Former 'Two And A Half Men' Child Star Angus T. Jones Looks Unrecognizable During Rare Outing Following His Spiritual Awakening

Sep 12, 2023

Angus T. Jones, best known for his role as the adorable Jake Harper on the hit TV series "Two and a Half Men," made a rare public appearance on Sept. 9, 2023, looking vastly different from his child star days. The 30-year-old actor, who left the entertainment industry after a religious awakening, was spotted in Los Angeles with a dramatic new look.

The former child star's journey from a young actor to a religiously devoted individual has been a remarkable one. Born in 1993, Jones started his acting career at 8, starring alongside Jon Cryer and Charlie Sheen in the hit comedy series. During his decade-long run on the show, Jones witnessed Sheen's well-documented struggles with addiction.

In 2010, at just 17, Jones achieved the distinction of becoming the highest-earning child star on U.S. television. His contract with the series secured a remarkable $7.8 million for the subsequent two seasons. 

In 2012, Jones confessed to feeling uncomfortable on the show because of its adult-themed storyline. However, his turning point came when he was baptized into a Christian ministry called the Forerunner Chronicles under the Seventh-day Adventist Church and decided to quit acting. In a surprising move, he even urged viewers to stop watching "Two and a Half Men," citing the show as "filth" that contributed to "the enemy's plan."

Jones then pursued higher education at the University of Colorado, where he initially majored in environmental studies before switching to Jewish studies. However, in 2015, he briefly returned to the series for its final season run.

By 2016, Jones' religious views had evolved, and he distanced himself from faith-based organizations, expressing a desire to explore his spirituality independently as well as return to acting. 

“Getting to be back on the set with everyone again kind of showed me how much I did like it and how much a part of me (loved) acting,” he told People. "The door is definitely still open for me to do that, but I’m taking things slowly," he added. "But I’m kind of liking the ability to travel and to move around at a moment’s notice and not have to be in one spot for years at a time.”

Jones also discussed why he decided to change and step back from "organizational business-model programs." The young actor said he didn't want "an organization putting a stamp of approval" on whether he has done good or bad. 

Prior to his recent public appearance, Jones had been last spotted in October 2020. During that time, photos captured by the press depicted Jones outside his Los Angeles residence while firefighters attended to a nearby emergency. His appearance was significantly altered, as he sported a disheveled beard and long hair, making him almost unidentifiable.

A few years later, photos of Jones emerged online in September 2023 in which he sported a bald head and a bushy beard — a stark contrast from the boyish image fans remember from the sitcom that aired from 2003 to 2015. The former child star was dressed casually in a black t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers, as he unloaded groceries and a punctured electric bike from his car near his home. 

Jones's transformation and journey from a child star to a man of faith and contemplation continue to intrigue fans and industry observers alike, leaving many curious about what the future may hold for the actor.

Were you a fan of “Two and a Half Men” during its run? Does the transformation of Angus T. Jones surprise you? Do you know other fans of the show or the actor who might be interested in reading about this story? Pass this piece along and let them know what the former child star has been up to!