From Truffle Shuffle to Torts: The Goonies’ Jeff Cohen Now
Many remember Jeff Cohen as the lovable Chunk, the kid famous for the Truffle Shuffle in the iconic 80s adventure film, The Goonies. But what happened after the quest for One-Eyed Willy’s treasure ended? Cohen embarked on a dramatically different path, transitioning from a celebrated child actor into a respected entertainment lawyer. This exploration delves into the journey of the man behind Chunk, revealing his motivations, challenges, and insights gleaned from swapping Hollywood sets for legal briefs.
Leaving Hollywood Behind: Why Chunk Became a Lawyer
Why trade the silver screen for the courtroom? Cohen candidly explains, “I became a lawyer for the same reason everyone does. I had no discernible skill set or other options!” Joking aside, he clarifies that while unsure about practicing law initially, a legal education held immense appeal. His fascination with the entertainment industry, combined with undergraduate interests in politics and business developed at Berkeley, pointed towards law as a “unique tool” to make an impact in those fields once his path became clearer. The world of The Goonies might seem distant, but the industry understanding gained likely played a role.
From the Set of The Goonies to the Bar Exam
The transition wasn’t without apprehension. Facing the legal world, Cohen admits he “didn’t really know what to expect, but I was definitely afraid. Afraid of losing myself.” He feared being consumed by the “mysterious cabal of law school and law firms and the Bar exam.” This fear of the unknown marked a significant departure from the adventurous spirit seen in The Goonies, highlighting the real-world pressures of building a new career from scratch.
Finding Purpose Beyond Acting
Cohen pinpoints a “little break” as a pivotal moment. Unhappy at a large firm post-law school, with minimal client interaction, a friend—a comic—sought his help negotiating a sitcom writing deal. “It wasn’t a large deal monetarily, but it gave me hope,” Cohen recalls. “It was exciting. I was helping an artist, a human being have more creative freedom, make more money, have a better life.” This experience ignited his passion for advocacy, a fulfillment distinct from his childhood fame from The Goonies. His success grew, leading to recognition by The Hollywood Reporter and Variety in 2008 as a top young executive and dealmaker, affirming he was “on the right track.”
Jeff Cohen, known for playing Chunk in The Goonies, pictured as a successful entertainment lawyer.
Lessons Learned: From Movie Sets to Courtrooms
Success didn’t come without setbacks. Cohen openly discusses failure, stating, “I failed so many times that it’s hard to calculate who wins the gold.” His biggest regret? “Not forgiving myself for previous failures.” As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, mistakes were replayed mentally, a “terrible waste of energy.” He developed a coping mechanism, asking himself: “Was my decision completely irrational?” This helped him realize his choices had a basis in reason at the time, allowing him to move forward. He believes that never failing might mean “you’re probably not trying things that are hard enough.” This resilience, perhaps honed indirectly from navigating the pressures of childhood fame after The Goonies, served him well. He also advocates against lawyers taking themselves too seriously, echoing Peter Ustinov: “It is our responsibilities, not ourselves that we should take seriously.” His legal hero is Abraham Lincoln, admired for his empathy, macro perspective, dignity, and humor amidst adversity.
The Goonies Experience and Legal Empathy
Did his time performing in The Goonies help his legal career? “Absolutely,” Cohen confirms. “Having experience on the talent side makes me a more empathetic advocate for my clients. It’s not merely academic.” This unique perspective, understanding the creative and personal stakes involved, sets him apart. Interestingly, his path to founding his own firm, Cohen Gardner LLP, was somewhat forced: “I was fired from so many jobs, that I figured the only way to stop being fired was to be my own boss.” He advises aspiring firm founders to read Jay Foonberg’s How to Start and Build a Law Practice. He humorously notes that law is his second career, as “Puberty forced me into early retirement from my first one as a child actor.”
Conclusion
Jeff Cohen’s career trajectory is a fascinating example of post-child stardom success, albeit far removed from the spotlight of films like The Goonies. From iconic movie character to accomplished entertainment lawyer, he leveraged his unique background, embraced challenges, and found profound satisfaction in advocating for others within the industry that first made him famous. His journey underscores the importance of self-awareness and resilience, offering valuable insights captured in his advice to law students: ask “What do I want?” and answer with ruthless honesty to build a fulfilling life. The kid who once searched for pirate treasure now navigates the complex world of entertainment law, a testament to his remarkable transformation.
