Michael Schoeffling Wife: Who Is Valerie C. Robinson?
For many who grew up watching movies in the 1980s, Michael Schoeffling was, you know, a real heartthrob, a face that just stuck with you. He brought to life characters like Jake Ryan in “Sixteen Candles,” making us all believe in that perfect, quiet hero. Yet, almost as quickly as he appeared on the big screen, he chose to step away, leaving many folks wondering what became of him. That quiet departure has, naturally, made people even more curious about his life, especially about the woman who shares it with him.
It's interesting, really, how some actors just capture a moment in time, and then, for their own reasons, decide to live a different kind of story. Michael Schoeffling, with his memorable roles in films like “Vision Quest” and “Mermaids,” certainly did that. He left Hollywood behind, trading the bright lights for a life that, apparently, suited him much better.
This quiet shift has, understandably, led many fans to ask about his personal world, specifically about his wife. Her name is Valerie C. Robinson, and their life together is, in a way, a testament to choosing privacy and family over fame. We're going to explore a bit about her, their life, and what Michael Schoeffling has been up to since he left the acting scene.
Table of Contents
- Michael Schoeffling: A Look Back
- Who Is Valerie C. Robinson?
- Their Life Together: Family and Privacy
- Michael Schoeffling's Life After Hollywood
- Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Schoeffling's Family
Michael Schoeffling: A Look Back
Michael Schoeffling, born in Pennsylvania on December 10, 1960, first caught everyone's eye in the mid-1980s. He had this easygoing charm that, you know, just worked on screen. His role as Jake Ryan in the 1984 teen comedy “Sixteen Candles” made him an instant icon for a whole generation. He was the dreamy senior who, apparently, noticed the overlooked girl, and that really resonated with a lot of people.
Before that breakout role, he had actually been a talented wrestler, even winning a gold medal at the European Junior Wrestling Championships. So, he wasn't just a pretty face; he had a strong, disciplined background, too. After “Sixteen Candles,” he went on to star in other films, like the wrestling drama “Vision Quest” in 1985, where he played Kuch, a high school wrestler. He also appeared in movies like “Mermaids” in 1990, alongside Cher and Winona Ryder. For a short time, he was, quite frankly, everywhere, a familiar presence in the youth-oriented films of that era.
Yet, by the early 1990s, Michael Schoeffling made a very clear choice to step away from the acting world. His last credited role was in the 1991 film “Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.” It's a pretty rare thing for someone at that level of fame to just, you know, walk away, but he did. His decision left many fans wondering why, and what he would do next. That lingering curiosity, even today in 2024, shows just how much of an impact he had during his acting years, and how much people still care about what happens to those they admire.
Who Is Valerie C. Robinson?
Behind every quiet life, there's often a story, and for Michael Schoeffling, a big part of his has been his wife, Valerie C. Robinson. She’s someone who, like Michael, has largely stayed out of the public eye, especially since he left acting. Valerie, you know, also had a bit of a connection to the entertainment world herself, though perhaps not as widely known as Michael's.
She was, in fact, a model and an actress for a brief period. You might have seen her in a few roles, like the 1987 film “Old Enough,” where she played the character of Karen. She also appeared in the 1988 movie “The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking.” So, in a way, they both shared that experience of being in front of the camera, even if their paths diverged later on. This shared background might have given them a unique understanding of the pressures and demands that come with fame, and perhaps, too, the appeal of a quieter existence.
The name Michael, you know, it's a pretty common name, and yet, it always feels special, doesn't it? As some deep discussions about names point out, like those that talk about the Archangel Michael, a figure known for battling wicked angels, names can really hold a lot of history and meaning. So, Michael Schoeffling, a man who gave us some truly memorable characters, has a name that, in a way, carries its own quiet power, too. Valerie and Michael met and eventually married, forming a bond that, apparently, prioritized their family life above all else. They decided to build a home and raise their children away from the constant glare of Hollywood, a choice that, for them, seemed to be the right one.
Their Life Together: Family and Privacy
Michael Schoeffling and Valerie C. Robinson have built a life that, frankly, seems pretty grounded and real. They got married in 1987, and over the years, they've raised two children: a daughter named Scarlett Schoeffling and a son named Zane Schoeffling. Their choice to step back from the public eye wasn't just Michael's; it was, very clearly, a shared decision, one that speaks volumes about their values.
They settled down in Pennsylvania, the state where Michael was born, which is, you know, quite a change from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. This move allowed them to create a private sanctuary for their family, away from the paparazzi and the constant speculation that often follows celebrities. Their children, Scarlett and Zane, have grown up with a sense of normalcy that might have been impossible if their father had continued acting. It's almost as if they traded one kind of spotlight for another, focusing instead on the bright light of family life.
In this day and age, where so much is shared online, their quiet existence is, quite frankly, a rare and admirable thing. They've managed to keep their personal lives truly personal, which is, you know, a testament to their dedication to each other and their kids. They've shown that you can, indeed, have a fulfilling life without it being constantly documented and analyzed by the public. It's a choice that, apparently, brought them a lot of peace and contentment.
Michael Schoeffling's Life After Hollywood
After leaving acting, Michael Schoeffling didn't just disappear; he actually started a whole new chapter, one that was, you know, very different from his previous career. He transitioned into a craft that required a lot of skill and patience: fine woodworking. Specifically, he became a successful furniture maker, creating beautiful, handcrafted pieces. This shift is, in a way, quite fitting for someone who seemed to value substance over superficiality.
He runs his own business, focusing on custom-made furniture, which is, you know, a far cry from memorizing lines and hitting marks on a film set. This new profession allowed him to use his hands, to create tangible things, and to work at his own pace. It's a quieter, more grounded existence, and it seems to suit his personality perfectly. The privacy he sought by leaving Hollywood, he found in the workshop, surrounded by wood and tools, rather than cameras and crowds.
His decision to pursue woodworking, apparently, wasn't just a hobby; it became his main livelihood. It shows that he was willing to put in the effort to learn a new trade and build something from the ground up, literally. Many people who leave acting struggle to find a new identity, but Michael Schoeffling, it seems, found his purpose in the quiet artistry of craftsmanship. It's a powerful example of how, sometimes, the greatest successes are found not in fame, but in finding work that truly fulfills you, and in building a life that feels authentic. You can learn more about his artistic pursuits on our site, and explore other stories of actors who changed careers.
Even today, years after he stepped away from the cameras, people still wonder about Michael Schoeffling and his family, which shows how much his work meant to folks. It's nice to know that he found happiness and fulfillment in a life that, you know, he chose for himself, far from the glare of Hollywood. It's a simple, honest story of a man who, apparently, knew what he wanted and went for it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Schoeffling's Family
Is Michael Schoeffling still married?
Yes, Michael Schoeffling is, indeed, still married to Valerie C. Robinson. They have been together for many years, having tied the knot back in 1987. Their long marriage is, you know, a clear sign of their strong bond and commitment to each other, especially given the pressures that often come with any connection to the entertainment world.
What does Michael Schoeffling do now?
After leaving acting in the early 1990s, Michael Schoeffling transitioned into a career as a furniture maker. He is, apparently, a skilled craftsman who creates custom wooden pieces. This work allows him to live a private life, far from the public eye, which was, very clearly, a deliberate choice he made after his time in Hollywood. You can see some discussions about his current work on sites like IMDb, which still lists his acting roles but hints at his later life.
How many children does Michael Schoeffling have?
Michael Schoeffling and his wife, Valerie C. Robinson, have two children. They are parents to a daughter named Scarlett Schoeffling and a son named Zane Schoeffling. The family has, you know, maintained a very private life, choosing to raise their children away from the constant scrutiny that often comes with celebrity connections.

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