Courtney Henggeler, the beloved actress known for her role as Amanda LaRusso in Cobra Kai, has announced her retirement from acting after more than two decades in the entertainment business. In a candid post shared on her Substack and Instagram, Courtney reflected on her long journey and the personal decision to step away from the industry.
A Journey of Hustle and Dedication
Courtney’s career in acting has been marked by both highs and lows, with a constant “hustle” that defined much of her professional life. While she is best known for her work on Cobra Kai, Courtney’s acting journey spanned many years, including roles in Jane the Virgin, Bones, NCIS, Criminal Minds, and The Big Bang Theory. Despite her success in these roles, she admits that much of her career was not about the art of acting itself but rather the grind of trying to make a name for herself in a competitive industry.
“All I’ve ever known in my professional life was acting. But not even the art or craft of acting. All I’ve truly ever knew was the hustle,” she wrote. Her time on various television shows and films was filled with moments of uncertainty, where even landing a line or two in House or getting a recurring role on a show often didn’t lead to the kind of stability she hoped for.
Reflecting on the Golden Goose
Courtney’s breakthrough role in Cobra Kai brought her more visibility and success than she had ever imagined. She recalls how the constant hope of “today might be the day” kept her going through the challenging years. But even with the success of the show, something was still missing. Cobra Kai marked a milestone in her career, with her face on billboards, working with George Clooney, and being part of a show many admired. However, she still found herself questioning the true meaning of it all.
Despite the external achievements, the internal toll began to outweigh the rewards. Courtney explained that for years she ignored the voice inside her head urging her to step away from the industry. The acting itself was never the issue, but the mental and emotional exhaustion from the constant demands of the business became overwhelming.
The Power of Choosing to Walk Away
In her heartfelt post, Courtney shared how her decision to retire was not a sign of failure but a powerful choice to take control of her own life. “What if we choose to believe we have the power? What if we had it all along?” she asked, reflecting on the strength that comes with trusting one’s own path. Her decision to “tap out” was an act of self-empowerment, a declaration that she no longer wanted to be part of the exhausting cycle that the entertainment industry often demands.
Courtney Henggeler’s retirement marks the end of an era for her fans, but it’s also a new beginning. After two decades of dedication, hustle, and struggle, Courtney is choosing a different direction—one where she can focus on what truly matters to her, without the pressures of a demanding industry.
Her post is a reminder to all of us that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is step away, trust ourselves, and choose a path that brings us true fulfillment.
