20 Child Actors Who Quit While They Were Ahead
Macaulay Culkin
Home Alone star who left Hollywood early to enjoy life without the pressure of child fame.
Shirley Temple
Famous child actress who became a diplomat and left acting behind for a meaningful adult career.
Jake Lloyd
Played young Anakin Skywalker and quit acting after facing the harsh realities of fame too young.
Amanda Bynes
Nickelodeon star who paused her career and later focused on education and personal growth.
Peter Ostrum
One-time Willy Wonka actor who chose a career as a veterinarian instead of continuing in films.
Mara Wilson
Known for Matilda, she stepped away from acting and found joy in writing and storytelling.
Frankie Muniz
Malcolm in the Middle’s lead, who swapped acting for a passion in car racing.
Jennette McCurdy
Former iCarly star who left acting and wrote about her experience with Hollywood pressures.
Jodie Foster
Started as a child actor and became an award-winning director with a long Hollywood career.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
Twin sisters who left acting early to focus on their fashion empire and personal lives.
Barret Oliver
The NeverEnding Story’s Bastian left acting behind to pursue photography and a quiet life.
Ross Bagley
Known for The Fresh Prince, he left acting and went into business away from the spotlight.
Ariana Richards
Jurassic Park’s Lex became a professional artist after stepping away from her acting career.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas
’90s teen heartthrob who left Hollywood to focus on education and a private lifestyle.
Danny Lloyd
Played Danny in The Shining and later became a biology teacher, enjoying a peaceful life.
Alisan Porter
Star of Curly Sue, who took time away to find sobriety and start a new music career.
Tina Majorino
Actress known for Waterworld who paused her career to study and find balance in life.
Angus T. Jones
Left Two and a Half Men to focus on his faith and personal beliefs outside acting.
Daryl Sabara
Spy Kids star who stepped back from acting to focus on family and personal happiness.
Skandar Keynes
Narnia’s Edmund, who left acting for a career in politics and away from the spotlight.
