Why Cobra Kai's Courtney Henggeler Quit Acting, Explained
Henggeler just revealed the brutal behind-the-scenes reality every actor faces daily if they want to make it big.
Every day, thousands of actors dream of reaching the levels of Brad Pitt or Emma Stone stardom. But very few of them actually get a part that will make them recognizable. Courtney Henggeler, our Amanda LaRusso from Cobra Kai, knows the struggle firsthand.
Recently, Henggeler announced that she's done with acting for good. She explained the nuances in the emotional Substack post.
Courtney Henggeler Retires as an Actress: Here’s Why
When we look at the most in-demand actors today, we have no idea how many no-s they had to hear before having their big break. Henggeler is well aware and tired. She wrote:
“All I’ve truly ever knew was the hustle. The hustle, the grind, sprinkled occasionally with the odd acting job. Perhaps a line or two to TV’s Dr. House - “Sorry” (that’s it. That was my line. Genius).”
Indeed, this job isn't as glamorous as it appears to be. It's hard work every single day. Henggeler also took quite a philosophical approach to her departure. She noted:
“We survived off the crumbs. We filled our cup with the possibility; our mugs with delusion. Our plates were empty, but a golden goose hung over our heads. Today might be the day. Today might be the day I reach the golden goose. 20 plus years of this. I’m hungry.”
Cobra Kai Fans’ Reaction to Henggeler Decision to Quit Acting
“That’s too bad, I thought she was great on CK [Cobra Kai]. Netflix should’ve snapped her up, it’s crazy none of the cast have a new project with Netflix,” Redditor BusinessPurge wrote.
“Good for her. She struggled for two decades and finally got to the point where she can cash out. I’m sure after 20 years she can say she fulfilled her youngerself’s dream and some and now she knows when she’s done. Maybe she’ll produce something or pick up some new craft. Good luck to her,” Redditor ThePopeofHell said.
Courtney Henggeler Is Still Thankful for Her Career
Don't think that Henggeler goes away without mentioning a role that brought her recognition. In fact, she's very aware and thankful for it, writing:
“And I’m considered one of the lucky ones. I was on a series. A successful series. I made money. My face was on the billboards I longed for 20 plus years. I was directed by George Clooney for godsakes. This by all definitions is the golden goose.”
Henggeler worked with George Clooney in the movie titled The Boys in the Boat (2023). However, even that breakthrough wasn't enough to convince Henggeler to stay. She concluded her reflection with questions we can all ask ourselves:
“We sign up for the gauntlets. We run the gauntlet, to prove our worth. To earn our place. To be crowned the power. What if we never needed to run the gauntlet? What if we are the gauntlet?”
