Jeff Cohen: From \u201cChunk\u201d to Hollywood Power Player<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you grew up quoting \u201cTruffle Shuffle,\u201d get ready for a twist \u2014 Chunk<\/em> from The Goonies<\/em> didn\u2019t vanish from Hollywood. Jeff Cohen, who stole hearts in 1985 with his mischievous grin, reinvented himself as one of Hollywood\u2019s top entertainment lawyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gone are the milkshake days \u2014 today, Cohen is known for sharp suits and sharper deals. After The Goonies<\/em>, acting roles faded, but he pivoted with purpose. He studied business at UC Berkeley, became president of the student body, and later earned a law degree from UCLA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A life-changing gesture helped him along the way. Director Richard Donner, moved by Cohen\u2019s determination, not only wrote him a college recommendation but also helped him financially \u2014 a Hollywood kindness that launched a second act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2002, Cohen co-founded Cohen Gardner LLP<\/em>, a Beverly Hills firm specializing in entertainment, media, and tech. His deep understanding of show business made him indispensable. Variety<\/em> and The Hollywood Reporter<\/em> have both honored him as one of the industry\u2019s top dealmakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the 2023 Oscars, Cohen had a full-circle moment when his Goonies<\/em> co-star Ke Huy Quan won Best Supporting Actor. Quan thanked his \u201cGoonies brother for life,\u201d revealing Cohen had negotiated his comeback deal \u2014 a reunion decades in the making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond law, Cohen shares his insights through his book The Dealmaker\u2019s Ten Commandments<\/em>, offering practical advice on negotiation and leadership drawn from Hollywood\u2019s toughest rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, he looks different now \u2014 fit, confident, and polished \u2014 but the real transformation lies in how he turned child-star fame into lasting influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jeff Cohen\u2019s story proves you can outgrow your first act. He didn\u2019t get left behind; he rewrote the script \u2014 from Chunk<\/em> to champion, on his own terms.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Jeff Cohen: From \u201cChunk\u201d to Hollywood Power Player If you grew up quoting \u201cTruffle Shuffle,\u201d get ready for a twist \u2014 Chunk from The Goonies didn\u2019t vanish from Hollywood. Jeff Cohen, who stole hearts in 1985 with his mischievous grin, reinvented himself as one of Hollywood\u2019s top entertainment lawyers. Gone are the milkshake days \u2014 today, Cohen is known…<\/p>\n