Courtney Henggeler’s decision to quit acting marks a significant shift in her life after over two decades in the industry. Best known for her role as Amanda LaRusso in the Netflix hit Cobra Kai, Henggeler opened up about her decision in a heartfelt Substack post last month. She shared that, after 20 years of navigating the ups and downs of Hollywood, she decided to “hang up her gloves” and walk away from the acting world.
In her post, Henggeler expressed her frustrations with the relentless grind of the industry and her realization that she no longer wanted to be a “cog” in the Hollywood machine. When asked by her agents what she would do if she weren’t acting, she responded, “I want to be the machine,” reflecting a desire to take control of her own destiny rather than remain dependent on a system that, despite its rewards, left her feeling unsatisfied.
Throughout her career, Henggeler worked on a variety of projects, including small but notable roles on shows like The Big Bang Theory, Mom, Faking It, and Jane the Virgin. Her role in Cobra Kai, however, was the one that propelled her to greater fame and recognition, spanning all six seasons of the series. In her post, she expressed gratitude for the opportunities she had, including being directed by George Clooney, something she described as a career highlight. She reflected on how surreal it was to see her face on billboards, a dream she had longed for.
However, despite these successes, Henggeler revealed that she never truly found happiness in the hustle and grind of the entertainment world. She admitted that, for most of her career, she had been more familiar with the “hustle”—the endless pursuit of opportunities—than with the actual craft of acting. Over time, the toxic culture and the constant need to fight for roles left her feeling unfulfilled.
Ultimately, Henggeler made the difficult decision to leave the industry behind, emphasizing that while acting had been something she pursued with passion, it no longer brought her joy or satisfaction. She reflected on how for years, she had tried to ignore the voice urging her to step away, but ultimately, she chose to listen to it and move on.
Her departure is a reminder that the glitz and glamour of Hollywood often come with a hidden cost, and even those who achieve success and recognition can find themselves longing for something else. Henggeler’s story is an example of the courage it takes to step away from a world that no longer serves your well-being, even when it seems like you’ve “made it.”
Fans of Cobra Kai and her other projects will no doubt miss seeing her on screen, but Henggeler’s decision marks a new chapter in her life, one where she seeks fulfillment outside the confines of the entertainment industry.
