Child movie stars: then and now

It’s a usual thing in Hollywood – a child star that shines brightly in a couple of movies then often disappears from the screen for good or at least for a pretty while, and we never know what happened to the young actor/actress, how they go on with their acting career.

So here are some child movie stars then and now, compare and enjoy!

Drew Barrymore is a vivid example of a talented and successful child star that managed to stay afloat though the years. She debuted in E.T. in 1982 (it’s still one of my favorite movies) playing Gertie, a little sister of the main character Elliot.

Not that it was all smooth and easy for Drew. She went to rehab in 13 to battle alcoholism, she managed to pull herself together and proved herself a talented actress in such movies as Grey Gardens, 50 First Dates, Mysic and Lyrics, Duplex and others.

Talking about Elliot. Henry Thomas was enchanting in E.T. His award-winning debut helped him make his way in showbiz and remain an actor in demand (Gangs of New York with Leonardo DiCaprio, I’m With Lucy, 11:14 and others).

He started his career working with Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump and was nominated for Oscar for Best Supporting Actor at the age of 11 for The Sixth Sense. Haley Joel Osment’s still in the game despite problems with drugs, alcohol and consequent driving under influence.

I simply adored this little blonde boy with a cute haircut and glasses. He was unforgettable in 1996’s Jerry Maguire where he costarred with Tom Cruise and Renee Zellweger. Well, the glasses and the haircut are gone, but Jonathan Lipnicki, now 18, keeps on working in the movie industry (Stuart Little 1,2, The L.A. Riot Spectacular, The Other Side Of Innocence)

She’s a style icon, a successful entrepreneur, a singer and an actress. Hilary Duff, 21, kicked off her career with Disney in Casper And Wendy, then she starred as Lizzy McGuire in the TV series and movie of the same name. Hilary Duff is probably a good example of perfect marriage between optimal management and business talent.

Well, maybe when it comes to running a business, Hilary can be beaten by the Olsen twins. Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, 22, had their movie debut when they didn’t really understand what they were doing, they were 9 months old after all. Anyways, these girls knew how to use fame and invest money. They created their production studio at the age of 9 and soon added fashion designing to their busy schedule.

Now they’re choosing their own paths. While Ashley is focusing entirely on her designer career, Mary-Kate is going to pursue her career in acting. Will they make it on their own this time? Time will show.

Remember Curly Sue? Alisan Porter was adorable, wasn’t she? The multi-talented girl, now 27, first made several successful steps in acting and then focused all her attention on music career. She created her music project, The Alisan Porter Project, then took part in Broadway plays (Footloose), now you can read her column in Movnmt Magazine.

See also Celebrities as Kids, hilarious pics!

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1. Caroline Brien Says:
   June 24th, 2009 at 6:17 am

   WoW show me the camera. If I would be so blessed now I am older and a not so well. It is good to look back and see how beauty is not only skin deep they are beautiful men and women on both the inside and outside also and we can enjoy them for many years to come, so go ahead make the movies Im ready to watch them.So thank you hollywood for helping me become well enough to be able to sit up and watch shows on fox while I am recooperating from my accident I had three years ago and I could not walk for so long and having these wonderful people to entertain me,they gave me some strength & courage because of the joy, laughter, drama, love, and all that I could ever want out of Hollywood Thank you(,and most times fox is all I had) after all this time these wonderful talented people are still helping me recover and be a better healthier person,body,mind,&spirit. with their hard work making life exciting enough for me to still dream that the world is a better place because of the people in the entertainment unit. when on a bad day with the pain I suffer & most of this time being just my husband and me when he is not at work, knowing I cant do much of anything,else life is still good because they are worth while for me to enjoy. without the shows & movies I would not have come this far in becomming a healther person THANK YOU yours in faith Caroline Brien Australia I am greatful GOD BLESS YOU ALL WELL DONE oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

2. chris Says:
   January 21st, 2011 at 7:38 pm

   Its good to see what became of those kid actors, nice post:)

3. Hailey Says:
   May 17th, 2011 at 11:38 pm

   OMG i remember the curly sue girl hahaha i watched that movie like 4 times i loved it