What Happened to Danny Lloyd, the Actor Who Played Danny Torrance in The Shining?

What Became of Danny Torrance, the Actor Behind The Shining’s Young Star?

There’s a long history of unsettling child characters in horror, with the eerie twins in The Shining and young Danny Torrance standing out as some of the most iconic. While Lisa and Louise Burns portrayed the haunting twins, Danny Lloyd was just six years old when he stepped into the role of Danny. The Shining, originally derived from Stephen King’s 1977 novel, has cemented its place as a classic in horror cinema over the years. Although both sets of child actors achieved a measure of lasting fame, what happened to Danny Lloyd after his pivotal role?

The Burns twins pursued diverse paths post-acting. Louise attempted to enter London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts but was deemed overqualified due to her previous film work. She subsequently became a scientist, while her sister took a different route and became a lawyer. Despite the twins’ limited screen time, they carved out successful second careers. In contrast, Danny Lloyd’s journey took a different turn.

After his role in The Shining, Lloyd faded into the background of Hollywood, choosing to abandon acting at the age of 13 to embrace a more conventional lifestyle. In an interview, he described his film experience as positive, noting that he was shielded from the horror elements during production. His introduction to acting was almost accidental, as Lloyd’s father submitted his name to a casting call that humorously requested “no prior acting experience necessary.”

While he briefly entertained the idea of continuing his acting career, Lloyd didn’t find the level of success he had hoped for after The Shining. Instead, he worked various jobs, including farm work, to fund his education. Eventually, he became a biology professor at a community college in Kentucky, marking a significant departure from his childhood fame.

Yet, Lloyd’s connection to The Shining didn’t entirely end there. He made a cameo in the sequel, Doctor Sleep, where Ewan McGregor took on the role of the adult Danny Torrance. Filmmaker Mike Flanagan contacted Lloyd through Twitter, inviting him to participate in the new film. Lloyd agreed, appearing in a fleeting scene at a baseball game, commenting on the action. While he may not resemble the frightened child from the original film, it was heartening to see him healthy and in good spirits, far removed from his character’s haunting past.

It’s not uncommon for former child stars to lead ordinary lives, but discovering that your biology professor played the iconic role of Danny Torrance? Now that’s a chilling revelation.