11 surprising jobs that former child stars do today

Talia LakritzNov 16, 2021, 21:09 IST

Peter Ostrum starred as Charlie Bucket in "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," then quit acting to become a large animal veterinarian.Paramount Pictures ; OWN

After playing Charlie Bucket in 1971's "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," Peter Ostrum became a veterinarian.
Jeff Cohen, also known as Chunk from "The Goonies," is now an entertainment lawyer.

At 14 years old, Ariana Richards played Lex Murphy in the 1993 sci-fi blockbuster "Jurassic Park."

Ariana Richards in "Jurassic Park."Universal

Richards shifted her focus to painting, and now she runs her own gallery.

Ariana Richards in 2018.David Livingston/Getty Images

Jeff Cohen played the clumsy Chunk in 1985's "The Goonies."

Jeff Cohen as Chunk in "The Goonies."Warner Bros. Pictures

He stayed in the industry as an entertainment lawyer.

Jeff Cohen in 2013.Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Entertainment Weekly

Ross Bagley worked with Will Smith on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" in the '90s.

Ross Bagley in 1994.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Bagley has continued to act occasionally, while also working as a realtor and DJ.

Ross Bagley in 2020.Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage/Getty Images

Lisa Jakub played Lydia in 1993 comedy "Mrs. Doubtfire," as well as Alicia in the 1996 disaster epic "Independence Day."

Lisa Jakub in "The Beautician and the Beast."Paramount Pictures

Jakub retired from acting at age 22 and became an author and yoga instructor.

Lisa Jakub in 2021.Bobby Bank/Getty Images

Danny Lloyd played the supernaturally gifted Danny Torrance in 1980 horror classic "The Shining."

Danny Lloyd in "The Shining."Warner Bros.

Lloyd is now a biology professor at a community college in Kentucky.

Danny Lloyd's cameo in "Doctor Sleep."Warner Bros.

Peter Ostrum's first and only role was as Charlie Bucket in 1971's "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory."

Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket in "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory."Paramount Pictures

Ostrum is a veterinarian in upstate New York working with large animals, mostly in the dairy industry.

Peter Ostrum.OWN

Carrie Henn played Newt in the 1986 movie "Aliens."

Carrie Henn in "Aliens."20th Century Fox

Henn left acting and became a teacher, instead.

Carrie Henn in 2016.John Sciulli/Getty Images for WIRED

Ross Malinger portrayed 9-year-old Jonah Baldwin in the Nora Ephron classic "Sleepless in Seattle."

Ross Malinger in 1993.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Malinger retired from acting in 2006, and he is now a car salesman.

Ross Malinger in a 2006 episode of "Without a Trace."CBS

Kay Panabaker starred in Disney Channel original movies such as "Read It and Weep," as well as hit shows like "Summerland."

Kay Panabaker in 2004.Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage/Getty Images

Panabaker now works as a zookeeper.

Kay Panabaker in 2011.Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Dylan Sprouse and his twin brother, Cole, got their first TV role before they even turned 1.

Cole and Dylan Sprouse in 1999.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Dylan still acts, but he also owns a brewery where he produces mead.

Dylan Sprouse in 2020.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Montblanc

Jennifer Stone starred as Alex's best friend Harper on Disney Channel's "Wizards of Waverly Place."

Jennifer Stone in 2007.Charley Gallay/Getty Images

Stone is now an emergency room nurse and advocate for people with type 1 diabetes.

Jennifer Stone in 2018.Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Scale Management

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