One Hit Wonders: Actors Who Vanished After a Single Movie Role

June3,2025

Played Charlie Bucket. Turned down future acting offers and became a veterinarian.

Peter Ostrum – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Played Newt. Received critical acclaim but chose a career in teaching instead.

Carrie Henn – Aliens (1986)

Played Bastian. He acted in a few other projects but left the industry early and became a photographic historian.

Barret Oliver – The NeverEnding Story (1984)

Played Danny Torrance. Retired from acting shortly after and became a biology professor.

Danny Lloyd – The Shining (1980)

Although primarily a TV actress, she did only one film in a leading role.

Sharlie Fenn – Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992)

Although she did act in a few later TV movies, many remember her for this singular iconic role. 

Linda Blair (for The Exorcist) 

Although she did act afterward, she’s mainly remembered for this and faded early from stardom.

Tatum O’Neal – Paper Moon (1973)

Primarily known for this one role as a child actor despite a few later attempts. (Partial one-hit wonder.)

Henri Thomas (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial)

Captivated audiences but avoided fame afterward, taking only rare minor roles.

Björn Andrésen – Death in Venice (1971)

Gained attention for a powerful debut but didn't continue into a prominent film career. (Acted in TV later.)

Rob Brown – Finding Forrester (2000)