Many fans of fantasy-comedy recall Mara Wilson, the charming young actress who won hearts with her roles in cherished films like Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire. Her early achievements in film were remarkable, but she made an unexpected choice to step away from Hollywood while still young.

Wilson faced difficulties with the industry’s stringent beauty standards, which contributed to her decision to leave acting and pursue a more private life. Here’s what happened to the talented actress after she stepped out of the spotlight.

Mara Wilson attends the "Mrs. Doubtfire" premiere in Beverly Hills, California, on November 22, 1993 | Source: Getty Images

Mara Wilson’s career began at the tender age of five, inspired by her older brother, Daniel Ben Wilson, who had ventured into acting through television commercials. Eager to follow in his footsteps, young Wilson was determined to try her hand at acting.

Initially, her parents were reluctant and did not support her aspirations. However, her persistent efforts eventually convinced them to allow her to explore acting.

Mara Wilson attends the 67th Annual Academy Awards at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on March 27, 1995 | Source: Getty Images

Soon, Wilson started appearing in various commercials, including those for Texaco and Bank of America, marking the start of her journey in show business.

Besides Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire, she appeared in other films such as Miracle on 34th Street, Thomas and the Magic Railroad, and A Time to Heal.

Mara Wilson and Lassie being honored by the Film Advisory Board in Los Angeles on December 14, 1994. | Source: Getty Images

Wilson was just nine years old when she starred in Matilda in 1996. She later expressed deep admiration for the character of Matilda and felt privileged to portray her. Her portrayal was so compelling that many people associated her closely with Matilda.

She noted that while people recognized her character’s name, they often did not know her real name. “It was challenging because it seemed like everyone liked Matilda more than they liked me,” she said.

Mara Wilson attends the "Mrs. Doubtfire" premiere in Beverly Hills, California, on November 22, 1993 | Source: Getty Images

Despite this, Wilson felt that the film showcased the strength of girls and emphasized the importance of hard work, study, and the value of teachers. It also encouraged those from challenging backgrounds to create their ideal family.

During the filming of Matilda, Wilson’s mother, Suzie Wilson, was ill. Wilson revealed that her co-stars, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman, allowed her to stay with them while her mother underwent cancer treatments.

Mara Wilson on "Matilda" from a YouTube video dated August 8, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@EntertainmentTonight

She described them as having been like family to her, showing immense kindness and empathy. “They felt like family throughout,” she said.

Tragically, Wilson lost her mother to breast cancer when she was nine. Despite this profound loss, she exhibited remarkable resilience and continued working on the film. Her strength during this trying period deeply impacted her adult co-stars.

Danny DeVito, Mara Wilson, Brian Levinson, and Rhea Perlman star in the new movie "Matilda" in 1996. | Source: Getty Images

After the filming wrapped, Wilson experienced significant emotional difficulties, including panic attacks. She explained that while filming, she had managed to overlook her mother’s worsening condition, but the grief hit hard once the film was complete.

Wilson had to confront her sadness and grief after filming ended, which led to habits like excessive hand-washing and checking on her pets to ensure they did not escape.

Danny DeVito and Mara Wilson attend and present at the 1997 ShoWest Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 6, 1997 | Source: Getty Images

It was during this time that Wilson began to experience symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The public scrutiny exacerbated her anxiety, making her feel that her struggles had to be kept hidden.

At that time, discussions about mental illness were less prevalent, which made it difficult for her to understand and address her issues.

Mara Wilson, Suzie Shapiro, and Michael Wilson attending the "Mrs. Doubtfire" premiere in Beverly Hills, California, on November 22, 1993 | Source: Getty Images

Wilson noted that the period following Matilda was a blur due to her intense grief. She reflected that it was unfortunate as she should have been able to enjoy and take pride in her work.

“I’ve looked at press interviews from that time, and it’s clear that the light in my eyes was gone. I was exhausted and deeply sad,” she disclosed.

Mara Wilson on "Matilda" from a YouTube video dated August 8, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@EntertainmentTonight

Losing her mother left Wilson feeling disoriented and disconnected. “I didn’t really know who I was,” she admitted. She described the loss as a profound upheaval, given that she had always believed she would never lose her mother.

Wilson described her mother as a strong, hardworking woman with a formidable presence. “She had this steely gaze that intimidated people, even grown men,” Wilson shared.

Mara Wilson on "Matilda" from a YouTube video dated August 8, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@EntertainmentTonight

Her mother was deeply committed to helping others, including through charity work. She once sheltered a homeless woman and her daughter until they could find jobs and housing. Wilson humorously noted that despite being a homemaker, her mother was rarely at home due to her charity work.

Wilson acknowledged that her mother was also a people-pleaser, responsible for caring for her family and mentally ill parents while also managing her younger siblings. Her mother eventually sought distance from her old life, reflecting her desire for change.

Mara Wilson on "Matilda" from a YouTube video dated August 8, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@EntertainmentTonight

Wilson has faced her own struggles, particularly as a former child star. She revealed feeling profoundly lonely despite her childhood popularity and a desire to escape the publicity during puberty.

She also faced disturbing comments about her appearance, including her weight and facial features. People called her “ugly” and “useless now,” making cruel and sexualized remarks about her body.

Mara Wilson on "Matilda" from a YouTube video dated August 8, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@EntertainmentTonight

The sexualization Wilson experienced began during her childhood and continued into her teenage years. Despite her parents’ efforts to shield her through children’s movies, she was still subjected to inappropriate attention.

Wilson recounted receiving disturbing letters and online comments, including having her image inappropriately edited onto other girls’ bodies on adult websites.

Mara Wilson on "Matilda" from a YouTube video dated August 8, 2021 | Source: Youtube/@EntertainmentTonight

The pressure of constant media engagement as a child added to her stress. At just seven years old, she faced intrusive questions from journalists, further intensifying her difficulties.

Wilson struggled to maintain her composure due to the emotional challenges of adolescence and her mother’s loss.

Mara Wilson attends the "Nell" premiere in Beverly Hills, California, on December 13, 1994. | Source: Getty Images

As her puberty progressed, Wilson’s career began to wane, and Hollywood’s interest in her diminished. At twelve, a director suggested she wear a sports bra to alter her developing physique, reinforcing her fears about her value in Hollywood.

The actress connected her declining career to her changing appearance. Comparing herself to peers like Scarlett Johansson and Keira Knightley, she felt inadequate.

Mara Wilson and her grandmother attend The Hollywood Reporter's Third Annual YoungStar Awards in Universal City, California, on November 8, 1998 | Source: Getty Images

Wilson admitted that she struggled with self-esteem issues as she faced rejection and body dysmorphia, feeling pressured by negative comments from media and reviewers.

She even considered plastic surgery, to the point of wishing for an accident to justify undergoing the procedure without guilt.

Mara Wilson attends the sixth annual Race to Erase MS benefit, sponsored by Tommy Hilfiger, in Los Angeles, California, on November 14, 1997 | Source: Getty Images

Her then-boyfriend supported her decision to consider surgery but reminded her of her inherent beauty and the importance of self-love.

Despite her struggles, Wilson became increasingly guarded and anxious, making it challenging to secure roles. She was also potentially dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and struggled with her sexuality, which she initially tried to ignore.

Mara Wilson at the premiere of "Thomas and the Magic Railroad: in London's Leicester Square, on July 9, 2000 | Source: Getty Images

In 2016, Wilson came out as bisexual, and her thoughts on religion and the world caused significant stress. Following her father’s advice, she took a break from acting.

This marked the end of the first phase of her career. She attended a performing arts boarding school funded by her earnings, where she developed a passion for writing and theater.

Mara Wilson arrives at the premiere of the movie "Thomas and The Magic Railroad," in Los Angeles, on July 22, 2000 | Source: Getty Images

Wilson later enrolled at New York University, where she wrote about her mother’s death for the first time. While working as a barista and nanny, she was wary of being recognized and appearing in “where-are-they-now?” articles.

Although she considered a return to Los Angeles, she avoided it, fearing recognition and the potential for pity.

Mara Wilson during an interview with host Jay Leno on December 13, 1994. | Source: Getty Images

Currently, Wilson focuses on writing, including her memoir Where Am I Now? True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame (2016), which explores the harsh realities of the movie industry without becoming overly emotional.

Wilson expressed a desire to tell her own story and navigate her own path, empathizing with other child actors who face similar challenges.

Mara Wilson arrives at the premiere of the movie "Thomas and The Magic Railroad," in Los Angeles, on July 22, 2000 | Source: Getty Images

Reflecting on her post-puberty career options, she considered three choices: cosmetic surgery for roles, sticking with her current appearance for minor roles, or accepting herself and leaving Hollywood. She chose the latter as a form of self-preservation.

Now, Wilson is involved in voice acting, including audiobooks and the fiction podcast Welcome to Night Vale. She is uncertain about returning to TV or film, preferring not to alter herself for industry expectations.

Danny Devito, Mara Wilson, and Rhea Perlman appear on NBC News' "Today" show, on December 6, 2013 | Source: Getty Images

She shared, “I defined myself by Hollywood’s terms for too long, and now I want to define myself by my own goals and life.”

Mara Wilson speaks about her new book in Seattle, Washington, on September 21, 2016 | Source: Getty Images

Despite Hollywood’s lack of embrace, Wilson’s fans on social media have shown overwhelming support, praising her for who she is.

Mara Wilson attends The Secret Society Of The Sisterhood in Los Angeles, California, on January 31, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

One fan commented, “You’ve grown into a very beautiful woman.” Another said, “Beautiful as ever 😍❤️.” More fans added, “You’re so pretty 😍❤️.”

Mara Wilson attends The Trevor Project's 2018 TrevorLIVE LA Gala in Beverly Hills, California, on December 2, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

Wilson is now focused on writing novels, hoping for future publication. She enjoys crafting dialogue and is interested in writing for television, aiming to create work primarily for young audiences.

Mara Wilson attends Lambda Legal West Coast Liberty Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on May 30, 2019 | Source: Getty Images