The Many Lives of Jeff Cohen — From Chunk to Courtroom Dealmaker

It’s rare to see a child actor emerge in adulthood with more influence than in their early stardom. Jeff Cohen — born Jeffrey Bertan McMahon on June 25, 1974 — is one such anomaly. Known to millions as “Chunk” in the 1985 cult classic The Goonies, Cohen later swapped Hollywood sets for boardrooms, becoming a quietly powerful entertainment attorney. Today, he stands as a living example of reinvention, with a net worth and career that reflect careful choices and long-term vision.

From Chunk to Courtrooms: The Unexpected Pivot

Jeff Cohen first exploded into public consciousness as Chunk in The Goonies. Though the film turned into a defining 1980s adventure, Cohen’s time in acting was fleeting. According to his profile, his acting career ran from 1983 to 1991. 

As adolescence reshaped him — physically and mentally — the roles dried up. In his own words (in a 2015 reflection), puberty “gave up” on his child-star trajectory. 

But instead of fading into obscurity, Cohen reimagined himself. He enrolled at University of California, Berkeley for his undergraduate studies, later earning a Juris Doctor from UCLA School of Law. 

Notably, his connections from Hollywood played a part: the film’s director at the time, Richard Donner, reportedly offered to help pay for Cohen’s college education — a gesture that left a lasting impression. 

By 2002, Cohen co-founded the law firm Cohen & Gardner, LLP, specializing in entertainment law.

This transition — from child actor to serious legal professional — is not just a change of profession. It’s a reinvention, a reintegration of early fame into mature influence.

Behind the Headlines: What His Net Worth Tells

Estimations place Jeff Cohen’s net worth at around US$4 million. 

This figure may not compare to modern megastar earnings — but in context, it signals stability. His wealth comes not from blockbuster salaries, but from long-term, behind-the-scenes success: legal deals, entertainment contracts, and likely, residual recognition from his early acting days.

More importantly, the $4 million benchmark reflects the value of reinventing oneself. It speaks to the idea that longevity and smart reinvention often trump fleeting fame. Cohen’s journey underscores that for many child stars, a second act — especially one with purpose — can yield lasting impact.

Life Outside the Spotlight: Privacy, Family, and Identity

Cohen was born in Los Angeles to Elaine Cohen. His birth name — Jeffrey Bertan McMahon — was later modified for the screen; he adopted his mother’s maiden name as a professional surname. 

Raised in a Jewish household, he later earned degrees at top institutions — first at Berkeley, then UCLA School of Law.

He also has a sister, Eydie Faye, who herself worked briefly as an actress and playwright. Interestingly, she appears in the final scene of The Goonies as Chunk’s on-screen sister.

Regarding romantic relationships or marriage, Cohen’s public profile remains largely private. Several biographical summaries simply note his “Private” relationship status. 

That discretion seems intentional — perhaps part of a broader effort to recast himself as a serious professional first, and a former child star second.

Why Jeff Cohen’s Story Still Matters

In an industry that often discards child stars as they grow up, Jeff Cohen’s path offers a rare counter-narrative.

• He transformed childhood fame into a solid legal career, leveraging early connections and goodwill for lifelong success.

• He illustrates the power of reinvention: no longer “just a former actor,” he now commands respect in negotiation rooms rather than on red carpets.

• Despite early prominence, he maintains privacy — a conscious choice, contrasting sharply with many of his peers.

His birthdate — June 25, 1974 — remains a marker not just of when he was born, but of how far he’s come. That “birthday” belongs to more than a nostalgic film credit: it belongs to a man who reshaped his identity, quietly built a career, and — in a world obsessed with instant fame — chose endurance over attention.

The Takeaway

Jeff Cohen’s journey — from the chubby, lovable “Chunk” doing the truffle shuffle to a respected entertainment lawyer negotiating high-stakes deals — is more than a biography. It’s a lesson in adaptation, humility, and longevity.

His estimated net worth of $4 million may not make tabloid headlines, but it reflects something more enduring: a deliberate investment in reinvention, sustainability, and professional integrity.

For anyone watching old 1980s movies — or, for that matter, dreaming of a Hollywood start — Cohen’s story offers a rare kind of reassurance. Fame may fade. But real success? That one lasts.