Danica McKellar rose to fame playing Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years from 1988 to 1993. The show, set in the 1960s, took us back to a simpler time, and everyone wished to have a love like Winnie Cooper and Kevin Arnold. But when the show ended, Danica had to make a big decision. Instead of continuing her career, she opted for a break and headed to UCLA to earn a degree in mathematics. Those four years changed a lot for Danica, but as an adult, it’s a decision she doesn’t regret.
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Danica McKellar Opened Up About Her Decision To Take A Break From Hollywood
Per People, Danica McKellar told Closer Weekly, “I stopped acting for four years. I just needed to find out who else I was,” she explained. “For me, the way I could find out was just to do something else and really exercise my brain.”
She opted to leave the glamour and stardom behind, but admitted she worried about breaking back into the industry. Danica McKellar also told Closer Weekly it wasn’t an easy transition.
“When I was done with my degree and I decided to go back into acting, I felt like I was trying to catch up,” she said. “I was doing all these independent films that weren’t very good.”
But after landing a role on The West Wing, things began to fall back into line for the former teen star.
Now, at 50, Danica McKellar feels very thankful for her life. On her birthday in January, she shared a special message to her family, friends, and fans on Instagram.
“Woke up feeling so blessed on this next trip around the sun. So grateful to God for healthy family & friends, for a career I love, and for all of you!! Let’s goooooo!”
This story’s featured image is by Michael Mattes via Shutterstock.
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