Cobra Kai's Courtney Henggeler Says Goodbye To Acting After 20 Years

After two decades in the industry—and a standout run as Amanda LaRusso in Cobra Kai—Courtney Henggeler is officially closing the curtain on her acting career. In a candid Substack post published March 30, the actress opened up about her decision to step away, and it’s sparking some real talk about burnout in Hollywood.

“I no longer wanted to be a cog in the wheel of the machine,” she wrote. “I wanted to be the machine.” That kind of mic-drop moment comes after years of grinding: early one-liners (House, anyone?), bit parts (The Big Bang Theory), and finally, mainstream success with Cobra Kai and a role in George Clooney’s The Boys in the Boat. But even with momentum on her side, the hustle never let up—and Henggeler’s done playing along.

Behind the Glamour, There’s Burnout

Henggeler’s story isn’t unique, and that’s what makes it hit hard. With the TV landscape shrinking post-2023 strikes and roles becoming harder to secure (especially for mid-tier talent), the industry is feeling more like a pressure cooker than a dream factory. Pay ceilings, fewer creative opportunities, and the constant pressure to stay relevant all play into it.

She’s not the only one stepping off the Hollywood hamster wheel—actors like Dylan Minnette have also walked away, citing mental exhaustion and a desire for more control over their lives and creativity. Henggeler’s goodbye may mark the end of a chapter, but it also highlights a growing shift: one where artists are choosing peace of mind over red carpets. And honestly? That’s a plot twist we can get behind.