Jeff Cohen Young: From Goonies Star To Legal Luminary
Have you ever wondered what happened to those bright, young faces who lit up the silver screen in your favorite childhood movies? It's a question many of us, I think, often ponder. Well, when it comes to the iconic 1980s, one particular young performer, Jeff Cohen, certainly made a lasting impression. He was, you know, a very memorable part of a beloved film that, in some respects, truly captured the spirit of adventure for a whole generation. We're talking about the one and only Lawrence "Chunk" Cohen from the classic "The Goonies," a character who, arguably, stole many a scene with his charming innocence and, of course, that rather famous dance.
For a lot of us, the image of **Jeff Cohen young** is forever tied to that specific role. He was, after all, the heart of so many funny and, in a way, quite touching moments in that film. It's really interesting, too, to think about how some child stars just seem to disappear from the spotlight, while others, like Jeff, actually go on to forge completely different, yet equally impressive, paths in life. His story is, you know, a pretty cool example of someone who took their early experiences and used them as a springboard for something entirely new.
So, what became of the energetic boy who brought Chunk to life? His journey beyond Hollywood is, in fact, a truly fascinating one, showing a remarkable transformation. We're going to explore the life and career of **Jeff Cohen young**, tracing his steps from his early days as a child actor right up to his current successful profession. You might be quite surprised, actually, by where his path led him.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Jeff Cohen
- Early Life and Childhood
- The Goonies and Child Stardom
- Transition from Acting
- A Successful Legal Career
- Current Life and Legacy
- Frequently Asked Questions
Biography of Jeff Cohen
When we look at **Jeff Cohen young**, we see the beginnings of a story that, honestly, takes a very interesting turn. Jeffrey Bertan Cohen, who was born Jeffrey Bertan McMahon, entered the world on June 25, 1974. He's an American attorney now, but he started out as a child actor, and many people still remember him most clearly for playing Chunk in "The Goonies," a Steven Spielberg production from 1985. It's, you know, quite a shift from the silver screen to the courtroom, isn't it?
He actually retired from acting in the early 1990s, and since then, he's built what you might call a wildly successful life and career. He made his television debut, in a way, back in 1983. Jeff was born in Los Angeles, California, which is, of course, a city where many dreams of acting begin. He's also a legal representative, which is, you know, a big part of his identity today.
Jeff was the second of two children in his family. He grew up with his older sister, Edie Faye, who is herself a playwright and an actress. So, you can see, there was a bit of a creative streak running through the family, more or less. His parents were Elaine Cohen and McMahon Cohen, and the family was Jewish. It's quite something, actually, to think about his journey from a young boy in Los Angeles to where he is now.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Jeff Cohen
| Full Name | Jeffrey Bertan Cohen (formerly McMahon) |
| Born | June 25, 1974 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Age (as of 2023/2024) | 49 (as of 2023, based on June 25, 1974 birthdate) |
| Occupation | Attorney, Retired Child Actor |
| Best Known For | Playing Lawrence "Chunk" Cohen in "The Goonies" (1985) |
| Parents | Elaine Cohen and McMahon Cohen |
| Sibling | Edie Faye (older sister) |
| Education | Earned JD (Juris Doctor) |
| Current Role | Founding Partner at Cohen & Gardner LLP |
Early Life and Childhood
Born as Jeffrey Bertan McMahon in Los Angeles, California, on June 25, 1974, **Jeff Cohen young** was, in a way, destined to be close to the heart of the entertainment world. He came into a family that, you know, already had a creative side, with his older sister, Edie Faye, eventually pursuing a career in playwriting and acting. This environment, perhaps, laid some groundwork for his own early steps into performing. He was, actually, the second of two children, growing up with his sister in their Los Angeles home.
His birth name was McMahon, but he later became known as Jeff Cohen, which, in some respects, is the name most people recognize him by today. His parents, Elaine Cohen and McMahon Cohen, raised him in a Jewish family, giving him a foundation that, you know, shaped his early years. It's pretty clear that even from a young age, he was, like, a kid with a lot of character, and that really came through in his acting.
Before his big break, Jeff had already started making appearances on television. He made his debut on the small screen in 1983, which, you know, was a couple of years before "The Goonies" hit theaters. These early roles, in a way, helped him get comfortable in front of the camera, setting the stage for what would become his most famous performance. He was, after all, a natural, even then.
The Goonies and Child Stardom
The year 1985 truly changed everything for **Jeff Cohen young**. That's when "The Goonies," an adventure-comedy film directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg, was released. Jeff played Lawrence "Chunk" Cohen, a character who, honestly, became an instant favorite for so many viewers. Chunk was part of a group of kids who lived in the "Goon Docks" neighborhood, and they were trying to save their homes, which, you know, led them on an incredible treasure hunt. It's a story that, in a way, still resonates with people today.
His portrayal of Chunk, with his memorable "truffle shuffle" dance, made him, like, a household name. Young actors such as Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, and Jeff Cohen himself, along with Ke Huy Quan, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, and Martha Plimpton, really shot to stardom thanks to the success of this quirky adventure movie. They still, apparently, look back fondly on their time filming it. Jeff Cohen is, you know, still known the world over for that iconic role and that very specific dance.
Richard Donner, the film's director, actually spoke very highly of Cohen in interviews and on the film's DVD commentary. Donner, it seems, really saw something special in the young actor, which, you know, is a big compliment. The role of Chunk was, in some respects, perfect for Jeff at that time, helping him become, more or less, a beloved figure in cinema history. He loved his time as Chunk, that's for sure, but he'd rather not do the truffle shuffle these days, which is, you know, understandable.
Transition from Acting
After the immense success of "The Goonies," you might think **Jeff Cohen young** would have continued a long acting career. However, his path took a different turn. He appeared in several episodes of television after the movie, but then, in the early 1990s, he made the decision to step away from acting entirely. This was, in a way, a very conscious choice, and it led him down a completely new road.
One of the reasons for his departure from Hollywood was, apparently, the physical changes that come with growing up. "The Goonies" star Jeff Cohen said that Hollywood didn't really want him after he hit puberty and, you know, lost weight. He was, like, known for being a bit heavier as a youngster, and as he grew up, he shed those pounds. This transformation, in some respects, made it harder for him to find roles that fit the "type" he had become known for. It's a tough reality, actually, for many child actors.
Even though Hollywood was, perhaps, a bit unkind to a young Jeff Cohen in this regard, the person who played Chunk grew up to become a very successful entertainment lawyer. He decided to learn more about what he could do instead of acting, which, you know, shows a lot of foresight. His experiences in the film industry, oddly enough, gave him a unique perspective that would later serve him well in his legal profession. He was, in a way, just getting started on his next big act.
A Successful Legal Career
After leaving the acting world, **Jeff Cohen young** embarked on a truly impressive academic and professional journey. He earned his Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which, you know, is the first step to becoming a lawyer. This educational pursuit was, in some respects, a complete pivot from his earlier life in front of the camera. It shows, actually, a real dedication to a new field.
Today, Jeffrey Bertan Cohen, JD, is an American attorney and a founding partner of Cohen & Gardner LLP. He now works as an entertainment lawyer in Hollywood, which is, you know, quite fitting given his background. He's shifted the extra pounds that, more or less, helped make his "Goonies" role so memorable, and he's now a sharp legal mind. It's pretty amazing, actually, how he's combined his past with his present.
His law firm, Cohen & Gardner LLP, focuses on negotiation and transactional representation in entertainment, media, and technology. This means he helps people and companies in those industries with their contracts and business deals. His experience as a former child actor gives him, arguably, a very unique insight into the workings of Hollywood, which, you know, must be incredibly valuable to his clients. He speaks about these topics, too, sharing his knowledge. It's a testament to his intelligence and adaptability, really.
In a way, his journey from child star to prominent attorney is a story of turning challenges into opportunities. He didn't let the end of his acting career be the end of his connection to the entertainment world. Instead, he found a new way to contribute, using his smarts and his firsthand knowledge. Learn more about entertainment law on our site, and you can also find out more about his firm's work here.
Current Life and Legacy
Today, **Jeff Cohen young** is, of course, no longer "young" in the way we remember him from "The Goonies." Now 49 years old (as of 2023), he continues his successful career as an entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles. He's often spotted out and about in LA, looking, you know, a far cry from his iconic character, which is, in a way, a testament to his transformation. He's built a life that, actually, really suits him.
His legacy, however, remains deeply tied to his role as Chunk. People still remember him for that iconic character and, of course, that certain "truffle shuffle" dance. He's often part of discussions about "The Goonies" cast then and where they are now, alongside co-stars like Sean Astin, Ke Huy Quan, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, and Martha Plimpton. It's pretty clear that the movie still holds a very special place in many hearts.
Jeff Cohen has, you know, managed to maintain a connection to his past while fully embracing his present. He's been seen at events, like the Academy celebrates filmmaker Richard Donner in Beverly Hills, showing he's still very much a part of the Hollywood community, albeit in a different capacity. More Goonies stories were, apparently, initially included in the DVD extras from "The Unauthorized Story of 'The Goonies'" (2010), which, in a way, keeps the legend alive. His life story is, arguably, a really compelling example of reinvention.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have questions about what happened to **Jeff Cohen young** after "The Goonies." Here are some common inquiries:
What does Jeff Cohen do now?
Jeff Cohen is, actually, a highly respected American attorney. He's a founding partner of the law firm Cohen & Gardner LLP, where he specializes in entertainment law. He advises clients on various transactional matters in the media, entertainment, and technology industries. So, you know, he's very busy with his legal work these days.
Why did Jeff Cohen stop acting?
Jeff Cohen decided to retire from acting in the early 1990s, more or less, because he experienced the natural physical changes of puberty. He stated that after he lost weight and grew up, Hollywood wasn't as interested in casting him in roles. He then, in a way, chose to pursue a different career path in law, which, you know, has proven to be incredibly successful for him.
Did Jeff Cohen regret playing Chunk?
No, not at all! Jeff Cohen has, in fact, spoken fondly of his time playing Chunk in "The Goonies." He loved the experience, and it's clear he cherishes the memories. However, he has also mentioned that he'd rather not perform the "truffle shuffle" these days, which is, you know, pretty understandable given his current professional standing. He seems to have, arguably, a very healthy perspective on his past.
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