MomSkoop
Hollywood has seen countless child stars grow up in the spotlight, but not all of them chose to stay there. Some decided to walk away from acting altogether, trading red carpets for boardrooms, classrooms, and business ventures.
What’s surprising is that many of these former child actors ended up making even more money after leaving Hollywood behind. Their stories prove that success doesn’t always mean sticking with your first career, and sometimes the biggest wins come after you change direction.
1. Shirley Temple
America’s sweetheart from the 1930s didn’t just fade away after her curls stopped bouncing on screen.
Temple retired from acting in her early twenties and dove headfirst into politics and diplomacy.
She became the U.S.
Ambassador to Ghana and later to Czechoslovakia, representing her country on the world stage.
Her diplomatic career brought her respect, influence, and financial stability that far exceeded her childhood earnings.
Temple also served on corporate boards for major companies, adding even more to her wealth.
She proved that talent and charisma can open doors far beyond entertainment.
Her legacy lives on as both a film icon and a trailblazing diplomat.
2. Frankie Muniz
Remember Malcolm from Malcolm in the Middle?
Muniz walked away from Hollywood to chase his real passion: racing.
He became a professional race car driver, competing in events like the Atlantic Championship.
But that wasn’t all.
Muniz also invested in businesses, including managing a band and owning an olive oil company.
His diverse ventures brought in serious cash, proving he didn’t need acting to succeed financially.
Racing gave him adrenaline and business ownership gave him control over his income.
Today, he enjoys a comfortable life doing what he loves.
His story shows that following your passion can pay off big time.
3. Peter Ostrum
Charlie Bucket only made one movie, and that was enough for Peter Ostrum.
After starring in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, he turned down a three-movie contract and never acted again.
Instead, he became a veterinarian, working with large animals like horses and cows.
His veterinary practice has been incredibly successful, providing him with a steady, comfortable income.
Ostrum has said he has no regrets about leaving Hollywood behind.
He found fulfillment helping animals rather than performing for cameras.
His choice reminds us that happiness matters more than fame.
Plus, being a vet pays really well when you’re good at it.
4. Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen
Full House made them famous, but fashion made them billionaires.
The Olsen twins stepped away from acting to focus on their luxury fashion brands, including The Row and Elizabeth and James.
Their business savvy turned them into fashion moguls worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
They’ve won prestigious awards from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
Their brands are sold in high-end stores worldwide, attracting celebrities and fashionistas alike.
Acting was just the beginning for these two.
They built an empire that far surpasses their childhood earnings.
Their success proves that smart business moves beat acting paychecks any day.
5. Dylan Sprouse
After The Suite Life of Zack & Cody ended, Dylan Sprouse chose college over Hollywood.
He graduated from NYU with a degree in video game design and started working in the craft beer industry.
Dylan co-founded All-Wise Meadery in Brooklyn, which became a popular spot for mead lovers.
His business took off, bringing in impressive revenue and establishing him as a serious entrepreneur.
He’s proven that child stars can successfully transition into completely different careers.
Dylan occasionally acts but focuses mainly on his business ventures.
His meadery shows that passion projects can become profitable empires.
Sometimes stepping away leads to sweeter success.
6. Mara Wilson
Matilda’s magic didn’t keep Mara Wilson in Hollywood.
After starring in beloved 90s films, she left acting to pursue writing and theater.
Wilson became a successful author, penning memoirs and essays that resonated with readers everywhere.
Her writing career has been both critically acclaimed and financially rewarding.
She’s also done voice acting and theater work on her own terms.
Wilson has been open about why she left acting and how much happier she is now.
Her books have sold thousands of copies, earning her steady income.
She found her true calling behind the keyboard, not in front of the camera.
7. Danny Lloyd
The creepy kid from The Shining only made one other film before disappearing from Hollywood.
Danny Lloyd became a biology professor at a community college in Missouri.
He’s spent decades teaching students and enjoys a stable, fulfilling career in education.
Teaching provided him with a comfortable salary, benefits, and a normal life away from the spotlight.
Lloyd rarely talks about his acting past and prefers his quiet life.
His choice shows that not everyone wants fame, even when they’ve tasted it.
Education can be just as rewarding, if not more so, than entertainment.
Sometimes the best role is the one you play in real life.
8. Jennifer Stone
Wizards of Waverly Place was just the start for Jennifer Stone.
She left acting to become a registered nurse, working on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her nursing career has given her purpose, respect, and a solid income.
Stone has said that helping people feels more meaningful than acting ever did.
She works in a hospital and continues to save lives every day.
Her transition from Disney Channel to healthcare inspired many fans.
Nursing pays well, especially with experience and specialization.
Stone proves that you can be a hero on screen and in real life.
9. Cole Sprouse
Cole Sprouse took a different path than most child stars after his Disney days.
He studied archaeology at NYU and worked as a professional photographer, shooting for major magazines like Vogue and Elle.
His photography business took off, earning him significant income outside of acting.
Cole eventually returned to acting with Riverdale, but his photography remains a lucrative side business.
His artistic eye translated perfectly from acting to photography.
He’s built a diverse career that doesn’t rely solely on one talent.
Photography gigs for top magazines pay extremely well.
Cole shows that having multiple skills increases your earning potential dramatically.
10. Karyn Parsons
Hilary Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air had bigger plans than acting.
Parsons founded Sweet Blackberry, a nonprofit organization that produces animated films about unsung black heroes in history.
Her organization has received grants and funding from major foundations.
She’s also written children’s books that have sold thousands of copies.
Her work in education and storytelling has been both impactful and profitable.
Parsons found a way to combine creativity with social impact.
Her books and films reach children across the country.
She’s making more of a difference now than she ever did on TV.
11. Jeff Cohen
Chunk from The Goonies went from treasure hunting to courtroom battles.
Cohen became an entertainment lawyer, representing clients in Hollywood from behind the scenes.
He co-founded a successful law firm that specializes in entertainment and business law.
His legal career has been incredibly lucrative, far exceeding his childhood acting earnings.
Cohen has represented major clients and handled high-profile cases.
He used his insider knowledge of Hollywood to become a powerful attorney.
Law school was tough, but it paid off big time.
Cohen proves that brains can earn you more than fame ever could.
12. Amanda Bynes
After dominating Nickelodeon and starring in hit movies, Amanda Bynes stepped away from the spotlight.
She enrolled in fashion school at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
Though her journey has had ups and downs, she’s focused on building a career in fashion design.
Bynes has expressed interest in launching her own clothing line.
Fashion design can be extremely profitable, especially with her name recognition.
Her story is one of reinvention and personal growth.
Many fans support her transition away from acting.
Sometimes taking a break is the healthiest and smartest financial move you can make.
13. Angus T. Jones
Two and a Half Men made Angus T.
Jones one of the highest-paid child actors ever.
But he walked away from the show and acting to focus on his faith and education.
Jones attended the University of Colorado and got involved in event production and management.
He co-founded a media company focused on positive, faith-based content.
His business ventures have been successful and align with his personal values.
Jones has said leaving acting was the best decision he ever made.
His company produces content that reaches audiences worldwide.
Money isn’t everything, but he’s making plenty while staying true to himself.
14. Nikki Blonsky
Hairspray launched Nikki Blonsky into stardom, but she chose a different path afterward.
Blonsky became a cosmetologist and makeup artist, working with clients and building her own beauty business.
She’s also done advocacy work for body positivity and self-acceptance.
Her beauty services and social media presence have created multiple income streams.
Blonsky occasionally acts but focuses mainly on her beauty career.
She’s built a loyal following that supports her business ventures.
Cosmetology can be very profitable, especially with celebrity status.
Blonsky proves that you can shine just as bright outside of Hollywood.
15. Alisan Porter
Curly Sue stole hearts in the 90s, but Alisan Porter found her true voice later.
She stepped away from acting to focus on music and eventually won The Voice in 2016.
Her music career took off, and she released albums that showcased her incredible vocal talent.
Porter tours, performs, and sells music, earning more than she ever did as a child actor.
She’s also been open about her journey with sobriety and personal growth.
Music gave her a second chance at success and happiness.
Her story is one of redemption and reinvention.
Sometimes your biggest success comes after your first act ends.