What Happened to Mia Sara? Why Did Mia Sara Retire? Where is Mia Sara Now?
by Harini
Updated Aug 17, 2023
What Happened to Mia Sara?
After embracing motherhood, Mia Sara underwent a remarkable career transition that shifted her focus from acting to a newfound passion for writing. With motherhood taking precedence in her life, she decided to step away from the acting spotlight. However, this shift didn't lead her towards idleness; instead, it marked the beginning of a second career that also became her creative outlet.
In 2016, a significant milestone came when Barrelhouse welcomed Mia Sara as a contributing columnist. This move showcased her writing prowess, drawing attention to her poetry that had already graced the pages of numerous magazines. Sara shared that her motivation for writing poetry stemmed from a desire to provide solace and comfort to others. She noted that in times of distress, turning to literature, particularly poems, could provide a more accessible way to find solace compared to delving into a full-length book. She also disclosed her penchant for writing about her children and the experiences that come with age.
Her journey into writing was not just a new chapter; it was a continuation of her artistic exploration. In her biography on the electronic poetry journal Mudlark, Mia Sara revealed that her initial foray into writing was a strategy to navigate the challenges of night shoots during her acting career. The transformation from acting to writing seemed to have a profound impact, as she described how words now occupied her thoughts throughout the night.
Mia Sara's transition to writing found expression on her Instagram account, aptly named @miasarawrites. There, she not only shared glimpses of her poetry but also posted pictures of her grown children. Her official website succinctly encapsulated her journey, declaring, "Mia Sara used to be an actress, but recovered her senses and now she writes." This declaration encapsulated her newfound purpose and her commitment to her evolving creative path.
Why Did Mia Sara Retire?
Mia Sara, the acclaimed actress renowned for her role as Sloane Peterson in the 1986 film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," embarked on a noteworthy shift in her career trajectory that led her away from acting and towards the realm of writing.
This transformation was driven by a confluence of factors, including her personal experiences, evolving passions, and a desire for self-expression.
Born on June 19, 1967, in Brooklyn Heights, New York, Mia Sara initiated her acting journey under the mentorship of the esteemed acting teacher Roy London.
Her career took flight with an appearance on the soap opera "All My Children" in 1983, followed by a pivotal role as Princess Lili in Ridley Scott's 1985 fantasy film "Legend."
However, Sara's most enduring imprint on popular culture came with her portrayal of Sloane Peterson in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." This iconic role, directed by John Hughes, catapulted her into the limelight and endeared her to audiences across generations.
Despite the acclaim and recognition that accompanied her performances, Mia Sara's journey in the world of acting was characterized by a growing sense of unease and disillusionment. In interviews, she has candidly expressed that the demands and dynamics of the industry did not align with her aspirations and temperament.
Her experiences on set, the challenges of fame, and the expectations placed upon her as an actress led her to question her place within the profession.
In the wake of her introspection and a desire for a more authentic outlet, Mia Sara found solace and fulfillment in writing.
This transition, while unexpected, allowed her to channel her creativity, emotions, and thoughts in a deeply personal manner. Writing provided Sara with a means to explore her inner landscape, engage in self-reflection, and communicate her experiences on her own terms.
As Sara delved into the world of writing, she found herself making a mark in the literary realm. Her works, including poetry and stories, have been featured in esteemed publications such as Pank Magazine, Summerset Review, Helix, and The Write Room. Her ability to evoke emotions and articulate her perspective resonated with readers, further validating her decision to pivot from acting to writing.
Mia Sara's retirement from acting and subsequent career as a writer afforded her a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment. Writing became a tool for introspection, healing, and sharing her unique narrative.
Through her compositions, she uncovered a creative outlet that allowed her to communicate her thoughts and emotions authentically, free from the constraints of the acting industry.
Mia Sara's decision to retire from acting and embrace writing was driven by a complex interplay of personal experiences, inner reflections, and a quest for genuine self-expression. While her cinematic roles remain iconic, her journey into the realm of writing showcases her resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of a path that aligns more closely with her authentic self.
Where is Mia Sara Now?
Presently, Mia Sara resides between New York City and Los Angeles, sharing her life with her husband, Brian Henson, and their children. Brian Henson, the son of Jim Henson, has contributed significantly to the creative landscape.
Sara's retreat from acting has paved the way for her to immerse herself in family life and her burgeoning writing career.
Mia Sara remains an active participant in the world of social media, utilizing platforms such as Instagram to share glimpses into her life. Under the handle @miasarawrites, she extends her creative reach by regularly posting about her family and, fittingly, her written works.
Her social media presence provides an avenue for her to connect with her audience and offers a window into her evolving journey beyond acting.
Mia Sara's transition from acting to writing represents a profound shift in her career trajectory. As she embraces a life characterized by introspection, family, and literary expression, she exemplifies the possibilities of creative reinvention. Sara's legacy extends beyond her iconic screen presence, serving as an inspiration to those who seek new avenues of self-discovery and artistic fulfillment.
Mia Sara Career
Mia Sara's career unfolded with a notable debut as Princess Lili in Ridley Scott's enchanting 1985 fairy-tale production, "Legend," where she shared the screen with Tom Cruise. However, it was her portrayal of Sloane Peterson, Ferris Bueller's girlfriend in the 1986 blockbuster "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," that truly propelled her to heightened recognition and popularity.
Sara's versatility continued to shine as she embraced diverse roles. She featured in the 1987 miniseries "Queenie," which took inspiration from the life of actress Merle Oberon, providing another layer to her acting repertoire. In 1992, she appeared in "A Stranger Among Us," directed by Sidney Lumet, showcasing her ability to engage in a range of cinematic narratives.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1994 when she shared the screen with Jean-Claude Van Damme in the widely acclaimed "Timecop," a cinematic triumph that earned her the esteemed Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her prowess was further demonstrated in her role as Molly Connor in "The Impossible Elephant" (2001).
Transitioning to the small screen, Sara extended her talents to television. Notably, she portrayed Annie Knox in the science fiction series "Time Trax" (1993–94) and ventured into the world of DC Comics as Dr. Harleen Quinzel in the WB Network series "Birds of Prey" (2002–03), revealing her capacity to inhabit multifaceted characters across various mediums.
Mia Sara's journey encompassed both silver screen success and television versatility, exemplifying her adeptness at embracing an array of roles and narratives.
Mia Sara's Marital and Parental Journey
In March 1996, Mia Sara tied the knot with Jason Connery, who happens to be the son of the famous Sean Connery. Their paths had crossed during their work on "Bullet to Beijing." Their union brought about the birth of a son named Dashiell Quinn Connery in June 1997. However, their journey together as a couple concluded with a divorce in 2002.
Fast forward to 2005, Mia Sara embraced motherhood once again, this time welcoming a daughter named Amelia Jane Henson. The father of her daughter is Brian Henson, the son of Jim Henson, renowned for creating the Muppets. In 2010, Mia Sara and Brian Henson exchanged their vows, formalizing their commitment to each other and to their growing family.
About Mia Sara
Born on June 19, 1967, under the name Mia Sarapochiello, the renowned figure now recognized as Mia Sara embarked on a distinguished career as an American actress.
With a notable film debut as Princess Lili in the fantasy masterpiece "Legend" (1985), Sara's talent soon catapulted her into the limelight.
Her breakthrough role arrived in the form of Sloane Peterson in the beloved comedy "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986).
Further solidifying her diverse abilities, she also took on the role of Melissa Walker in the science fiction gem "Timecop" (1994), a performance that earned her the esteemed Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Specification
Details
Name
Mia Sara
Born
June 19, 1967 (age 56)
Birth Place
Brooklyn Heights, New York, U.S.
Education
Saint Ann's School
Occupation
Actress
Years active
1985–2013
Spouses
Jason Connery (m. 1996; div. 2002)
Brian Henson (married since 2010)
Children
2
What Happened to Mia Sara: FAQs
Embracing motherhood prompted Mia Sara's shift from acting to a newfound passion for writing, as she sought a creative outlet aligned with her evolving priorities.
In 2016, Mia Sara became a contributing columnist for Barrelhouse, showcasing her writing talents and sharing her motivation for writing poetry—to offer solace and comfort during times of distress.
Mia Sara retired due to a combination of factors, including her dissatisfaction with the acting process and a desire to explore other creative avenues that aligned better with her true aspirations.
Following her acting career, Mia Sara embarked on a writing journey, living between New York City and Los Angeles with her husband Brian Henson and their children. She actively shares her life, family, and written works on social media.
Mia Sara's career showcased her versatility, from her debut as Princess Lili in "Legend" (1985) to her iconic role as Sloane Peterson in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (1986) and her award-winning performance in "Timecop" (1994). She also engaged in TV roles, including "Time Trax" and "Birds of Prey."