Jeff Cohen’s story is the kind of Hollywood tale that doesn’t fit neatly on a marquee.
At first glance, it’s the familiar story of a beloved child star: a breakout role, unforgettable moments, and early fame. But the journey behind Chunk — the Hawaiian-shirted, Truffle-Shuffling icon from The Goonies — is a lesson in resilience, reinvention, and unexpected triumph.
Behind the Scenes of a Childhood Icon
Born Jeffrey Bertan McMahon on June 25, 1974, in Los Angeles, Cohen experienced major family shifts early in life. After his parents separated, he adopted his mother’s maiden name, “Cohen,” as his stage surname. His first television appearances came in the early 1980s, including Child’s Play and the game show Body Language.
Then came The Goonies. With Richard Donner directing and Steven Spielberg producing, the 1985 adventure-comedy captured imaginations. Cohen’s performance as Chunk — boundless energy, impeccable comedic timing, and that unforgettable Truffle Shuffle — turned him into a household name.
A behind-the-scenes tidbit reveals just how committed he was: Cohen had chickenpox during filming but showed up anyway, fearful of being replaced. Sharp-eyed viewers can spot the marks on his chest in the iconic scene. Donner later praised Cohen’s authenticity, noting he wasn’t acting so much as simply being himself.
Cohen joked later about the casting process:
“There were basically about four fat kids in town, so anytime there was a fat kid role, you saw the same people at every audition. It was survival of the fattest.”
Acting Gave Him Up
The harsh reality of child stardom struck during puberty. As Cohen transitioned from Chunk to adolescence, roles vanished.
“It was terrible. My first love was acting, but puberty had other ideas. It was a forced retirement. I didn’t give up acting. Acting gave me up,” he recalled.
With his acting career effectively over, he turned his attention to school, sports, and discovering life beyond Hollywood fame. At UC Berkeley, he joined the football team, endured hazing, and even became the school’s mic man — performing the Truffle Shuffle once to a cheering crowd.
Mentorship That Changed a Life
Throughout his career, Richard Donner remained a guiding force. Beyond his belief in Cohen as an actor, Donner helped him secure college recommendations, paid for his education, and connected him to behind-the-scenes work in film.
“Hey kid, what do you want to do?” Donner asked on set.
“I want to be an actor,” Cohen replied.
“That’s stupid. You’re not going to be an actor. You’ve got to know about the business,” Donner replied.
That tough love set the stage for Cohen’s next act.
From Child Star to Entertainment Attorney
Cohen earned a business degree at UC Berkeley, a law degree from UCLA, and eventually co-founded Cohen & Gardner LLP.
He became a respected Hollywood attorney, landing a spot on Variety’s Dealmakers List and recognition from The Hollywood Reporter.
Even in law, Cohen’s past and present intersected: he negotiated deals for Ke Huy Quan, his Goonies co-star, in Everything Everywhere All at Once, helping Quan land the Oscar-winning role. His office pays homage to his childhood: Spielberg’s signed E.T. poster reads, “To Jeff (Chunk) Cohen, you are my favorite Goonie,” and a Richard Donner Superman poster notes, “With you, anyone can fly.”
Cohen embraces his past humorously:
“I’m pretty good at exercising and watching my diet because I know I could slide back into Chunk. But I’m very proud that I was a professional fat person. Anyone can be an amateur, but who can be a pro?”
Conclusion
Jeff Cohen’s life is proof that transformation isn’t only measured on-screen. From iconic child star to respected entertainment attorney, he navigated the pitfalls of Hollywood, the challenges of adolescence, and the pressures of fame with resilience, wit, and humility. Today, he continues to help others succeed while proudly carrying the legacy of Chunk. Sometimes, the most extraordinary stories happen off-camera — in lives rebuilt with determination, mentorship, and a dash of Hollywood magic.