10 ACTORS WHO DISAPPEARED AFTER 1 HIT MOVIE

Certain actors receive their breakout roles quite early in their film careers and go on to become household names. For example, stars like Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Leonardo DiCaprio made an impact on the industry quite quickly and have gone on to become well-respected actors. As such, it seems that in order to make it in the movie business, actors must keep on pushing.

However, some actors make one hit movie and step away from the spotlight for good. While this typically happens with child stars, a lot of adult actors have moved onto greener pastures after appearing in a film. As such, some of the industry's biggest stars have now built unexpected lives for themselves.

A Delightful Little Boy Left the World of Chocolate to Pursue His Love of Animals

Peter Ostrum

Adapted from Roald Dahl's novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory introduced audiences to the ever-lovable Charlie Bucket. The actor, Peter Ostrum, was scouted by agents during his time at the Cleveland Play House children's theater. While he was only 12 when he made the film, he adored his time on set and enjoyed spending a lot of time in Munich.

Where to Stream Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

IMDb Score

RT Score

Amazon Prime Video

7.8/10

92%

1:48
Related
Wonka's 10 Biggest Easter Eggs for The Previous Movies

The Wonka movie starring Timothée Chalamet as the titular character pays immense, endearing tribute to the Willy Wonka movies that came before.

But, while on set, Ostrum became interested in veterinary science and left the industry to pursue a career in this field. When the movie was remade in 2005, he visited various schools to discuss Dahl's legacy as well as his experience in show business. So, even though Ostrum was offered a three-movie contract, he declined to focus on his true passion.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Release Date  June 30, 1971
Rating  G
Genres  Family, Musical, Fantasy
Runtime  100 minutes

A Young Monarch Shifted Her Attention to Teaching

Tami Stronach

The NeverEnding Story is a compelling story about a young boy who is tasked with fighting a dark force called the Nothing to help save the magical land of Fantasia. Not only was this the most expensive film ever produced outside of the US and Russia, but it helped to reintroduce the wonders of folklore to a contemporary audience. Fans will also remember the Childlike Empress, the ultimate life force of Fantasia and its inhabitants.

Where to Stream The NeverEnding Story

IMDb Score

RT Score

Netflix

7.3/10

84%

While Tami Stronach added a sense of innocence and charm to the entire film, she didn't appreciate the type of attention she received as a young actress. She welcomed a brief stint as a singer in Germany but then settled into a bustling career as a dancer. Alongside being an accomplished dancer, Stronach also set up her own production company to help other children reap the benefits of live theater.

The Neverending Story
Release Date  July 20, 1984
Rating  PG
Genres  Family, Drama, Adventure, Fantasy
Runtime  94 minutes

A Charming Little Girl Now Works Behind the Camera

Amber Scott

While it may not be Steven Speilberg's most notable work, Hook managed to transform a classic into a swashbuckling adventure. Robin Williams plays Peter Banning, a middle-of-the-road lawyer who has left the life of Peter Pan far behind him. But when Captain Hook kidnaps his children, Banning is forced to travel back to NeverLand to reconnect with his magical alter-ego.

Where to Stream Hook

IMDb Score

RT Score

Amazon Prime Video

6.8/10

29%

Amber Scott played Banning's daughter, Maggie, and instantly charmed viewers with her quick humor and cuteness. After starring in Hook, Scott stopped acting and received a higher education at Trinity College, Connecticut. However, she was credited as a producer for the short film Cannonball, suggesting that she's keen to jump back into the industry soon.

Hook
Release Date  April 10, 1991
Rating  PG
Genres  Family, Comedy, Adventure, Fantasy
Runtime  142 minutes

A Hit Model Was Never Seen Again

Dorothy McGowan

Who Are You, Polly Magoo? is a French satirical comedy that aims to dismantle the glamorous stereotypes surrounding the European fashion scene. Dorothy McGowan plays Polly Magoo, a popular model who is being followed by a French documentary crew. As such, fans get to see the ludicrous nature of this chic industry.

Where to Stream Who Are You, Polly Magoo?

IMDb Score

RT Score

The Criterion Channel

6.8/10

77%

Before starring in Who Are You, Polly Magoo?, McGowan was considered an up-and-coming model in America. She posed for various publications such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, making her a recognizable figure in this very competitive industry. Shortly after the film was released in 1966, she disappeared from the public eye and passed away aged 84 in 2022.

An Unknown Actress Returned to a Normal Life

Nadine Nortier

Inspired by Georges Bernanos' hit novel, Mouchette follows the tragic life of the titular character. After living with abusive parents for so many years, the young woman escapes her home during a violent rainstorm. During her travels, she meets a poacher who offers her some shelter in his cabin. However, Mouchette quickly learns that his act of kindness has much more sinister intentions.

Where to Stream Mouchette

IMDb Score

RT Score

The Criterion Channel

7.7/10

89%

Mouchette is a very powerful film, and Nadine Nortier conveys the protagonist's struggles with a sense of tender passion. Yet, Nortier did not return to the screen after the success of Mouchette and continued to live a normal life. Director Robert Bresson was known for hiring normal people in his films, so it's likely that Nortier had no interest in pursuing a long-term acting career.

An Indie Star Started a New Career in Retail

Katie Jarvis

While Fish Tank is by no means a blockbuster hit, it's often viewed as an excellent teaching resource for novice filmmakers. The film focuses on Mia, a volatile teenager who is struggling to create boundaries with her mother's new boyfriend. The film is undoubtedly very proactive and the protagonist, Katie Jarvis, managed to secure a British Independent Film Award for her part in the film.

Where to Stream Fish Tank

IMDb Score

RT Score

BFI Player

7.3/10

91%

After Fish Tank, Jarvis had a brief stint on the popular soap opera Eastenders. But, in 2019, she revealed that she had taken a step back from acting and was working as a security guard in the British retail chain B&M. While the press was happy to criticize this move, other actors and fans were pleased to show their support for Jarvis.

Fish Tank
Release Date  September 11, 2009
Runtime  123 Minutes

A Hit Pop Star Returned to the Music World

Britney Spears

Many musicians, including Dolly Parton and Justin Timberlake, have dropped their singing careers to dip their toes in the world of acting. Unfortunately for Britney Spears, her role in Crossroads didn't inspire her to make the leap into the film industry. The story follows three best friends who decide to celebrate their graduation with a road trip. But as they prepare to enter the world of adulthood, they realize that their close bond is about to change.

Where to Stream Crossroads

IMDb Score

RT Score

Netflix

3.8/10

15%

Related
South Park Called Out the Media's Treatment of Britney Spears in 2008

South Park came to Britney Spears' defense in the most South Park way possible all the way back in 2008.

While Crossroads was panned by the critics, many fans praised Spears' talent for acting. She also used her third album as the soundtrack for the movie, exemplifying her multiple talents. But, the pressure of being on set all day altered her perception of herself, and she would spend most of her day in character. So, to preserve her mental health, the hit singer returned to music.

Crossroads
Release Date  February 15, 2002
Rating  PG-13
Genres  Drama, Romance, Comedy
Runtime  99 Minutes

A Tiny Powerhouse Now Inspires the Next Generation

Carrie Henn

Fans were convinced that nothing could beat the 1979 film Alien, but the sequel, Aliens, was also met with critical acclaim. One of the film's key characters is Newt, a little girl who accompanies Ripley on her latest adventure. Despite being just 10 years old when she appeared on-screen, actress Carrie Henn won the Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor/Actress back in 1987.

Where to Stream Aliens

IMDb Score

RT Score

Disney+

8.4/10

94%

While Carrie Henn still participates in the Alien fandom, she now works as a teacher in California. Her brother also got a part in the film, but his scene is only available as a deleted scene extra. Despite leaving the acting world behind, she still keeps in touch with Sigourney Weaver.

A Horror Legend Left to Teach Biology

Danny Lloyd

The Shining is often regarded as one of the best horror films ever made, and Danny Torrance adds a touch of creepiness to this truly horrifying film. The little boy is prone to having seizures and premonitions, making him a valuable addition to the overall plot. While Kubrick was very protective of the young actor, Danny Lloyd didn't do much work as an actor after the hit film.

Where to Stream The Shinning

IMDb Score

RT Score

Amazon Prime Video

8.4/10

83%

Nowadays, Lloyd works as a professor at a community college in Kentucky. He keeps his past life as an actor pretty quiet, and he rarely does interviews. Yet, eagle-eyed viewers may recognize him as a spectator at a baseball game in the sequel Doctor Sleep.

Jeff Cohen

Even 40 years after its initial release, The Goonies still has a devoted fan following. Audiences will especially remember Chunk, the gluttonous teenage boy who joins the rest of the crew on their journey to locate a ton of buried treasure. Jeff Cohen would frequently use the film's director as a job reference, allowing him to get summer jobs on the sets of other movies.

Where to Stream The Goonies

IMDb Score

RT Score

Netflix

7.7/10

77%

Related
The Goonies Nearly Had a Different Ending

The Goonies is known for its swashbuckling adventure and dangerous thrills, but its alternate ending was far more subdued.

In 2000, Cohen gained a J.D. degree from the UCLA School of Law. From there, he set up his own firm called Cohen & Gardner, which focuses on entertainment and media law. While he often supports his other Goonies brothers in their show business success, it seems that Cohen now focuses on the legal side of the entertainment industry.

The Goonies
Release Date  June 7, 1985
Rating  PG
Genres  Family, Comedy, Adventure
Runtime  114 minutes

2025-01-30T11:42:51Z