1. Arnold Schwarzenegger Left Acting for Politics
Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of the most recognizable faces of action movies by the late ’70s, thanks to his work in Pumping Iron and his larger-than-life persona. But nobody could have predicted that the bodybuilder-turned-actor would one day become the Governor of California. In 2003, he shocked the world by winning a recall election and serving two terms in office. His political career wasn’t just a publicity stunt, either—he took it seriously and worked across party lines.
Even after his time as governor, Schwarzenegger remained a public figure in environmental activism and social causes. He also returned to acting here and there, but it was clear his identity had evolved far beyond the screen. What’s wild is how easily people accepted “The Terminator” as a real-life leader. Love him or not, it’s one of the most dramatic career pivots of any Hollywood star.
2. Danica McKellar Went from Acting to Math Whiz
Fans of The Wonder Years will always remember Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper, the sweet, thoughtful girl-next-door. But once the show ended, McKellar didn’t chase more fame—she chased numbers. She earned a degree in mathematics from UCLA and co-authored a theorem before becoming a published author in the field. Yes, Winnie Cooper became a math genius.
She’s since written several bestselling books aimed at helping girls feel confident in math, including Math Doesn’t Suck and Kiss My Math. McKellar’s mission has always been about making math approachable and fun, especially for young women. She still acts occasionally, mostly in Hallmark movies, but her impact as a math advocate has arguably been more powerful. It’s an unexpected path, but she’s completely owned it.
3. Peter Ostrum Chose Animals Over Acting
Peter Ostrum had one of the most iconic roles of the ’70s, even if it was the only role he ever played. As Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, he captured hearts with his sweet face and quiet determination. But instead of capitalizing on that fame, he quietly disappeared from the industry. His reason? He found a love for veterinary medicine.
Ostrum went on to become a large animal vet in upstate New York, caring for horses and cows. He’s rarely done interviews and prefers a low-key life far from the limelight. That kind of decision takes guts, especially when Hollywood is calling. Still, there’s something poetic about Charlie Bucket choosing a life of helping animals instead of chasing golden tickets.
4. Jeff Cohen Traded “Chunk” for a Legal Career
Jeff Cohen will forever be remembered for doing the “Truffle Shuffle” in The Goonies, but his story didn’t stop there. After the movie, he had a few small roles but eventually left acting altogether. Instead, he pursued a law degree and co-founded his own entertainment law firm. That’s right—Chunk became a Hollywood lawyer.
Now, Cohen represents actors and creatives from the other side of the industry. He even helped Goonies co-star Ke Huy Quan with his deal for Everything Everywhere All at Once. He’s respected and successful in his new field, and most people have no idea about his early start in movies. It’s one of the coolest full-circle stories from any ’70s-era kid actor.
5. Lisa Whelchel Became a Christian Speaker and Author
Lisa Whelchel was known as Blair Warner, the preppy rich girl on The Facts of Life, a staple of late ’70s and early ’80s TV. After the show ended, many expected her to continue down the Hollywood path, but she had other plans. Whelchel leaned into her faith and eventually became a Christian author and motivational speaker. She even recorded Christian music and was nominated for a Grammy.
She’s written several books about parenting and spirituality, all while raising a family and avoiding the usual tabloid scene. Whelchel did return to TV in a surprising way—she joined Survivor in 2012 and placed second. It reminded fans of her strength and resilience, even if she wasn’t chasing stardom anymore. Her pivot was grounded in values rather than vanity.
6. Rick Moranis Stepped Away for Family
Rick Moranis became a household name in the late ’70s and ’80s thanks to SCTV, Ghostbusters, and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. He was a beloved comedic actor who always brought a quirky sweetness to his roles. But when his wife passed away in 1991, he made a life-changing decision. He stepped away from Hollywood entirely to raise his two children.
Unlike other stars who fade because of flops or burnout, Moranis left because his priorities shifted. He turned down countless roles, choosing instead to focus on being present for his family. Fans always hoped he’d return, and in recent years he’s made a few appearances, but his commitment to parenting remains deeply admired. Sometimes the biggest success is choosing family over fame.
