“The Goonies” was Green’s first film, and it catalyzed what appeared to be an up-and-coming career for the budding star. Soon after, she was cast in “Lucas” from 1986 — a movie lauded for its sensitive portrayal of teen issues; Roger Ebert gave it a perfect four stars, calling it “one of the year’s best films” and saying that Green’s performance in the leading female role was “so subtle and sensitive as Maggie that you realize she isn’t just acting; she understands this character in her heart.”
The movie only made about $8.2 million in theaters (per Box Office Mojo), so it wasn’t a big hit, but it did get its stars, Green and the late Corey Haim, nominated for Young Artist Awards in 1987. It was actually her second nod; she also received one for “Summer Rental,” which came out the same year as “The Goonies.” “Lucas” also launched the careers of Charlie Sheen, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Winona Ryder, and Jeremy Piven, and introduced the slow clap (via Today).
Since then, Green has appeared only sporadically in movies and television, with roles in shows and movies like “Three for the Road” and the “Young Harry Houdini” episode of “The Magical World Of Disney” in 1987, and an “ABC Afterschool Special” in 1989. She also appeared in “Mad About You” in 1992, “Murder, She Wrote” in 1994, “ER” in 2000, “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” in 2001, and “Complacent” in 2012, which is her last credited film role.