1. Peter Ostrum
Peter Ostrum was only 12 years old when he starred as Charlie Bucket in the iconic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971). The movie’s success made him a household name almost overnight, but he soon made an unexpected decision to leave Hollywood. Ostrum turned down a lucrative film contract and chose instead to pursue a different path, one far removed from the limelight. He moved on from acting and set his sights on a career in veterinary medicine, eventually earning a degree from Cornell University.
Today, Ostrum works as a veterinarian in Lowville, New York, where he has been practicing for many years. He has occasionally reflected on his time as a child star, often expressing how thankful he is for the experiences but also how satisfied he is with his decision to step away from the entertainment industry. He enjoys the privacy that his career affords him, preferring a life centered around animal care rather than fame.
2. Mackenzie Phillips
Mackenzie Phillips made her mark as Julie Cooper on the sitcom One Day at a Time, winning hearts with her breakout role in the mid-’70s. However, her personal life quickly became as much of a focus as her acting career, especially due to her struggles with substance abuse. Despite a promising acting future, Phillips’ addiction issues ultimately led her to step back from the industry. After her battles with addiction, she worked on recovering and eventually became a substance use disorder counselor in Pasadena.
In the 2000s, Phillips briefly returned to acting, appearing in the rebooted One Day at a Time series, though her role was less prominent. She has remained open about her struggles, using her experiences to help others battling similar issues. While she has kept a lower profile in recent years, she continues to use her platform to advocate for mental health and addiction recovery.
3. Kristy McNichol
Kristy McNichol shot to fame with her role as Letitia “Buddy” Lawrence on Family in the late ’70s, winning two Emmy Awards for her performance. Her fresh face and natural talent earned her a spot in Hollywood’s heart. However, the intense scrutiny of fame began to wear on her, and in the early ’90s, she decided to step away from acting to focus on her mental health and personal life. McNichol later came out as gay and found peace outside of Hollywood’s glare, preferring privacy to public life.
In recent years, McNichol has occasionally resurfaced in the media, but her return to acting has been limited. She now leads a quiet life and has become a strong advocate for mental health. McNichol’s choice to leave the spotlight has been widely respected, with fans and fellow actors alike praising her decision to focus on her well-being over fame.
4. Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster entered the entertainment industry at a very young age, making an indelible mark with her role in Taxi Driver at just 12 years old. After a string of successful films in the ’70s and ’80s, including Bugsy Malone and The Accused, Foster’s career transitioned from child star to respected adult actress. However, by the early ’90s, Foster began to focus on her directorial career, shifting her energy away from acting. Her Oscar-winning performance in The Silence of the Lambs solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s most respected talents, but she has increasingly embraced behind-the-scenes work.
Today, Foster is known for her directing work in films such as The Brave One and Money Monster. She still acts occasionally but has made it clear that her passion lies in storytelling behind the camera. Foster’s ability to balance both acting and directing showcases her versatility, and she remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, though her focus has shifted from child stardom to a more behind-the-scenes presence.
5. Leif Garrett
Leif Garrett became a teen idol in the ’70s, thanks to his roles in films like Walking Tall and The Outsiders, along with a successful pop music career. He was everywhere, from TV shows to hit songs like “I Was Made for Dancin’.” However, as the years passed, Garrett’s life took a darker turn with struggles involving drugs and legal issues, which overshadowed his career. By the ’80s, he stepped away from acting and music, seeking a new direction and attempting to rebuild his life.
Garrett has since worked on improving his personal life and has made several public appearances, including reality television shows like Celebrity Rehab. Although he has expressed regret over his past struggles, he also acknowledges how they shaped his journey. Today, Garrett remains a public figure, though his career has not returned to the heights of his teen idol years.
6. Denise Nickerson
Denise Nickerson is best known for playing the bratty Violet Beauregarde in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), a role that left a lasting impression on fans. After her brief time in the limelight, Nickerson opted to leave Hollywood behind and focus on other interests. She worked in various fields, including as a receptionist and office manager, but her love of acting never fully dissipated. Despite occasional appearances at fan conventions, Nickerson never fully returned to acting after her rise to fame.
Nickerson’s personal life was not without its challenges. She battled health issues later in life and passed away in 2019 at the age of 62. Still, her role as Violet remains iconic, and she is fondly remembered by fans for her performance in one of the most beloved family films of all time.
7. Jonathan Gilbert
Jonathan Gilbert, known for his role as Willie Oleson on Little House on the Prairie, found fame as part of one of TV’s most memorable families. However, after the show concluded, Gilbert decided to leave acting. He went on to pursue a career in business, and he’s kept a relatively low profile since leaving Hollywood. His decision to step away from the industry was partly influenced by the privacy he desired, and he has not shown any interest in returning to acting.
In recent years, Gilbert has remained out of the public eye, with his sister, actress Melissa Gilbert, being the more well-known figure of the two. Gilbert’s transition from child star to business professional was a quiet one, with no major announcements or media coverage. He has chosen to stay far from the entertainment industry, preferring a quieter life away from Hollywood’s pressures.
8. Angela Watson
Angela Watson played Karen Foster on the hit sitcom Step by Step, which aired from 1991 to 1998. After the show wrapped, Watson chose to step away from acting to focus on other aspects of her life. She later pursued a career in podcasting, offering advice to educators and working on personal projects. Watson’s decision to leave Hollywood was motivated by a desire to lead a more private life, away from the pressures of the entertainment world.
Although she occasionally reconnects with her former co-stars, Watson has mostly kept a low profile. She remains active in the world of education, podcasting, and consulting. Watson has found fulfillment outside of acting, where she can make a difference in a different way, and is content with her decision to walk away from her television career.
9. Tatum O’Neal
Tatum O’Neal won an Academy Award for her role in Paper Moon at just 10 years old, making her one of the youngest actors to ever win an Oscar. Despite her early success, O’Neal struggled with personal issues, including substance abuse, which eventually led her to step away from acting. Although she made a brief return to film in the ’90s, including roles in The Bad News Bears and Little Darlings, her career never fully recovered.
After facing public struggles, O’Neal focused on her recovery and her personal life. She has made occasional public appearances and continues to advocate for those who struggle with addiction. Her journey from child star to adult actress to recovery has shaped her into an inspirational figure for many, although she is no longer actively pursuing a full-time career in Hollywood.
10. Donny Osmond
Donny Osmond became a teen heartthrob in the ’70s, initially rising to fame as a member of the Osmond family. His solo career took off with hits like “Go Away Little Girl” and “Puppy Love,” and he became a regular on TV variety shows. As the ’70s progressed, however, Osmond shifted his focus away from acting and music, concentrating instead on his family and other ventures. He enjoyed success with his sister Marie in the popular Donny & Marie variety show.
Today, Osmond remains active in the entertainment industry, though he primarily focuses on his music career and performing in live shows. He has continued to appear on reality television, such as Dancing with the Stars, while his music still resonates with fans. Despite stepping away from the acting scene, Osmond’s ability to adapt and maintain a career in entertainment has kept him relevant for decades.
11. Charlie Korsmo
Charlie Korsmo was a familiar face in ’90s movies, starring in Hook (1991) and Can’t Hardly Wait (1998). However, after achieving early success, Korsmo decided to step away from acting. He pursued higher education, eventually earning degrees in both physics and law. Korsmo now works as a law professor, teaching corporate law and finance, while occasionally reflecting on his brief acting career.
Although Korsmo left Hollywood behind, he has maintained an intellectual and professional path, focusing on academia. His decision to leave acting has been regarded as a smart move, and he has found success in his new career. Korsmo’s transition from child star to law professor shows how an early start in Hollywood didn’t define his future career.
12. Jeff Cohen
Jeff Cohen played the lovable Chunk in The Goonies (1985), a role that made him an iconic child star. However, after battling typecasting, Cohen made the decision to leave acting and pursue a law career. He attended UCLA Law School and later became a successful entertainment lawyer, representing clients in the film and television industries. Cohen occasionally appears in the media but has made it clear that his focus lies in law rather than acting.
Today, Cohen is a well-established attorney and continues to provide legal services to Hollywood professionals. He has occasionally revisited his acting past, most notably in the 30th-anniversary reunion of The Goonies. Cohen’s transition from child star to attorney highlights how a change in career focus can lead to unexpected success.
13. Ross Bagley
Ross Bagley played Nicky Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, becoming one of the most beloved child stars of the ’90s. After the series ended, Bagley opted to leave acting and explore other career paths. He later transitioned into real estate, where he has had considerable success. Despite his early fame, Bagley has not expressed any interest in returning to the entertainment industry.
Although Bagley occasionally makes appearances at fan conventions, he remains focused on his career in real estate. His decision to leave Hollywood behind has led to a more balanced and private life, free from the pressures of being a public figure. Bagley’s career shift reflects his desire for a more personal and stable lifestyle.
14. Jaimee Foxworth
Jaimee Foxworth made her name as Judy Winslow on Family Matters. After the character was written off the show, Foxworth faced difficulties finding acting work, and her career took a different turn. In the late ’90s, she briefly entered the adult film industry, a decision that made headlines at the time. She later worked on personal recovery and has spoken about her desire to reclaim her place in the entertainment world.
Foxworth has made a few efforts to re-enter the industry, appearing on reality television shows and in public interviews. However, she has focused primarily on personal growth and recovery. Her journey from child star to adult actress and her eventual decision to step away from Hollywood highlights the complexities many young stars face as they grow older.
15. Shelley Duvall
Shelley Duvall is best known for her iconic roles in The Shining (1980) and Popeye (1980), where her performances were both unique and memorable. However, despite her success in Hollywood, Duvall made the surprising decision to step away from acting in the late ’90s. After a string of successful roles, she chose to focus on her mental health and personal life. In particular, Duvall became disillusioned with the pressures of fame and the intense scrutiny that came with it.
In the years following her departure from Hollywood, Duvall lived a largely private life, avoiding the public spotlight. Although she briefly returned to television in the early 2000s with Shelley Duvall’s Faerie Tale Theatre, she has not pursued acting in any major way. Duvall has occasionally made headlines due to her reclusive nature, and she remains a cult figure in horror and pop culture, despite her long absence from the industry.
