But she didn't go for Hollywood veneers, that defenitely a good thing.
Load More Replies... King Joffrey 4 years ago
Wow! She looks incredible. She must be around 80 now. And no botox or plastic surgery...
Pink Floydian Panda 4 years ago
Am I the only one who thinks of the line in the Rolling Stones song Star Star whenever I hear her name? Rock n Roll at its finest. Naughty, naughty Mick!
Hugo A-niro 4 years ago
Never was impressed by her looks even when I saw her in N.Y. Not the friendliest person either .
But it’s not only that. Large career changes mean massively changing your life, too. You’re changing your goals, your purpose, your aspirations and going on a journey of self-discovery. As anyone who’s ever had to go through a small identity crisis about who they are and what they value most in life will know, it’s not all rainbows and sunshine when you feel like you’re drifting without any direction.
#19
Michael Schoeffling Known For "Sixteen Candles" And "Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken" Now Works As A Carpenter And Runs A Woodworking Shop
Lotus Flower 4 years ago
He’s incredibly private then and now and still married to his daughter’s mom. Speaking of, his daughter is now a model in her own right. Scarlet Schoefling. She occasionally talks about her dad. https://www.instagram.com/scarloz
Easily Excitable Panda 4 years ago
Oddly, I was wondering about him the other day. It's good to know he's happy and successful!
#20
Jerry Mathers, Who Played Beaver Cleaver On Leave It To Beaver, Became A Sergeant In The Air Force Reserve
Brandy Grote 4 years ago
That was in the 60s. He then went to college, became a commercial loan officer, and returned to acting - with Tony Dow! He's been around Hollywood on and off and wrote his memoirs.
Dorothy Cloud 4 years ago
Thanks, I thought he did more than be in the reserves.
Load More Replies... #21
Bridgit Mendler, Who Played Teddy Duncan On Good Luck Charlie, Is Pursuing A Degree At Harvard Law School
Debbie 4 years ago
I was actually thinking the photo on the right does not look like a regular photo. Lots of makeup / generic makeup style. Very different from most other pictures here.
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Derek Thomas Lirio 1 year ago
I remember her from Lemonade Mouth. She can sing. I praise her decision to pursue further education. I would've definitely suggestion a different university, but good that she's furthering herself.
For one thing, you’ll have to deal with a lot of extra stress. And even though there are ways to manage it with exercise, meditation, social support, etc., it can, at times, become overwhelming. So your health, both physical and mental, can suffer if you don’t see a clear path forward.
#22
Former Two And A Half Men Star Angus T. Jones, Who Ditched Acting At Age 21. These Days, Jones Is Working On The Management Side Of Tonite, A Production Company Co-Run By Diddy's Son, Justin Combs
René Studer 4 years ago
He doesn‘t really have to do anything. The money he made from that show should last quite a long time.
#23
Taran Noah Smith Who Played Mark Taylor "Home Improvement" Is Now A Carpenter
Sawdust 4 years ago
Hopefully he takes more after Al than he does Tim Taylor! :-)
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#24
Maia Brewton Starred In The 1987 Box Office Hit Adventures In Babysitting And Spent Three Seasons On The Fox Sitcom Parker Lewis Can’t Lose. The Actress Currently Works As A Lawyer
Sanne H. 4 years ago
I can’t really remember her role in Parker Lewis, it was a long time ago. Was she the annoying little sister?
Ian Sirota 4 years ago
I just watched this movie last night and was wondering what she and the other kids were now doing!
We sometimes tend to forget that actors are human beings just like us and don’t have everything figured out perfectly. So going from acting to trying something else entirely can make celebrities behave just like us.
#25
Danielle Fishel Who Played Topanga In "Boy Meets World" Is Now A Journalist
LottieH 4 years ago
Her husband is also the man who claims to have found shrimp tails in his cereal...... Seems fishy to me.
Paradise 4 years ago
and that story left the internet so fast. Danielle reprised her role as Topanga a couple of years ago and does the ComiCon rounds for BMW. But she probably is typecasted and can't land other roles.
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#26
Jonathan Taylor Thomas Who Played Randy Taylor In "Home Improvement" Is Now A Writer
CharliAnn Olney 4 years ago
Always had a soft spot for JTT as he looks just like my youngest son.
#27
Nikki Blonsky, Who Played Tracy Turnblad In Hairspray, Was A Makeup Artist At Superstar Salon In New York
Andy Acceber 4 years ago
If she loves it, great! I felt for that kid though. She was incredibly talented, but there's a lot of fatphobia in Hollywood. I imagine it was hard for her to find acting work after Hairspray.
Oliver Woehrmann 4 years ago
I know that I'm getting older and my memory is not as good as it was, but I could swear it was Rikki Lake that played Tracy in Hairspray. Looked it up and didn't realize they remade it in 2007.
What’s important in these moments of career transition is keeping a positive mindset on the one hand and having a clear-cut action plan on the other. Being optimistic and grateful for what you have will sustain you in moments of difficulty while having even a rough idea of what you need to do will move you forward and give you a sense of accomplishment. So, despite all the media attention and the uncertainty, sometimes you’ve got to aim for your dreams—even if that means leaving something that you love, like acting, behind.
#28
Lark Voorhies Who Played Lisa Turtle In "Saved By The Bell" Is Now A Writer
Kookamunga 4 years ago
I loved when she won the dance contest wearing a cast and they called the dance "the Sprain"
Aria Whitaker 4 years ago
She was dealing with some serious mental health issues a few years ago...glad to see she may have gotten herself together.
François Carré 4 years ago
But Dustin Diamond, AKA Screech Powers, passed away recently. RIP :-(
Aria Whitaker 4 years ago
How rude, lets hope you never struggle with mental illness.
Load More Replies... #29
Brittany Ashton Holmes Enjoyed A Successful But Short-Lived Career As An Actress. She Is Perhaps Best Known For Her Portrayal Of The Cheeky Darla In The 1994 Film Version Of The Little Rascals. She Now Works As A Barista And Seems To Enjoy Her Current Pace Of Life.
Trav May 4 years ago
Not really that bad. Whoever posted this just didn't do enough research on her. 'She is now in her late 20s, living in Los Angeles, California and is focused on finishing her studies, which will gain her a degree in political science.' https://affairpost.com/where-is-brittany-ashton-holmes-now-bio-little-rascals-net-worth-death-dating-darla/
Load More Replies... #30
Andrew Shue Known For “Melrose Place” Is Now A Online Publisher, Co-Founder Of Cafemom, A Website Focusing On Parenting Content And Women’s Interest
Suzanne McHenry 4 years ago
He is the younger brother of Actress Elisabeth Shue ( Adventures in Babysitting, Back to the Future 2 and 3).
#31
Phoebe Cates Kline, Who Played Linda Barrett In Fast Times At Ridgemont High, Runs A Boutique Called Blue Tree In Manhattan
#32
Michael Maronna Who Played Big Pete In “The Adventures Of Pete & Pete” Is Now An Electrician
Ruth Beaty 4 years ago
He might be "an electrician..." , according to one commenter below but I bet he makes damn good money and has more work than he can manage.
#33
Cary Grant Best Known For "His Girl Friday" And "North By Northwest" Later Served On Boards For Mgm, The Academy Of Magical Arts, And Western Airlines
Caroline Nagel 4 years ago
And Mr Blanding builds his dreamhouse! Love that movie.
Load More Replies... Gemar DuniaHiburan 4 years ago
My fav story is when Rob Lowe dated Cary Grant's daughter and there are some funny interactions between them, like when Grant was passionately promoting his cosmetic (skincare?) product to Lowe, and Grant's advice to Lowe to not eating hot dog in front of the public
CrunChewy McSandybutt 4 years ago
I mean, he never really left the industry, just shifted jobs.
sofacushionfort 4 years ago
..in which last capacity he had words with one pilot in particular.
#34
Ashley And Mary-Kate Olsen. The Former Twin Stars Have Both Chosen Fashion Design As Their Career Path Since Their Retirement At Age 21
GirlFriday 4 years ago
The Olsen twins look like one knows when you will die and the other knows how you will die.
Grumble O'Pug 4 years ago
“Fashion designers”?!?! Lol!!! No. More like well styled rich girls.
Amy Cohen 4 years ago
The Row is a very successful and respected fashion line sold in top department stores and boutiques. They’ve won awards. Also they’re rich because of their hard work. They’re not some heiresses. You sound jealous.
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cybermerlin2000 4 years ago
They look like they should be in a remake of So I Married An Axe Murder where they are both the killers
#35
Andrea Barber After Full House Wrapped Up Served As The Director Of Its International Study Program
Jo Morris 4 years ago
Studying the differences between a Full House and an Empty House, perhaps?
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#36
Vanilla Ice Is Now Working As A House Flipper
Chillace 4 years ago
whats flipping houses? i have an idea but i dont think its giving houses the bird
DogMom 4 years ago
Buying houses in disrepair for cheap, fixing them up and selling them for a profit
Load More Replies... #37
Reed Alexander, Who Played Nevel Papperman On Icarly, Is A Financial News Reporter
Oskar vanZandt 4 years ago
I don't think I've ever worn my shirts like that... long-sleeved shirt over top a polo shirt, yes.
Gemar DuniaHiburan 4 years ago
Yeah, I have never seen such a trend. Was it a thing back then?
Load More Replies... #38
Kevin Jonas, Who Played Jason In Camp Rock, Worked As A Contractor Before Getting Back Into Music
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 4 years ago
>But that's not really a job, right? Or even an acting-job (although... who knows? Maybe he's not an actual brother but a cousin! *gasp* )
Load More Replies... #39
Jonathan Bennett Who Played Aaron Samuels In "Mean Girls" Took A Short Break From Acting And Pursued His Love Of Fitness, He Taught Spin Classes At Flywheel Studio In Los Angeles. After The Acting Break, Bennett Returned To Entertainment. The Actor Is Now A Host On Food Network’s Cake Wars And The Mtv Karaoke Show Copycat
Marlowe Fitzpatrik 4 years ago
Weird, how people think that an actor who was doing okay in one movie is "taking a break" when he doesn't at once get new movies to act in. It's not like there are only ten actors in and around Hollywood, so many times it's not so much a break as having no other choice but to do something else to get by!
t-Grex 4 years ago
Did you guys know he's gay!!!! Super cool. I tend to see more openly gay/bisexual women than men in Hollywood, so when my friend told me I was proud!
Nope Nope 4 years ago
Because that was a pic from 2004 and was a teenager
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#40
Kirk Cameron Who Played Mike Seaver In "Growing Pains" Is Now A Minister
GirlFriday 4 years ago
He is also homo and transphobic, promotes the "quiverfull" movement and believes in the subjugation of women.
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What do you think ?
Lana Salberg-Schwickerath 4 years ago
Some of these are career changes... but some just appear to be "rich people hobbies." Others appear to be in-between jobs and didn't leave acting.
John Louis 4 years ago
You could add Lance Kerwin the 70's child actor who was the star ofJames at 15 runs a Christian drug rehab.
Lotus Flower 4 years ago
Notice how many became lawyers? Take from that what you will. Though I will defend us and say we’re not all bad.
Wim Cossement 4 years ago (edited)
Why the f**k did the majority of them become a god damn lawyer?
Demi Zwaan 4 years ago
Most of these are child stars who couldn't really act anyway. Good thing they went on to do other things.
Lana Salberg-Schwickerath 4 years ago
Some of these are career changes... but some just appear to be "rich people hobbies." Others appear to be in-between jobs and didn't leave acting.
John Louis 4 years ago
You could add Lance Kerwin the 70's child actor who was the star ofJames at 15 runs a Christian drug rehab.
Lotus Flower 4 years ago
Notice how many became lawyers? Take from that what you will. Though I will defend us and say we’re not all bad.
Wim Cossement 4 years ago (edited)
Why the f**k did the majority of them become a god damn lawyer?
Demi Zwaan 4 years ago
Most of these are child stars who couldn't really act anyway. Good thing they went on to do other things.
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