12 child stars who left acting for other careers

Bridget Mendler, who starred in 'Good Luck Charlie', earned a master's degree from MIT, studied law at Harvard, and is now co-founder and CEO of aerospace startup Northwood Space.

Peter Ostrum played the lead in 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' at age 12 and later became a veterinarian specializing in cattle and horses.

Jennifer Stone, known for 'Wizards of Waverly Place', became a registered nurse after a type 1 diabetes diagnosis.

Kay Panabaker, who appeared in 'Phil of the Future', earned a zoology degree from UCLA and now works as a zoologist at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Mara Wilson, star of 'Matilda', quietly withdrew from acting after her early roles.