4. Carrie Henn from Aliens Became an Elementary School Teacher

Carrie Henn was only 10 when she starred opposite Sigourney Weaver in James Cameron’s Aliens. But instead of chasing fame, she chose a quiet life teaching elementary school in Atwater, California. Aside from one voice role in 2020, she’s been shaping young minds instead of fighting space monsters — which honestly sounds way less stressful.

5. Chris Herbert of The Last Starfighter Is Also an Educator

After starring in the 1980s sci-fi cult hit The Last Starfighter, Chris Herbert stepped away from Hollywood in 1996 and headed for academia. He earned multiple degrees (film, English, and theology, no less) before becoming a high school English teacher near his hometown in California. He later co-founded a homeschooling co-op with his wife. Talk about leveling up in real life.

6. Danny Pintauro of Who’s the Boss? Worked Regular Jobs

Jonathan Bower grew up! After Who’s the Boss?, Danny Pintauro tried out all kinds of jobs — restaurant manager, vet tech, production coordinator, even an agent’s assistant. He’s also a proud HIV-positive advocate, speaking openly about his diagnosis to help others in the LGBTQ+ community. Most recently, he made a mini comeback in a 2022 Lifetime Christmas movie, because once an actor, always an actor.