While most people have at some stage fantasized about fame and fortune, it clearly is not everything that ordinary people imagine it to be, seeing as there are so many globally famous icons who have ditched the limelight for ordinary employment. This phenomenon can better be understood by reading about these incredible individuals who replaced being interviewed by reporters with being interviewed by potential bosses!
The Icons Who Replaced Fame With Ordinary Work
Kirk Cameron
You might remember this 80s heartthrob from the well-loved Growing Pains series. Cameron would end up leaving Hollywood with a pair of Golden Globe nominations under his belt. He ditched stardom to pursue a more pious path within a missionary church. It could be said that he hasn’t completely abandoned the camera, as he does enjoy captaining his own charismatic Christian talk show.
Kirk Cameron
Mara Wilson
Here we have an easily recognized legend of 90s child acting. Mara Wilson is best known for her performance as a psychic wonder child in the titular Matilda. She was in other classic movies such as A Simple Wish and Mrs. Doubtfire, and all three films were produced only months apart. Despite having highly enjoyed her experience acting, Mara realized at a young age that she would replace acting with humanitarian and novelist pursuits. She intends to continue her good work for Publicolor, an NPO dedicated to aiding marginalized youngsters to get involved with art.
Mara Wilson
Frankie Muniz
The name Frankie Muniz is synonymous with the timeless family sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, and his performance in the beloved series earned him a couple of Golden Globe Nominations and an Emmy Award. Muniz left television to get behind the wheel of racing cars.
Frankie Muniz
Andrea Barber
Barber finally made her return to acting following a long academic hiatus where she became a Whittier College and University of York alumni, earning a BA in English from the former university, where she was also headed the international studies program. She has now reprised her role as Kimmy in the revitalized Full House series on Netflix.
Andrea Barber
Danielle Fishel
You might remember Fishel from her role as Topanga in the acclaimed 90s series Boy Meets World. Following the success of her career in television, Fishel opted for a reporting role alongside The Dish and Popsugar. In time she would rediscover her passion for acting and return to the Disney adaptation of her classic series, called Girl Meets World.
Danielle Fishel
Freddie Prince Jr.
Millennials will probably recall the name Freddie Prince Jr. from the 90s and 2000s thriller classics such as slasher I Know What You Did Last Summer and the sultry Cruel Intentions. After tying the knot with Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar, the pair fostered their mutual dedication to cooking. Prince Jr. would go on to champion his own cooking style along with publishing his own cooking books.
Freddie Prince Jr
Tony Danza
The fearsome boxer turned actor turned education philanthropist Tony Danza has enjoyed an incredibly diverse working life if those three roles are anything to go by! He championed his educational program called Teach: Tony Danza. This elaborate show detailed Danza’s progress teaching grade 10 students English while simultaneously highlighting issues within the United States’ schools in general, as well as how undervalued teachers are.
Tony Danza
Steven Seagal
Prior to becoming one the world’s leading action stars in the late 80s through explosive blockbuster Above the Law, Seagal was a prominent martial arts teacher living in Japan. He is unique in that he was the initial immigrant to Japan to run an Aikido Dojo! Following various well-received performances in the action genre, Seagal departed from Hollywood to take up the law as a Louisiana deputy Sheriff! Talk about walking the walk!
Steven Seagal
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Gen Z members probably won’t know who “Buffy” is, but to those who were watching television in the 90s, she is one of the most adored heroines in modern media. Sarah Michelle Gellar also stood out alongside her spouse Freddy Prince Jr. in the romantic drama Cruel Intentions. As mentioned before, the pair bonded over cuisine, with Sarah enriching children’s cooking efforts with her baking sets.
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Peter Ostrum
Some actors only ever feature in a single role, however, in Ostrum’s case, his one performance was enough for a lifetime of fame and praise. 20th-century movie boffins will recognize Ostrum from his part as Charlie Bucket in the cinematic adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. After turning down the opportunity to star in the Willy Wonka trilogy, Ostrum entered the veterinary world towards aiding cattle and horses.
Peter Ostrum
Helen Hunt
Some actors’ careers span a lifetime, with Helen Hunt having enjoyed her initial starring performance at the tender age of ten. Now that she has lined her shelves with various Oscars, Hunt can happily pursue her true ambitions of producing, heading Hunt/Travel Productions.
Helen Hunt
Nick Offerman
You might be amazed to find out that “Ron Swanson” is just as handy in real life as his hyper-macho role in the leading sitcom Parks and Recreation, juggling carpentry, boat-making, comedy, and acting.
Nick Offerman
Lark Voorhies
If you can recall watching Saved by the Bell, then you probably remember the character Lisa Turtle, who was played by Lark Voorhies. Lark decided that writing was more important to her than acting, and she now has three successful books to her name.
Lark Voorhies
Jim Carrey
The universally recognized and acclaimed funny man dominated 90s cinema comedy with his timeless performances in hits like The Mask and the Ace Ventura franchise. Carrey has also starred in more serious roles, but in the past few years, he has distanced himself from Hollywood to become a painter and philosopher.
Jim Carrey
Vanilla Ice
Robert Matthew Van Winkle, better known as Vanilla Ice, used his copyright controversy with David Bowie to springboard into fame with his classic track Ice, Ice, Baby. While his rapping career didn’t last that long, his real estate one seems to be booming, with Van Winkle even championing his own home upgrade show known as The Vanilla Ice Project.
Vanilla Ice
Kevin Costner
Waterworld star Kevin Costner took his aquatic adventure role a step further when he saw an opportunity to combat oil spills following the Gulf Oil Spill. He now leads his business, Ocean Therapy Solutions, toward cleaning up our oceans.
Kevin Costner
Tom Selleck
While no one can really say when Selleck will completely divorce himself from Hollywood, he maintains his dedication to his titanic avocado farm.
Tom Selleck
Angus T Jones
As seen before, sometimes actors find their faith while acting, which is what happened to Angus T. Jones of Two and a Half Men fame. Not only did he mature during his decade-long involvement with the smash hit sitcom, but his faith also developed to the point where he became a devoted member of the Seventh Day Advent Church.
Angus T Jones
Aubrey O’Day
The musical artist and one part of Danity Kane and Dumblonde would go on to foster a successful solo career. In time, her modeling career would take off, as well as her Broadway involvement. Aubrey also found herself appearing in reality television shows such as The Apprentice and Big Brother.
Aubrey ODay
Cote de Pablo
Not every actor or celebrity will go on to do greater things, some just want to take it easy and enjoy the fruits of their career. This is what NCIS’ fabulous Cote de Pablo did, also putting her singing career to rest, at least for now.
Cote De Pablo
Sharona Alperin
Everyone knows the classic Doug Fieger song My Sharona, but few might have realized that it was inspired by Sharona Alperin. Today, the muse works as a highly accomplished Beverly Hills realtor.
Sharona Alperin
Al Franken
While Franken is not the first person involved in entertainment to become a politician, the pioneering Saturday Night Live writer turned senator is certainly one of the most impressive cases. Franken successfully participated in Minnesota’s Senate for two terms between 2009 and 2014.
Al Franken
Liam Gallagher
You cannot speak about Oasis without mentioning the cult group’s frontman. Fashion would be the pop sensation’s alternate pursuit, creating his own label known as Pretty Green, which maintains its strong presence in the fashion industry to this day.
Liam Gallagher
Roseanne Barr
Roseanne was a staple of the late 80s and early 90s television sitcom, running for almost a decade, of which Roseanne Barr was the main actor, earning a Golden Globe and Emmy Award. Today, Barr can be spotted in the world of politics, and in 2012 she attempted to run as president under the Peace and Freedom Party.
Roseanne Barr
Julia Stiles
Ghostwriter was one seriously entertaining show, with the ten teenage Julia Stiles really making her mark through its production. She has then headed many incredible drama and romance movies such as Save the Last Dance and 10 Things I Hate About You. Strangely, Julia disappeared from the limelight to exist privately.
Julia Stiles
Danica McKellar
Danica McKellar makes for the rare example of being fabulous and intelligent at the same time. The Wonder Years was a fantastic movie which would not have been the same without her role as Winnie Cooper. She is a UCLA alumnus and something of a math genius.
Danica McKellar
Jon Gosselin
TLC fans will know Gosselin from his show Jon and Kate Plus 8. It wouldn’t be long before it would just be Jon, however, as the pair divorced in 2009. Gosselin attempted various career paths prior to fulfilling his dreams of DJing.
Jon Gosselin
Chris Owen
American Pie fans hail Chris Owen as one of the franchise’s best features, but his acting career started all the way back at the age of ten! Owen now waiters at a fancy Los Angeles based sushi bar, continuing to pursue acting while waiting pays the bills.
Chris Owen
Ariana Richards
They say that acting is an art, with Ariana Richards being deeply talented in both acting and visual art. She had managed to cap her impressive career which began in the late 80s with a main role in Jurassic Park as Lex Murphy. Following a highly decorated graduation from Skidmore College, Richards went on to use her degree in Fine Art and Drama degree in building her reputation as a fantastic artist.
Ariana Richards
Tommy Rettig
Remember that sweet little boy from the Lassie movie? Well, he turned out to be a pioneer in the computer world, sadly passing in 1996 from cardiac arrest. Rest in peace, Mr. Rettig.
Tommy Rettig
Mackenzie Rosman
Some actors start off at a very innocent age, such as Mackenzie Rosman who you might recognize from her part in 7th Heaven as young Ruthie Camden. Following her television career-ending, Rosman threw herself wholeheartedly into philanthropy, aiming to aid youngsters with cystic fibrosis.
Mackenzie Rosman
Jonathan Bennett
Do you remember that very cute boy from Mean Girls who stole Lindsay Lohan’s character’s heart? Well, you’ll be happy to know that he still acts as Cake Wars’ host, but he also teaches spinning classes at a Los Angeles gym.
Jonathan Bennett
Maia Brewton
It was through her role in the 80s hit Adventures in Babysitting that Maia Brewton finally caught her chance at acting fame and glory. Incredibly, she decided that law was a greater passion of hers.
Maia Brewton
Leanna Creel
Coming back to Saved by the Bell stars, Leanna Creel was another star of the classic teen show, eventually assuming a leadership position in its running. 1998 saw Creel commence Ignite Entertainment. The triplet tied the knot with Rinat Greenberg, with whom she has enjoyed more than a decade of happiness with.
Leanna Creel
Brittany Ashton Holmes
Holmes is another child star who rose to stardom following her part as Darla in Little Rascals. Acting couldn’t hold the little rascal’s attention for long, however, as she now studies political science at a Los Angeles university, supporting herself by being a barista.
Brittany Ashton Holmes
Josh Saviano
Child actors often seem to change courses as they grow older, with Josh Saviano from The Wonder Years switching to political science. Now that is quite the career change! The Yale graduate is a lawyer of note, with his commendable position at Morrison Cohen LLP. Saviano also heads his personal consultancy firm
Josh Saviano
Jeff Cohen
The Goonies has a sentimental place in countless people’s hearts, “The Chunk” being a fan favorite played by Jeff Cohen. Jeff managed to shed the pounds and become something of a football star during his school years. Next on the list was a law degree at UCLA for The Goonies legend.
Jeff Cohen
Taran Noah Smith
Home Improvement is another timelessly adored American show, with Taran Noah Smith being one of its highlights. 2001 saw the famous handyman tie the knot with his fellow veganism enthusiast, who he went on to create plant-based cheese goodness with.
Taran Noah Smith
George Foreman
Boxing may have propelled George Foreman’s fame and fortune, but it was his fat-busting grill design that truly elevated him to dizzying heights of success. George became a multimillionaire thanks to his brand of meat cooking ingenuity, the “George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine” is a household name.
George Foreman
Charlie Korsmo
While it might be hard to believe that Peter Pan had a child, Charlie Korsmo brought the flying hero’s son to life in the film Hook. Like various other famous individuals on this list, Korsmo decided to replace acting with law, being a Yale and MIT graduate! Korsmo is no ordinary lawyer, however, having been employed by the government. He currently works as a Professor of Law.
Charlie Korsmo
Michael Maronna
The Adventures of Pete and Pete is an undeniable childhood classic, with Michael Maronna playing the elder Pete in this 90s. Peter Pan Jr. now works as an electrician and you have probably seen his good work on various sets, such as the one for Nurse Jackie.
Michael Maronna
Linda Kozlowski
Crocodile Dundee might not be very well recognized today, but Linda Kozlowski did an amazing job when she made her first proper appearance in the 1986 production. She and Paul Hogan, the wild animal champion himself, tied the know in 1990, fostering a child with each other. Sadly, their marriage ended in 2013.
Linda Kozlowski
Nikki Blonksy
Hairspray remains one of the most iconic musicals of the 21st century, with Nikki Blonsky rocking the show. Despite still loving music and performance, Blonsky now ironically puts food on the table by being a hairstylist!
Nikki Blonsky
MC Hammer
You probably would never have guessed that one of Hip Hop’s godfathers now works as an Apple app developer. Despite having racked up a phenomenal amount of debt, the formerly sensational performer seems to be on steady financial ground today
MC Hammer
Tiffany
Who is Tiffany, you may ask? She was quite the sensation in the 80s but decided that opening a self-titled antique store was the best alternative to stardom.
Tiffany
Kevin Kennedy
2014 was the year that spelled the end of Kevin Kennedy’s acting career. Today he can be found in Manchester leading Coronation Street guides, which he supposedly continues to adore.
Kevin Kennedy
Rebecca Ritters
Soap opera fanatics (particularly Australian ones) might recognize Rebecca Ritters from her various roles in dramatic series. She then enrolled into the University of Melbourne with a wholesome commitment.
Rebecca Ritters
Kevin Jonas
App development is an alluring career, even if you were once the member of one of modern pop’s biggest bands! The former Jonas Brothers member is now a leader in technology, being the brains behind the meal sourcing app known as “Yood”.
Kevin Jonas
Jeremy Renner
Real estate can be a highly profitable venture, especially when you are a former actor! Jeremy Renner also established a booming house flipping company alongside partner Kristoffer Winters
Jeremy Renner
Daniel Day-Lewis
The legendary actor has been in and out of Hollywood several times, once even taking up an interest in cobbling! The multitalented and enigmatic actor is also shaping his clothing brand into action.
Daniel Day Lewis
Dylan Sprouse
Do you remember that naughty little boy who Adam Sandler played a father figure to in Big Daddy? Well, he is all grown up now and studying at New York University after deciding in 2011 that acting was no longer his goal in life.
Dylan Sprouse
Erykah Badu
The world-class artist does not just please people around the world with her fantastic music, she also works as a doula, which is a type of midwife. Badu has aided over forty females to give birth, something she is deeply passionate about.
Erykah Badu
Jack Gleeson
Jack Gleeson is almost globally recognized as one of the most despised characters in television: Joffrey Lannister. It seems like the hate got to the poor guy, as he made a big exit out of acting. Jack now studies at a university.
Jack Gleeson
Barbi Benton
With a name like Barbi Benton, you wouldn’t be surprised if you found out that she was once a Playboy star. Do not dismiss this phenomenal woman as a bimbo, however, as she is an acclaimed actress and musical artist too. Although she is predominantly occupied with realtor work and family business, she does now and then make surprise returns to showbusiness.
Barbi Benton
Corey Harrison
Pawn Stars is the unbelievably popular History Channel reality show where Corey Harrison, also known as “Big Hoss”, manages a thriving pawn shop along with his shrewd family. The shop’s daily variety of fascinating and often intense deals were part of its draw, but so were the bold personalities of Corey and his coworkers. Corey nearly left his position at the shop after being excluded from partnership, but him and the Harrison boys managed to work it out.
Corey Harrison
Lucy Liu
Lucy has starred in several exciting blockbusters, such as Charlie’s Angels and Kill Bill Vol. 1. Lucy does not act that much anymore, preferring to focus on her visual art instead.
Lucy Liu
Gary Dourdan
Best known for his long-standing role in CSI as Warrick Brown, the well-loved star was tragically cut out of the crime series when its writers decided it was his time to go. This on-screen murder seems to have rocked his interest in acting too, as he only occasionally features in movies and series.
Gary Dourdan
Elizabeth Berkley
Returning once more to Saved by the Bell, Elizabeth Berkley was another sweetheart in the show’s charming cast. Showgirls was probably her last memorable production before Berkley picked up the pen to begin writing motivational works.
Elizabeth Berkley