Celebrities,
ADVERTIsem*nT
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!
This post may include affiliate links.
#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
Final score:
344points
POST
James016 James016 Community Member Follow
He did that as his wife passed away.
Vote comment up
30points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
You May Also Like:
#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
Final score:
298points
POST
Hans Hans Community Member Follow
Apparently she also published two books for children.
Vote comment up
36points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#3
Peter Ostrum, Who Played Charlie In Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, Is Now A Dairy Veterinarian
Final score:
272points
POST
Kookamunga Kookamunga Community Member Follow
Violet, you're turning violet, Violet!
Vote comment up
16points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
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. ADVERTIsem*nT “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. ADVERTIsem*nT
#4
Jeff Cohen, Who Played Chunk In The Goonies, Is Now A Lawyer
Final score:
262points
POST
troufaki13 troufaki13 Community Member Follow
I FREAKING LOVE THE GOONIES!!!!!
Vote comment up
45points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#5
Danny Lloyd, Who Played Danny Torrance In The Shining, Is Now A Biology Professor At Elizabethtown Community And Technical College In Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Final score:
248points
POST
Toko Danganronpa Toko Danganronpa Community Member Follow
Good for him
Vote comment up
39points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6
Kal Penn From Harold & Kumar Nabbed A Serious Position As The Associate Director In The White House Office Of Public Engagement
Final score:
225points
POST
Sara Rodrigues Sara Rodrigues Community Member Follow
But but but.. he played a similar role in the TV series Designated Survivor! The odds of that... Wow!
Vote comment up
59points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTIsem*nT
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. ADVERTIsem*nT
#7
Mara Wilson, Who Played The Titular Character In Matilda, Is Now A Writer
Final score:
219points
POST
Serial pacifist Serial pacifist Community Member Follow
Not a downgrade at all. She was great in the movie also.
Vote comment up
29points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8
Mike Vitar From “The Sandlot” Is Now A Firefighter
Final score:
202points
POST
*me* *me* Community Member Follow
Oh that’s so cool
Vote comment up
17points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTIsem*nT
#9
Lucas Babin, Who Played Spider In School Of Rock, Became The District Attorney For Tyler County, Texas
Final score:
200points
POST
Monica Rolfe Monica Rolfe Community Member Follow
Omg i love this
Vote comment up
30points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTIsem*nT
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. ADVERTIsem*nT
#10
Jennifer Stone, Who Played Harper On Wizards Of Waverly Place, Is Now A Registered Nurse
Final score:
198points
POST
Clearly sunny 3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017
Thank god for our nurses.
Vote comment up
50points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11
Erik Estrada, Who Played Officer Francis Llewellyn "Ponch" Poncherello On Chips, Became A Real-Life Police Officer In St. Anthony, Idaho
Final score:
194points
POST
Sabse Sabse Community Member Follow
Imagine the look on my face when he steps next to my car door.
Vote comment up
48points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12
Ariana Richards Most Known For Her Role In Jurassic Park Became A Full-Time Painter
Final score:
188points
POST
Konpat Konpat Community Member Follow
Her art is amazing!
Vote comment up
23points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTIsem*nT
“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. ADVERTIsem*nT
#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
Final score:
183points
POST
Demi Zwaan Demi Zwaan Community Member Follow
Yeah, and he doesn't remember much of his acting days, due to cerebral haemorrhages.
Vote comment up
64points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14
Josh Saviano Who Played Paul From The Wonder Years Now Works As A Lawyer In His Native New York
Final score:
168points
POST
Clearly sunny Clearly sunny Community Member
Loved this show.
Vote comment up
16points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15
Charlie Korsmo, Who Played Jackie In Hook, Is A Law Professor At The Case Western Reserve University School Of Law
Final score:
162points
POST
Serial pacifist Serial pacifist Community Member Follow
He looks the same! Some genuine Peter Pan effect there.
Vote comment up
33points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTIsem*nT
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
Final score:
157points
POST
Mumchkin Mumchkin Community Member Follow
With his wife Sarah Michelle Gellar, they could've put them in the same slot.
Vote comment up
27points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTIsem*nT
See Also on Bored Panda
6 Y.O. “Realizes Something Isn’t Adding Up” With Great-Grandparents Living Wealthy On Ordinary Jobs
Maine Coon Cats: Giant Kitties With The Softest Character
#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.
Final score:
140points
POST
*me* *me* Community Member Follow
RIP Lassie
Vote comment up
14points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18
Ali Mcgraw From "Love Story" Followed Her True Passions And Started Rallying For Animal Rights And Also Became A Yoga Instructor
Final score:
139points
POST
Anna McHugh Anna McHugh Community Member Follow
So good to see a beautiful woman who aged naturally.
Vote comment up
69points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
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. ADVERTIsem*nT
#19
Michael Schoeffling Known For "Sixteen Candles" And "Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken" Now Works As A Carpenter And Runs A Woodworking Shop
Final score:
130points
POST
Priscilla Reshell Priscilla Reshell Community Member Follow
Love John Hughs movies
Vote comment up
5points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20
Jerry Mathers, Who Played Beaver Cleaver On Leave It To Beaver, Became A Sergeant In The Air Force Reserve
Final score:
129points
POST
Oskar vanZandt Oskar vanZandt Community Member Follow
I always enjoyed watching "Leave it to Beaver"- wholesome fun. :D
Vote comment up
20points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21
Bridgit Mendler, Who Played Teddy Duncan On Good Luck Charlie, Is Pursuing A Degree At Harvard Law School
Final score:
124points
POST
S S Community Member Follow
Gosh she's pretty
Vote comment up
18points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTIsem*nT
See Also on Bored Panda
“Bought The Property, Landscaping Included”: Woman Shocked By Ex-Homeowner’s Request 2 Years Later
Handyman Gives Squatters Their Own Medicine After They Take Over His Mom’s House
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. ADVERTIsem*nT
#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
Final score:
124points
POST
GaeFrog GaeFrog Community Member Follow
On the left he looks like he could be 10 years old or 40
Vote comment up
12points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#23
Taran Noah Smith Who Played Mark Taylor "Home Improvement" Is Now A Carpenter
Final score:
118points
POST
Mumchkin Mumchkin Community Member Follow
I wonder if he was inspired by Tim Allen or the show in anyway.
Vote comment up
37points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Final score:
110points
POST
Autumn Autumn Community Member Follow
I love Adventures in Babysitting!!!!
Vote comment up
3points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTIsem*nT
See Also on Bored Panda
"As If I Had No Choice But To Move": Woman Refused To Switch Plane Seats
"We're A Movie Theater, Not A Free Babysitting Service": Karen Threatens To Sue Cinema For "Making" Her Kids Walk Home At Night
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
Final score:
108points
POST
LottieH LottieH Community Member Follow
Her husband is also the man who claims to have found shrimp tails in his cereal...... Seems fishy to me.
Vote comment up
35points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTIsem*nT
See Also on Bored Panda
30 Of The Funniest Halloween Fails That People Couldn’t Resist Sharing
50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
#26
Jonathan Taylor Thomas Who Played Randy Taylor In "Home Improvement" Is Now A Writer
Final score:
106points
POST
Pepper Pots Pepper Pots Community Member Follow
I had the biggest crush on him back in the day
Vote comment up
23points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27
Nikki Blonsky, Who Played Tracy Turnblad In Hairspray, Was A Makeup Artist At Superstar Salon In New York
Final score:
99points
POST
Andy Acceber Andy Acceber Community Member Follow
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.
Vote comment up
51points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
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. ADVERTIsem*nT
#28
Lark Voorhies Who Played Lisa Turtle In "Saved By The Bell" Is Now A Writer
Final score:
99points
POST
Kookamunga Kookamunga Community Member Follow
I loved when she won the dance contest wearing a cast and they called the dance "the Sprain"
Vote comment up
11points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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.
Final score:
97points
POST
Clearly sunny Clearly sunny Community Member
Coffee is life so, thank you.
Vote comment up
17points
Vote comment down
reply
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#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
Final score:
96points
POST
Suzanne McHenry Suzanne McHenry Community Member Follow
He is the younger brother of Actress Elisabeth Shue ( Adventures in Babysitting, Back to the Future 2 and 3).
Vote comment up
10points
Vote comment down
reply
View more commentsArrow down menu
Note: this post originally had 40 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
ADVERTIsem*nT
See Also on Bored Panda
50 Funny Bathroom Signs People Found Around The World
‘Sweet Grandma’ Librarian Turns To A Savage To Show An Entitled Mom Her Place
Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!
Follow Bored Panda on Google News!
Modal close
Add New Image
Modal close 
Not your original work? Add source
Publish
Jonas Grinevičius
Writer, BoredPanda staff
Read more »
Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real.At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design.In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle.I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.
Read less »
Jonas Grinevičius
Writer, BoredPanda staff
Read more »
Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real.At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design.In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle.I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.
Read less »
Justinas Keturka
Author, BoredPanda staff
Read more »
I'm the Visual Editor at Bored Panda, responsible for ensuring that everything our audience sees is top-notch and well-researched. What I love most about my job? Discovering new things about the world and immersing myself in exceptional photography and art.
Read less »
Justinas Keturka
Author, BoredPanda staff
Read more »
I'm the Visual Editor at Bored Panda, responsible for ensuring that everything our audience sees is top-notch and well-researched. What I love most about my job? Discovering new things about the world and immersing myself in exceptional photography and art.
Read less »
What do you think?
POST
Lana Salberg-Schwickerath Lana Salberg-Schwickerath Community Member Follow
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.
Vote comment up
40points
Vote comment down
reply
troufaki13 troufaki13 Community Member Follow
I was totally thinking that!
Vote comment up
3points
Vote comment down
reply
Load More Replies...
Jo Choto Jo Choto Community Member Follow
It's really nice to see some of these young people pursuing an education and a career. I feel sorry for the ones who spend their whole lives trying to get famous and never making the grade.
Vote comment up
6points
Vote comment down
reply
John Louis John Louis Community Member Follow
You could add Lance Kerwin the 70's child actor who was the star ofJames at 15 runs a Christian drug rehab.
Vote comment up
6points
Vote comment down
reply
Julie Julie Community Member Follow
Salem's Lot!!!!
Vote comment up
0points
Vote comment down
reply
Load More Replies...
Load More Comments
POST
Lana Salberg-Schwickerath Lana Salberg-Schwickerath Community Member Follow
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.
Vote comment up
40points
Vote comment down
reply
troufaki13 troufaki13 Community Member Follow
I was totally thinking that!
Vote comment up
3points
Vote comment down
reply
Load More Replies...
Jo Choto Jo Choto Community Member Follow
It's really nice to see some of these young people pursuing an education and a career. I feel sorry for the ones who spend their whole lives trying to get famous and never making the grade.
Vote comment up
6points
Vote comment down
reply
John Louis John Louis Community Member Follow
You could add Lance Kerwin the 70's child actor who was the star ofJames at 15 runs a Christian drug rehab.
Vote comment up
6points
Vote comment down
reply
Julie Julie Community Member Follow
Salem's Lot!!!!
Vote comment up
0points
Vote comment down
reply
Load More Replies...
Load More Comments
You May Like
Donata Leskauskaite
Binitha Jacob
Donata Leskauskaite
Related on Bored Panda
Related on Bored Panda
Bored Panda's Original TV Shows
Trending on Bored Panda
Newsletter
Stay Tuned to Your Favorite Categories
More categories Subscription arrow right
Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!
By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Also on Bored Panda
