If you grew up in the 1980s, there’s a good chance you remember Chunk — the Hawaiian shirt, the Truffle Shuffle, the lovable chaos he brought to The Goonies, and the way he made you laugh while cringing all at once. Chunk wasn’t just a comic relief; he was a character whose awkward confidence and unforgettable quirks captured the imagination of an entire generation. Kids everywhere tried the Truffle Shuffle in school hallways, copied his over-the-top gestures, and debated endlessly which of the Goonies was the most daring. Yet behind the character, the story of the actor who brought him to life — Jeff Cohen — is even more compelling and surprisingly inspiring, far beyond what you saw on the screen.
Born Jeffrey Bertan McMahon in 1974, he experienced family upheaval early on when his parents separated. Choosing to adopt “Cohen,” his mother’s maiden name, he carried a piece of his family identity with him into Hollywood. Before the iconic Goonies, he was already dipping his toes into acting, appearing on TV shows such as Child’s Play and Body Language, roles that provided him with early experience navigating cameras, scripts, and the chaotic rhythm of show business. However, it was 1985’s The Goonies that truly cemented his place in pop culture history. Cohen has shared in interviews that filming wasn’t always glamorous — he secretly shot several scenes while covered in chickenpox, enduring the discomfort and itchiness without missing a beat. It was a testament to his dedication, and it’s one of those behind-the-scenes stories that show the unexpected effort behind seemingly effortless charm.
The movie’s success brought instant recognition, but it also coincided with a shift that would change Cohen’s path. Like many child actors, puberty brought unexpected challenges. Roles that once seemed plentiful evaporated almost overnight. “I didn’t give up acting — acting gave me up,” he recalled, reflecting on how the industry’s demands often pivot around age and typecasting. With acting opportunities fading, Cohen turned his focus to other areas of his life. He threw himself into schoolwork, sports, and social life, building a foundation that would later serve him far beyond the screen. His high school years were filled with the normal struggles of adolescence, yet he carried with him the unusual distinction of having been a beloved part of cinematic history. Eventually, he enrolled at UC Berkeley, where he briefly played football and became a notable figure on campus, not for acting, but for his personality, energy, and the stories of his Hollywood past.
Even as Cohen stepped away from acting, mentorship and connection remained a constant. Director Richard Donner, who had shepherded The Goonies, continued to offer guidance and support. He not only encouraged Cohen to explore life outside of performance but even helped fund his college education and introduced him to studio connections and job opportunities. With this foundation, Cohen was able to explore the business and legal side of Hollywood — a world that many child actors never get to see. He pursued higher education seriously, earning degrees from both UC Berkeley and UCLA Law. With an understanding of both performance and business, he eventually co-founded Cohen & Gardner LLP, where he made a name for himself as a prominent entertainment lawyer. His office became a living archive of his journey: photos, memorabilia, and letters from Steven Spielberg, Richard Donner, and other Hollywood legends who had witnessed his evolution from child star to legal professional.
Cohen’s influence came full circle in one particularly celebrated moment when he negotiated a landmark role for his former co-star Ke Huy Quan, who had played Data in The Goonies. Quan’s return to acting in the critically acclaimed Everything Everywhere All at Once led to an Oscar-winning performance, and during his acceptance speech, he took a heartfelt moment to acknowledge Cohen: “My Goonies brother for life.” That simple statement highlighted how deep the bonds formed during childhood projects can run, and how Cohen had leveraged his career knowledge and legal expertise to create opportunities for those he cared about.
Now 51, Jeff Cohen may have stepped away from acting decades ago, but his life story proves that child stardom doesn’t have to be a fleeting memory or a cautionary tale. Instead, Cohen transformed his experiences into an extraordinary career in entertainment law, mentorship, and advocacy — carving out a space where his legacy isn’t just about a goofy character in a Hawaiian shirt, but about resilience, reinvention, and the power of maintaining meaningful connections. His journey reminds us that fame may fade, but skill, dedication, and the right relationships can turn early success into a lifelong story of accomplishment and impact. From a boy doing the Truffle Shuffle in front of a camera to a respected lawyer shaping Hollywood opportunities behind the scenes, Jeff Cohen’s life demonstrates that rewriting your story is possible at any stage — and sometimes the most enduring roles aren’t played on screen, but in the real world.