He was a teen star with everything going for him—fame, fortune, and a top-rated TV show. But just as his career was soaring, he made a decision that stunned many. Stepping away from Hollywood, he chose a path that few could have predicted.
As a beloved child actor in “Growing Pains,” he became one of the most popular young actors of the 1980s. Teen magazines featured him on their covers, and he was the go-to heartthrob for many fans. Yet, behind the scenes, he grappled with a growing sense that Hollywood wasn’t where he truly belonged.
The actor, circa 1982 | Source: Getty Images
By the early 1990s, at the peak of his fame, the star made a choice that would shock many in the industry. He turned away from acting and embraced a life of faith. This decision didn’t just alter his career; it transformed his entire worldview. How did his life unfold after he left Hollywood?
The actor poses for a portrait, circa 1980 | Source: Getty Images
From Childhood Aspirations to Accidental Stardom
He didn’t set out to become an actor. In fact, as a young boy, his sights were set on something completely different—he wanted to be a doctor. His dream was to become a surgeon, but his career path took an unexpected detour when his mother, encouraged by a friend, introduced him to acting.
That friend happened to be the mother of Adam Rich, a child actor famous for his role in “Eight is Enough.” She suggested that the boy’s mother take him to an agent and try his luck in commercials.
Reluctantly, his mother followed the advice, and before long, the nine-year-old was booking small roles. His first acting jobs included commercials, like the one for McDonald’s. Though he found himself working steadily, the young boy didn’t enjoy acting.
The actor poses for a photograph on September 22, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
“I was always annoyed having to brush my hair and tuck my shirt in to go drive an hour in traffic to audition,” he once reflected on those early years. Despite his lack of enthusiasm, his acting career gained momentum, eventually leading to his breakout role as Mike Seaver in “Growing Pains.”
The “Growing Pains” cast, dated July 22, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
As his fame grew, so did his internal struggle. Hollywood had much to offer, but he began questioning if that was enough. What would eventually pull him in a completely new direction was something unexpected—his faith.
The “Growing Pains” cast in 1990 | Source: Getty Images
From Atheism to Christianity
Growing up, his family wasn’t religious, and there were never conversations about God in his home. “When I was growing up, we didn’t go to church,” he once shared.
“If you had asked me, I would have said I would be in the category of an atheist at 16 years old, 17 years old,” he added.
The actor appears on the ABC tv special, “The ABC All-Star Spectacular,” on September 12, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
His atheism was shaped by those around him, particularly his teachers. “I think I caught my atheism—it was by contagion,” he said, referring to the influence of his science and history teachers, who dismissed religion as “just a fairy tale.”
At that point in his life, he was fully immersed in his Hollywood career and had little interest in exploring faith or spirituality. Yet, despite his disinterest, a chance encounter would soon change the course of his beliefs.
Kirk Cameron with co-star Dana Plato on November 5, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
It wasn’t a deep theological conversation that first brought him to church. Drawn to a girl he liked, he accepted her invitation to attend church with her family. “I’ll be honest. It wasn’t because I was interested in God. I was interested in the girl,” he admitted.
Little did he know, this casual decision would spark a profound transformation in his life. As his faith deepened, it began to have a noticeable impact on his life and career, raising concerns among his colleagues in Hollywood.
The actor on November 20, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Hollywood’s Reaction to His Faith
By the time he was 17, his commitment to his newfound beliefs had started to influence the way he approached his role in “Growing Pains.” This sudden shift did not go unnoticed by the show’s producers and cast members, who grew increasingly worried about how it might affect the series.
As one of the show’s key characters, his actions held significant weight. The show’s success—and everyone’s jobs—depended, in part, on him. The producers worried whether his deepening religious beliefs would take him in a direction that could jeopardize the show’s longevity.
The actor on set with a co-actor on October 21, 1986 | Source: Getty Images
“Is he getting into something that’s really gonna take him into Looney Town? And if it is, we need to stop that,” he recalled their concerns. He, however, was focused on trying to live out his faith, though he admits that at times, he didn’t handle it as gracefully as he could have.
“I was trying to take the moral high road. I wanted to please God genuinely, and I think sometimes that got misunderstood,” he explained. What was clear, though, was that his priorities were shifting—and Hollywood wasn’t sure how to respond.
The actor on set with co-actor Jeremy Miller in the movie “Growing pains” on February 18, 1986 | Source: Getty Images
The Dark Side of Hollywood
As his faith grew stronger, he also became more aware of the troubling behaviors around him in Hollywood. Over time, he reportedly witnessed disturbing incidents that further distanced him from the industry.
“The evil, the darkness, the twisted sickness of Hollywood has been going on for a long time,” he said, reflecting on his years as a child actor. The former teen heartthrob, who began acting at nine, recalled being suspicious of the unsettling things happening behind the scenes during his time on “Growing Pains.”
One of the most shocking revelations involved his personal dialogue coach from the show, Brian Peck, who was later convicted of sexual abuse crimes. Peck’s name was highlighted in a recent documentary that uncovered the darker side of the entertainment industry.
The actor described how these revelations confirmed what he had suspected all along—that Hollywood was not the wholesome place it often appeared to be. For him, this environment, driven by power, pride, and ego, only reinforced his desire to move away from the spotlight.
The actor poses for a photo, circa 1987 | Source: Getty Images
He became even more committed to his faith and the values it provided, believing that the pursuit of fame and fortune often led people down dangerous paths. “When that becomes your God, rather than the God who laid down His life on a cross 2,000 years ago, you’re in for a world of hurt,” he stated.
His growing disillusionment with Hollywood solidified his decision to step back from acting. However, his life was about to take another meaningful turn that would see him focus more on family and faith.
Life After Hollywood
Kirk Cameron’s departure from Hollywood marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. At just 20, he married his “Growing Pains” co-star, actress, Chelsea Noble, and the two started building a life together far from the entertainment industry. Together, they welcomed six children into their family, four of whom they adopted.
Kirk Cameron and Chelsea Noble in the movie “Growing pains,” dated October 18, 1989 | Source: Getty Images
Adoption was a cause close to both Cameron and Noble’s hearts, as Noble herself was adopted. They always ensured their children knew their origins and helped them reconnect with their biological families when the time came.
For Cameron, this focus on family became central to his life, as did his commitment to maintaining a strong moral foundation. One of the most striking examples of his dedication to family values came during the filming of his 2008 movie “Fireproof.”
In the film, Cameron plays a firefighter trying to save his marriage. However, when it came time to shoot a kissing scene with the actress playing his wife, Cameron refused to kiss anyone but his real-life spouse.
Kirk Cameron and Chelsea Noble at Westbury Hotel in New York City on June 28, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
To honor his marriage vows, the filmmakers worked around this by dressing Noble as the movie’s female lead and filming the scene in silhouette. Cameron later explained, “I have a commitment not to kiss any other woman,” showing how seriously he took his beliefs.
With Hollywood in the rearview mirror, Cameron’s life became less about fame and more about staying true to the values he cherished. But his journey wasn’t over—he soon made another major decision that would further change the course of his life.
Leaving California Behind
In recent years, Cameron made another bold life decision—leaving the place where he had spent most of his life building his career. In early 2021, Cameron took to social media to share his intention to leave California.
“I asked on social media what states people recommend for a Californian looking to relocate, and the top responses were Tennessee, Florida, and Texas,” he shared in a Facebook post. Ultimately, it was Tennessee that won his heart.
Kirk Cameron poses on September 7, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
In subsequent interviews, he revealed his reasons for the move. Cameron felt that California had become unsafe and longed for a place that embraced more of the “wholesome values” he held dear.
He was drawn to its lifestyle, but there was another significant reason for the move—three of his children now lived there. It offered the opportunity to be closer to family while also enjoying the slower pace and community that Tennessee provided.
Cameron also spoke of the “healthy freedom mindset” he found in Tennessee, a stark contrast to what he described as California’s growing restrictions. He also called Tennessee a “hub for Christian projects.”
In Tennessee, he discovered a community of like-minded individuals, including other creatives who had left Hollywood behind. The state, with its growing entertainment industry, has even drawn a number of California “refugees,” offering a fresh start for those seeking a more grounded lifestyle.
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With his move to Tennessee, Cameron found not only a new home but a place that aligned more closely with the values he had embraced. Yet, despite leaving Hollywood and California, his passion for family, faith, and storytelling has not wavered.
Becoming a Grandfather and New Projects
Cameron’s life has been full of milestones, but one of his most cherished moments came in July 2024, when he and Noble became grandparents. Cameron proudly shared the news on social media, posting a heartfelt message about the arrival of their granddaughter, Maya Jeanne Noble Bower.
“Our hearts are filled to overflowing,” he wrote. “Our beautiful baby girl just had a beautiful baby girl, and we can hardly wait to spend every minute with her and shower her with love.”
For Cameron, this new chapter as a grandparent brings even more joy and meaning to his family-centered life.
In addition to celebrating his growing family, Cameron continued his passion for projects that align with his faith and values. In 2022, Cameron brought a deeply personal story to life with the release of his film “Lifemark,” a heartfelt exploration of the beauty of adoption and the priceless value of life.
For Cameron, the project was more than just a film—it was a reflection of his own life. As a proud father of four adopted children and a husband to someone with her own adoption story, the movie carried a profound significance for him.
Sharing his excitement, Cameron emphasized how the narrative resonated with his family’s journey and the importance of uplifting stories like these. The passion for adoption runs deep in the Cameron family, extending even to the next generation.
His son Luke, inspired by their personal experiences, founded the “Together as One Podcast.” This powerful platform sheds light on the incredible journeys of adoption, celebrating the families who transform lives through their commitment to love and care.
The podcast serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Through compelling stories and heartfelt conversations, it highlights the challenges and triumphs of adoptive families, offering valuable resources and support.
Their mission is to also ease the financial strain of adoption by providing grants, making the dream of family accessible to more people.
Although Cameron stepped away from the Hollywood mainstream long ago, he remains active in creating faith-based films and media that reflect his beliefs.
A photo of Kirk Cameron taken from a video posted on November 26, 2024 | Source: Instagram/kirkcameronofficial /iheartchm
His focus on positive, uplifting stories that celebrate family and faith has become the hallmark of his post-Hollywood career.
A photo of Kirk Cameron taken from a video posted on November 26, 2024 | Source: Instagram/kirkcameronofficial /iheartchm
Cameron doesn’t just tell inspiring stories; he lives them. In November 2024, he put his beliefs into action by lending a helping hand to hurricane relief efforts in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Sharing his experience on Instagram, Cameron posted photos of those affected alongside a heartfelt caption.
He recounted the efforts of the 700-strong Red Truck Men rescue squad, who brought chainsaws, axes, backhoes, and hot meals to the disaster zone. Fueled by their faith and love for humanity, these volunteers worked tirelessly to rescue, restore, and rebuild in the aftermath of the storm.
“The power of a hurricane to destroy left me in awe,” Cameron wrote, “but what left me in greater awe was the even more powerful force of a group of 700 volunteer men.”
With his words, Cameron also extended prayers to those affected by the tragedy, reminding his followers of the resilience and hope that shines brightest in the darkest times.
With a growing family and a steady stream of projects that align with his values, Cameron’s life today is a far cry from his teenage days as a heartthrob on “Growing Pains.” But for Kirk Cameron, the path he has chosen has brought him a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose.
My Husband Left Me and the Kids Hungry Because His Dad Believes ‘It’s a Woman’s Job to Cook’ – They Both Learned Their Lesson
My Husband Left Me and the Kids Hungry Because His Dad Believes ‘It’s a Woman’s Job to Cook’ – They Both Learned Their Lesson
An ordinary evening turned into a battle over outdated gender roles. It went so far that my children and I had to go without dinner. My husband and father-in-law’s beliefs clashed with our modern family dynamics, but they were in for a lesson they would not forget.
A woman sitting by the table during dinner | Source: Pexels
My husband Marcus comes from this super traditional family and is the oldest of two kids. His mom’s a stay-at-home mom, and his dad was the sole provider.
But our family is the COMPLETE opposite. Instead, we both work and share our duties at home. My father-in-law just HATES it. He despises that I work and that my husband helps out at home.
An irritated son covering his face while his father is talking to him | Source: Pexels
Before my in-laws came to stay with us, my relationship with them was a mixed bag. My mother-in-law, though shy and reserved, was kind to me.
She never openly criticized our way of life, but her silence spoke volumes. She seemed scared to voice any opinion, always deferring to her husband’s rigid beliefs.
A woman smiling while looking at her man | Source: Pexels
My father-in-law, on the other hand, was a different story. He never missed an opportunity to express his disdain for our modern lifestyle. During family gatherings, he would make snide remarks about how a woman’s place was at home, not in the workforce.
People gathering at dinner in night garden and chatting | Source: Pexels
He believed that a man should be the provider and the head of the household, and he didn’t shy away from making his views known. Despite his harsh opinions, I tried to maintain a civil relationship with him for the sake of my husband.
We had several heated discussions over the years, but I always managed to keep my composure and stand my ground. I believed that respecting each other’s differences was the only way to keep the peace.
A man and two women talking at a table | Source: Pexels
So, when my in-laws decided to stay with us for two weeks, I knew it would be challenging. Our usual routine worked well for us. I made breakfast, we all ate lunch out, and my husband cooked dinner.
It was a system that balanced our responsibilities and kept our household running smoothly. Yesterday, I got home from work, exhausted and STARVING. I quickly greeted everyone and went for a pre-dinner shower.
A woman taking a shower | Source: Pexels
When I came back down, I expected dinner to be ready. But there was NOTHING. The kids kept asking when we were having dinner, and I asked my husband, but he wouldn’t even look at me.
Then his FATHER chimed in, “Sarah, your husband didn’t cook anything. You need to stop being LAZY and do your duty as a wife and cook for your family, AS A NORMAL WOMAN.”
A man sitting at the table while looking at a woman | Source: Pexels
I was SPEECHLESS, and my husband just sat there, NODDING, avoiding eye contact. I SAW RED. They both needed to learn a lesson.
“Really?” I started, my voice trembling with anger. “So, I should just come home after a full day of work and start cooking because that’s my duty?”
My father-in-law scoffed. “That’s right, Sarah. A woman’s place is in the kitchen.”
My mother-in-law sat quietly, too scared to say a word to her husband.
I turned to my husband. “And you agree with this?”
He mumbled, “Well, it wouldn’t hurt if you took better care of the home and kids. Tradition is tradition.”
A couple arguing at home | Source: Pexels
“Tradition?” I shot back. “Tradition won’t allow a man earning thirty-five thousand to support a family of five. You are too broke to be so sexist.” I saw tears well up in his eyes, but I wasn’t done.
Turning to his father, I said, “And you! When was the last time you took your wife to a restaurant? Do you even know what it costs to run this household?”
“Let me enlighten you. That car you drive, the one you’re so proud of? I paid for it because my income is bigger than your son’s. He asked me to cover it.”
My father-in-law’s face turned crimson. “That’s not true,” he stammered.
A man wearing glasses | Source: Pexels
“It is true,” I replied. “And now, since my hard-earned money went to that car, it’s only fair that I use this month’s payment to take your wife and my kids out for dinner. Let’s see you and your son figure out the car payment, like real men.”
Without waiting for a response, I took my mother-in-law and kids to a nice restaurant. They deserved a break. We enjoyed a wonderful meal, and my mother-in-law finally relaxed, thanking me repeatedly.
Two women hugging each other | Source: Pexels
Back at home, I knew the men would have to face the reality of their outdated beliefs. They needed to understand that respect and partnership are what make a family strong.
The next morning, there was a noticeable tension in the air. My husband and his father were unusually quiet during breakfast. My husband finally broke the silence.
A man and a woman in a kitchen | Source: Pexels
“I’m sorry for what happened,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I realize now how much I hurt you. I let my father’s outdated views influence me.”
His father, sitting beside him, looked uncomfortable but spoke up as well. “I didn’t realize how much times have changed. I’m sorry too. I’ve always seen things a certain way, but I understand now that it’s not right.”
A middle-aged man talking while wearing glasses | Source: Pexels
My mother-in-law, sitting quietly, nodded in agreement. I appreciated their apologies, but actions speak louder than words. I needed to see a change.
Over the next few days, both men made a visible effort to be more involved and respectful. My husband took back his duties without complaint, and his father helped where he could, even though it was clear he was uncomfortable at first.
A man wearing gloves while standing in front of a sink | Source: Pexels
One evening, as we were all preparing dinner together, my father-in-law approached me. “I want to thank you,” he said. “You opened my eyes. I see now that respect and partnership are crucial. I will try to do better.”
His sincerity touched me. “Thank you for understanding,” I replied. “It’s not about being right or wrong, but about supporting each other.”
Smiling woman sitting on couch with legs crossed | Source: Pexels
From that point on, the atmosphere in our home improved significantly. My husband and his father worked together to ensure that everyone felt valued and respected. My mother-in-law, with a newfound confidence, started to speak up more, expressing her thoughts and needs.
In the end, it wasn’t just about teaching a lesson. It was about growing together as a family and breaking free from outdated traditions that no longer served us. Our journey had its challenges, but it brought us closer and made us stronger.
A young family talking to their parents | Source: Pexels
In Sarah’s story, she was courageous enough to stand up to her father-in-law. But in the following one, Carmen feels guilty about doing the same thing. She questions whether teaching her in-law lesson was the right move.
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