Teen Star Mia Sara Switched Careers after Divorcing Sean Connery's Son & Marrying a Puppeteer

Actress Mia Sara rose to fame in Hollywood thanks to roles in star-studded films early on in her career. However, after starting a family, she changed her life around and is happier than ever—out of the spotlight.

Mia Sarapochiello, who shortened her surname to Sara during her teenage years, started in the media and entertainment industry at a young age.

Doing commercials and later landing significant roles, the star knew her surname wasn't American mainstream. She ditched the last part of her family moniker, and the new version stuck with the Italian-American actress ever since.

Actress Mia Sara starring in a scene from the film 'Timecop', circa 1994. | Source: Getty Images

Sara's road to unmissable stardom started when she was just 18, starring alongside the likes of Tom Cruise in "Legend" and Matthew Broderick in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."

Her first two appearances on the silver screen were leading roles, and she secured them with no training. She also revealed the best acting advice she received from former director Ridley Scott.

The actress stated: "Play dumb, do as much as you can, and don't stop until someone says you have to"— words that undoubtedly motivated Sara and led to her prominence in the industry.

Stars Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, and Alan Ruck posing for a publicity portrait to promote 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' circa 1986. | Source: Getty Images

SARA'S MARRIAGE TO SEAN CONNERY'S SON

Sara found love with a man who had Hollywood in his blood, Jason Connery. He was the son of Sean Connery, famous for playing James Bond.

Jason also dabbled in acting for projects like "Macbeth" and voice work for the "Mary-Kate and Ashley in Action" animation series in the early 2000s. He wed Sara in 1996, and the couple enjoyed six years of marriage before calling it quits.

Mia Sara and Jason Connery arriving at the LA premiere of Willard Carroll's 'Playing by Heart,' circa 1998. | Source: Getty Images

The couple's union produced one son, Dashiell Quinn Connery. Born in 1997, he is known for inheriting his grandad's good looks.

Sara's son has starred in various projects, including "Pandemic" (2009), "Tommy's Honour" (2016), and "Clowning" (2022). Thanks to his natural talent and family connections, the sky is the limit for Dashiell.

SARA WED A PUPPETEER AND ADDED TO HER FAMILY AGAIN

In 1996, Sara met a man who would change her life after an unsuccessful audition. She lost out on a part for "Labyrinth" but made the acquaintance of Brian Henson, a director, producer, and puppeteer.

Brian's dad, Jim Henson, became a household name after creating the beloved "Muppets." Sara and Brian didn't start a romantic relationship for many years, but once they did, things progressed quickly.

Sara welcomed a daughter with Brian in 2005, and the pair tied the knot in 2010. It marked the second time the actress married into a famous family.

After the birth of their little girl, Amelia, Sara made a bold decision. She put her family first and moved away from Hollywood life.

"I was a very unhappy actress. It was something I felt I could do, and I needed to work, and I got lucky at the get go, however I was never going to be the kind of actress I admire ..."

Along with her two kids and husband, the former actress retreated to New York and Los Angeles, building their dream family home in Hollywood Hills.

SARA DOESN'T LIKE WATCHING HER OLD MOVIES WITH HER KIDS

The family enjoyed spending time together, but Sara revealed that she hated watching her old movies with her kids. She specifically highlighted the film that made her a household name, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."

"There was this year that every one of my son's friends saw the movie, and it was horrifying for him and very embarrassing and now it's happening with my daughter! I think it's embarrassing."

THE STAR-STUDDED ACTRESS WALKED AWAY FROM THE SPOTLIGHT

Sara's spouse was still an active member in the entertainment industry, directing and producing various projects. Brian contributed to "The Happytime Murders," "Dinosaur Train," "The Star," and "Labyrinth."

While Sara no longer worked in Hollywood, her creative juices didn't stop flowing. After decades on the screen, she transitioned into a career that was her true passion—writing.

"After twenty-five exhausting years as a film and television actress. I took up writing as a way to survive night shoots. It sort of worked. Now it’s words that keep me up all night."

Sara carved an impressive career in the world of words and poetry, and her work has been featured in Helix, Superstition Review, and The South Hampton Review. Her book "Mid-life with Gorilla" was also released in 2014.

The former actress is happy with her life away from the spotlight. She revealed that people don't always recognize her anymore, and if they do, they can't remember how they know her.

She added that many onlookers think they went to high school with her, and Sara penned a poem called "Not Your High School Girlfriend" in retaliation to this occurrence.

SARA'S NEW LIFE AND THE PURPOSE BEHIND HER POETRY

While many people still see Sara as Sloane Peterson from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," the actress-turned-writer follows an entirely new path.

The mother of two is active online, sharing her work on various platforms and often engaging with fans. Her website showcases her impressive amount of publications and aptly encapsulates Sara's transformed life.

It states: "Mia Sara used to be an actress but recovered her senses, and now she writes." The star, who always shared candidly about her shyness, also described herself in a few words: "introverted, neurotic, and honest."

Despite her introversion and introspective nature, Sara is an excellent communicator. She outlined the purpose behind her poetry, and her objectives were simple.

Sara hoped her words would make people feel better. She noted:

"If you’re in distress and looking to literature, it’s much easier to read a poem than a book."

As a self-professed "word person," the former Hollywood actress is happier than ever, writing about valued topics. She focuses on themes related to getting older and enjoys writing about her kids. Mia Sara, the poet, is worlds away from Mia Sara, the actress. However, both sides developed Sara into the phenomenal woman she is now—a mother, a writer, and forever a star.

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