The Real Rookies: A Special Edition of 20/20 9/25 on ABC

ABC News’ ‘The Real Rookies: A Special Edition of 20/20’ Airs Tuesday, Sept. 25 (10:01 – 11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC

Sept. 24, 2018

A SPECIAL EDITION OF ’20/20’ HIGHLIGHTS INSPIRING STORIES OF AMERICANS WHO FOLLOWED THEIR DREAMS AND STARTED NEW CAREERS LATER IN LIFE

‘The Real Rookies: A Special Edition of 20/20’ Airs
Tuesday, Sept. 25 (10:01 – 11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC

Jessica Vosk quit her finance job and is now starring in Broadway’s “Wicked” as Elphaba.

Stories of late bloomers are not unheard of: Andrea Bocelli began his professional opera career at 34, Julia Child published her first cookbook at 49, and Vera Wang didn’t become a designer until 40. A special edition of “20/20,” anchored by Amy Robach, showcases the inspiring real-life stories of Americans who, despite challenges, took the leap of faith necessary to follow their dreams and start new careers later in life. “The Real Rookies: A Special Edition of 20/20” airs Tuesday, Sept. 25 (10:01–11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.

Twenty years ago, Wendy Caldwell quit her job with the Houston Police Department to raise her children as a stay-at-home mom. When her marriage fell apart at 52-years-old, Caldwell was in need of a job and decided to rejoin the force. However, in order to do so she had to once again graduate from the taxing police academy. Despite breaking her femur and competing against recruits half her age, Caldwell persevered and passed the rigorous training course. She is now successfully back on patrol after a two-decade hiatus and is the oldest person to graduate from the Houston Police Academy.

Jessica Vosk’s job in finance came crashing to a halt when she suffered a panic attack following a promotion. Vosk decided to ignore the advice of most of her friends and family and quit her job to pursue her dream of acting. The risk paid off: She scored roles in the touring shows of “The Bridges of Madison County” and “Finding Neverland.” This summer, Vosk, 34, made her debut in Broadway’s “Wicked” as Elphaba.

Kevin Caron was a 40-year-old truck driver sick of the grueling drives. In his spare time, Caron started to make fountains out of steel for his friends and family. Word quickly spread about Caron’s skill and soon he was sculpting steel artwork and had a gallery show, and eventually worked up the courage to quit his job. Today Caron is happier and sculpts large commissions for private collectors and public spaces throughout the country.  

Kenyan-born Sam Chelanga became a U.S. citizen in 2015 and had a successful running career, becoming the top American finisher at the World Cross Country Championships just last year. Despite receiving a lucrative Nike sponsorship offer, Chelanga decided to leave running to serve his new country. With the support of his wife and two young sons, Chelanga is currently in Army basic training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina.  

 “20/20” is anchored by David Muir and Amy Robach. David Sloan is senior executive producer.