Iconic child star Jonathan Lipnicki shares heartbreaking career update after costarring with Tom Cruise
The beloved child star Jonathan Lipnicki gave a dispiriting update on the status of his career in a new interview.
Lipnicki, 34, is best known for going toe-to-toe with star Tom Cruise in the Oscar-winning blockbuster Jerry Maguire (1996).
'I had some really good things that happened when I was younger,' the former child actor admitted while speaking with People.
But he described a bumpy road to becoming a successful adult actor, even after he recently attempted a career comeback.
'It's totally fine to say I'm not where I want to be career-wise,' he said, adding that he's 'all right' with the state of his career at the moment. 'Everything we're doing in this life is nearly impossible.'
Lipnicki called acting 'the thing I want to do for the rest of my life,' and said, '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.'
Lipnicki followed up his star-making turn in Jerry Maguire with a major supporting parts in Stuart Little (1999) and Stuart Little 2 (2002) — which featured the voice of Michael J. Fox as the eponymous mouse — as well as a role in 2002's Like Mike, among other films.
However, his output in the 2000s slowed to a trickle as he took time off from acting to make high school his primary focus.
Afterward, he devoted himself more seriously to his craft by taking acting classes, which he called the 'best thing' he could have done for his career.
Since honing his acting skills, Lipnicki has largely nabbed roles in small independent films, as opposed to the big-budget, major studio releases that he primarily appeared in as a child.
He also diversified his acting work by starting to take on stage roles around LA, and more recently he has begun working behind the camera as a producer.
He managed to develop an enviable physique in recent years thanks to mixed martial arts (MMA) training, as his family owns a company that promotes MMA fights.
However, he has resisted the temptation to pursue MMA fighting headlong, as acting seems to still be his overriding passion.
He has been wildly prolific since focusing again on acting. He had two films released in 2016, but in 20187 he appeared in a whopping six features and one short film. Since then, he has appeared in just one or two films per year, aside from a fallow period in the first years of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He appeared earlier this year on the TBS comedy series The Joe Schmo Show, in which people are pranked into thinking they're appearing on a reality show — even though it's fake. Lipnicki said he enjoyed playing an ego-driven version of himself; seen on The Joe Schmo Show
Lipnicki said his guest appearance on the TBS revival of The Joe Schmo Show — in which people are misled into believing they are appearing on a fake reality series — has now become one of the things he is most 'proud' of.
He plays himself on the show, but in name only, as his character is a comical, ego-driven version of the former child star.
The actor said the show, which forced him to get outside of his 'comfort zone,' is a 'step in the right direction' for his career.
Although the most in-demand actors tend to be those who are most professional on set, Lipnicki enjoyed getting a chance to be on his 'worst' behavior. 'There was something empowering about that in a weird way.'
The longtime actor told People his career was now 'half-and-half' as an adult, with half of his projects being more forgettable, while he thought the other half were solid films — even though few people have seen them.
Lipnicki was careful to say that he had 'no regrets' about other the films he has appeared in as an adult, but he also admitted that he needed to be 'careful' about what projects he signs on to going forward.
He admitted to turning down around five films he was offered in the past year in order to focus more on quality projects.
'I just really want to turn this ship around,' he admitted.
'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 continued. '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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
12 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Mia Sara, 57, starred with Tom Cruise then was in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, see her now in rare snaps
Mia Sara was a huge movie star in the 1980s. The exotic-looking actress made her big-screen debut opposite Tom Cruise in the fantasy unicorn-seeking adventure Legend in 1985. Then one year later - at the age of 18 - this siren landed a major role in an iconic high school comedy, 1986's Ferris Bueller's Day Off, starring Matthew Broderick. The 57-year-old Hollywood stalwart has continued to work but has rarely been seen. On Monday evening the formerly dark-haired star hit her first red carpet in many years for the premiere of her new movie. She was at The Life Of Chuck screening at Hollywood Legion Theater in Los Angeles with Star Wars veteran Mark Hamill. Born Mia Sarapochiello in Brooklyn, New York, she landed her big break aged 16 with the 1985 fantasy film Legend starring her as a princess and Cruise as a man from the woods. The movie was anchored by Hollywood heavyweights - not just Tom but also director Ridley Scott - and yet turned out to be a flop at the box office. However, one year later, Mia became recognizable all over the country as Sloane Peterson, the girlfriend of mischievous high school senior Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick). Ferris gets his famous day off by pretending to be sick, and manages to get Sloane to join him by feeding the school the fake story that her grandmother has died. Upon its release, Ferris Bueller's Day Off became a thunderous box office success and remains one of the best-loved high school comedies to emerge from Hollywood. Shortly after the movie came out, Mia showered praise on both Cruise and Matthew Broderick, whom she noted 'had much more experience' than she did. 'Tom was dedicated and I learned a lot of good work habits from him. And I respected Matt because I had seen him on Broadway. He was one of my favorites,' she told UPI. In the 1990s she featured in such movies as the Melanie Griffith drama A Stranger Among Us - directed by Sidney Lumet of 12 Angry Men fame - as well as the smash hit Jean-Claude Van Damme action movie Timecop. She continued acting on TV Programs like CSI: NY and movies like Dorothy & The Witches of Oz until 2013, when she took a hiatus that ultimately lasted longer than a decade. As early as 2010, she had remarked that she was 'mostly retired' as she had become a 'mother with a really noisy, difficult house to maintain!' The New York native also noted: 'I'm a poet, so for the last couple of years that's what I've been focusing on,' in an interview with Total Film. Mia now has a daughter named Amelia, 20, by her second and current husband Brian Henson, who is the son of The Muppets creator Jim Henson. She also has a 28-year-old son called Dashiell by her first husband Jason Connery, whose father was none other than James Bond legend Sean Connery. After many years away from the movies, she is back with The Life Of Chuck. Mia features amid a star-studded cast including Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Hamill, Jacob Tremblay, Karen Gillan and Nick Offerman. The movie earned a warm response from the critics when it premiered in September at the Toronto International Film Festival, and will be out in theaters soon.
Daily Mail
12 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Why real-life Baby Reindeer stalker fears she's about to DIE. Brutal twist in Richard Gadd court case as surprise witnesses are revealed and her lawyer gives BARBARA DAVIES heartbreaking update: 'She's the victim'
The truth, as Oscar Wilde once wrote, is rarely pure and never simple. And if evidence were ever needed to back this up, you need look no further than the ongoing saga that is Baby Reindeer, the Netflix drama still proving to be as gripping off screen as it was when it first aired in April 2024.
The Independent
17 minutes ago
- The Independent
The best LGBT+ friendly hotels in New York City for Pride month and beyond
There are more LGBTQ+ people in New York than anywhere else in the United States and whilst that does mean travellers aren't likely to come up against much discrimination, it also means you want to pick the hotel that really makes the most of this vibrant city. The standards are high, so don't settle for anything less. Whether you're after a cosy boutique Art Deco bolthole, somewhere with a lively rooftop bar, a wellness retreat or straight-up luxury, these hotels each offer something special and unique, and are especially good for LGBTQ+ guests. The draws of The Big Apple are obvious, but it can be an exhausting beast to contend with, so the importance of returning to a hotel that you know will feel like a home from home, where you can completely unwind, cannot be overstated. Best LGBT+ Friendly Hotels 2025 At a glance 1. Langham NYC hotel Manhattan Located on the iconic Fifth Avenue, Langham NYC is a true gem of a stay for anyone, but especially LGBT+ couples. Whichever way you look from any of the 157 rooms or 57 suites, you'll see New York's most prominent landmarks. But that's only once you've finished exploring your room – these are some of the largest in New York City and boast expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel has a sleek and sophisticated vibe with neutral grey, chocolate brown and white marble welcoming you into a world of modern luxury. Michael White's Mediterranean hot spot Ai Fiori offers Riviera ambience and cuisine to match. Inclusion and diversity are woven into the understated elegance of Langham, from its Trevor Project partnership, to hosting Unapologetically Pink with OutThere, to TAG accreditation – the hotel has a reputation for going above and beyond to personalise each guest's experience. 2. citizenM New York Times Square hotel Midtown Manhattan citizenM New York Times Square blends chic, modern design with affordable luxury, right in the heart of Manhattan. The smartly designed rooms feature mood lighting and tablet-controlled amenities, making your stay effortless and stylish. The vibrant lobby is more than a check-in area – it's a lively lounge and co-working space that's perfect for meeting new people or simply unwinding. Don't miss the rooftop bar, where you can sip cocktails while soaking up truly stunning city views. It's also worth mentioning that the hotel is home to a new museum of street art and its own library. Known for its inclusive ethos, citizenM collaborates with LGBT+ creatives throughout the year as part of its Founders First initiative to champion inclusivity, and is also a big supporter of Pride with a plethora of events taking place around Pride month each year. 3. Moxy Chelsea hotel Chelsea, Midtown Manhattan Marriott's hip, boutique lifestyle offering has been a hit since launching in 2014, providing a very different offering from many New York hotels. They've done away with the huge lobbies, formalities and rooms packed with storage, in favour of modern minimalism, playful design and great vibes, with smart, multi-purpose furniture. Rising 35 stories, the hotel's industrial facade gives way to lush interiors, with guests welcomed by the charming Starbright Floral Design Residency entrance. Rooms are more compact than many, but with floor-to-ceiling windows and spectacular city views, the value is exceptional. Chelsea's artistic energy flows through the hotel, with attractions such as the High Line, Hudson Yards, and the iconic Chelsea Market just steps away. Recognised by the Gay Travel Awards for its inclusivity, Moxy Chelsea ensures LGBT+ travellers always feel warmly welcomed. In 2022, they developed an official partnership with Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) and became the first-ever hotel to be designated a Safe Space for LGBTQ+ community members. From Bar Feroce's Italian cocktails to the glass-enclosed rooftop Fleur Room, this is lively, modern luxury for the not-so-stuffy modern traveller. 4. Moxy East Village hotel East Village Moxy East Village is an eclectic blend of New York's rebellious past and vibrant present, making it a standout in one of the city's coolest neighbourhoods. This 13-story hotel delivers design-driven spaces with nods to the East Village's punk roots, from graffiti-tagged mirrors to the retro rotary phones in its 286 cleverly arranged rooms (they actually get you through to the front desk too!). Its standout features include The Ready rooftop bar with string lights and panoramic city views, and Cathédrale, an underground French-Mediterranean restaurant boasting a jaw-dropping 26-foot sculpture. Like the Chelsea hotel, it's clever, compact and aimed at a younger crowd. With its lively mix of vinyl records, 80s-inspired decor, and welcoming spaces, Moxy East Village is as diverse as its guests. Visit during Pride, and you'll discover a full 'Moxy's Got Pride' programme, with book swaps, Burlesque Bingo and experience packages. Recognised for its buzzing environment and prime location across from the historic Webster Hall (where 1910s drag queens performed), the Frankie Goes to Hollywood sign, 'Relax, Don't Do It' – with the 'don't' crossed out – sums this gem up perfectly. Address: 112 E 11th St, New York 5. Park Central Hotel NYC Midtown Manhattan Built in the Roaring Twenties, Park Central Hotel NYC captures the unmistakable charm of classic Manhattan. The hotel's storied past includes hosting icons like Mae West and Eleanor Roosevelt. Today, it blends historic elegance with contemporary comfort, offering spacious rooms adorned with sleek wood furniture, marble-topped desks, top-of-the-range TVs, and Simmons Beautyrest beds. There may not be a full-service restaurant, but with a 24/7 high-performance gym, grab-and-go light bites and a vibrant bar, not to mention the ideal location, this is the perfect base in NYC. The hospitality here is renowned and you'll feel welcomed into the retro paradise in classic New York fashion. 6. The Muse New York (Kimpton Hotel) Midtown Manhattan The Muse New York (Kimpton Hotel) offers a boutique retreat amidst the chaotic buzz of Times Square. So relaxed, in fact, that people often mistake it for a spa. This chic haven combines elegant modern decor with playful touches like animal-print robes, all set within spacious, recently renovated rooms. Luxe amenities and spa-inspired bathrooms elevate your stay, while the hotel's whimsical nods to Broadway legends immerse you in New York's timeless allure. The Muse is known for attentive service and, as part of the Kimpton brand, is renowned for its proactive support of LGBT+ initiatives. Steps away from iconic attractions like Rockefeller Center and Broadway's theatres, The Muse places you at the heart of the action while offering a serene escape. So while the city might never sleep, you certainly will. 7. 33 Hotel Seaport Seaport Set amongst the cobbled streets, 33 Seaport Hotel is a luxurious boutique retreat in the heart of Manhattan's historic Seaport District, blending old-world charm with contemporary elegance. Housed in a red-bricked landmark building, this 66-room gem offers a serene escape from the city buzz, just steps from the Brooklyn Bridge and East River, and surrounded by a wealth of speciality stores, cafés, bistros and restaurants. Rooms feature plush textures, marble bathrooms, and natural light, with terrace options for breathtaking views. Expect a 24/7 fitness centre, as well as a flurry of welcoming touches such as complimentary drinks and locally made chocolates. The on-site Urban Cove Society & Kitchen serves modern American cuisine with global influences, while the Alcove Bar offers artisanal cocktails in a stylish setting. Both are revered! The hotel's dedication to inclusivity shines through initiatives such as partnering with LGBTQ+ artist Lisa Marie Thalhammer for a Pride month mural, created with local schoolchildren, celebrating love and community. 8. Nomo Soho hotel Soho A sleek fusion of historic charm and modern luxury, Nomo Soho is a design-forward retreat in one of New York's most vibrant neighbourhoods. Known for its striking blue-lit entrance and industrial-chic aesthetic, this hotel is an influencer's dream. Inside, the loft-inspired rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, plush bedding, and marble bathrooms, creating an upscale yet relaxed vibe. With a prime location near Soho's boutiques, galleries, and bars, Nomo Soho is perfect for those looking to soak up the city's creative energy. The buzzing Nomo Kitchen serves modern American cuisine in a greenhouse-style setting, while the rooftop bar offers panoramic views and a laid-back lounge atmosphere. A longtime favourite among LGBTQ+ travellers, Nomo Soho embraces inclusivity and supports Pride initiatives. Just a short stroll from the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art, this stylish escape blends luxury with a welcoming, artistic spirit. 9. Walker Hotel Greenwich Greenwich Village The West Village isn't known for its luxurious hotels, but this is one of them. Situated on one of the prettiest streets in the area, the boutique Walker Hotel blends Georgian design with bold Art Deco detailing harking back to New York romance – picture draping plants, roaring fireplaces, seductive velvet and shimmering accents. This isn't large-scale corporate luxury, it's a cosier, more homely place where the staff know tonnes about the local area, including the legendary jazz nights; even the lobby is called the 'Poets Room'. Eco-friendly and ethical choices are plentiful, from the coffee served at Society Café to a host of cool local partnerships. Although it does have a small fitness centre, it's not packed with an exhaustive list of features like some luxury NYC stays, but it's a real cosy slice of old-school New York with lovable character, perfectly integrated into one of the city's nicest neighbourhoods. Famously, Greenwich Village was one of the birthplaces of the Gay Rights Movement in 1969, with iconic LGBTQ+ sites like the Stonewall Inn only a stone's throw away. In the past, the hotel has hosted Pride events benefiting LGBTQ+ focused non-profits such as Visual AIDS and created speciality cocktails to honour the community. 10. The William Vale Hotel Williamsburg The gem in the crown that is the blooming Williamsburg area, The William Vale is possibly the finest luxury experience in Brooklyn. Offering a chic blend of luxury, style, and unforgettable facilities, it's adored for its floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies in every room, unbeatable beds and awe-inspiring views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Its rooftop bar, Westlight, serves sweeping skyline vistas alongside craft cocktails, while the Italian-inspired Leuca delights with homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Summer days are best spent lounging by the 60-foot outdoor pool, the longest of its kind in New York City, complete with cabanas, daybeds and poolside dining. There's also a Scandinavian-inspired wellness experience to try, and an ice rink in winter. Surrounded by indie shops, galleries, and buzzing music venues, this architectural wonder has knitted itself nicely into the local area, and they even have a curated Pride playlist. Arrive during Pride month itself, and you can expect a full programme of events including the Vale Cinema Series, showcasing queer cinema favourites, and the incredible Pride pool parties! 11. Warren Street hotel Tribeca, Manhattan Nestled in affluent Tribeca, Warren Street welcomes you into designer Kit Kemp's whimsical world. Turn back the clocks to the 19th century, when the area was a textile hub; this is the inspiration for Kemp's eccentric choices throughout the building. Everything is designed or sourced by her design studio, giving it a unique style, from the buttercup-yellow lobby to art sourced on Kent's travels and custom-made upholstery, interesting, playful colours are everywhere. The 21-foot bronze light sculpture is particularly eye-catching. All 69 rooms are uniquely designed and full of character, which is somewhat unusual for a luxury hotel, but don't be too hard on yourself if you find your eyes drawn to the outside with views of One World Trade Centre and the Hudson. We must mention, too, the superb location for West Village wandering, where you can visit The Stonewall Inn and other special sights. 12. The Pendry hotel Hudson Yards, Manhattan West Pendry Manhattan West brings a laid-back West Coast vibe to Midtown Manhattan with 164 guest rooms and 30 sprawling suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant greenery. The hotel resides in the Manhattan West development, offering guests convenient access to attractions like the High Line, Hudson Yards, and Madison Square Garden. The architectural design stands out with its rippled glass exterior, while interiors create a calm sanctuary with neutral hues and warm lighting reminiscent of LA sunsets. Guests can enjoy Eastern Mediterranean cuisine at Zou Zou's, relax at the dimly lit Bar Pendry, or unwind at the rooftop cocktail lounge Chez Zou. Each room boasts panoramic city views, luxurious Italian linens and unforgettable marble bathrooms. You can even request an in-room Peloton set up, or, alternatively, make the most of the 1,700 square-foot fitness centre. At Pendry, every decision has been made to work towards its aim of 'having everything', and it's difficult to suggest otherwise. Be it special Pride cocktails, charity donations or the Hearts of Pendry initiative, the hotel consistently shows its community support. 13. The Chatwal NYC hotel Midtown Manhattan In the heart of theatre land sits The Chatwal, a hotel that oozes luxury from the beginning of your stay to the end. Housed in a landmark 1905 building once home to the famed Lambs Club, this boutique hotel oozes old-world glamour, celebrating Art Deco throughout its interiors, complete with leather-bound furniture, marble-clad bathrooms, and glittering chandeliers. With just 76 meticulously designed rooms, including themed suites with private terraces, guests enjoy an intimate, personalised experience, including butler service as standard. Steps from Broadway and close to Times Square, Bryant Park and Fifth Avenue, The Chatwal offers the perfect blend of serenity and centrality. Let's not forget the saltwater lap pool, fitness centre and glamorous Lambs Club restaurant. The hotel's commitment to inclusivity shines through with its LGBTQ+ initiatives, including Pride discounts and participation in NYC's Pride parade, ensuring every guest feels welcome. It's a luxurious haven for those seeking theatre, culture and timeless sophistication. Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent 's expert travel writers, each with a deep knowledge of the destinations they cover. Our contributors either live in these locations or visit frequently, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, they consider their own experience staying in the hotels and evaluate location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller. @Sypped.
