Hollywood is a whirlwind, but not all stars want to remain in the limelight for their entire lives. Some celebrities exchange fame for completely unplanned careers—and in most instances, their new lives are no less intriguing than their previous ones. From child stars who traded script lines for stethoscopes to heartthrobs turned tech entrepreneurs or animal caretakers, here are ten unconventional career shifts undertaken by stars after exiting Hollywood.
10. Shirley Temple – From Tap Dancing to Diplomacy
Shirley Temple was the first pint-sized sensation before Zendaya and other contemporary child stars. At 22, however, she decided the Hollywood dream wasn’t for her. She didn’t go quietly, though. Rather than the silver screen, she made a move to international diplomacy, swapping out iconic song-and-dance numbers for negotiating the world stage.
9. Phoebe Cates – Sets from Movie Land to Family and Boutique Entrepreneurship
Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins fans remember the charm of Phoebe Cates at once. But after her marriage to Kevin Kline, Cates retired from acting in the mid-1990s to concentrate on family life. She also launched a boutique, demonstrating that sometimes the greatest roles occur off-screen.
8. Peter Ostrum – Chocolate Factory Star to Cow Dairy Veterinarian
Peter Ostrum was an overnight sensation as Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. But soon he found his true interests elsewhere. Abandoning the stage, Ostrum embarked on a career as a dairy veterinarian, trading chocolate rivers for cow pastures and the gritty realities of milk production.
7. Bridgit Mendler – Disney Darling to Space Entrepreneur
Bridgit Mendler appeared on Disney Channel screens from Good Luck Charlie to Lemonade Mouth, but opted to reach for the stars in a rather literal way. Having obtained degrees from MIT and Harvard Law, she now heads Northwood Space, a startup that constructs satellite ground stations. From sitcoms to satellites, Mendler’s career path is out of this world.
6. Jennifer Stone – From Magic to Medicine
As Harper on Wizards of Waverly Place, Jennifer Stone won us over with her offbeat charm. Now, she’s traded magic for medicine as a registered nurse, living a life of service to others—showing that sometimes listening to your heart means finding the most fulfilling jobs.
5. Erik Per Sullivan – Malcolm’s Dewey Becomes Academic
Erik Per Sullivan, the heartthrob who played naughty Dewey on Malcolm in the Middle, traded the glamour of Hollywood for a focus on his studies. His old TV mother, Jane Kaczmarek, has reported he’s doing well for himself, putting sitcoms and life as a celebrity far behind him. Dewey is all grown up now, and these days, books, studies, and research are his priorities.
4. Rick Moranis – From Comedic Genius to Dedicated Dad
Rick Moranis, who is most fondly remembered for Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, made an unexpected retreat from acting upon the passing of his wife. He dedicated himself to parenting his children, proving sometimes the greatest blockbusters occur offscreen.
3. Kay Panabaker – Disney Star to Zookeeper
Kay Panabaker, star of Summerland and Cyber Bully, walked away from acting in 2012. She went back to school and then became a zookeeper at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From red carpets to rhino wrangling, Panabaker’s path is a wild reminder that pursuing your passions can lead you down any road.
2. Mara Wilson – Matilda Grows Into a Writer
Mara Wilson, the iconic Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire star, stepped away from acting to become a writer. Now she posts authentic, humorous, and sometimes poignant tales on the web, documenting life outside of fame and providing an insight into growing up under scrutiny.
1. Frankie Muniz – Malcolm in the Middle to Fast Tracks
Frankie Muniz, who charmed fans as Malcolm in the Middle and Agent Cody Banks, took a break from acting to pursue racing and music. His path is a testament that sometimes detours in life are what lead you back to your real interests.
Hollywood might glint, but these ex-stars illustrate that the greatest tales usually unfold once the cameras have stopped. Be they wrangling beasts, navigating firms, or simply embracing more low-key, individualistic lives, these stars remind us that there are many ways to shine.