Lights, Camera, New Career: Hollywood Stars on Different Paths
By Jack Ripley | April 16, 2024
Tiffany: From '80s Pop Sensation to Entrepreneurial Success - Crafting a New Tune in Business
Step behind the scenes of Hollywood as we explore the journeys of famous actors who traded fame for a different path. Discover the personal stories behind their decisions to leave the glitz and glamour of Hollywood for more ordinary roles. From seeking a change of pace to prioritizing their well-being, these individuals share their inspiring tales of resilience and self-discovery. Learn about the challenges they faced in the unpredictable entertainment industry and how they found fulfillment in new endeavors. Join us as we celebrate their courage to follow their hearts and redefine success on their terms. Prepare to be entertained, informed, and inspired by their extraordinary journeys.
Tiffany Renee Darwish, professionally known as Tiffany, had a remarkable career in the music industry during the late 1980s. She shot to stardom with her breakout hit "I Think We're Alone Now." Her debut album titled "Tiffany" achieved multi-platinum status. Tiffany collaborated with various artists throughout her career. For example, she recorded "I Saw Him Standing There" and "New Inside" with KISS. She collaborated with rapper Krayzie Bone on the song "Bounce" from her album "The Color of Silence." She also appeared on numerous television shows, including "Celebrity Fit Club," "I Think We're Alone Now," "Celebrity Wife Swap," and "Food Network Star."
Tiffany transitioned into entrepreneurship and became a successful business owner. She launched her own clothing and accessories line. Additionally, Tiffany ventured into the beauty industry, developing her own skincare and cosmetics brand.
Jeff Cohen: From Chunk to Counsel - Transitioning From Child Star to Legal Eagle
Jeff Cohen gained recognition as an actor for his portrayal of Chunk in the iconic 1985 film "The Goonies." He was one of the core members of the misfit group of kids on a quest for adventure. His comedic timing and endearing portrayal of Chunk endeared him to audiences worldwide.
Cohen enrolled in the University of California, Berkeley, following his passion for advocacy and legal justice. He earned his undergraduate degree in business administration. Then, he attended the UCLA School of Law. Cohen obtained his Juris Doctor degree. Cohen demonstrated dedication and commitment to his studies. After completing his legal education, Cohen transitioned into practicing law. He founded a law firm in Beverly Hills, California. His clients are in technology, entertainment and media. He often negotiates licenses for companies and helps settle intellectual property disputes.
Erik Estrada: From CHiPs Heartthrob to Real-Life Law Enforcer - Patrolling Streets Beyond the Screen
Erik Estrada was a familiar face on screens, big and small, during the 1970s and 1980s. Estrada portrayed Officer Frank Poncherello in the hit TV series "CHiPs." As the motorcycle cop, his acting captivated audiences. With his infectious charisma and rugged charm, Estrada effortlessly won over viewers worldwide. This solidified his status as a beloved figure in the entertainment realm.
Erik Estrada transitioned from portraying a cop to becoming one in real life. He dedicated himself to serving as a reserve police officer in Muncie, Indiana. Estrada actively participated in community outreach programs. He often led safety initiatives and public events. He used his celebrity status to raise awareness about law enforcement issues. His hands-on approach and dedication earned him respect within the law enforcement community.
Sarah Michelle Gellar: From Slaying Vampires to Baking Empires
Sarah Michelle Gellar rose to prominence in the late 1990s. She first played in the film "I Know What You Did Last Summer." Then, she acted in "Cruel Intentions." She is best remembered as Buffy Summers in the television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
Sarah Michelle Gellar continues to act in films. Many of her recent projects are on Netflix. Gellar worked with Galit Laibow and Greg Fleishman to co-found Foodstirs. It was a startup food crafting brand specializing in easy-to-make organic baking mixes. The company also sold kits for families. By 2018, Foodstirs' products were available at 7,500 retailers nationwide, including Starbucks, Whole Foods, and Walmart. Additionally, Gellar released a cookbook titled "Stirring up Fun with Food." She co-authored it with Gia Russo. The book features a plethora of food-crafting ideas.
Charlie Korsmo: From Child Star to Legal Scholar - Transitioning From Hollywood Lights to Courtroom Fights
Charlie Korsmo was known for his roles as a child actor in the early 1990s. He played The Kid in "Dick Tracy." He also played Jack Banning in "Hook." These roles demonstrated his ability to captivate audiences.
Charlie Korsmo transitioned from child actor to lawyer. After experiencing success in Hollywood, Korsmo pursued higher education. He earned degrees in physics and political science. Then, he attended Yale Law School. Korsmo had a strong desire to engage in meaningful work that positively impacted society. Ultimately, he found fulfillment in the legal profession. He loved applying his analytical skills and contributing to the pursuit of justice. Charlie Korsmo practiced law at a prestigious law firm in New York City. He specialized in corporate law, focusing on complex litigation and regulatory matters. Korsmo worked on high-profile cases. He eventually transitioned to academia, pursuing a career in teaching and research.
Mara Wilson: From Child Star to Podcast Personality - Sharing Stories Beyond the Silver Screen
Rising to fame as a child star, Mara Wilson captured the hearts of audiences with her endearing portrayals. One of her earliest performances was as Natalie Hillard in "Mrs. Doubtfire." Then, she starred in "Matilda." She also played the character of Lily Stone in "Thomas and the Magic Railroad."
Four years after her iconic role in "Matilda," she stopped acting. She says she has always seen acting as a hobby. Instead, she sought to explore her creativity beyond the confines of the entertainment industry. She found new opportunities for self-expression as a writer. Additionally, Wilson became a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and destigmatization. Mara often speaks about the subject on podcasts. She frequently draws from her own experiences with anxiety and depression to help others. She openly shares her journey, and she has written her memoirs. She also still makes an occasional appearance on television or in the movies.
Rick Moranis: From Hollywood to Homestead - Transitioning From Actor to Stay-at-Home Dad
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Rick Moranis became a versatile actor known for his comedic prowess. He played Louis Tully in "Ghostbusters." He starred as Wayne Szalinski in "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids."
Rick Moranis experienced a tragic loss when his wife, Ann Belsky, passed away in 1991. She died of breast cancer, leaving Moranis devastated. He quit acting and focused on raising their two young children as a stay-at-home dad. Moranis prioritized his family's well-being over his professional pursuits, which demonstrated his commitment to fatherhood and family. Moranis shifted his focus to voice-over work. He leveraged his talents to voice characters in animated films like Disney's "Brother Bear" and "The Flintstones."
Freddie Prinze Jr.: From Teen Heartthrob to Wrestling Producer - Shaping Entertainment Beyond the Screen
Freddie Prinze Jr. burst onto the Hollywood scene in the late 1990s as a heartthrob in teen films. His breakout role came in "I Know What You Did Last Summer." He acted in movies like "She's All That" and "Down to You." He became a poster boy for teen romance films of the era. He starred in comedies like "Scooby-Doo" and its sequel. He also appeared in "Summer Catch" and "Head Over Heels." Additionally, Prinze appeared in television series like "24" and "Freddie."
Freddie Prinze Jr. made a career shift by joining World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) as a producer. He brought his passion for storytelling and entertainment to the wrestling world. Prinze worked to craft narratives and develop characters for WWE programming. Prinze's tenure as a WWE producer showcased his versatility and showed his dedication to the art of storytelling across different mediums.
Josh Saviano: From Wonder Years Whiz to Legal Luminary - Transitioning From TV to the Courtroom
Josh Saviano portrayed Paul Joshua Pfeiffer in "The Wonder Years." He played Kevin Arnold's loyal best friend. Josh captivated audiences with his portrayal of a thoughtful and sensitive teenager. Audiences fell in love with his character as he navigated the ups and downs of adolescence in the 1960s. His chemistry with co-star Fred Savage contributed to the show's critical acclaim.
After his acting career, Saviano pursued higher education. He attended Yale University. Then, he graduated from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. His firsthand experience in entertainment gives him a unique perspective. Saviano carried his passion for the entertainment industry into his legal work. He loves working closely with creative individuals. His cases often involved intellectual property, contracts and media law. He usually works with artists, entertainers, athletes and influencers. Josh has founded several law firms.
Taran Noah Smith: From TV Teen to Tech Titan - Managing Machines and Mastering Entrepreneurship
Taran Noah Smith rose to fame as a child actor through his role in "Home Improvement." He portrayed Mark Taylor. Taran was the youngest son of the Taylor family. He charmed audiences with his endearing portrayal of the sensitive and thoughtful Mark. However, after "Home Improvement" concluded, Smith's acting career declined.
At 16, Smith decided he didn't want an acting career anymore. In 2005, Smith and Heidi van Pelt started a non-dairy cheese company and restaurant named Playfood. It focused on vegan and organic foods. Smith also got involved in humanitarian work. He was particularly active in disaster relief in the Philippines with Communitere. Beyond acting and business, Smith pilots submarines for the Community Submersibles Project. In July 2022, he joined SpaceX as an integration technician, showing his diverse skills and adaptability.
Gene Hackman: From Hollywood Legend to Literary Luminary - Trading Scripts for Novels
Gene Hackman was a highly acclaimed actor who carved an illustrious career spanning over five decades. He was a very versatile actor who gave intense performances. Hackman portrayed a wide array of characters across film genres. He won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in "The French Connection." He also won an Academy Award nomination for his work as Harry Caul in "The Conversation."
Hackman co-authored several novels with Daniel Lenihan, including "Wake of the Perdido Star" and "Justice for None." These books showcased his storytelling prowess and narrative skills. His work spans several genres, including historical fiction and mystery. The actor is enjoying retirement in New Mexico.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas: From Child Star to Behind-the-Scenes Maestro - Directing His Own Path
Jonathan Taylor Thomas gained fame as a child actor in the 1990s. He is best known for his role as Randy Taylor, the middle son, on the hit television sitcom "Home Improvement." He also had a successful film career. He voiced young Simba in Disney's animated classic "The Lion King." During the height of his fame, Thomas was a popular figure in teen magazines. He was often featured in merchandise aimed at young audiences.
He took a hiatus from the entertainment industry. Thomas attended Harvard University, pursuing a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy and history. He then continued his studies at St. Andrews in Scotland. Tim Allen facilitated Jonathan Taylor Thomas's opportunity to shadow director John Pasquin, providing him valuable insight into the directing process. In 2013, Thomas briefly returned to acting with a guest appearance on Tim Allen's show "Last Man Standing."
Jay North: From Dennis the Menace to Maintaining Order - A Shift From Mischief to Correctional Duty
Jay North became famous for his acting in "Dennis the Menace." He portrayed the lovable and mischievous Dennis Mitchell in the television series "Dennis the Menace." The show ran during the late 1950s and early 1960s. He made guest appearances on popular television series such as "The Lucy Show," "Wagon Train," and "My Three Sons." North also starred in the film "Maya" in 1966, where he played the lead role of Terry Bowen.
Jay North's career included voice-over work. He voiced Bamm-Bamm in "The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show" alongside Sally Struthers. North faced challenges in his personal life. He joined the U.S. Navy but found it a difficult place. He went through a period of severe depression. Eventually, he relocated to Florida. He pursued a new career path as a corrections officer.
Andrew Shue: From Melrose Place Heartthrob to Webmaster and Podcast Extraordinaire
Andrew Shue gained prominence as an actor in the 1990s television series "Melrose Place." He captivated audiences with his portrayal of Billy. Following his success on "Melrose Place," Shue continued to act in both television and film. He appeared in the TV movie "The Rainmaker" and acted in "Gracie" alongside his sister. Shue made guest appearances on shows like "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" and "CSI: N.Y."
After leaving acting, Shue traveled to Zimbabwe. He joined Bulawayo Highlanders, a prominent soccer team in the country. He also played for Los Angeles United, Anaheim Splash and Los Angeles Galaxy. Shue ventured into entrepreneurship. He co-founded DoSomething with his childhood friend Michael Sanchez. Later, he co-founded the social networking website CafeMom. He remains a board member of DoSomething. Furthermore, he co-hosted the podcast "Mad Life" with his mother.
Lisa and Louise Burns: From Gracing the Screen in The Shining to Pursuing Law and Science
Lisa and Louise Burns gained recognition for their haunting portrayal of the Grady twins in the screen adaptation of "The Shining." Most fans remember their brief appearance in the eerie halls of the Overlook Hotel. In that scene, they wore matching blue dresses and held hands. Despite limited screen time, the Burns twins' performance became one of the most iconic moments in horror cinema.
The twins largely left the public's eye after the movie. Lisa Burns studied literature in college. Perhaps she took inspiration from Stephen King. She went on to attend law school and has a successful practice. Meanwhile, Louise Burns became a microbiologist. The girls never appeared on screen again.
Jerry Mathers: From Beaver Cleaver to Financial Maverick - A Journey Beyond Mayfield
Jerry Mathers rose to fame as a child actor. He is best known for his iconic role as Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver in "Leave It to Beaver." He portrayed the mischievous yet endearing younger brother. Mathers captivated audiences with his innocence in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Mathers also appeared in other television shows and films throughout his career, further solidifying his place in television history.
Mathers attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, during his late teens. He led the musical band Beaver and the Trappers. Mathers joined the California Air National Guard from 1966 to 1969. Next, he attended the University of California, Berkeley. He graduated with a degree in philosophy, Mathers worked as a commercial loan officer. He left to become a disc jockey. Mathers worked as an advocate for Broadway and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.
Amelia Kinkade: From Screams to Serenity - Transitioning From Horror to Animal Communication
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Amelia Kinkade is known for her work as an actress. She played Angela in the cult classic horror film "Night of the Demons" and its sequels. She earned recognition for her captivating performances and ability to embody diverse characters.
Amelia Kinkade is equally renowned for her remarkable work as an animal communicator. She has a deep understanding of animal behavior and a profound respect for their behavior. She is a frequent lecturer and has written numerous books on the topic. She also holds workshops around the world. Kinkade's passion for bridging the communication gap between humans and animals has made her an authority. She continues to have a profound connection with animals.
Mike Vitar: Trading Baseball for Bravery - From "The Sandlot" to Firefighter Duty
Mike Vitar is recognized for his role as Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez in "The Sandlot." He portrays a charismatic and talented baseball player. Vitar captured the hearts of audiences with his portrayal of the iconic character. Although Vitar's acting career may not be as extensive as some of his peers, fans continue to cherish his performance.
In 1996, Vitar went to work for an ambulance company. Six years later, he joined the Los Angeles Fire Department, where he has remained since. While his tenure as a firefighter has generally been uneventful, a Halloween incident in 2015 turned into a frightening ordeal. Vitar and his off-duty firefighting friends mistook a young man handing out candy as distributing drugs to children. In an altercation, they assaulted the man. This led to legal repercussions for Vitar. Despite this incident, Vitar's firefighting career has largely been successful.
Jamie Walters: From Beverly Hills Heartthrob to Real-Life Hero
Jamie Walters played Ray Pruit on the popular 1990s television series "Beverly Hills, 90210." He was a troubled musician and love interest of Donna Martin. While his acting career primarily revolves around his role in "Beverly Hills, 90210," Walters also appeared in other television shows and films throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Walters starred in "The Heights" in 1992. He recorded the hit single "How Do You Talk to an Angel." He also had a recurring role in "The Young and the Restless," playing Dr. Travis Brennan.
Jamie Walters dedicated three years to training in the fire academy. Then, he joined the Los Angeles Fire Department. He is a single dad of four. Walters' commitment to serving his community showcases his dedication and resilience.
Mary Badham: From Scout Finch to Art Restorer - A Journey Beyond Maycomb
Mary Badham is best known for her work in "To Kill a Mockingbird." She portrayed Scout Finch in the classic 1962 film adaptation of Harper Lee's novel. When 10, she was nominated as Best Supporting Actress for her performance. This made her the youngest nominee at the time. She appeared in several other film and television roles in the 1960s and 1970s.
In recent years, Mary Badham has found fulfillment in diverse roles. She serves as an art restorer and a college testing coordinator. She is married to Richard W. Wilt, who holds the dean of Library and Educational Support Services position at Lehigh Carbon Community College. The couple have two children. She has traveled worldwide talking about "To Kill a Mockingbird." During her speeches, she emphasizes the tolerance and compassion found within the novel.
