After achieving fame in Hollywood, some stars have chosen to leave the entertainment industry to pursue more conventional careers. Frankie Muniz, best known for his role in “Malcolm in the Middle,” shifted gears and is now pursuing a career as a professional racecar driver. Jennifer Stone, who starred in “Wizards of Waverly Place,” became a registered nurse, dedicating her life to helping others.
Jack Gleeson, famous for his portrayal of Joffrey Baratheon in “Game of Thrones,” took a break from acting to focus on his studies and later joined a theater company. Geena Davis, the iconic actress from “Thelma & Louise,” co-founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media to advocate for gender balance in the industry. Freddie Prinze Jr., after starring in romantic comedies and teenage films, became a chef and authored a cookbook.
Tony Danza, known for his roles in “Taxi” and “Who’s the Boss?”, took up teaching and became an English teacher in a high school in Philadelphia. Sarah Michelle Gellar, star of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” co-founded Foodstirs, a food crafting brand offering organic baking kits. Rick Moranis, who achieved fame in films like “Ghostbusters” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” left Hollywood to focus on raising his children.
From stars to new careers
Mara Wilson, the former child star of “Matilda” and “Mrs. Doubtfire,” turned to writing and has published a critically acclaimed memoir.
Dylan Sprouse, after “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” ventured into the brewing industry and co-owns the All-Wise Meadery in Brooklyn. Danny Lloyd, known for playing Danny Torrance in “The Shining,” left acting to become a biology professor. Vanilla Ice, the rapper behind “Ice Ice Baby,” now focuses on home renovation and real estate.
Ariana Richards, famous for her role in “Jurassic Park,” left acting to become a professional painter. Shirley Temple, the legendary child actress, became a U.S. diplomat, serving as an ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia. Steven Seagal, known for his martial arts films, became a reserve deputy sheriff in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
Mayim Bialik, after starring in “Blossom,” earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience and later returned to TV with a role in “The Big Bang Theory.” These stars prove that it’s never too late to embark on a new adventure, leaving their Hollywood careers behind for more conventional occupations.
