The glow of Hollywood’s golden era often fades as child stars grow up, but few transformations have been as surprising—or inspiring—as that of a certain ’80s icon, recently spotted in a setting far removed from red carpets and film sets.

Fans who once adored him for his mischievous grin and scene-stealing roles would hardly recognize the man he’s become: a sharp-suited professional excelling in a field leagues away from acting.

While his name might not immediately ring a bell for younger generations, those who grew up watching classic ’80s films are now buzzing with nostalgia—and disbelief—over his drastic career pivot.

The star in question? Jeff Cohen, best known as Lawrence “Chunk” Cohen from the 1985 cult classic The Goonies. For years, Cohen’s chubby cheeks, comedic timing, and iconic “Truffle Shuffle” dance made him a household name.

Yet, when paparazzi recently photographed him leaving a Los Angeles law office, few made the connection between the polished attorney and the lovable troublemaker from Steven Spielberg’s adventure film.

Now a founding partner of Cohen & Gardner, a boutique entertainment law firm, Cohen has traded script lines for legal briefs, representing A-list clients in negotiations that require both Hollywood savvy and legal expertise.

Cohen’s journey from child star to lawyer was anything but linear. After The Goonies catapulted him to fame at age 10, he struggled with the typecasting that plagues many young actors. “I was always the funny, heavy kid,” he recalled in a 2016 interview.

“But as I grew older, the roles dried up. Hollywood isn’t kind to actors who don’t fit a certain mold.” By his teens, Cohen had shifted focus to academics, eventually graduating from UCLA’s School of Law.

His passion for entertainment never waned, though—he simply channeled it into advocating for artists behind the scenes. “I realized I could still be part of the industry I loved, just in a different way,” he said.

Fans of The Goonies have reacted to Cohen’s new career with a mix of amusement and admiration. Social media erupted with side-by-side photos of Chunk’s suspenders and Cohen’s tailored suits, accompanied by captions like, “Chunk grew up to sue your faves.” Yet beneath the jokes lies genuine respect for his reinvention. “It’s incredible to see him thrive outside acting,” wrote one fan on X.

“He’s proof that you can rewrite your own story.” Cohen himself leans into the humor of his dual identity, often joking about his past during speaking engagements. “I went from doing the Truffle Shuffle to reviewing shuffle clauses in contracts,” he quipped at a legal conference in 2022.

Cohen’s trajectory reflects a broader trend among ’80s child stars who stepped away from the spotlight. While some, like Corey Feldman and Drew Barrymore, remained in entertainment, others sought entirely new paths.

Danny Cooksey (Diff’rent Strokes, Terminator 2) became a Grammy-nominated musician, and Danny Pintauro (Who’s the Boss?) pivoted to a career in HIV advocacy and tech.

Psychologists note that such reinventions are often acts of self-preservation. “Child stardom can be traumatic,” says Dr. Linda Papadopoulos, a media psychologist. “For many, leaving the industry is a way to reclaim their identity and autonomy.”

What sets Cohen apart is how seamlessly he’s bridged both worlds. His legal practice specializes in entertainment contracts, intellectual property, and safeguarding creators’ rights—a niche that leverages his insider knowledge of Hollywood’s pitfalls. “I’ve sat across from studio execs as both an actor and a lawyer,” he told Variety.

“That duality helps me protect clients from the mistakes I saw firsthand.” Notable victories include negotiating landmark deals for streaming content and defending indie filmmakers against corporate copyright claims. Colleagues praise his tenacity. “Jeff fights like he’s still trying to outsmart Sloth,” joked a fellow attorney, referencing The Goonies’ beloved subplot.

Yet Cohen’s physical transformation has sparked as much conversation as his career. Gone is the round-faced boy with a mop of curly hair; in his place stands a slim, silver-haired professional whose sharp features bear little resemblance to his childhood self.

Fitness enthusiasts have even hailed his weight loss journey as inspirational, though Cohen admits it wasn’t driven by vanity. “Health became a priority in law school,” he shared. “Late-night studying and fast food don’t mix.” His approach to wellness, much like his career, is pragmatic: “It’s about sustainability, not extremes.”

The resurgence of interest in The Goonies—thanks to streaming and anniversary re-releases—has occasionally pulled Cohen back into the limelight. He’s participated in reunion panels and charity events, though he avoids nostalgia-heavy conventions.

“I’m proud of Chunk, but I don’t want to be frozen in 1985,” he said. Instead, he uses his platform to mentor young actors, warning them about exploitative contracts. “I tell them, ‘Get a lawyer—and not just any lawyer. Someone who understands this business isn’t always fair.’”

For Cohen, the greatest reward lies in the quiet victories: closing a deal that empowers a creator, or spotting a Goonies reference in a legal document (a favorite client prank). “Life’s funny,” he mused.

“I spent years running from type-casting, only to find that Chunk’s spirit—loyal, resourceful, a little rebellious—is exactly what makes me a good lawyer.” His story resonates in an era obsessed with second acts, proving that fame’s aftermath can be more fulfilling than its peak.

As for whether he’d ever return to acting? Cohen laughs. “I’ll stick to courtroom dramas—the real kind.” But with Hollywood’s reboot culture in full swing, don’t be surprised if Chunk’s legacy endures.

After all, as The Goonies taught us, treasures aren’t always buried. Sometimes, they’re hiding in plain sight—behind a podium, in a courtroom, or in the quiet satisfaction of a life well-lived.