Many famous stars in the entertainment industry started out as child actors.
Many of the actors we admire today have been honing their talents ever since they were young.
While some children spent their time playing, others were brought along by their patient moms or dads to commercial auditions, took roles as extras in movies, or joined talent contests representing their towns.

In truth, many of today’s most skilled and acclaimed actors began showing their acting abilities even before they could read their own scripts.

There have been many child stars that left a mark on us over the past decades. Some remain active in their chosen careers, while others chose to live private, quiet lives—
Like Stefano Mori, once a widely admired young actor, who suddenly left showbiz.

Back when he was still active, his fans knew almost everything happening in his life.
But now, he seeks peace and privacy.
He has no social media accounts and rarely allows himself to be photographed.

Where is this once-famous actor now?
And why did he choose a life away from the limelight despite his past fame?

Where is Stefano Mori?
Stefano Humberto Taren Mori, or better known as Stefano Mori, was born on January 16, 1985. He was a talented actor in his time.

A mix of Italian and Filipino heritage, his angelic looks charmed many, especially young women.
He also had musical talent—singing and playing guitar—which led him to become a member of the boy band JCS along with John Prats and Carlo Aquino.

Originally formed as a dance group under Star Magic for the variety show ASAP in 1999, the group was later launched as a singing trio when their vocal talents were recognized. Their debut album was released in 2000.

It’s undeniable that Stefano Mori was one of the finest child stars of his era.

In one iconic scene, he said:

“Don’t touch her! Hey, she’s a girl!”
“Stop that! She’s not even my relative!”
“Why do you keep coming here?”
“Hey! Don’t say that! You’re just adopted anyway!”
“Who told you that? Tito Santy and Tita Mary!”
“Now that they have a baby, they’ll kick you out. You’re not even family. You’re just adopted!”

This emotional scene, among others, stuck with fans.

Stefano became one of the most popular teen idols of the ‘90s and was paired with Camille Prats as a love team in G-mik.
At that time, Stefano was growing into a young man, which made even more fans swoon over him.

As his career progressed, he starred in numerous movies and shows that fans still remember fondly, including:

May Nagmamahal Sa’yo with Lorna Tolentino

Ama, Ina, Anak with Rico Yan and Maricel Soriano

Ang Haba, Babado, Puti-puti with Redford White

Despite his success in both comedy and drama, Stefano chose to live a quiet and private life.
He left the entertainment industry in 2002 and shifted his focus to business.

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, he eventually owned Italian restaurants in the Philippines.
Later, he moved to Italy, where he currently resides with his family.
There, he continues to run a restaurant with his wife.

Stefano decided not to create social media accounts, preferring a peaceful life.
Even his wife has very few posts about him online.

Still, many fans from both the past and new generations continue to hope for his return to showbiz.

After 23 years, Stefano sent a heartfelt message through his wife Victoria, addressed to his former and new fans.
He shared how much he appreciates those who still want to see him return to acting.
He was even surprised to have admirers from Gen Z.

However, Stefano has firmly decided never to return to showbiz.
He asked fans to instead support his former co-stars who are still active in the industry.

“For the reason why I’m not coming back and why I don’t have social media:
I’m 39 years old, with gray hair, a luscious beard, and big-boy responsibilities.
I started showbiz for fun when I was like 10.
I also don’t have any social media accounts because I don’t feel inclined to use it, and to prevent giving fans false hope,”
he said.

He added that if fans want to show support, they should direct it toward the people he once worked with who are still active today.

In June of this year, Stefano sent birthday greetings to his former onscreen partner Camille Prats—
Once again, through his wife Victoria, since he doesn’t use social media.
Here’s a screenshot of his simple but special message to Camille.

This gesture made many fans swoon with nostalgia and brought back memories of Stefano’s active years in showbiz.
But once again, Stefano clarified:
He will never return to the world of showbiz.

He’s now happy in the arms of his wife and family, far from the noisy, dramatic, and chaotic world of the entertainment industry.