Teen Stars Who Vanished – Where Are They Now?

1. Jonathan Taylor Thomas

Then: Best known for his role as Randy Taylor on the sitcom Home Improvement and as the voice of young Simba in Disney’s The Lion King, Jonathan was a ’90s heartthrob.

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Now: After stepping away from acting, Jonathan pursued higher education, attending Harvard University and later graduating from Columbia University. He has since taken on occasional acting roles but largely remains out of the public eye.​​

2. Mara Wilson

Then: Mara charmed audiences as the precocious child star in films like Matilda, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Miracle on 34th Street.​

Now: Choosing to step away from acting at a young age, Mara has focused on writing and advocacy. She authored the memoir Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame and is active in various social causes.​​

3. Jake Lloyd

Then: Jake gained fame portraying young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

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Now: After experiencing the intense pressures of early fame, Jake retired from acting. He has faced personal challenges, including legal issues and mental health struggles, and now leads a private life away from the spotlight.​​

4. Jennette McCurdy

Then: Jennette rose to prominence as Sam Puckett on Nickelodeon’s iCarly and its spin-off Sam & Cat.

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Now: Disenchanted with her acting experiences, Jennette chose to quit acting and has since focused on writing and directing. She hosts a podcast and has been candid about her experiences as a child star.​​

5. Peter Ostrum

Then: Peter is remembered for his singular film role as Charlie Bucket in the classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

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Now: After his brief stint in Hollywood, Peter pursued a career in veterinary medicine. He has been working as a veterinarian in New York, dedicating his life to animal care.​​

6. Charlie Korsmo

Then: Charlie appeared in films like Dick Tracy, Hook, and Can’t Hardly Wait, showcasing his versatility as a young actor.

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Now: Leaving Hollywood behind, Charlie earned a law degree from Yale and is now a law professor, contributing to the academic world.

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7. Barret Oliver

Then: Barret is best known for his roles in The NeverEnding Story and Cocoon, becoming a familiar face in ’80s cinema.

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Now: Stepping away from acting, Barret pursued his passion for photography and is now an accomplished photographer and printer, specializing in 19th-century photographic techniques.​​

8. Michael Oliver

Then: Michael gained fame as the mischievous Junior in the Problem Child film series.

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Now: After his early success, Michael chose to live a life away from the entertainment industry, maintaining a low profile and working in various fields outside of Hollywood.​​

9. Jason Presson

Then: Jason starred in films like Explorers and Gremlins 2: The New Batch, making a mark as a young actor in the ’80s.

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Now: After his acting career, Jason stepped away from the public eye, and details about his current endeavors are scarce, reflecting his desire for privacy.

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10. Joe Pichler

Then: Joe appeared in films like Varsity Blues and the third and fourth installments of the Beethoven series.

Now: Tragically, Joe went missing in 2006 under mysterious circumstances, and despite ongoing investigations, his whereabouts remain unknown.​​

Conclusion

The journeys of these former teen stars highlight the diverse paths life can take after early fame. While some chose to step away from the spotlight to pursue personal passions or education, others faced challenges that led them down different roads. Their stories serve as a testament to the complexities of growing up in the public eye and the resilience required to navigate life beyond the glitz and glamour