Remember those childhood stars who lit up the screen and made us laugh, cry, or just feel all warm and fuzzy inside? You know the ones — they were in all the big hit movies, stealing scenes and our hearts. But what happens when the cameras stop rolling and the red carpets are rolled up? Surprisingly, some of these former child actors have chosen to live incredibly private lives, almost disappearing from the spotlight. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and catch up with nine of these elusive stars.
1. Daniel Radcliffe

Okay, so you might still hear about him occasionally, but Daniel Radcliffe, the boy who lived in “Harry Potter,” has done a remarkable job of crafting a life away from the constant glare of Hollywood. After wrapping up the wizarding saga, he’s taken on some quirky roles in indie films and stage productions. But don’t expect to see him at every awards show; he prefers cozy nights in with a book or a good movie over the glitz and glamour.
2. Mara Wilson
Known for her adorable role in “Matilda,” Mara Wilson has traded in her acting career for a more private life filled with writing and advocacy. While she was a household name in the ‘90s, these days, she’s more likely to be found sharing her thoughts on Twitter or working on her memoir. Her sharp wit and insightful commentary make her a delightful presence online, but she’s made it clear that she’s not interested in diving back into the limelight.
3. Jonathan Lipnicki
Ah, the little guy from “Jerry Maguire” who made us all say, “You had me at hello.” Jonathan Lipnicki was the epitome of the cute child actor, but as he grew up, he took a step back from acting. Nowadays, he’s more focused on fitness and health, often sharing his journey on social media. While he still dabbles in acting, he’s not chasing fame — he’s living life on his own terms, which is pretty refreshing.
4. Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster is a bit of a legend, and she’s definitely kept her life private since her early days in films like “Taxi Driver.” While she still acts and directs, she’s incredibly selective about her projects and values her personal space. You won’t catch her in every magazine or gossip column; she’s a master at maintaining her privacy, and honestly, we could all take a page out of her book!
5. Shiri Appleby
Remember the girl from “Roswell”? Shiri Appleby was a teen sensation, but these days, she’s more focused on family and directing. After her time in the spotlight, she embraced a quieter life, choosing to prioritize her role as a mom. She does pop up occasionally in some TV series and behind the camera, but her red carpet appearances are few and far between.
6. Tatum O’Neal
Tatum O’Neal won an Oscar when she was just a kid, but her life hasn’t always been a fairy tale. After a whirlwind career in her early years, she faced personal struggles that pushed her away from the public eye. Nowadays, she’s focused on her family and writing, and while she still loves acting, she’s found peace in a life that’s far removed from the Hollywood hustle.
7. Christina Ricci
Ah, the beloved Wednesday Addams! Christina Ricci has had an interesting journey from child star to a more private adult life. While you might still see her in some indie films and television shows, she’s made a conscious choice to keep her personal life under wraps. It’s like she’s cracked the code on how to enjoy the perks of fame without the chaos!
8. Fred Savage
Once the adorable kid from “The Wonder Years,” Fred Savage has successfully transitioned into directing and producing. He’s still in the industry, but rather than being in front of the camera, he prefers to work behind the scenes. He’s managed to keep a low profile, focusing on his family and creative projects. Who knew being a director could be so cool?
9. Anna Chlumsky
After her breakout role in “My Girl,” Anna Chlumsky took a long hiatus from acting. When she did return, it was in a big way, with a fantastic performance in “Veep.” But despite her success, she’s kept her personal life largely out of the spotlight. Anna Chlumsky has spoken openly about stepping away to live a more “normal” life before returning to acting on her own terms.
More from Vinyl and Velvet:


Leave a Reply