Why did Penelope Ann Miller end up having a bigger career than Shue?

Dunno that Miller ended up with a bigger career than Shue. Lizzy was in Leaving Las Vegas and receiving Oscar buzz in The 90s, by which time PAM had begin to fall off the radar. Today, Shue still pops up in fairly high profile productions, while it's been eons since more than 10 viewers have spotted Miller

I don't think that's an accurate assessment, regarding career. But yes, Shue is WAY hotter.