Elf actor quit Hollywood after iconic movie to live very different life

Daniel Tay made a name for himself in Christmas classic Elf over 20 years ago, but where is he now?

It's always a shock to see child stars all grown up, years after their most recognisable role, with Macaulay Culkin being the best example of this.

But he's not alone, as a lot of child actors often decide that life in the spotlight isn't for them, going on to live normal, quiet lives after stepping away.

One of these stars is none other than Daniel Tay, who is best known for playing Michael, the brother of Will Ferrell's character Buddy the Elf in Elf, back in 2003.

Tay put in a memorable performance alongside Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel, who have solidified their places in the entertainment industry since the movie came out, though the former kid actor went a different way.

Tay will forever be remembered as Michael in Elf (New Line Cinema)

Now 33, Tay decided to quit acting at the time and start to pursue a career as a teacher - though not before a role in Brooklyn Rules opposite Freddie Prinze Jr, and a voiceover role for Grand Theft Auto IV.

After this, the New York-native attended Yale and earned a BA in economics, before going on to become an SAT instructor at Veritas Prep, a company which runs test preparation services for graduate schools.

On their official website, it reads: "While at Yale, Daniel served as a Teaching Assistant and Peer Tutor in the Department of Computer Science.

"He was also a recipient of the Richard U. Light Fellowship for his studies in Mandarin Chinese language. He believes that teaching and learning are expressions of the basic human need for mutual understanding."

It adds that Tay 'works with students to cultivate relationships' which are based in 'clarity, humour, structure and respect', even stating that he is a professional actor away from teaching.

Tay pursued a career as a teacher after acting (Veritas Prep)

Tay may not feature in any other films for the rest of his life, but he will forever be remembered as Michael in the classic Christmas film, 22 years on.

Elf remains one of the most popular festive movies of the year, raking in almost $230 million (£174.5 million) worldwide at the box office since its release.

It remains one of the go-to films for Christmas nuts along other classics like The Polar Express, Love Actually, and Home Alone among other titles which make you want to tuck up in the warmth with a hot chocolate in hand.