Child Star Larisa Oleynik Opens Up About Stepping Away from Hollywood at the Height of Her Fame

**Larisa Oleynik Reflects on Career Break and Return to Theatre at 90s Con**

Larisa Oleynik, renowned for her roles in the popular Nickelodeon series *The Secret World of Alex Mack* and the iconic film *10 Things I Hate About You*, recently shared insights into her life beyond the silver screen during a panel at the 90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut. At the event, held at the Connecticut Convention Center on 17 October, Oleynik discussed her journey from child stardom to pursuing higher education, before eventually returning to acting.

Best known for her portrayal of Alex Mack, a character endowed with special powers, Oleynik captivated audiences from the age of twelve. The show enjoyed a successful run from 1994 to 1998, and its legacy continues to resonate with fans. Speaking at the reunion panel, Oleynik revealed that following her rise to fame, she felt a strong desire to step away from acting. She chose to attend Sarah Lawrence College, an institution that, somewhat ironically, her on-screen sister Kat Stratford (played by Julia Stiles) aspired to in *10 Things I Hate About You*.

Reflecting on her educational path, Oleynik expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to explore her love of literature rather than focusing on theatre. “I didn’t actually study theatre there. I was just thrilled to immerse myself in reading for four years,” she described, highlighting how important that time was for her personal growth. She appreciated the chance to reconnect with language, noting, “thank goodness I was there before any kind of social media.” This break from public life, she explains, was both liberating and enriching.

At the panel, which also featured appearances from her former co-stars, Oleynik shared her positive experiences during her hiatus from the entertainment industry. “I got to have a break from being public,” she said, calling the experience “wonderful.” This opportunity to step back allowed her to reclaim parts of herself that had been overshadowed by her early career in Hollywood.

After some time away from the spotlight, Oleynik eventually found her passion for theatre reignited. She returned to the stage in 2019 with a role in *Baghdaddy*, followed by a performance in *POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women* at the Santa Fe Playhouse. Describing her return to theatre as “creepy,” Oleynik remarked on the adjustment period she experienced, saying, “I hadn’t done theatre since before the pandemic, and everything just felt very creepy. I was like, ‘What are these muscles?’ But that’s why it was fun.”

Oleynik, who hails from Santa Clara, California, began her career at a young age, initially touring with the musical *Les Misérables* before her breakout role in *The Secret World of Alex Mack*. The actress also starred in the 1995 film *The Baby-Sitters Club* and achieved mainstream success as Bianca in the 1999 teen comedy *10 Things I Hate About You*, which has since become a beloved classic. Her on-screen chemistry with Joseph Gordon-Levitt was particularly memorable. The pair later reunited in the sitcom *3rd Rock from the Sun*, where Oleynik appeared from 1998 to 2001.

As she navigated her career in the late 90s, Oleynik made the decision to prioritise her education over an intense acting schedule. Subsequently, her appearances on TV became less frequent, though she made notable guest appearances, including a role in *Mad Men*. More recently, she returned to Nickelodeon in the family show *Erin & Aaron*, playing the mother figure, showcasing her continued involvement with the network that helped launch her career.

Reflecting on her early fame, Oleynik has previously acknowledged the challenges that came with sudden recognition. In a 2012 conversation with the Huffington Post, she expressed the surreal nature of being frequently recognised. “It’s a weird thing to all of a sudden be recognised everywhere you go,” she shared, noting that the situation escalated gradually, allowing her to develop coping strategies.

In her journey through the world of acting, Oleynik recalled a pivotal moment when a producer presented her with a lucrative multi-season deal and a feature film opportunity. Choosing to turn it down, she later expressed no regrets about her decision, affirming, “I was a little burnt out. I don’t think that I will ever work that hard again.” This sentiment underscores her commitment to finding balance and pursuing projects that align with her creative passions.

As she continues to navigate her career in the performing arts, Larisa Oleynik remains a cherished figure from the 90s, inspiring a new generation while reconnecting with the roots of her craft.