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‘Not where I want to be’: Beloved ’90s child star’s career admission

May 8, 2025

Former child star Jonathan Lipnicki has opened up about his career since his star turn in ’90s movies Jerry Maguire and Stuart Little.

Lipnicki was five when he starred alongside Tom Cruise and Renee Zellweger in 1996 hit Jerry Maguire, playing Ray Boyd and eight when he was cast in 1999 movie Stuart Little.

He also scored roles in The Little Vampire in 2000 and Like Mike in 2002. He also appeared in iconic TV series Dawson’s Creek.

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However, the transition from child star to older actor has been a tough one for him, the now 34-year-old says.

“I had some really good things that happened when I was younger,” he tells People magazine in a new interview.

“It’s totally fine to say I’m not where I want to be career-wise,” he continued, adding that he’s “all right” with that for now.

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“Everything we’re doing in this life is nearly impossible.”

He said acting is “the thing I want to do for the rest of my life”.

“I think you just have to believe it’s going to happen and do everything in your power to take action in the right direction.”

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Lipnicki said he stepped back from his acting career during high school and attended acting classes, which he says is the “best thing” he’s done.

He then appeared in some independent films but hasn’t managed to recreate his earlier success, although he said it’s about waiting for the right role, not a lack of opportunities.

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“To be quite honest, I said no to about five movies in the last year,” he said, adding that he “just really want to turn this ship around”.

“And I pray every night for clarity on where I need to go, and I’m confident the best is yet to come for me,” Lipnicki said.

“And I think you just have to believe that. If you’re going to pursue this, you’re doing yourself a disservice not to dream big.”

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Lipnicki’s latest project is The Joe Schmo Show on TBS which involves convincing people they are starring in a reality show.

In this, he plays a fictionalised version of himself, which he admits he found challenging.

Lipnicki is also working in a producer and is one of a team of people who produced the film Dog Years via production company Buffalo 8.

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