Courtney Henggeler, known for her role as Amanda LaRusso in the hit Netflix series “Cobra Kai,” has announced her decision to quit acting after more than 20 years in the industry. The 44-year-old actress shared the news in a heartfelt post on her Substack account and Instagram page. “For years, I silenced the voice in my head, begging me to walk away.
The voice, the constant gnawing,” Henggeler wrote. She explained that after “20-plus years of fighting the good fight in the acting business,” she had officially hung up her gloves. “I called my agents and told them I was tapping out.
I no longer wanted to be a cog in the wheel of the machine,” she added. Henggeler has been in the acting scene for years, with roles in shows like “Jane the Virgin,” “Working Class,” “Henry Danger,” “Royal Pains,” “Criminal Minds,” and “The Big Bang Theory.” She also appeared in films such as “Friends with Benefits” and “Nobody’s Fool.” Despite these numerous roles, she often found herself returning to the grind, which left her feeling unfulfilled. “We survived off the crumbs.
We filled our cup with the possibility; our mugs with delusion. Our plates were empty, but a golden goose hung over our heads,” she reflected. Henggeler’s announcement comes as “Cobra Kai” wrapped up its sixth and final season in February.
Although she acknowledged the success she achieved through the series, Henggeler admitted she still felt something was missing.
Courtney Henggeler exits acting career
“I was on a series.
A successful series. I made money. My face was on the billboards I longed for 20-plus years.
I was directed by George Clooney for godsakes. This by all definitions is the golden goose,” she shared. Despite the appearances of success, Henggeler found herself disenchanted by the industry process.
“For years I silenced the voice in my head, begging me to walk away. The voice, the constant gnawing. Not because of the acting itself.
But because of the gauntlet I had to run to reach the acting,” she explained. “What once felt necessary, something I willingly participated, even celebrated, became stifling.”
Henggeler’s departure marks the end of an era for the actress, but possibly the start of a new, fulfilling chapter in her life. Her representatives have been reached for further comment on her future plans.
