Child stars appear in all sorts of entertainment, from kids’ shows to blockbuster movies. While some go on to have careers long into their adulthood, others leave their acting skills to their young self. Many child stars who left Hollywood do so before their 30th birthday and have various reasons for leaving. These include losing their love for acting, receiving fewer roles, or being burnt out from working too hard.
No matter what the reason, viewers loved these actors and actresses for the roles they played. Check out these six child stars who left Hollywood below.
6. Angus T. Jones
Starting our list of child stars who left Hollywood is Angus T. Jones, who you may remember from the sitcom Two and a Half Men. During the height of the show, Jones was one of the highest-paid child actors on television. Other appearances include Simpatico, The Rookie, and Bringing Down the House. Jones left Two and A Half Men after season 10 as it conflicted with his religious beliefs, and later quit Hollywood completely at 22 years old.
Related: 6 Child Actors Who Died Young
5. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
Fifth on our list of child stars who left Hollywood are perhaps the most famous twins in show business, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. The pair made their screen debut at just nine months old as Michelle Tanner on Full House and played the role interchangeably for eight seasons. The twins starred in several feature films over the years but stopped acting by 22 (Ashley) and 24 (Mary-Kate). Today, the Olsens are huge in the fashion industry, creating the label The Row and living in New York City.
4. Amanda Bynes
Fourth on our list of child stars who left Hollywood is Amanda Bynes. While her present is rocky, Bynes was a prominent face in several shows and films. Some of these include All That, The Amanda Show, She’s the Man, Hairspray, and Sydney White. Her last screen appearance was in 2010 in Easy A, after which she announced an indefinite hiatus at just 24 years old. Today, Bynes has struggled with mental health, her appearance, and substance abuse, but seems to be on the mend after graduating from FIDM in 2019.
Check Out: 7 More Child Actors Who Went on to Have Incredible Careers
3. Jeff Cohen
Rounding out the top three child stars who left Hollywood is Jeff Cohen. The actor made his debut as Chunk in The Goonies after several TV appearances. Cohen had a couple more smaller roles in She’s the Sheriff and Family Ties before taking a few years off. His last appearance was in Perfect Harmony before quitting for good at around 16 years old. One of his main reasons for quitting was lack of role opportunities, but has since made a spot for himself as an entertainment lawyer. Cohen even negotiated Ke Huy Quan’s contract (fellow Goonies star) for his comeback in Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Also Read: 6 Child Actors Who Went on to Have Incredible Careers
2. Jeanette McCurdy
Second on our list of child stars who left Hollywood is Jennette McCurdy. Starting at eight years old, McCurdy’s breakout role came at 15 years old with the Nickelodeon show iCarly from 2007 to 2012. She also appeared in a few more shows before quitting for good at 25 years old. Since quitting McCurdy has delved into the world of directing and podcasting, even publishing the memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died, talking about her experiences as a child actor.
1. Shirley Temple
Last but not least on our child stars who left Hollywood list is Shirley Temple. One of the most recognizable child stars in history, Temple got her start at 3 years old. She quickly became one of the Depression Era’s biggest stars, appearing in films like The Little Colonel and Bright Eyes. After many years, Temple decided to quit acting at 21 years old and pursued a political career that included running for Congress and serving as a U.S. ambassador to Czechoslovakia.
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