All That Glitters Ain't Gold
Ever daydreamed about living it up like the rich and famous? You're not alone. But as it turns out, the spotlight isn’t always as dazzling as it seems. For one reason or another, these 40 celebrities decided to trade red carpets for regular sidewalks and rejoin us mere mortals in the world of the everyday.
Dylan Sprouse
After his Disney Channel days, Dylan Sprouse took a break from acting to attend NYU. While studying, he worked as a restaurant host—not out of necessity, but to fund his video game hobby.
NYU Local on Vimeo, Wikimedia Commons
Danielle Fishel
Best known as Topanga from Boy Meets World, Danielle Fishel took a retail detour by working as a gift wrapper at Bloomingdale's while attending college.
Unknown authorUnknown author, Wikimedia Commons
Kate Gosselin
Post-reality TV fame, Kate Gosselin returned to her nursing roots. She renewed her nursing license in North Carolina and has been living a more private life away from the cameras.
Jennifer Stone
Wizards of Waverly Place star Jennifer Stone transitioned from acting to nursing. Motivated by her Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, she became a registered nurse and worked on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Angela George at https://www.flickr.com/photos/sharongraphics/, Wikimedia Commons
MC Hammer
After his music career, MC Hammer explored various ventures, including becoming a preacher and working in tech. He embraced these roles with the same passion he had for performing.
Brian Solis, Wikimedia Commons
Kevin Jonas
Following the Jonas Brothers' initial split, Kevin Jonas ventured into entrepreneurship. He founded a construction company and co-founded an influencer marketing firm, showcasing his business acumen.
Anneliese van der Pol
Known for her role as Chelsea in That's So Raven, Anneliese van der Pol returned to her theater roots. She took on the role of Belle in Broadway's "Beauty and the Beast," shining on stage.
Dominik Magdziak Photography, Getty Images
Drew Barrymore
From child star to talk show host, Drew Barrymore has worn many hats. She now connects with audiences daily on her daytime talk show, bringing her signature charm to daytime TV.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin, Getty Images
Pamela Anderson
After her acting career, Pamela Anderson became an advocate for animal rights and environmental issues. She dedicates her time to activism and philanthropy.
Bridgit Mendler
Former Disney star Bridgit Mendler co-founded a space startup called Northwood Space. As CEO, she's working on building a network of ground stations to support satellite communications.
Chris Ptacek from Long Island, Wikimedia Commons
Nikki Blonsky
Hairspray star Nikki Blonsky pursued a career in cosmetology. She worked at a salon in New York, embracing her passion for beauty and helping clients look their best.
Liz Callaway
Broadway actress Liz Callaway shifted her focus to teaching and mentoring aspiring performers. She shares her experience and vocal talents with students and audiences alike.
Allen J. Schaben, Getty Images
Gene Hackman
After retiring from acting, Gene Hackman turned to writing. He authored several novels, showcasing his storytelling abilities off-screen.
Chicago Daily News, Wikimedia Commons
David Lee Roth
Van Halen's frontman, David Lee Roth, trained as an EMT in New York City. He went on over 200 ambulance rides, bringing his energy to emergency medical services.
BG017/Bauer-Griffin, Getty Images
Jeremy Renner
While still acting, Jeremy Renner has a passion for house renovation. He buys and flips homes, enjoying the hands-on work of remodeling properties.
Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia Commons
Terry Crews
Before his acting career, Terry Crews was an NFL player and also worked as a courtroom sketch artist. His artistic talents extend beyond the screen.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia Commons
Tony Danza
"Who's the Boss?" star Tony Danza took on a new role as a high school English teacher in Philadelphia. He brought his real-world experience into the classroom to inspire students.
Devon Werkheiser
After "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide," Devon Werkheiser focused on music, releasing his own songs and connecting with fans through his lyrics.
Matthew McConaughey
Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey became a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, teaching film to the next generation of storytellers.
All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Steve Buscemi
Before his acting fame, Steve Buscemi was a New York City firefighter. He returned to help his former firehouse after the 9/11 attacks, showcasing his dedication to service.
Rhododendrites, Wikimedia Commons
Angelina Pivarnick
Jersey Shore alum Angelina Pivarnick worked as an EMT in Staten Island, applying her skills to help those in need in her community.
Kay Panabaker
Former actress Kay Panabaker pursued a career in zoology. She works at Disney's Animal Kingdom, combining her love for animals and science.
Willa Ford
After a fairly successful stint as a pop singer, Willa Ford ditched the stage for a different type of artistry. She found new life in creating beautiful living spaces through interior design.
Jamie Walters
Jamie Walters hit the scene as an actor in Beverly Hills 90210. But after leaving the series, he went on to a life in public service, opting to work as a firefighter and paramedic in LA.
Ke Huy Quan
After memorable childhood roles in Indiana Jones and The Goonies, Ke Huy Quan stepped behind the camera. He worked as a stunt coordinator and assistant director before making an inspiring, award-winning return to acting decades later.
The White House, Wikimedia Commons
Wilfred Webster
Wilfred Webster made a splash on The Traitors UK. But after his season, he chose normal life over pursuing a future in entertainment. He went back to his job as an officer in the UK Correctional system.
Sarah Goodhart
After her time on reality TV, Sarah Goodhart decided to do something a little different with her newfound influence. She transitioned to working full time in mental health, using her platform to help others navigate emotional difficulty.
Chris Owen
Best known as “The Sherminator” from American Pie, Chris Owen took on a different kind of service job. He was spotted waiting tables in Los Angeles while still picking up acting roles when they came his way.
Super Festivals from Ft. Lauderdale, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Robert MacNaughton
MacNaughton played the star’s big brother in the wildly successful film, ET. But the stardom ended there. He ultimately retreated to a private life, working as a mailman in his Phoenix home.
Jon Gosselin
Jon Gosselin became a household name after starring in a reality show with his wife and 8 kids. But after the show ended (as well as his marriage) he opted for something slightly less glamorous, working as a DJ and IT tech.
Elliot Lurie
Ellipt Laurie made his mark in music on the Looking Glass hit "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)”. Before long, though, he changed paths—though he didn’t go too far. He moved to work in music supervision in the film industry.
Jeff Cohen
Remember Chunk from The Goonies? Jeff Cohen sure does—but these days, he's making moves as an entertainment lawyer. He co-founded a firm and now represents artists and creatives across the business he once performed in.
Maggie Yu Miao
After stepping away from acting, Maggie Yu Miao traded the screen for scrubs. She went on to a career in fulltime medicine.
Yu Miao 2020 Atomic Stars by Miao Yu
Kiko Leung
After leaving the entertainment world behind, Kiko Leung found a new purpose in the classroom. She became a teacher, dedicating herself to education and helping shape the next generation.
One Sword to Conquer the Central Plains, Wikimedia Commons
Paige Thorne
A fan favorite from Love Island, Paige Thorne returned to her life-saving roots. She resumed her work as a paramedic, proving that not all heroes wear microphones.
Peter Ostrum
Forever remembered as Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Peter Ostrum decided to keep things sweet in a different way. He became a veterinarian and has spent years caring for animals in upstate New York.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia Commons
Carrie Hen
Carrie Hen left Hollywood behind after her iconic role in Aliens. She chose a quiet life as a schoolteacher, helping real kids rather than saving futuristic ones.
Danny Lloyd
Best known for his eerie role as Danny Torrance in The Shining, Danny Lloyd stepped away from acting at a young age. He later pursued a career in academia and now works as a biology professor, far from the haunted halls of the Overlook Hotel.
Super Festivals from Ft. Lauderdale, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Phoebe Cates
After starring in iconic films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins, Phoebe Cates decided to step away from Hollywood. She went on to open her own boutique in New York City, channeling her creativity into fashion and retail.
Geoffrey Owens
Known for his role on The Cosby Show, Geoffrey Owens was spotted working at Trader Joe's, sparking discussions about actors taking on regular jobs. He continued acting while also working to support his family.
Kristina Bumphrey, Getty Images
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