11 Former Child Stars Who Walked Away from Fame—On Purpose

11 Former Child Stars Who Walked Away from Fame—On Purpose

Fame often seems like a dream come true—especially for young stars who find themselves in the spotlight before they even hit their teenage years. But while some child actors grow into adult celebrities, others decide the glitz and glamour just aren’t worth it. Whether due to personal struggles, the pressures of the industry, or a desire for a simpler life, these former child stars all made the conscious choice to leave Hollywood behind.

1. Mara Wilson

You probably remember her best as the adorable face of Matilda or the sweet little girl in Mrs. Doubtfire. But Mara Wilson left acting behind in her teens, tired of the industry’s unrealistic beauty standards and the trauma of losing her mother during filming.

She’s since found her voice in writing, penning essays and books that explore mental health, childhood stardom, and identity. Today, she’s an advocate for mental wellness and LGBTQ+ rights, living a life far from the Hollywood limelight—and by all accounts, it suits her just fine.

2. Amanda Bynes

Once considered one of Nickelodeon’s brightest stars, Amanda Bynes enjoyed success on All That, The Amanda Show, and teen comedies like She’s the Man. But behind the scenes, the pressure to be perfect took a serious toll.

After a public breakdown and a long mental health battle, Bynes stepped away from the entertainment world completely. She enrolled in fashion school and largely lives outside the public eye. Though her journey has been rocky, her retreat from fame was an intentional step toward healing and regaining control over her life.

3. Frankie Muniz

It’s hard to forget the quirky genius of Malcolm in the Middle, and for a time, Frankie Muniz was everywhere. Despite his success, he walked away from acting after experiencing memory issues and mini-strokes that raised serious health concerns.

Rather than dwell on what he lost, he embraced new passions. Muniz pursued professional race car driving, later launching a specialty olive oil business and opening a shop with his wife. Fame might have made him a household name, but fulfillment came when he hit the brakes on Hollywood.

4. Danny Lloyd

Fans of The Shining will never forget the haunting portrayal of young Danny Torrance. But Danny Lloyd didn’t ride that breakout role into a long career—he left Hollywood shortly after, appearing in just one other film.

Lloyd later explained that he simply wasn’t interested in the industry. He valued a normal childhood and pursued a career in education instead. Today, he’s a biology professor, living a quiet and rewarding life far from red carpets and cameras.

5. Jennette McCurdy

As Sam Puckett on iCarly and Sam & Cat, Jennette McCurdy was known for her comedic timing and charm. But privately, she faced emotional abuse and pressure from the entertainment industry—and even her own mother.

In recent years, McCurdy has been outspoken about the dark side of child stardom. She left acting for good, later becoming an author and director. Her memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, offers a raw, honest look at what it really means to grow up in Hollywood—and why she chose to walk away.

6. Jake Lloyd

Becoming Star Wars’ young Anakin Skywalker should have been the role of a lifetime. For Jake Lloyd, it was anything but. The harsh criticism and bullying he received after The Phantom Menace led him to quit acting completely.

Over the years, Lloyd has struggled with mental health challenges and spent time in treatment facilities. His departure from fame was less about choice and more about survival—but stepping away allowed him to seek the help he desperately needed.

7. Peter Ostrum

Charlie Bucket from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory captured hearts everywhere, but Peter Ostrum wasn’t seduced by the spotlight. He declined all acting offers after the film and disappeared from Hollywood entirely.

Instead, he pursued a completely different calling: veterinary medicine. Ostrum has spent decades as a large-animal vet in rural New York, enjoying a fulfilling career far removed from showbiz. He remains humble about his past fame, often joking that he “peaked at 12.”

8. Shirley Temple

Long before modern child stars, Shirley Temple was America’s sweetheart. Her films in the 1930s made her an icon, but when she entered her twenties, she decided to leave acting for good.

Rather than fading into obscurity, she reinvented herself as a diplomat. Temple served as a U.S. ambassador and diplomat for decades, proving that her talents extended far beyond song and dance. Her graceful exit from fame was one of the earliest and most successful reinventions in entertainment history.

9. Angus T. Jones

As Jake on Two and a Half Men, Angus T. Jones was one of the highest-paid child actors on television. Yet, at the height of his success, he left the show and later called it “filth” in a public interview.

After embracing religion, Jones felt increasingly uncomfortable with the content he was portraying. His faith led him to walk away from the spotlight entirely. Today, he lives a private life and remains one of the most notable examples of a child star turning down millions for peace of mind.

10. Michael Maronna

Many fans remember Michael Maronna as Big Pete from The Adventures of Pete & Pete. While his performance was praised, he quietly slipped away from acting after the show wrapped up.

Rather than chase further fame, Maronna shifted gears and became a licensed electrician. He still works on film sets—but behind the scenes, not in front of the camera. His decision reflects a desire for a stable, grounded career over the volatility of stardom.

11. Justin Berfield

As Reese on Malcolm in the Middle, Justin Berfield was a familiar face in early 2000s sitcoms. But after the show ended, Berfield gradually stepped out of the spotlight.

He transitioned into producing and now works behind the scenes on various television and film projects. While he never officially “retired” from acting, he made a conscious effort to avoid the public-facing side of entertainment, choosing creative control over celebrity.