Barret Oliver: The Child Star of the 80s
Do you recall the adorable Bastian from “The Neverending Story”? Or perhaps the titular character in “D.A.R.Y.L.”? Maybe you remember him from “Cocoon”? It seemed like Barret Oliver was the go-to child actor for any film in the 80s that needed a young boy between the ages of 7 and 10. He was the quintessential child star of that era, with his innocent charm and undeniable talent. However, as soon as he hit puberty and appeared in “Cocoon II: The Return,” his acting career came to an abrupt halt. Hollywood can be a cruel and unforgiving place, but we’ll always have the iconic “Call my name!” scene from “The Neverending Story” to remember him by. Back then, Oliver was an endearing presence on the big screen, as cute as a button.
Life After Acting: What Happened to Barret Oliver?
So, what became of the once-cherubic child actor? The most recent information available dates back to 2008, with anything more recent remaining a mystery. However, here are some intriguing facts about his life post-Hollywood.
In 1988 or 1989, Barret Oliver became a member of the Church of Scientology. In 1989, he was asked by Paul Bartel to take on the role of Willie Saravian in “Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills.” This role marked a departure for Oliver, as he portrayed a troubled teenager with sexual fantasies. This would become his last known acting role as of early April 2008.
As of early April 2008, Oliver had transitioned to a career in photography, working as a teacher of photography classes in Los Angeles. He was also one of the 10 featured emerging photographers in the 2007 Silverstein Photography Annual (SPA).
Oliver authored the book “A History of the Woodburytype.” Woodburytypes are created using a 19th-century photo-mechanical process.
It’s fascinating to see how Barret Oliver’s life has evolved since his days as a child star. Although he may still have a somewhat goofy appearance, his accomplishments in the world of photography are nothing to scoff at. And who could ever forget this unforgettable scene from “The Neverending Story”?
