This '90s Star Quit Acting for Almost a Decade After Being Labeled 'Too Ugly' – See Her Photos Now

After stepping away from the spotlight, the child star found her way back to Hollywood following a pivotal experience that reignited her passion for acting. Now enjoying life as a dedicated mother, she has shared her reasons for not wanting her children to enter show business at an early age.

The actress, widely recognized for her role in the 1991 film "My Girl," left Hollywood after receiving harsh comments about her appearance, including being called "too ugly." Nevertheless, many online users hold a different view, often describing her as "beautiful" even now.

Despite early criticism of her appearance, the Hollywood actress continued acting for over 30 years and has enjoyed a thriving career.

Her breakthrough came with the role of Vada Sultenfuss in "My Girl" and its sequel "My Girl 2" released in 1994. From 1999 to 2005, she paused her acting career to focus on her college education.

During an interview, the star reflected on her early career, "We know so much more about what it is to be a child who is put into performing. As a kid, you're just along for the ride, but it can be extremely damaging."

In college, the Chicago native realized, "I don't have to do this anymore." This epiphany led to a break of nearly ten years. Stepping away from the spotlight helped her see her career in a new light.

She further recalled, "Throughout my adolescence, I was not getting booked, I was told I was too fat or too ugly." On top of that, growing up in the public eye brought its own struggles, particularly with severe acne.

Producers sent her to dermatologists weekly in hopes of improving her skin, a process that made her feel even more disconnected from acting.

She later admitted that dealing with persistent breakouts for nearly half a decade was overwhelming. The constant pressure left her embarrassed, especially since she was still working at the time.

The emotional burden became overwhelming. "My skin issues were always a focus," said the movie star, acknowledging how that burden was a normal part of adolescence, even if it felt magnified under Hollywood's scrutiny.

With few opportunities coming her way, she decided to pursue an education — a choice she remains grateful for today. She attended the University of Chicago, where she broadened her horizons beyond Hollywood.

After graduating, she worked as a fact-checker for Zagat and later as an editorial assistant at HarperCollins. Yet, despite her new path, the pull of entertainment lingered.

"I was seeing a lot of Broadway, and I was inspired again," the celebrity admitted. The chance to tell stories creatively — this time on her own terms — was too compelling to resist.

Motivated by this renewed passion, she enrolled in the Atlantic Acting School. "I told myself I'd give it a year," she recalled. But from the very first day, she knew she was all in, "I realized, 'I'm not giving this a year. I freaking love it. I'm giving this the rest of my life.'"

In an appearance on "Live with Kelly and Mark," the actress recounted a defining moment that sealed her decision. While on a lunch break, a psychic recognized her from "My Girl" and approached her.

The woman told her, "'You still want to do it, you're not done.'" That $40, ten-minute palm reading didn't reveal anything the star didn't already feel deep inside, but it gave her the nudge she needed to return to acting.

That moment of clarity propelled her back into the entertainment industry, where she made a triumphant return with roles that earned both praise and recognition. She appeared in acclaimed series such as "Veep" and "Halt and Catch Fire."

In 2022, the actress took on another standout role in the Netflix series "Inventing Anna." The show, inspired by real events, tells the story of Anna Delvey (also known as Anna Sorokin), a fake German heiress who deceived New York's elite.

Of her journey, the film star said, "I've learned a lot in my career. And [what I've been through] is life-defining. But I have a lot of gratitude. And I still love what I do!"

Her return to the spotlight was just one part of a fulfilling new chapter. Alongside her thriving career, Anna Chlumsky finds joy in her role as a devoted wife and mother.

She met her husband, Shaun So — an Army veteran turned entrepreneur — and they married in March 2008. Together, they are raising their two daughters, Penelope and Clara, while she navigates the demands of Hollywood.

This blend of career and family brought Anna Chlumsky a sense of fulfillment she never anticipated. After the birth of her first child, she admitted she hadn't expected to love motherhood so deeply, adding it is "so much better than you could ever imagine."

Anna has shared glimpses of her life with her eldest daughter, Penelope, praising her for being determined, kind, and fun to be around. She once remarked that even if Penelope weren't her daughter, she'd still want to spend time with her because she's "really good company."

When it comes to her daughters, Penelope and Clara, the mother of two hopes they won't feel pressured to enter show business while young.

The "Trading Mom" star plans to encourage her kids to pursue their interests but believes they should wait until adulthood to enter a professional path.

Anna is now 44 years old, and fans still fondly recall her younger self. One admirer exclaimed, "ANNA CHLUMSKY WAS ADORABLE AS LITTLE GIRL!!!" while another shared, "She was so sweet!"

Many are equally captivated by her appearance today, with one noting, "She looks exactly the same as an adult," and another adding, "She's still beautiful after all these years."

Anna Chlumsky's journey through Hollywood and beyond has been marked by personal growth, unwavering authenticity, and a return to a career she truly loves. As she continues to thrive, both on-screen and off, fans are eager to see what the next chapter holds for her.