15 Child Stars From The ’70s Who Walked Away From Hollywood For Good
Hollywood’s lights may shine bright, but for some child stars of the ‘70s, the spotlight was just one act in a much bigger story.
While many young actors dream of lifelong fame, others decide to step away, choosing new paths beyond the silver screen. Whether they traded scripts for stethoscopes, business plans, or quiet lives away from the cameras, these former child stars prove that success isn’t limited to Hollywood.
From sitcom sweethearts to big-screen prodigies, these 15 familiar faces once captured our hearts, only to later carve out new dreams of their own. Some became entrepreneurs, others pursued academia, and a few even found fulfillment in completely unexpected careers.
So, let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and catch up with the child stars who chose to rewrite their own stories—because sometimes, the best role in life is the one you create for yourself!
1. Peter Ostrum
Peter Ostrum, better known as the lucky Charlie Bucket from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, decided that a golden ticket in Hollywood wasn’t his ultimate dream. At the tender age of 13, Ostrum made the bold decision to exit the industry.
Instead of chasing more celluloid dreams, he followed his passion for animals and became a veterinarian. Specializing in dairy cows, Ostrum’s career path is as unique as an Everlasting Gobstopper.
Today, he’s happier in barns than on soundstages, proving that a sweet life sometimes means trading chocolate rivers for pastoral pastures.
2. Quinn Cummings
Quinn Cummings earned a prestigious Oscar nomination at just ten years old for her role in The Goodbye Girl. However, Hollywood fame didn’t quite hold her interest beyond childhood. Instead of the red carpet, she opted for the pen and became a successful writer.
Not just content with writing, she also became an entrepreneur, inventing the HipHugger baby sling, combining her creative prowess with practical solutions.
Cummings’ journey from acting to authorship and invention shows that sometimes the spotlight you create for yourself can shine even brighter.
3. Mason Reese
Mason Reese, the adorable face behind famous Underwood Deviled Ham commercials, captured hearts in the ‘70s. But rather than ham it up in Hollywood, Reese traded in the camera for culinary pursuits.
He became a successful restaurant owner in New York City, proving his knack for flavors transcended beyond mere acting. Known for his charismatic charm, Reese has found joy in serving up delicious dishes instead of TV gigs.
Turning adoration into entrepreneurship, Mason’s story is a recipe for following one’s true passion.
4. Johnny Whitaker
Johnny Whitaker, renowned for his role in Family Affair, faced personal battles beyond the small screen. After tackling addiction, Whitaker became a beacon of hope for others, dedicating his life to helping those in similar situations as a drug counselor.
His transformation from child star to support pillar shows a dedication to recovery programs and advocacy that’s as heartfelt as any Hollywood script.
Whitaker’s legacy isn’t just in reruns but in the lives he’s touched, demonstrating that sometimes the most heroic roles aren’t played out on television.
5. Erin Murphy
Erin Murphy, who charmed audiences as Tabitha on Bewitched, truly lived up to her character’s magical roots by transforming her career multiple times. From being a makeup artist to a stunt double, her career has been anything but ordinary.
She even took a spin as a poker tournament host, showcasing a variety of talents that go beyond spellbinding acting.
Murphy’s journey reminds us that magic isn’t confined to television; sometimes, it’s in the way you reinvent yourself.
6. Ike Eisenmann
Ike Eisenmann, the young star who intrigued audiences in Escape to Witch Mountain, made a smooth transition from acting to the technical side of filmmaking. Embracing his love for sound design, he worked on blockbuster hits like Shrek 2.
Eisenmann’s career shift highlights a passion for the auditory arts, creating movie magic from behind the scenes.
His story is a testament to the diverse paths one can take, proving that Hollywood dreams can evolve into new forms.
7. Susan Olsen
Susan Olsen, known as the lovable Cindy Brady from The Brady Bunch, traded acting for a different kind of creativity. She became an artist and animal advocate, channeling her passion into her paintings and radio hosting.
Olsen’s decision to step away from the camera allowed her to explore new artistic endeavors, capturing hearts in another way.
Her journey illustrates that creativity isn’t limited to scripts and roles; it can blossom in various forms, each more vibrant than the last.
8. Lance Kerwin
Lance Kerwin, famed for his role in James at 15, found a higher calling beyond acting. Trading scripts for sermons, he became a youth minister, working in Hawaii to guide troubled teens.
Kerwin’s new role brought fulfillment that Hollywood couldn’t offer, proving that the most rewarding scripts might just be the ones you write yourself.
His dedication to helping others shows that sometimes, the brightest lights are found in service, not in studios.
9. Lisa Gerritsen
Lisa Gerritsen, who appeared on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, chose the path of knowledge over the spotlight. After her acting career, she ventured into library science, before transitioning to a role as a business consultant.
Gerritsen’s decision to walk away from Hollywood highlights a quest for intellectual and professional growth, valuing knowledge and insight.
Her story is a reminder that life’s chapters can be as diverse as a well-stocked library, each offering its own adventure.
10. Andrea McArdle
Andrea McArdle, who wowed audiences as the original Annie on Broadway, opted for the warmth of family life over the stage lights. Though she left acting, she continues to share her vocal talents occasionally.
McArdle’s choice to focus on family underscores the importance of personal harmony over professional acclaim.
Her journey shows that sometimes, the most fulfilling encore is found at home, where the heart truly sings.
11. Jeff Cohen
Jeff Cohen, initially recognized in The Apple Dumpling Gang, found his true calling beyond acting. He transformed his childhood fame into a successful career as an entertainment lawyer.
Cohen’s journey from child star to legal eagle demonstrates a shift from on-screen antics to off-screen acumen.
His transformation illustrates that even in Hollywood, the right script can lead to success in unexpected fields.
12. Kim Richards
Kim Richards, known for her role in Nanny and the Professor, took a step back from acting to focus on personal pursuits. While she later returned to the screen on reality TV, her primary focus remains on her personal life.
Richards’ story is a testament to prioritizing one’s own journey over fleeting fame.
Her life off the camera shows that sometimes, the most compelling narratives are those lived away from the lens.
13. Tatum O’Neal
Tatum O’Neal, the youngest Oscar winner for her role in Paper Moon, faced personal challenges that took her away from Hollywood. She shifted her focus towards writing and advocacy work, making her mark beyond acting.
O’Neal’s journey emphasizes the importance of personal growth and resilience over industry accolades.
Her story highlights that sometimes, the most significant roles we play are in our own lives, beyond the silver screen.
14. Mike Lookinland
Mike Lookinland, forever remembered as Bobby Brady from The Brady Bunch, found his passion in concrete, quite literally. He left acting to run a decorative concrete business in Utah.
Lookinland’s transition from TV sets to concrete sets demonstrates a hard-working dedication to his new craft.
His journey from child star to business owner is solid proof that fulfilling careers can be built from the ground up.
15. Noah Hathaway
Noah Hathaway, famed for his role in The NeverEnding Story, chose to write a new chapter in his life story by becoming a tattoo artist and martial arts instructor.
Hathaway’s creative expression found new forms, beyond acting, inked into skin and mastered through martial arts.
His path illustrates that sometimes, our stories continue in surprising ways, with each chapter as engaging as the last.