Child star Mara Wilson, 37, left Hollywood after ‘Matilda’ as she was ‘not cute anymore’
In the early 1990s, Mara Wilson charmed audiences as a beloved child star in iconic films like *Mrs. Doubtfire* and *Miracle on 34th Street*. With her natural talent and endearing personality, many believed she was on track for a long career in Hollywood. However, as Mara grew older, the industry’s interest in her waned, and she gradually stepped away from the spotlight. Hollywood had moved on from me,” she says with honesty.
Mara’s journey to fame began at just five years old when she starred alongside Robin Williams in *Mrs. Doubtfire*. Though she had appeared in commercials before, her role in the beloved film catapulted her into the public eye. Despite her early success, Mara’s parents kept her grounded, reminding her she was still just a child.
Her acting career continued to thrive when she was cast as Susan Walker in the 1994 remake of *Miracle on 34th Street*, a role originally played by Natalie Wood. In an essay for *The Guardian*, Mara humorously recalls telling the casting team she didn’t believe in Santa Claus but still believed in the tooth fairy, whom she had named after actress Sally Field.
In 1996, Mara took on the role of Matilda in the film adaptation of the beloved Roald Dahl book, which remains one of her most iconic performances. However, that same year, she experienced a personal tragedy when her mother, Suzie, passed away from breast cancer. Mara recalls how this loss deeply impacted her, dividing her life into “before” and “after” her mother’s death. The pressures of fame and the grief of losing her mother made it difficult for her to find a sense of normalcy.
As Mara grew into her teenage years, the roles began to dry up. By the time she starred in *Thomas and the Magic Railroad* at 11, her passion for acting had begun to fade. The roles offered to her no longer resonated, and the industry that once embraced her now seemed to move on.
The challenges of puberty made things even more difficult. As she outgrew the “cute” image that had defined her early career, Mara felt like an awkward teenager trying to find her place. “By thirteen, no one called me cute anymore, at least not in a nice way,” she admits.
Navigating life as a former child star was challenging, especially with the public watching. Mara struggled with the industry’s unrealistic beauty standards, which led her to question her worth. She came to realize that Hollywood’s obsession with appearance contributed to her declining opportunities and sense of self-worth.
In 2016, Mara turned her focus to writing, releasing her memoir *Where Am I Now?* The book chronicles her journey from child stardom to a more fulfilling, quieter life outside of the spotlight. In it, she shares the difficulties of growing up in the entertainment industry and how she eventually found peace by stepping away from it.
Mara also wrote essays, such as *Good Girls Don’t*, in which she candidly discusses the pressure of being a young actress. Through her writing, she reflects on the emotional challenges of being labeled “cute” and how leaving acting allowed her to rediscover herself.
Today, Mara Wilson has embraced a new chapter in her life, far from the glitz of Hollywood. Her story is one of resilience, self-acceptance, and finding happiness beyond the confines of fame. What do you think of her inspiring journey? Share this story and let others reflect on Mara’s transformation.
