Jeff Cohen: From “Chunk” to Hollywood Power Player

If you grew up quoting “Truffle Shuffle,” get ready for a twist — Chunk from The Goonies didn’t vanish from Hollywood. Jeff Cohen, who stole hearts in 1985 with his mischievous grin, reinvented himself as one of Hollywood’s top entertainment lawyers.

Gone are the milkshake days — today, Cohen is known for sharp suits and sharper deals. After The Goonies, 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.

A life-changing gesture helped him along the way. Director Richard Donner, moved by Cohen’s determination, not only wrote him a college recommendation but also helped him financially — a Hollywood kindness that launched a second act.

In 2002, Cohen co-founded Cohen Gardner LLP, a Beverly Hills firm specializing in entertainment, media, and tech. His deep understanding of show business made him indispensable. Variety and The Hollywood Reporter have both honored him as one of the industry’s top dealmakers.

At the 2023 Oscars, Cohen had a full-circle moment when his Goonies co-star Ke Huy Quan won Best Supporting Actor. Quan thanked his “Goonies brother for life,” revealing Cohen had negotiated his comeback deal — a reunion decades in the making.

Beyond law, Cohen shares his insights through his book The Dealmaker’s Ten Commandments, offering practical advice on negotiation and leadership drawn from Hollywood’s toughest rooms.

Yes, he looks different now — fit, confident, and polished — but the real transformation lies in how he turned child-star fame into lasting influence.

Jeff Cohen’s story proves you can outgrow your first act. He didn’t get left behind; he rewrote the script — from Chunk to champion, on his own terms.