Child Stars Who Quit Acting From Jonathan Lipnicki, Mara Wilson, Jeanette McCurdy

Former child stars often find the journey into adulthood a challenging transition, prompting many to bid farewell to acting before hitting the age of 30. The reasons behind their exits vary, ranging from a loss of passion and a scarcity of roles to the burnout stemming from their early industry experiences. In this exploration, we delve into the stories of ten child TV stars who decided to step away from the limelight. Their journeys reflect the complexities and pressures faced by those who grew up on screen.

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The Tough Transition to Adulthood

Being a child actor might seem like a dream, but not everyone who starts early in the industry manages to sustain their careers into adulthood. The road from child star to adult actor is fraught with challenges, and the experiences of these ten individuals shed light on the highs and lows of such a transition.

13. Danny Lloyd

Quit acting at 10 years old in 1982

Danny Lloyd was the child actor who portrayed Danny Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” Despite the film’s critical acclaim, Lloyd decided to step away from acting after his role in the horror classic. He kept a low profile in the following years, focusing on his education and avoiding the spotlight. Lloyd’s decision to leave acting at such a young age reflects the unique challenges child actors face in navigating fame and the entertainment industry.

12. Jonathan Lipnicki

Transitioned away from acting in his 20s

Remembered for his adorable roles in films like “Jerry Maguire” and “Stuart Little” during the late ’90s and early 2000s, Jonathan Lipnicki decided to step back from the spotlight as he entered his 20s. While he didn’t officially quit acting, Lipnicki shifted his focus to other aspects of life, including martial arts and charity work. His experience sheds light on the difficulty some child stars encounter when attempting to redefine their identities beyond their early success.

11. Charlie Korsmo

Quit acting at 14 years old in 1998

Charlie Korsmo was a recognizable face in the early ’90s with roles in “Dick Tracy” and “Hook.” However, he decided to leave acting at the age of 14. Korsmo pursued higher education, obtaining a degree in physics from MIT and later earning a law degree from Yale Law School. Today, he works as a law professor, emphasizing the importance of education and personal growth beyond the realm of acting.

10. Jeanette McCurdy

Quit acting at 25 years old in 2018

Jeanette McCurdy’s journey began at the tender age of eight, eventually landing a breakout role at 15 on Nickelodeon’s “iCarly” in 2007. However, after the show’s conclusion in 2012, McCurdy’s career took a downturn. Despite a short-lived spinoff, “Sam & Cat,” with Ariana Grande, McCurdy decided to leave acting for good in 2018 at the age of 25.

After her departure, McCurdy diversified her ventures, stepping into acting, directing, and podcasting. Her absence from the “iCarly” reboot in 2021 drew attention, with McCurdy attributing her departure to feeling “ashamed” and “unfulfilled” in her acting career. Her candid memoir, “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” delves into the struggles she faced, including her mother’s history of abuse and her forced entry into acting at a young age.

9. Angus T. Jones

Quit acting at 22 years old in 2016

Known for his role as Jake Harper on the sitcom “Two and a Half Men,” Angus T. Jones became the highest-paid child actor on television, earning $300,000 per episode. His ten-year stint on the show, from 2003 to 2013, propelled him into the spotlight, but conflicting religious beliefs eventually led to his departure after season 10. Despite a brief return for the series finale in 2015, Jones permanently left acting in 2016 at the age of 22.

Since his exit, Jones made an uncredited onscreen appearance as himself in an episode of “Two and a Half Men” creator Chuck Lorre’s comedy series, “Bookie,” in 2023. His decision to leave acting behind aligned with his spiritual journey, emphasizing a desire for personal growth outside the industry.

8. Ross Bagley

Quit acting at 24 years old in 2015

Ross Bagley’s journey began at the age of five, making his mark as Buckwheat in “The Little Rascals” in 1994. Best known for playing Nicky Banks in the final seasons of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Bagley’s acting career took a non-traditional route. After a hiatus following the film “Independence Day” in 1996, Bagley returned for sporadic roles, ultimately retiring from acting in 2015 at 24.

Post-retirement, Bagley shifted gears, embracing a career as a realtor and director of a consulting firm in California. Despite a few appearances in 2015 films, “Gnome Alone” and “Dead Ringer,” Bagley chose to leave behind the unpredictability of the entertainment industry.

7. Kay Panabaker

Quit acting at 22 years old in 2012

A prolific child actor during the 2000s and early 2010s, Kay Panabaker’s career included Disney Channel Original Movies, TV series like “Phil of the Future,” and notable film roles. However, as Panabaker grew older, her passion for acting waned. After a few TV appearances in 2011, Panabaker bid farewell to acting at the age of 22, with her final role voicing Rosa in “Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta!”

Panabaker’s commitment to education was evident as she graduated high school at 13, earned an associate’s degree in acting at 15, and obtained a BA in history from UCLA by 18. Since 2016, she has been working as a zoologist in the Animal Kingdom at Disney World.

6. Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen

Quit acting at 24 years old in 2011 (Mary-Kate) and 22 years old in 2009 (Ashley)

As possibly the most famous twins in show business, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen embarked on their acting journey at just nine months old on “Full House” in 1987. Their joint acting ventures, including a series of movies and TV shows, were a hallmark of their careers. However, as they turned 18 in 2004, the Olsen twins decided to step away from acting, shifting their focus to the fashion industry.

Their final film together, “New York Minute,” released in 2004, marked the end of their shared acting projects. As co-presidents of the Dualstar production company, the Olsen twins ventured into fashion, co-designing their label, The Row. Notably absent from the “Full House” spinoff, “Fuller House,” the twins found unparalleled success in the fashion world.

If you grew up in the ’90s, it’s likely you’ve seen at least half of these films. Here is every Olsen twins movie, ranked from worst to best.

5. Amanda Bynes

Quit acting at 24 years old in 2010

Amanda Bynes rose to fame as the teen comedy queen, starting with Nickelodeon’s “All That” and later earning her spinoff, “The Amanda Show.” Her notable film roles included “Big Fat Liar,” “What a Girl Wants,” and “She’s the Man.” However, her acting career abruptly halted at 24, with her final role in the 2010 film “Easy A.”

Bynes cited dissatisfaction with her performance and physical appearance onscreen as the reason for her hiatus. Subsequently, she faced struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues, undergoing a conservatorship until 2022. Despite considering a return to acting, Bynes currently has no projects lined up.

Amanda Bynes was a huge star while she was growing up. Since she hasn’t had an acting credit in a decade, it can be easy to forget some of her roles.

4. Ross Malinger

Quit acting at 21 years old in 2006

Best known for playing Tom Hanks’ son Jonah in the romcom “Sleepless in Seattle” in 1993, Ross Malinger started his acting journey at six. Throughout the ’90s, he had recurring roles and starred in various films and TV shows, including “Sudden Death” and “Recess.” However, in 2006, Malinger officially retired from acting at 21, making a final appearance in an episode of “Without a Trace.”

Post-retirement, Malinger transitioned to the automotive industry, working at different car dealerships in Los Angeles. His story reflects the unpredictable nature of the entertainment business and the varied paths former child actors take.

3. Ke Huy Quan

Quit acting at 30 years old in 2002 (but returned in 2021)

Ke Huy Quan, known for his roles in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “The Goonies,” began his acting career at 12. However, by 2002, he faced a lack of substantial roles for Asian actors, prompting his departure from acting for two decades. Inspired by “Crazy Rich Asians” in 2018, Quan returned to acting in 2021 and won an Oscar for his role in “Everything Everywhere All At Once” in 2022.

Quan’s journey encompasses the challenges faced by actors of diverse backgrounds and the renewed opportunities that can emerge after a significant hiatus.

2. Jeff Cohen

Quit acting at 16 years old in 1991

Fellow “Goonies” star Jeff Cohen left the acting world behind at 16, citing a “forced retirement” due to puberty affecting his casting opportunities. Despite never returning to acting, Cohen found success as an entertainment lawyer. Negotiating contracts for his former co-stars, Cohen’s unique post-acting career became a testament to adaptability.

1. Mara Wilson

Quit acting at 22 years old in 2000

Mara Wilson charmed audiences in the ’90s with her roles in “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Matilda.” Starting her acting career at a young age, Wilson became known for her adorable and witty performances. However, as she entered her late teens, she found herself increasingly disillusioned with the industry. After her mother’s death in 1996 and her experiences with the pressures of Hollywood, Wilson decided to quit acting. She pursued her education, graduating from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and later became an accomplished writer with publications in various outlets, including her memoir “Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame.”

In Conclusion

The stories of these ten child TV stars who quit acting by the age of 30 paint a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those who grow up in the spotlight. From religious convictions and burnout to shifts in personal interests, each individual’s journey is unique. While some found success in alternative careers, others faced personal struggles, emphasizing the importance of understanding the complex dynamics that child stars navigate as they transition into adulthood.

Author Profile

Mark Boardman

Mark Boardman is an established showbiz journalist and freelance copywriter whose work has been published in Business Insider, Daily Mail, Bloomberg, MTV, Buzzfeed, and The New York Post, amongst other media. Often spotted on the red carpet at celebrity events and film screenings, Mark is a regular guest on BBC Radio London and in demand for his opinions on media outlets such as Newsweek, Daily Express, and OK! Magazine, as well as Heart radio, Capital FM, LBC, and Radio 2. His TV credits include ITV News, This Morning, BBC News, The One Show, Sky News, GB News, and Channel T4. Mark is a keen traveller having visited 40+ countries, and a devout sports fan who also attends as many gigs as he can across the capital when not rubbing shoulders with the stars. Email Mark@MarkMeets.com