{"id":2218,"date":"2025-05-31T10:53:06","date_gmt":"2025-05-31T09:53:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/?p=2218"},"modified":"2025-05-31T10:53:09","modified_gmt":"2025-05-31T09:53:09","slug":"this-90s-star-quit-acting-for-almost-a-decade-after-being-labeled-too-ugly-see-her-photos-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/?p=2218","title":{"rendered":"This \u201990s Star Quit Acting for Almost a Decade After Being Labeled \u2018Too Ugly\u2019 \u2013 See Her Photos Now"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After stepping away from the spotlight, the child star returned to Hollywood following a pivotal experience that reignited her passion for acting. Now that she is enjoying life as a dedicated mother, she has shared her reasons for not wanting her children to enter show business at an early age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The actress, widely recognized for her role in the 1991 film \u201cMy Girl,\u201d left Hollywood after receiving harsh comments about her appearance, including being called \u201ctoo ugly.\u201d Nevertheless, many online users hold a different view, describing her as \u201cbeautiful\u201d even now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress at the premiere of \u201cMy Girl,\u201d 1991 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite early criticism of her appearance, the Hollywood actress continued acting for over 30 years and has thrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress during an appearance on \u201cThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson\u201d on December 10, 1991 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her breakthrough came with the role of Vada Sultenfuss in \u201cMy Girl\u201d and its sequel \u201cMy Girl 2\u201d released in 1994. However, from 1999 to 2005, she paused her acting career after several disappointments, and to focus on her college education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress and Macaulay Culkin working with tutor Leah Girolami during the filming of \u201cMy Girl,\u201d on January 1, 1991 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During an interview, the star reflected on her early career, \u201cWe know so much more about what it is to be a child who is put into performing. As a kid, you\u2019re just along for the ride, but it can be extremely damaging.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She further recalled, \u201cThroughout my adolescence, I was not getting booked, I was told I was too fat or too ugly.\u201d On top of that, growing up in the public eye brought its own struggles, particularly with severe acne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress pictured on January 8, 1992, in Munich, Germany. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Producers sent her to dermatologists weekly, hoping to improve her skin condition, making her feel even more disconnected from acting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress attending the Hollywood premiere of \u201cDennis the Menace,\u201d 1993 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She later admitted that dealing with persistent breakouts for nearly half a decade was overwhelming. The constant pressure embarrassed her, especially since she was still working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The celebrity at the premiere of \u201cMy Girl 2,\u201d 1994 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The emotional burden became overwhelming. She noted that her skin problems were constantly under scrutiny, acknowledging that such struggles were a normal part of adolescence but felt magnified by the pressures of Hollywood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress photographed on January 1, 1995 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With few opportunities coming her way, she decided to pursue an education \u2014 a choice she remains grateful for today. She attended the University of Chicago, where she broadened her horizons beyond Hollywood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress at the Family Film Awards on August 22, 1996, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While in college, the Chicago native realized, \u201cI don\u2019t have to do this anymore.\u201d This epiphany led to a break of nearly ten years. Stepping away from the spotlight helped her see her career in a new light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Della<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Della Reese and the actress on the set of \u201cMiracle in the Woods,\u201d 1997 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After graduating, she worked as a fact-checker for Zagat and later as an editorial assistant at HarperCollins. Yet, despite her new path, the pull of entertainment lingered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress at the premiere of \u201cGlamour Magazine\u2019s Reel Moments\u201d on December 8, 2005, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was seeing a lot of Broadway, and I was inspired again,\u201d the celebrity admitted. The chance to tell stories creatively \u2014 this time on her own terms \u2014 was too compelling to resist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The celebrity attends the premiere of \u201cMy Dog: An Unconditional Love Story,\u201d 2010 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Motivated by this renewed passion, she enrolled in the Atlantic Acting School. \u201cI told myself I\u2019d give it a year,\u201d she recalled. But from the very first day, she knew she was all in, \u201cI realized, \u2018I\u2019m not giving this a year. I freaking love it. I\u2019m giving this the rest of my life.’\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress attends the 15th Annual USTA Opening Night Gala on August 31, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an appearance on \u201cLive with Kelly and Mark,\u201d the actress recounted a defining moment that sealed her decision. While on a lunch break, a psychic recognized her from \u201cMy Girl\u201d and approached her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The woman told her, \u201c\u2018You still want to do it, you\u2019re not done.’\u201d That $40, ten-minute palm reading didn\u2019t reveal anything the star didn\u2019t already feel deep inside, but it gave her the nudge she needed to return to acting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That moment of clarity propelled her back into the entertainment industry, where she triumphantly returned with roles that earned both praise and recognition. She has since appeared in acclaimed series such as \u201cVeep\u201d and \u201cHalt and Catch Fire.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In 2022, the actress took on another standout role in the Netflix series \u201cInventing Anna.\u201d The show, inspired by real events, tells the story of Anna Delvey (also known as Anna Sorokin), a fake German heiress who deceived New York\u2019s elite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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While reminiscing about her journey, the film star said<\/a>, \u201cI\u2019ve learned a lot in my career. And [what I\u2019ve been through] is life-defining. But I have a lot of gratitude. And I still love what I do!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The actress attends the American Ballet Theatre Gala on June 13, 2022, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her return to the spotlight was just one part of a fulfilling new chapter. Alongside her thriving career, Anna Chlumsky finds joy in her role as a devoted wife and mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Anna<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Anna Chlumsky during an appearance on \u201cThe Kelly Clarkson Show\u201d on May 3, 2022 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She met her husband, Shaun So \u2014 an Army veteran turned entrepreneur \u2014 and they married in March 2008. Together, they are raising their two daughters, Penelope and Clara, while she navigates the demands of Hollywood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Shaun<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Shaun So and Anna Chlumsky attend the American Ballet Theatre Gala on June 13, 2022, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This blend of career and family brought Anna a sense of fulfillment she never anticipated. After the birth of her first child, she admitted she hadn\u2019t expected to love motherhood so deeply, adding it is \u201cso much better than you could ever imagine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Anna<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Anna Chlumsky attends the premiere event of \u201cThey\/Them\u201d on July 27, 2022, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anna has shared glimpses of her life with her eldest daughter, Penelope, praising her for being determined, kind, and fun. She once remarked that even if Penelope weren\u2019t her daughter, she\u2019d still want to spend time with her because she\u2019s \u201creally good company.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Anna<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Anna Chlumsky during an appearance on the \u201cToday\u201d show on August 4, 2022 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regarding her daughters, the mother of two hopes they won\u2019t feel pressured to enter show business while young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Anna<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Anna Chlumsky attends The Roundabout Gala on March 6, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cTrading Mom\u201d star plans to encourage her kids to pursue their interests but believes they should wait until adulthood to enter a professional path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Anna<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Anna Chlumsky attends \u201cRustin Tastemaker\u201d on January 10, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anna is now 44, and fans still fondly recall her younger self. One admirer exclaimed, \u201cANNA CHLUMSKY WAS ADORABLE AS LITTLE GIRL!!!\u201d<\/em> while another shared, \u201cShe was so sweet!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Anna<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Anna Chlumsky at Roundabout Theatre Company\u2019s Gala on March 4, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many are equally captivated by her appearance today, with one noting, \u201cShe looks exactly the same as an adult,\u201d<\/em> and another adding, \u201cShe\u2019s still beautiful after all these years.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Anna<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Anna Chlumsky attends the US Open Tennis Championships on August 29, 2024, in Queens, New York City. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anna Chlumsky\u2019s journey through Hollywood and beyond has been marked by personal growth, unwavering authenticity, and a return to a career she loves. As she continues to thrive, both on-screen and off, fans are eager to see what the next chapter holds for her.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

After stepping away from the spotlight, the child star returned to Hollywood following a pivotal experience that reignited her passion for acting. Now that she […]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2218","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2218","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2218"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2218\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2219,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2218\/revisions\/2219"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2218"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2218"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2218"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}