Child stars get a bad rap. We hold them to a higher standard than adult celebrities because they come with a built-in innocence. It's something we want to preserve because it makes us feel nostalgic. But, guess what? People grow up. They make mistakes. They get married. And, they grow old.
Even Shirley Temple's dimples became wrinkles.
ADVERTISEMENT
The good news is that many child stars have developed into fully-formed, often remarkable adults. Whether it was a film role, a relationship, a haircut, or just a plain old life decision, every child star has a moment when they grew up. Here are 19 of our favorites.
Photo: SNAP/REX USA; Picture Perfect/REX USA.
Anna Chlumsky Returns To Acting
In 1999, Chlumsky made the very mature decision to take a break from acting and study at the University of Chicago. While this choice certainly confirmed that she was no longer Vada Sultenfuss of My Girl, we didn't truly see her as an adult until she returned to the screen in 2012 with her role on Veep.
In 1999, Chlumsky made the very mature decision to take a break from acting and study at the University of Chicago. While this choice certainly confirmed that she was no longer Vada Sultenfuss of My Girl, we didn't truly see her as an adult until she returned to the screen in 2012 with her role on Veep.
Photo: Courtesy of Columbia Pictures; HBO.
Anna Paquin Stars In True Blood
Anna Paquin’s first role will also go down as her most famous one: As an 11-year-old, the New Zealander became the second youngest actor to win an Oscar for her stunning performance in The Piano. How did she make audiences take her seriously in adult roles? Two words: Sookie. Stackhouse.
Anna Paquin’s first role will also go down as her most famous one: As an 11-year-old, the New Zealander became the second youngest actor to win an Oscar for her stunning performance in The Piano. How did she make audiences take her seriously in adult roles? Two words: Sookie. Stackhouse.
Photo: Courtesy of Warner Brothers; Jonathan Hordle/REX USA.
Daniel Radcliffe Bares It All On Stage
After the success of the Harry Potter films, Daniel Radcliffe did everything in his power to make the boy wizard disappear. His first step? Making his clothes disappear in the West End production of Equus. While it would have been easy to see the 18-year-old’s bold decision as simply a publicity stunt, it was immediately clear that it was much more than that. First and foremost: There was more to Radcliffe than a pair of glasses and a magic wand, something he’s continued to prove ever since.
After the success of the Harry Potter films, Daniel Radcliffe did everything in his power to make the boy wizard disappear. His first step? Making his clothes disappear in the West End production of Equus. While it would have been easy to see the 18-year-old’s bold decision as simply a publicity stunt, it was immediately clear that it was much more than that. First and foremost: There was more to Radcliffe than a pair of glasses and a magic wand, something he’s continued to prove ever since.
Photo: Courtesy of Warner Brothers; Rex USA.
ADVERTISEMENT
Photo: Courtesy of Universal Pictures; Rob Latour/REX USA.
Drew Barrymore Stars in The Wedding Singer
While Drew Barrymore’s journey from child star to adult actress may not have been the smoothest of transitions, the mistakes she made and the lessons she learned in the post-E.T. years no doubt helped form the dynamic woman she is today. That, and a bountiful cinematic partnership with Adam Sandler that began with an ‘80s love letter about a girl, a boy, and a whole lotta weddings.
While Drew Barrymore’s journey from child star to adult actress may not have been the smoothest of transitions, the mistakes she made and the lessons she learned in the post-E.T. years no doubt helped form the dynamic woman she is today. That, and a bountiful cinematic partnership with Adam Sandler that began with an ‘80s love letter about a girl, a boy, and a whole lotta weddings.
Photo: Courtesy of NBC; Gregory Pace/BEImages.
Lisa Bonet Stars In Angel Heart
What would Cliff Huxtable have said if his precious daughter Denise decided to star in a crime thriller that involved an x-rated sex scene with Mickey Rourke? Thankfully, Dr. Huxtable doesn't actually exist, and Lisa Bonet got to shed her Cosby Show skin by showing some major skin. Hey, whatever works.
What would Cliff Huxtable have said if his precious daughter Denise decided to star in a crime thriller that involved an x-rated sex scene with Mickey Rourke? Thankfully, Dr. Huxtable doesn't actually exist, and Lisa Bonet got to shed her Cosby Show skin by showing some major skin. Hey, whatever works.
Photo: BEImages/Rex USA; MediaPunch Inc/REX USA.
Photo: Rex USA; Picture Perfect/REX USA.
Photo: Courtesy of Echo Bridge Entertainment; London News Pictures/REX USA.
ADVERTISEMENT
Photo: CROLLALANZA/REX USA; IBL/REX USA.
Olsen Twins Quit Acting
It feels like just yesterday that Michelle was giving Uncle Jesse a hard time for not helping her finish her popsicle stick house. But, that was more than two decades ago. Today, Mary-Kate and Ashley are successful entrepreneurs, fashion icons, and soon-to-be wives. It’s a transition that began when the twins put acting behind them once and for all, because Passport to Paris 7 just doesn’t have a nice ring to it.
It feels like just yesterday that Michelle was giving Uncle Jesse a hard time for not helping her finish her popsicle stick house. But, that was more than two decades ago. Today, Mary-Kate and Ashley are successful entrepreneurs, fashion icons, and soon-to-be wives. It’s a transition that began when the twins put acting behind them once and for all, because Passport to Paris 7 just doesn’t have a nice ring to it.
Photo: AF Archive/Alamy; Charles Skyes/Rex USA.
Photo: Courtesy of TriStar Pictures; Getty Images.
Photo: Courtesy of Columbia Pictures; Picture Perfect/Rex USA.
Natalie Portman Becomes A Mother
Natalie Portman has been playing precocious youngsters every since she broke onto the scene as a young Lolita in the cult shoot-'em-up The Professional. And, that’s why seeing her as a stripper in the sordid romance Closer wasn’t as jarring as it should’ve been. What was jarring was when the 12-year-old girl we met all those years ago gave birth to her first son, Aleph, three years ago. Because nothing says “adulthood” like changing diapers.
Natalie Portman has been playing precocious youngsters every since she broke onto the scene as a young Lolita in the cult shoot-'em-up The Professional. And, that’s why seeing her as a stripper in the sordid romance Closer wasn’t as jarring as it should’ve been. What was jarring was when the 12-year-old girl we met all those years ago gave birth to her first son, Aleph, three years ago. Because nothing says “adulthood” like changing diapers.
Photo: STEWART COOK/REX USA; Gregory Pace/BEImages.
Shia LaBeouf Dates Carey Mulligan
The former Disney star's penchant for acting out in the most bizarre ways is well-documented. In fact, ever since becoming one of the most recognizable stars on the planet (thanks the franchise that Michael Bay built), the only time LaBeouf seemed truly at peace was when he was dating English rose Carey Mulligan. It may have been young love, but a calm and committed LaBeouf never looked so grown up.
The former Disney star's penchant for acting out in the most bizarre ways is well-documented. In fact, ever since becoming one of the most recognizable stars on the planet (thanks the franchise that Michael Bay built), the only time LaBeouf seemed truly at peace was when he was dating English rose Carey Mulligan. It may have been young love, but a calm and committed LaBeouf never looked so grown up.
ADVERTISEMENT
Photo: Courtesy of TriStar Pictures; MediaPunch Inc/REX USA.
Scarlett Johansson Stars In Lost In Translation
While her breakout role may have technically been in Terry Zwigoff’s ode to weirdos, Ghost World, Scarjo really came of age as the wandering soul in Sofia Coppola’s dreamy pseudo-romance Lost in Translation. Who would’ve thought that the doe-eyed teen from The Horse Whisperer would one day use Japan, Bill Murray, and a whisper to break all the hearts. God, we love Hollywood.
While her breakout role may have technically been in Terry Zwigoff’s ode to weirdos, Ghost World, Scarjo really came of age as the wandering soul in Sofia Coppola’s dreamy pseudo-romance Lost in Translation. Who would’ve thought that the doe-eyed teen from The Horse Whisperer would one day use Japan, Bill Murray, and a whisper to break all the hearts. God, we love Hollywood.
ADVERTISEMENT
Load more...