Mike Vitar retired from acting and became a firefighter in Los Angeles.
After his successful run as a child actor, most notably for his role as Benjamin Franklin “Benny the Jet” Rodriguez in the film “The Sandlot,” Mike Vitar decided to step away from the spotlight. Following his acting career, he chose a path of public service. Vitar joined the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in 2002 and has been serving as a firefighter ever since.
His transition from actor to firefighter was a significant change, as he left behind the entertainment industry for a more traditional, yet equally heroic, profession. Vitar’s decision to become a firefighter was driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, contributing to the safety and well-being of his community.
Despite his career change, Vitar occasionally makes headlines, sometimes related to reunions with his “The Sandlot” co-stars. His life after Hollywood has been relatively private, and he has focused on his career with the LAFD, his family, and living a life away from the public eye.