Courtney Henggeler, known for her role as Amanda LaRusso on Netflix’s “Cobra Kai,” has announced she is leaving the acting industry after two decades. The 46-year-old actress shared her decision in a recent blog post on Substack, stating she’s decided to “tap out” of the demanding world of Hollywood.
“After more than twenty years navigating this business, I’ve put away my gloves,” Henggeler wrote.
Her reasons for leaving are rooted in a desire for greater control and a shift from being a small part of a larger machine to becoming the machine itself. She described her previous experiences as primarily focused on “the hustle” rather than the true art of acting, feeling like she was merely surviving off “crumbs” with the promise of something more.
“We filled our cups with possibility and our mugs with delusion. Our plates were empty, but a golden goose hung over our heads. Today might be the day…,” she reflected in her post.
While acknowledging her own relative success—having appeared on popular shows like “House,” “NCIS,” and “The Big Bang Theory,” and even working with George Clooney on his 2023 film, “The Boys in the Boat”—Henggeler characterized these moments as representations of this elusive “golden goose.”
She admitted to previously silencing a persistent voice urging her to leave. “For years I silenced the voice in my head, begging me to walk away,” she confessed. “What once felt necessary…became stifling.”
Henggeler’s departure comes after the conclusion of “Cobra Kai,” where she played the wife of Ralph Macchio’s character. Interestingly, Macchio shared insights on maintaining a successful career and marriage during the final season premiere event.
He emphasized the importance of staying “out of Hollywood,” crediting his wife of 38 years, Phyllis Fierro, for helping him stay grounded.
- “I’ve always kept one foot in and one foot out,” Macchio explained.
- Fierro is described as someone who “grounds and elevates” him and their children.
Macchio recounted meeting his wife when he was 15, with the two marrying in 1987 and welcoming their children, Julia (born 1992) and Daniel (born 1995), several years later.
Ultimately, Henggeler’s decision represents a conscious choice to prioritize her well-being and pursue a life beyond the often-unfulfilling cycle of Hollywood.
