1. Susan Olsen
Best known as Cindy Brady on The Brady Bunch, Susan Olsen grew up right before America’s eyes. She was only eight when she landed the role, and her golden curls made her instantly recognizable. But once the series ended and the TV movies wrapped up, Olsen didn’t chase stardom the way many expected. Instead, she shifted her focus away from the spotlight and dabbled in a variety of creative pursuits.
She worked as a radio host, graphic designer, and even got involved in animal welfare. While she occasionally reconnected with Brady Bunch reunions, she never returned to full-time acting. For Olsen, fame had been an exciting chapter, but not a lifelong goal. Many fans were surprised to see her embrace such a low-profile lifestyle, especially given how beloved Cindy was.
2. Johnny Whitaker
Johnny Whitaker made a big impression on TV audiences as Jody in Family Affair. With his mop of red hair and wide-eyed innocence, he quickly became one of the most recognizable child actors of the late ’60s and early ’70s. After that, he starred in movies like Tom Sawyer and The Biscuit Eater, seemingly poised for an endless career in Hollywood.
But Whitaker walked away after struggling with personal challenges and deciding acting wasn’t the path he wanted anymore. Instead, he pursued work outside of Hollywood and became involved in helping others with addiction recovery. His choice to step out of the spotlight showed that he valued personal growth over staying in the industry. Fans who remembered him as Jody were often surprised by how completely he left acting behind.
3. Quinn Cummings
Quinn Cummings stole the show in The Goodbye Girl and as Annie Cooper on Family. She earned an Academy Award nomination as a child, something that usually guarantees decades of Hollywood opportunities. But after a string of roles in the ’70s and early ’80s, she decided that acting wasn’t where her heart was.
Cummings reinvented herself as a writer and entrepreneur, finding more satisfaction in creativity off-screen. She’s penned humorous memoirs and commentary, gaining fans in the literary world. Her departure from acting shocked those who thought she was destined for superstardom. It turns out she found her calling by using her wit and insight in a different way.
4. Peter Ostrum
Peter Ostrum is a name you might not know immediately, but you definitely know his role: Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. At just 12 years old, he played the lead in one of the most beloved films of all time. Yet after that one role, he never acted again.
Ostrum instead went on to become a veterinarian, a career he has cherished far more than Hollywood. Fans are often shocked to learn that Charlie Bucket grew up to spend his life helping animals in upstate New York. For him, acting was a unique experience, not a lifelong dream. That decision makes his story one of the most surprising of all the child stars from the era.
5. Lance Kerwin
Lance Kerwin was one of the busiest teen actors of the ’70s, best remembered for James at 15 and the miniseries Salem’s Lot. His sensitive performances made him a standout, and many assumed he’d grow into a leading man in Hollywood. But by the mid-’80s, Kerwin left acting behind.
He later focused on family life and worked outside of the entertainment industry. Though he occasionally appeared at fan events, he didn’t return to steady acting roles. For those who remembered his breakout performances, his exit from fame seemed unexpected. Kerwin proved that some stars choose happiness in everyday life over chasing the next big role.
6. Maureen McCormick
As Marcia Brady on The Brady Bunch, Maureen McCormick was one of the most iconic faces of the ’70s. Her character’s “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia” line became a pop culture staple. After the show, however, McCormick’s career didn’t unfold the way many predicted.
Though she pursued acting and even released music, she eventually stepped away from chasing roles and focused on her personal life. Later, she reinvented herself with writing and reality TV appearances, but she never returned to being the type of Hollywood star many assumed she would. Her journey showed that fame in childhood doesn’t always guarantee an enduring career in the industry.
7. Mike Lookinland
Mike Lookinland, the youngest Brady boy, was just nine when he joined The Brady Bunch. His role as Bobby Brady made him part of one of television’s most beloved families. While some of his castmates continued acting, Lookinland had other plans.
After a few post-Brady appearances, he stepped away and eventually found work behind the camera in production. Later, he pursued a career as a business owner making decorative concrete. Fans were always surprised to learn that Bobby Brady left Hollywood behind for such a different path. It was proof that even childhood stars could trade the spotlight for a grounded life.
8. Tatum O’Neal
Tatum O’Neal won an Academy Award for Paper Moon when she was just 10, making history as the youngest competitive Oscar winner. With that kind of beginning, many thought she’d be unstoppable. She had roles throughout the ’70s and ’80s but eventually her career slowed, and she struggled with personal challenges.
While she occasionally returned to acting, O’Neal stepped away from pursuing it full time. She wrote memoirs and shared openly about her struggles, becoming known more for her resilience than her filmography. Fans who once saw her as the girl destined to be a Hollywood legend were surprised when she never fully embraced the industry as an adult.
9. Erin Murphy
Erin Murphy became famous playing little Tabitha on Bewitched. She charmed audiences as Samantha’s daughter, and viewers loved watching her grow up on screen. After the series ended in the early ’70s, Murphy seemed set for more Hollywood roles.
Instead, she chose a life outside of acting, focusing on family and exploring careers outside of show business. While she’s popped up for nostalgic appearances, she never tried to launch a major acting career. Fans often express surprise that Tabitha didn’t go on to a long run in TV and movies. For Murphy, though, stepping away was the right choice.
10. Adam Rich
Known as “America’s little brother,” Adam Rich played Nicholas Bradford on Eight Is Enough. His bowl haircut and sweet personality made him one of the most recognizable child stars of the ’70s. But when the show ended, Rich struggled with the challenges of growing up in the public eye.
He eventually turned away from acting and pursued a quieter life, only occasionally returning for small projects. Fans who adored him as Nicholas were often shocked at how fully he withdrew from Hollywood. His story became a reminder of how tough child stardom could be on young actors.
11. Kim Richards
Kim Richards was a familiar face in Disney movies like Escape to Witch Mountain and TV shows like Nanny and the Professor. With her wholesome image and natural charm, it seemed she would stay in the business for decades. But she began to fade from Hollywood by the late ’70s.
Though she later returned in reality TV, for a long stretch Richards chose life outside of the traditional entertainment industry. She focused on family and stepped away from acting roles. Fans who remembered her Disney days were surprised at how quickly she disappeared from movie screens after her childhood success.
12. Leif Garrett
Leif Garrett was both an actor and teen idol in the ’70s. He starred in shows like Family and Three for the Road and also launched a pop music career. He had the looks and talent to dominate Hollywood for years.
But Garrett eventually turned his back on fame after personal struggles and the intense pressures of being a teen star. While he has occasionally resurfaced, he never returned to the level of stardom he once had. Fans who plastered his posters on their walls were surprised at how completely he stepped away. His story is one of the starkest examples of a child star walking away from fame.
13. Lisa Whelchel
Though she became most famous in the ’80s for The Facts of Life, Lisa Whelchel actually got her start in the ’70s as a Mouseketeer on The New Mickey Mouse Club. Her sunny personality made her a natural in front of the camera. But as the years went on, she made a surprising choice to leave Hollywood behind.
Whelchel focused instead on her faith, family, and writing. She became an author and inspirational speaker, finding fulfillment outside of the industry. Fans who had followed her from Mouseketeer to sitcom star were surprised at how fully she stepped away. For Whelchel, it wasn’t about chasing fame—it was about living a life true to her values.
14. Ike Eisenmann
Ike Eisenmann was another Disney staple of the ’70s, best remembered for Escape to Witch Mountain and its sequel. He seemed poised for a long run in movies and TV, thanks to his boyish charm and natural talent. But he eventually left acting as the roles slowed down.
Instead, he found success behind the scenes, working in production and even voice acting. Though he stayed connected to the industry, he wasn’t interested in chasing leading roles anymore. Fans often express surprise that one of Disney’s brightest young stars didn’t keep acting in front of the camera. His quiet exit from fame makes him one of the more unexpected stories from the era.
