“Liar Liar” Child Star Justin Cooper Explains Why He Chose to Leave Hollywood as a Teen

Justin Cooper, best known for his roles in iconic films such as *Liar Liar* and *Dennis the Menace Strikes Again*, made a surprising decision to walk away from acting in 2003 at the tender age of 17. This revelation sheds light on the challenges faced by child actors, from burnout to navigating their teenage years.

In a recent episode of *The Not So Little Rascals* podcast, Cooper discussed the factors that led to his departure from the acting world. He candidly spoke about feeling overwhelmed by the demands of his career and how the transition to public school contributed to his decision to step back. Cooper described the experience as a significant turning point in his life, stating that he wanted to lead a more conventional adolescent experience.

Reflecting on his time in public school, Cooper recounted the difficulties he faced as he navigated the social pressures of adolescence. He revealed that he was subjected to bullying for the first time, which he suspects was partly due to his status as a child star. “When I got there, frankly, a lot of the girls wanted to talk to me just because they knew who I was,” he explained. “But there were guys that were like, ‘Screw this guy.’”

Cooper’s transition from a private school, where he was well-liked and his acting career was not a focus, to a public high school was jarring. He admitted to feeling “scared” and awkward, highlighting the drama of adolescence compounded by the assumptions people made about him due to his fame. “People just automatically assume without ever talking to you or having any interaction with you that you’re stuck up because you were in a movie,” he observed. This perception was particularly frustrating for Cooper, who was longing to simply fit in and make friends.

Burnout also played a significant role in his decision to leave acting behind. As auditions became less frequent and the pressure to succeed mounted, Cooper found himself dreading the process. “I would go on auditions, but I wasn’t booking things as often as I used to,” he explained. The excitement he once felt began to wane and was replaced with stress. “After a while, my attitude became, ‘Ugh, I got another audition,’” he added.

Recognising the toll it was taking on his mental wellbeing, Cooper’s mother played a pivotal role in his decision to take a step back. “She ultimately told me, ‘Look, if you don’t want to do it anymore, you don’t have to do it,’” he recalled. Initially, there was some disappointment from her, but Cooper assured listeners that their relationship remained strong throughout the transition.

Despite his early success in the film industry, waking away from acting allowed Cooper to explore other aspects of life, including relationships and education, that many of his peers were experiencing. He expressed a desire to lead a typical teenage life, something he had not fully experienced while working in film. “I want to just go home right now and talk to girls on AIM,” he said, emphasising the longing for normalcy amidst the chaos.

Now 37, Cooper reflects back on his choice with a sense of acceptance. He acknowledges the unique challenges faced by child actors and the often-unrecognised pressures that accompany such roles from a young age. His decision to prioritise mental health and personal happiness resonates with many in the industry and beyond.

In sharing his story, Justin Cooper highlights the lesser-seen side of fame and the complexities of growing up in the public eye. His experiences remain a reminder of the importance of mental health and the right to step away from a career that no longer brings joy.