Have you ever watched your favourite film and thought, ‘Where is that actor now?’
One minute they are getting papped in their pyjamas, the next they are back in education yearning for a normal life.
For many actors, landing a lead role in a Hollywood blockbuster is a dream come true—but for others, one film in the spotlight is enough.
Indeed, some actors get a taste of fame and wish for nothing but to be back under the radar.
Let’s see who slipped off our silver screen into the abyss.
Here are seven actors who starred in huge roles but decided to call it quits after one red carpet…
Peter Ostrum, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory (1971)
The classic 1970s film follows the story of Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum), who is one of the lucky children to win one of Willy Wonka’s golden tickets and be let inside his secret chocolate factory.
Ostrum was only 12 years old when he was selected by talent agents after performing at the Cleveland Playhouse Children’s Theatre.
The film, based on the award-winning Roald Dahl book, eventually grossed $4million (£3.2m), with the huge potential to propel Ostrum to stardom.
The child actor was offered a three-film contract by director David L. Wolper, however, he opted not to sign the contracts in the hope of having his own freedom over future projects.
He went on to receive his doctorate of veterinary medicine and has worked as a veterinarian ever since.
Amber Scott, Hook (1991)
Amber Scott was only seven years old when she starred in the fantasy feature film, Hook.
Based on the book Peter and Wendy by J.M. Barrie, the popular film won six awards and received 24 nominations.
Scott became a celebrity overnight, with many young girls admiring her for her beauty and talent.
She starred as Maggie Banning in the Steven Spielberg masterpiece; however, was never to be seen on the silver screen again.
The child star went on to graduate both high school and university and is now rumoured to be writing for the New York Times.
Gwen Stefani, The Aviator (2004)
Sweet Escape singer Gwen Stefani broke onto our screens in 2004 with Martin Scorsese’s epic biographical drama film The Aviator.
It is rumoured that the director discovered Stefani due to his daughter being a huge fan of No Doubt; this helped him find the blonde bombshell he wanted for his project.
The film was a huge hit, receiving 11 Academy Award nominations and bringing home five.
Stefani played the iconic role of Jean Harlow, a Missouri-born actress who tragically died at age 26.
The original blondie was famously known for her platinum locks, so who better to be cast than Stefani?
This was Stefani’s only film, as she quit acting to focus on her music career.
Carrie Henn, Aliens (1986)
The Aliens franchise was written and directed by the highest-grossing director of all time, James Cameron.
Carrie Henn played Newt in the 1986 science horror fiction film, co-starring alongside Sigourney Weaver.
Henn was only 10 years old when she was given the major role; however, she was forced to quit acting after family issues.
The child actress’ parents moved from London back to the US, and Henn was never seen in cinema again.
It is rumoured that Henn now works as an elementary teacher in California, where she resides.
Robert Tsai
Another child star who rocked the stage then slipped under the radar is School of Rock actor Robert Tsai.
The 2003 comedy, starring The Holiday’s Jack Black, was a huge hit, scoring an almost perfect Rotten Tomatoes score of 91%.
Tsai played the role of Mr. Cool Lawrence, one of the main band members in the blockbuster.
Despite the film’s success, even going on to become a high-grossing stage production, Tsai ditched the cameras for the school books and studied at Dartmouth University.
It has been rumoured that Tsai still plays piano and has even taken his cool moves into a dance group named Instant Noodles Crew.
Britney Spears, Crossroads (2002)
It has been over 20 years since pop star Britney Spears has been on our screens in Crossroads.
Spears starred in the 2002 romantic comedy as Lucy Wagner—a teenage girl who is taking her childhood friends on a cross-country trip in an attempt to rekindle their friendship.
Despite this being the Piece of Me singer’s first lead role, Spears also had a cameo in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in 1993.
However, those hoping to see Spears back on the movie scene may have reason to be optimistic, as she is reportedly working on her biopic, directed by Wicked’s Jon M. Chu.
Danny Lloyd, The Shining (1980)
American former child actor Danny Lloyd starred in Stanley Kubrick’s horror mystery as Danny Torrance.
Production had to keep him off-set during the filming of scary scenes; he was also given an edited copy of the finished film so he would enjoy watching it without fear.
Lloyd quit acting at age 13 to ‘lay low’ and try to have a relatively normal life.
The Shining star, now aged 52, works as a biology professor in Kentucky, where he is living the life he yearned for when he was a child performer.
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