Back in the 1980s, he was a teenage sensation, riding high on popularity and the success of a hit TV series. But just at the peak of his career, he made a choice that left many astonished—he turned his back on Hollywood for a life that would align more closely with his true self.
As one of the stars of “Growing Pains,” he captured hearts across the country and graced the covers of numerous teen magazines. Yet, even with all this recognition, there was a part of him yearning for something different, something more meaningful.
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By the early ’90s, riding the wave of fame, he made a bold decision to step away from acting, choosing instead to embrace a path defined by faith. This choice not only altered his career but also reshaped his entire life perspective. How did things unfold for him after leaving Hollywood?
From Childhood Dreams to Accidental Stardom
Growing up, acting wasn’t his dream. He originally aspired to become a doctor, with visions of being a surgeon in mind. His introduction to acting was quite serendipitous, sparked by his mother’s friend who suggested he try commercials.
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This friend was the mother of Adam Rich, a child actor known for “Eight is Enough,” who proposed that he try his hand at acting. Initially reluctant, his mother decided to see where this opportunity would lead.
Soon, at just nine years old, he found himself getting roles in commercials for big brands, like McDonald’s, despite not really enjoying the process. The young boy wasn’t thrilled about the grooming and extensive travel just for auditions.
“I was always annoyed having to brush my hair and tuck my shirt in to go drive an hour in traffic to audition,” he recalled about those early days. Despite this, he eventually landed the breakout role of Mike Seaver on “Growing Pains,” forever altering his journey.
As he rose to prominence, he found himself questioning Hollywood’s allure. The more successful he became, the more he realized that something significant was missing, eventually leading him toward his newfound faith.
