Child Actors Who Quit Young Or Made It Big
Many kids dream of making it big. Whether it’s modeling, singing, acting, or leading a band, millions of children dream of fame but only a few manage to become celebrities while they’re young. Fame is a challenge for every celebrity, but especially for the young. Juggling fans’ adoration and interviews on television alongside filming and worrying about education and the future can be a lot to handle. It’s not surprising that some child stars grow up and maintain their celebrity status while others choose to leave the glow of Tinseltown.
These are the kid celebrities who either bowed out of showbiz gracefully or kept up their career in the limelight.
QUIT: Shirley Temple
Who can forget Shirley Temple? This golden-haired sweetheart danced and sang her way into hearts in the 30s and 40s. Temple was a pint-sized icon of the classic film era and the biggest movie star in Hollywood from 1935 to 1938. By the time she was 22, Shirley Temple decided to retire from acting, a career in which she had excelled since the tender age of 3.
Shirley Temple might have bid Hollywood a bittersweet farewell, but she still pursued a life in the public eye, this time in politics. After an unsuccessful run for Congress in 1967, Shirley Temple represented the U.S at the United Nations, became ambassador to Ghana until 1976, and was appointed chief protocol of the U.S.
MADE IT BIG: Jake Gyllenhaal
Jake Gyllenhaal is known for his expressive eyes and his compelling dramatic performances, particularly in the critically-acclaimed Brokeback Mountain (2005). Gyllenhaal honed his acting skills early with his breakthrough role of Homer Hickam in October Sky (1999). But he started getting attention with his portrayal of a disturbed teenager in Donnie Darko (2001).
Gyllenhall continued to impress audiences as an adult with thrillers such as Zodiac (2007) and the underappreciated Nightcrawler (2014) which has Jake playing an obsessed photographer. On the lighter side of things, Jake Gyllenhaal starred in the romantic comedy Love & Other Drugs (2010) and the science fiction thriller Source Code (2011). Jake Gyllenhaal is one of those actors who deserves that elusive Oscar–we hope it’s going to be soon!
QUIT: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen didn’t go solo into showbiz. When their career was in its infancy–so were they. Mary-Kate and Ashley took turns playing the baby Michelle Tanner in the highly successful sitcom Full House. Later the duo, popularly known as the Olsen Twins, made their feature film debut with It Takes Two (1995) and New York Minute (1994).
The Olsen Twins haven’t retreated from publicity—they’ve just pivoted from acting to fashion design. The two have their own fashion line called Elizabeth and James which they launched in 2007. Their style ditched the glitz and opulence of Tinseltown in favor of a look fashion critics described as “ashcan” or “bohemian bourgeois.” Who needs diamonds and velvet with a special creation by the Olsen Twins?
MADE IT BIG: Ethan Hawke
People who grew up in the 80s may have let Ethan Hawke tug at their heartstrings in Dead Poet’s Society (1989). We’ve been pleased to see this actor in a myriad of roles since. This hardworking actor had his big break at the age of 13 in McCarter Theater’s production of George Bernard Shaw’s St. Joan. Hawke left college when he was given the role in Dead Poet’s Society and his career has been on the rise ever since.
Hawke’s roles are almost too numerous to name but one of his most outstanding performances was with the late Philp Seymour Hoffman in Sidney Lumet’s swan song Till the Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007) and more recently Black Phone (2021) and Northman (2021).
QUIT: Ross Bagley
Anyone who’s watched The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air remembers Nicky. The baby of the Banks family got a lot of laughs by making fun of his Uncle Phil’s age and his other antics. Nicky was played by Ross Bagley who remained friends with Will Smith and often would hang out on the set of Independence Day.
Nowadays, Ross Bagley has been pursuing a regular life in California. After graduating from California State University–Northridge, he pursued a career selling Los Angeles real estate. He still makes time for showbiz, albeit on a smaller scale, working as a DJ in the area with the moniker DJ Ro$$y B.
MADE IT BIG: Christian Bale
Christian Bale is another Hollywood heavy-hitter who grabbed the spotlight at a young age. He made an indelible impression on audiences at the age of 13 in Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun (1987). This war film was emotionally demanding and showed the young Bale’s impeccable acting skills. Whether it’s due to Bale’s early start in the industry, intrinsic talent, or both, this actor is known for going to the absolute limit.
He built muscle and was able to sweat on cue as a cold-blooded killer in American Psycho (2000) and lost 64 pounds for the emaciated protagonist in The Machinist (2004). Bale is best known to younger audiences as Batman in Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012).
QUIT: Peter Ostrum
Some actors only need one role to capture the public’s imagination. Several generations of kids have loved the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) and have followed the amazement and adventures of Charlie Bucket. Peter Ostrum, who played Charlie at the age of 12 didn’t need more film credits to ensure a place in motion picture history. Charlie Bucket was his only role and a memorable one.
Peter Ostrum became a veterinarian and has said in interviews that he found showbiz life anything but glamorous. Ostrum was quoted as saying he found acting to be a “rather difficult profession.” Peter avoided the pressures of fame and preferred caring for animals. He cares for dairy cows at New York’s Countryside Veterinary Clinic.
MADE IT BIG: Kat Dennings
Kat Dennings began her career as a demanding 12-year-old girl who gives Samantha no peace as her bat mitzvah publicist. Since the 2000 Sex and the City episode, Kat Dennings has made the seamless transition from child actor to grownup star. As a teenager, Kat starred in The Scream Team and fought an onslaught of ghosts.
Kat just keeps working and we’re impressed at her output. She shone as Max Black in the CBS sitcom Broke Girls (2011 to 2017) and wowed audiences as Darcy Lewis in Marvel’s series of Thor films: Thor (2011), Thor: The Dark World (2013), and Thor: Love and Thunder (2022). Kat Dennings also starred in the Disney Plus miniseries WandaVision (2021).
QUIT: Mara Wilson
Many aspiring actors spend years trying to get their big break, but Mara Wilson had a robust career from the word “Go.” Her first major role was at 6 years old in the smash hit Mrs. Doubtfire (1993). Next was one of Mara’s best-known roles as the title character in Matilda (1996). Mara starred in a total of nine roles in other popular films Miracle on 34th Street (1994) and Thomas and the Magic Railroad (2000).
However, the nine-film streak ended only because Mara Wilson decided to retire at the age of 13. Now Mara is a journalist and author and does voice-over work on the side. Mara is yet another star who had a sense of when she’d had enough of the silver screen–and found a satisfying life after fame.
MADE It BIG Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Joseph Gordon-Levitt has earned many awards and much critical acclaim, perhaps because of his extensive experience in the entertainment industry. He won a Young Artist Award and a Saturn Award nomination for performances in A River Runs Through It (1992), Holy Matrimony (1994), and Angels in the Outfield (1994).
Joseph Gordon Levitt is another actor who started young and has had a virtually uninterrupted career of hits. He played Tommy Solomon in 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996-2001) and gave notable performances in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2010), Inception (2010), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012). Today, Gordon-Leavitt wears many hats and has developed an award-winning media platform HitRecord.
QUIT: Eva Amurri
Eva Amurri’s first appearances were with her famous mother Susan Sarandon. The two are portrayed, appropriately enough, as a mother and daughter in the Banger Sisters (2002). The mother and daughter act hammed it up as soap opera stars–a show-within-a-show concept in the popular 90s sitcom Friends.
Eva Amurri has appeared on other popular TV series: Californication, How I Met Your Mother, and House. After a good run of TV appearances, Eva decided to focus on other interests and now manages a lifestyle brand and blog “Happily Eva After.” We enjoy keeping up with her renovation projects, family vacations, and fashion tips. Eva Amurri is another actor who proves they can still maintain and innovate their brand after stepping away from the camera.
MADE IT BIG: Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson is a household name and started in the business young. Her first role was in an Off-Broadway show and it wasn’t long before young Scarlett left the stage for the silver screen. Her first film role was in the critically-panned North (1994). The film’s negative reception didn’t hurt Scarlett who landed additional roles in Manny & Lo (1996) and The Horse Whisperer (1998).
Scarlett Johansson’s career trajectory took a straight line upward. She won a BAFTA for her performance in Lost in Translation (2003) and with her impressive showing in independent films such as Marriage Story (2019) as well as her role in blockbusters like the Iron Man franchise. Scarlett was the highest paid actress in 2018-2019–after all this time in showbiz she definitely deserved that raise.
MADE IT BIG: Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster is one of the most celebrated child stars turned major celebrities. Her career began with a 1965 Coppertone ad when she was the young age of 3. Foster became a household name for her staggering role in the Martin Scorcese classic, the hard-hitting Taxi Driver (1976) when she was just 13 years old. She followed up this success with teen roles in popular favorites such as Freaky Friday (1976).
Jodie Foster made the comfortable transition from a child acting sensation to one of the most respected names in Hollywood. Between her acting roles, she pursued a degree at Yale University. Combining brains, beauty, and talent, Foster has had an impressive career, winning an academy award for her performance in Silence of the Lambs (1992) as well as writing and directing her own projects.
QUIT Lisa Bonet
Lisa Bonet had a promising start playing Denise Huxtable in the wildly popular 80s sitcom The Cosby Show. The adventures of Denise continued in the Cosby Show spinoff A Different World featuring her life as a college student. However, Lisa got fired from A Different World after it was discovered she was pregnant. This exit from the 80s sitcom led to her abrupt retirement from acting.
After leaving behind her career as a TV star, Lisa Bonet changed her name to Lilakoi Moon to protect her privacy. She communes with nature and lives on a ranch in Southern California. When interviewed about her decision, Moon said that she made the decision “to honor her personal life.” She lives with her family and raises wolf-dog hybrids and donkeys on the ranch.
MADE IT BIG: Brie Larson
Brie Larson was the youngest person ever admitted to the American Conservatory Theater at the age of six. From there she got her start on television in a comedy sketch on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. After that, Brie starred in the Disney original movie Right on Track (2001) and Warner Bros’ Raising Dad (2001)
Brie kept acting into adulthood. One of her most notable roles as an adult was Short Term 12 (2013). For her role as a kidnapping victim in Room (2015), Brie won an Academy Award for Best Actress. Kong: Skull Island (2017), Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame (2019) signaled her career shift into starring roles in blockbusters. Brie also has writing and directing credits, such as Unicorn Store (2017).
QUIT Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Jonathan Taylor Thomas delighted audiences and graced the cover of teen magazines in the 90s. At 8 years old, he appeared on The Bradys as Kevin Brady and had a 7-year run on the hugely popular TV sitcom Home Improvement. At the height of his fame, Taylor quit and decided to focus on his studies.
Although he was missed by fans, he reportedly enjoyed his years of study and travel. He attended Harvard University, but set his sights abroad and transferred to the elite St. Andrews in Scotland. While at St. Andrews, Taylor rubbed elbows with other famous figures like Prince William.
MADE IT BIG: Anthony Michael Hall
Anthony Michael Hall was ubiquitous in the 80s. He had a starring role in many of John Hughes’ hit films, such as Sixteen Candles (1984), The Breakfast Club (1985), and Weird Science (1985). Anthony Michael Hall enjoyed fantastic success, but he wasn’t satisfied with being typecast as the teenage nerd. He decided to take his career into his own hands and pivot away from the geek image as an adult.
Anthony Michael Hall’s run on Saturday Night Live signaled a crucial transition that kept him from being consigned to the same fate as many other child stars who outgrew their “type.” He did take other so-called nerd roles, such as Bill Gates in the 1999 television film The Pirates of Silicon Valley. However, Hall has played a diverse array of roles, including the lead in the series The Dead Zone from 2002 to 2007.
QUIT: Amanda Bynes
Amanda Bynes seemed poised to make a successful transition from child star to grown-up celebrity, but unfortunately, her personal life got in the way. Amanda began her career on the Nickelodeon sketch comedy series All That (1996-2000) and followed up that success with The Amanda Bynes Show (1998-2002). Amanda increased her film and television credits until 2010.
Amanda ran into trouble around 2010 with substance abuse problems and several arrests for disorderly behavior while intoxicated. Bynes was hospitalized and diagnosed with bipolar disorder as she tweeted erratic messages. The former child star was under conservatorship which ended in 2022 when she declared that she was sober and stable. Although Amanda retired from acting and said she didn’t love it anymore, perhaps she may change her mind. We’ll wait and see.
MADE IT BIG: Jami Gertz
Few people are handpicked for fame. That’s exactly what happened when Jami Gertz was singled out in a talent search by the legendary Norman Lear. Gertz appeared in numerous 80s sitcoms such as Different Strokes and Square Pegs. She made her film debut in 1981’s Endless Love. When she was in her 20s, Jamie Gertz had starring roles in hard-hitting 80s films such as Less Than Zero (1987), The Lost Boys (1987), and Quicksilver (1986).
She took a break from acting and lent her skills as a scent designer for Lanvin. Gertz returned to showbiz with roles such as Judy Miller in the CBS sitcom Still Standing and ABC’s the neighbors.
QUIT: Jennette McCurdy
Many aspiring actors long for fame, but Jennette McCurdy said she felt embarrassed by her past roles. McCurdy began acting at 8 but attracted the public’s attention on Nickelodeon’s iCarly and the spinoff Sam & Cat. This seems like the ultimate fulfillment of a young actor’s dream. However, even then McCurdy wanted to call it quits.
Jennette McCurdy said in an interview, “I’m so ashamed of the roles I’ve done in the past. I resent my career in a lot of ways, and I felt it was cheesy and embarrassing.” Although McCurdy gave up acting, she hasn’t avoided the public. She instead pursued writing and directing with a one-woman show called “I’m Glad My Mom Died” and now has a podcast called “Empty Inside.”
MADE IT BIG: Drew Barrymore
It’s not surprising that a child born into an acting dynasty should land a part in a Steven Spielberg film. However, Barrymore proved that she had the talent to match her famous last name. She won our hearts in the iconic E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982). After that, Drew Barrymore experienced a meteoric rise as a child star, but for a time, she was upstaged by her substance abuse problem.
Being born into the Barrymore dynasty was a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, the Barrymores were legendary actors. On the other, they had a history of personal problems, including substance abuse. Drew is open about her journey and recovery. This hasn’t stalled her stellar film career, which includes her successful collaboration with Adam Sandler in films like The Wedding Singer (1998) and 50 First Dates (2004). More recently, Drew hosted The Drew Barrymore Show.
QUIT: Jeff Cohen
Those of us who grew up in the 80s will always remember “The Truffle Shuffle.” Even kids in the 21st century who have seen the classic film The Goonies (1985) may have tried out this fancy footwork famously performed by Jeff Cohen. After making his mark in film history, Jeff Cohen decided to help others rather than perform in front of the camera.
Jeff Cohen’s career as a child star ended as quickly as it began, but only because Cohen decided to retreat from the spotlight. He has slimmed down since The Goonies, earned a law degree, and now heads an entertainment law firm, Cohen & Gardner. We can read his opinion pieces on CNBC and the Huffington Post. Jeff Cohen has found a different hustle now, but we’re glad he’s giving legal counsel to our favorite celebrities.
QUIT: Claudia Wells
For some child stars, one big role is enough. Claudia Wells will always be remembered as Marty McFly’s girlfriend in the 80s smash Back to the Future (1985). Although her portrayal of Phoebe Cates’ role in the television adaption of Fast Times at Ridgemont High showed promise, the show was canceled after seven episodes.
You can hear Claudia’s voice on Back the Future: The Game, but she’s had very few appearances since the original film hit theaters. She had some small roles in The Mentalist and the Comeback Kids. She has happily made the transition from acting to fashion and runs the Armani Wells men’s clothing store in Studio City, California. People still tell her she was their first crush, a confession that Amanda Wells says makes her blush.
MADE IT BIG: Elijah Wood
Elijah Wood was discovered at an early age–first by his mother, Debbie. She recognized her son’s talent and took him to modeling and acting conventions. Soon after, he started landing small roles. His big break was as Barry Levinson in Avalon (1990) followed by Paradise (1991), Radio Flyer (1992), and The Good Son (1993). Elijah Wood made an outstanding impression in the critically acclaimed Ang Lee film Ice Storm (1997)
Elijah Wood’s successes as a child actor accelerated as a grown-up with his celebrated role in the J.R.R Tolkien Lord of the Rings film series. Since then, Wood has appeared in a wide range of large and small films and has also pursued his love of music. He appeared in the Beastie Boys video Fight for Your Right Revisited (2011) and started his own label, Simian records.
MADE IT BIG: Mayim Bialik
Mayim Bialik’s magnetism was apparent early on. Her adorable antics were the main focus of the 90s sitcom Blossom. Many remember her as the younger version of Bette Midler in the classic tear-jerker Beaches (1988). Mayim was just as serious about her education as her acting career.
She holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA. Her science education seemed to correspond with her role as Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler in The Big Bang Theory. Bialik was nominated for two Emmys and won a Critics Choice Award. Recently, Mayim Bialik hosted the game show Jeopardy! She’s taken her career to great lengths!
QUIT: Ariana Richards
Ariana Richards was a child actor with multiple television appearances before her big break as Lex in the colossal hit Jurassic Park (1993). Many expected to see more films from Richards, but she was busy attending Skidmore College. Although she wasn’t pursuing an acting career, Richards turned up for a cameo appearance in Jurassic Park: Lost World (2001).
Aside from a small role in Battledogs in 2013, Ariana Richards seems to have left tinsel town behind. She spends her time creating art rather than acting and has her own art gallery The artistic streak runs in her family; Ariana Richards’ mother is a descendant of Renaissance painter Carlo Crivelli.
MADE IT BIG: Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan’s road to stardom began when she was signed by Ford Models at the age of 3. Lindsay was a regular on the soap opera Another World until she was cast in huge hits that earned her a place on the A-list. These included Parent Trap (1998), Freaky Friday (2003), and Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (2004). Her starring role in Mean Girls (2004) and her recording career launched Lohan into superstardom.
However, like many child stars, Lindsay Lohan’s personal life was tainted with scandal after scandal. She was arrested for multiple charges related to her alcohol abuse. After spending time in rehab, Lohan talked to Oprah about her recovery. Her efforts at changing for the better have helped her make a comeback as an adult.
QUIT: Kay Panabaker
Stephanie Kay and Danielle Panabaker were stellar showbiz sister act. Danielle appeared in Disney Channel shows like American Dragon: Jake Long, and Phil of the Future. The two acted alongside each other in the Disney Channel original movie Read it and Weep. Kay also portrayed Jenny Garrison in the 2009 reboot of Fame.
Kay retired from acting in 2012 and since then has been pursuing a successful career as a zoologist. Her excellence in academics was stunning given her busy showbiz career. After graduating valedictorian, Kay completed her BA at UCLA when she was just 18. Although it was abundantly clear Kay could juggle a film career and academics, she set acting aside for zoology.
MADE IT BIG: Natalie Portman
This Israeli-American A-lister began her silver screen career at the age of 12 when she portrayed a protege of a hitman in Leon, The Professional (1994). She graced the Broadway stage as Anne Frank in Diary of a Young Girl (1998). She concluded her teenage years with her huge break as Padme Amidala in Star Wars Episode 1:The Phantom Menace (1993).
Portman’s superstar status didn’t get in the way of her earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Harvard University. She juggled both screen and stage roles starring in the Public Theater’s 2001 production of Chekov’s The Cherry Orchard while working on Star Wars prequels. Portman has won a BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Oscar for her heart-wrenching performance in Black Swan.
QUIT: Alisan Porter
Alisan Porter captivated audiences as the title role of Curly Sue in the 1991 John Hughes film when she was just 10 years old. She wasn’t seen on the silver screen for a while after that, taking to acting on stage instead. Alisan Porter brought her talent to the Great White Way in the premiere of Footloose and as Bebe in the revival of A Chorus Line (2006).
Alisan Porter’s showbiz career hasn’t ended, rather it has evolved as she pivoted from acting to singing. Her 2016 audition for The Voice captivated judges and she joined Christine Aguilera’s team. She recorded and made a music video for her song “The Wild One” in 2019. Since then, Porter has been active on Instagram with news of her music career and family activities.