For anyone who grew up in the 1980s, “Chunk” from The Goonies is unforgettable — the Hawaiian shirts, the chaos, and of course, the iconic Truffle Shuffle. But the life of the boy behind the character turned out to be far more complicated and fascinating than fans ever imagined.
Born Jeffrey Bertan McMahon on June 25, 1974, in Los Angeles, Cohen experienced major family changes early in life when his parents separated while he was still in grade school. Soon after, he adopted “Cohen,” his mother’s maiden name, as his professional surname. Before landing his career-defining role, he made small TV appearances, including on the game shows Child’s Play and Body Language, already showing hints of the charm that would later make him a star.
His moment in The Goonies came in 1985, where his energetic performance — filmed while he secretly battled chickenpox — cemented his place in pop culture. Director Richard Donner praised him for his authenticity, and audiences adored him. Yet Cohen’s career as a young actor was abruptly cut short: puberty changed his appearance so drastically that casting directors no longer saw him as the “Chunk” type. As he later put it, “I didn’t quit acting — acting quit me.”
Determined to reinvent himself, Cohen poured himself into school and sports, eventually attending UC Berkeley, where he played football, and later earning a law degree from UCLA. Richard Donner, impressed by the young actor’s resilience, even paid for his college tuition and helped him find work behind the scenes.
Cohen ultimately became one of Hollywood’s top entertainment lawyers, co-founding Cohen & Gardner LLP and representing major talent — including negotiating the Oscar-winning deal for his former co-star, Ke Huy Quan. His office is filled with mementos from his past, reminders of a childhood that shaped him but did not define his limits.
Now in his 50s, Cohen may no longer perform the Truffle Shuffle, but he remains proud of the boy who made millions laugh — and of the man he became by forging an entirely new path.
