Jeff Cohen became a household name in 1985 after playing the unforgettable Chunk in The Goonies. With his famous Hawaiian shirt, the legendary Truffle Shuffle, and lovable personality, he quickly became one of the most memorable child stars of the 1980s. But just as his career seemed destined for bigger things, Hollywood stopped calling. As he entered puberty, the roles disappeared, and Cohen later joked that he didn’t quit acting—“acting gave me up.”

Rather than letting that rejection define him, Jeff focused on education and a new future. He earned a business degree from UC Berkeley before going on to receive a law degree from UCLA. Along the way, The Goonies director Richard Donner became a lifelong mentor, encouraging him to learn the entertainment business behind the scenes and even helping him through college.

That advice changed everything. Jeff co-founded a successful entertainment law firm and built a respected career representing actors, filmmakers, and major studios. In a full-circle moment, he even helped negotiate a major deal for his former Goonies co-star, Ke Huy Quan, years after they shared the screen as children.

Today, Jeff Cohen is proof that success doesn’t always mean staying in front of the camera. Although he no longer acts, he remains a respected figure in Hollywood while proudly embracing the role that made him famous. His journey shows that sometimes life’s biggest setbacks can lead to even greater opportunities, proving that leaving the spotlight doesn’t mean the story is over.