20 of the Most Famous Child Stars: Then and Now

Child stars often captivate audiences with their charm, talent, and charisma. However, navigating fame at a young age can be both a blessing and a burden. Being a child star comes with immense pressure and public scrutiny. While many transitioned successfully into adulthood, others faced challenges. Their stories remind us of the resilience required to navigate fame and the importance of support systems in fostering personal growth. Here’s a look at 20 of the most famous child stars, their iconic roles, insights into their lives, and where they are today.

Macaulay Culkin

Famous for: Home Alone (1990)

Then: The ultimate ’90s child star, Culkin became a household name as Kevin McCallister.

Now: Culkin stepped back from acting for a while but has made recent appearances in projects like American Horror Story. He also founded the comedy website Bunny Ears.

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Shirley Temple

Famous for: Bright Eyes (1934)

Then: Hollywood’s golden girl during the Great Depression, known for her curls and iconic song “On the Good Ship Lollipop.”

Now: Temple retired from acting at 22 and became a U.S. diplomat. She passed away in 2014 but remains an enduring symbol of child stardom.

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Drew Barrymore

Famous for: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Then: Barrymore stole hearts as Gertie in Spielberg’s sci-fi classic.

Now: After overcoming personal struggles, she became a successful actress, producer, and talk show host (The Drew Barrymore Show).

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Jodie Foster

Famous for: Taxi Driver (1976)

Then: Foster wowed audiences with her mature performance as Iris, a young prostitute.

Now: Foster transitioned into adult roles seamlessly and is now a two-time Oscar-winning actress and director.

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Haley Joel Osment

Famous for: The Sixth Sense (1999)

Then: Known for his chilling line, “I see dead people,” Osment was one of the most acclaimed child actors of his time.

Now: Osment continues to act, appearing in films and TV shows like The Boys and Ted Lasso.

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Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

Famous for: Full House (1987–1995)

Then: The twins became TV icons as Michelle Tanner.

Now: They left acting behind to build a successful fashion empire, The Row. They remain private about their personal lives.

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Elijah Wood

Famous for: The Good Son (1993)

Then: Wood was a prolific child actor before becoming Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings.

Now: Wood continues acting and producing, often taking on quirky, independent roles.

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Lindsay Lohan

Famous for: The Parent Trap (1998)

Then: Lohan was a Disney darling with boundless potential.

Now: After publicized struggles, Lohan has made a comeback with projects like Netflix’s Falling for Christmas.

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Dakota Fanning

Famous for: I Am Sam (2001)

Then: Fanning earned critical acclaim at just 7 years old.

Now: She has grown into a respected actress with roles in films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

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Freddie Highmore

Famous for: Finding Neverland (2004)

Then: Known for his sensitivity and depth, Highmore charmed audiences in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Now: He stars in the hit medical drama The Good Doctor and is also a writer and director.

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Mara Wilson

Famous for: Matilda (1996)

Then: Wilson was the face of family films in the ’90s.

Now: She retired from acting and is now an author and mental health advocate.

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Justin Timberlake

Famous for: The All-New Mickey Mouse Club (1993–1995)

Then: Timberlake rose to fame as a child performer before becoming an NSYNC member.

Now: A Grammy-winning solo artist and actor, Timberlake balances music and film careers.

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Emma Watson

Famous for: Harry Potter series (2001–2011)

Then: Watson brought Hermione Granger to life, becoming a global icon.

Now: She acts selectively, focusing on activism and gender equality initiatives.

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Kiernan Shipka

Famous for: Mad Men (2007–2015)

Then: Shipka earned accolades for her performance as Sally Draper.

Now: She stars in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and continues to act in film and TV.

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Daniel Radcliffe

Famous for: Harry Potter series (2001–2011)

Then: Radcliffe became a household name as the Boy Who Lived.

Now: He has embraced diverse roles in films like Swiss Army Man and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.

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Kristen Stewart

Famous for: Panic Room (2002)

Then: Stewart’s early performance hinted at her future stardom.

Now: Best known for Twilight, Stewart has transitioned into critically acclaimed roles like Princess Diana in Spencer.

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Natalie Portman

Famous for: Léon: The Professional (1994)

Then: Portman’s debut performance showcased remarkable maturity.

Now: An Oscar-winning actress, Portman balances blockbuster films and independent projects.

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Jonathan Lipnicki

Famous for: Jerry Maguire (1996)

Then: Lipnicki charmed audiences with his adorable performance alongside Tom Cruise.

Now: He continues acting in indie films and is an advocate for mental health.

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Selena Gomez

Famous for: Wizards of Waverly Place (2007–2012)

Then: Gomez was a Disney Channel star with a bubbly personality.

Now: A pop star, producer (Only Murders in the Building), and mental health advocate.

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Millie Bobby Brown

Famous for: Stranger Things (2016–present)

Then: Brown’s role as Eleven made her an overnight sensation.

Now: A leading actress and entrepreneur, she launched her beauty brand, Florence by Mills.

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