Ricky Schroder is a name that has been prominent in Hollywood for decades, first capturing hearts as a child actor and then transitioning into a diverse career spanning acting, directing, and producing. While many remember him from his roles in Silver Spoons and The Champ, Ricky Schroder has continued to engage in various professional and personal pursuits. But, what is Ricky Schroder doing now? This article will delve into his current endeavors, life outside the spotlight, and future plans.
Ricky Schroder’s Early Career
Ricky Schroder became a household name when he starred as a child actor in the 1979 film The Champ. His performance earned him the Golden Globe Award for Best New Star of the Year. Following this, Schroder took on the iconic role of Ricky Stratton in the 1980s sitcom Silver Spoons, further cementing his status as a child star.
Highlights of Schroder’s Early Career
| Year | Project | Role | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | The Champ | T.J. Flynn | Golden Globe-winning performance |
| 1982-1987 | Silver Spoons | Ricky Stratton | Role in a popular family sitcom |
| 1989 | Lonesome Dove | Newt Dobbs | First significant adult role |
Transition to Adult Roles
After his initial success as a child actor, Ricky Schroder faced the challenge of transitioning into adult roles. In the late 1980s and 1990s, Schroder took on a variety of roles that demonstrated his versatility as an actor.
Some of his most notable roles during this time include:
- Lonesome Dove (1989), where he played the character of Newt Dobbs, showcasing his ability to take on mature, dramatic roles.
- NYPD Blue (1998-2001), where he took on the role of Detective Danny Sorenson, bringing depth and intensity to the police procedural series.
What is Ricky Schroder Doing Now?
So, what is Ricky Schroder doing now? Since stepping away from regular TV roles, Schroder has explored different avenues, including directing, producing, and even activism. Here are some of the key areas he is focusing on in 2024:
Current Acting and Producing Projects
Although Schroder has been less visible in mainstream television and movies, he continues to work behind the scenes in Hollywood. He has taken on smaller roles and has produced several independent films. His work as a producer on the The Fighting Season (2015) — a documentary series about U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan — received critical acclaim for its raw and authentic portrayal of military life.
Directing and Creative Work
Schroder has also been exploring his passion for directing. His most notable directorial work includes the HellHounds documentary (2020), which examines the training of elite K9 units. This foray into documentary filmmaking reflects his interest in real-world stories and his ability to bring them to life on screen.
Activism and Personal Life
In addition to his entertainment career, Schroder has been vocal about his personal beliefs and activism. Recently, he has been involved in supporting causes related to veteran affairs and U.S. history. He has also been active on social media, where he shares his thoughts on current events and political issues.
Ricky Schroder’s Personal Life
While Ricky Schroder remains engaged in various professional endeavors, his personal life has also seen significant developments. After his marriage to Andrea Bernard ended in 2016, Schroder has kept his personal life relatively private. However, his four children remain a priority, and he has often expressed his desire to focus on family life.
Personal Life Events
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Married Andrea Bernard | Long-term marriage, raising four children |
| 2016 | Divorce from Andrea Bernard | Transition to a new phase of personal life |
| 2020s | Focus on family and activism | Emphasizes family life and political causes |
What’s Next for Ricky Schroder?
While Schroder has reduced his public appearances and acting roles, his passion for storytelling remains. Looking ahead, fans can expect him to continue working behind the scenes on new film and television projects. His interest in real-world issues, particularly those related to the military and social justice, is likely to shape his future endeavors.
Potential Future Projects
- More Documentaries: Given his success with The Fighting Season and HellHounds, it’s possible that Ricky Schroder will continue to create documentaries that highlight real-world issues, particularly those related to veterans and law enforcement.
- Acting Comeback: While Schroder has focused more on producing and directing in recent years, there’s always the possibility of an acting comeback. Fans of his earlier work remain hopeful that he will return to the screen in a significant role.
Conclusion: Ricky Schroder’s Evolving Career and Life
In summary, Ricky Schroder’s journey from child star to adult actor, and now to a producer, director, and activist, demonstrates his versatility and depth. His current work may not be in the limelight like it once was, but his impact is still felt through his documentaries and personal advocacy.
Looking forward, it seems clear that Ricky Schroder will continue to pursue projects that align with his passions — whether through producing, directing, or acting in compelling narratives. Additionally, his commitment to veteran causes and U.S. history suggests that his activism will remain a central part of his life.
While many may wonder, “What is Ricky Schroder doing now?”, the answer is that he’s still very much involved in shaping stories and causes that matter to him, albeit in a less visible way than during his earlier years in Hollywood. His fans, both old and new, can look forward to his continued contributions to film and society.
FAQs
What is Ricky Schroder Doing Now?
Ricky Schroder is currently focusing on producing, directing, and activism. He has been involved in several documentary projects and remains passionate about veteran affairs and U.S. history.
Is Ricky Schroder Still Acting?
While Schroder has not taken on any major acting roles recently, he has appeared in a few smaller projects and continues to work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.
What Documentaries Has Ricky Schroder Directed?
Schroder directed the critically acclaimed documentary The Fighting Season (2015), which focuses on U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. He also directed HellHounds (2020), which explores K9 training for military and law enforcement.
What Causes Does Ricky Schroder Support?
Ricky Schroder has been an outspoken supporter of causes related to U.S. veterans, law enforcement, and historical preservation. He has also been vocal about political issues on social media.
What Was Ricky Schroder’s Most Famous Role?
Ricky Schroder is best known for his roles in The Champ (1979) as T.J. Flynn and Silver Spoons (1982-1987) as Ricky Stratton. These roles made him a household name in the 1980s.

