From Little Stars to Big Success: Child Celebrities Who Shine Brighter Than Ever

Mara Wilson

When you saw this picture, did you immediately flash back to your childhood? Mara Wilson is best known for her role as the genius girl with magical powers in Matilda, but she also starred in Mrs. Doubtfire three years previously. Wilson decided to step away from the spotlight after her childhood, although she did release a memoir titled Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame in 2016. Wilson has been open about the struggle of growing up in the spotlight, but she never let it dampen her enthusiasm for life!

Alexandrea Owens-Sarno

Many actors and actresses got their big break from minor and major roles in Titanic. Alex Owens-Sarno played a young girl on the ship who Jack, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, offered to dance with. That one scene set Owens-Sarno up for a lifetime in the entertainment biz. After that role, she played a few other minor roles before taking a break from the film industry. As an adult, Alex has returned to the world of entertainment with roles in a few films like A Closer Walk With Thee before finding her true passion doing improv and sketch comedy.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Gorden-Levitt has an extensive acting history from his childhood. He starred as Tommy Solomon on 3rd Rock From the Sun in 1996, which was the same year he played Demi Moore’s son in the thriller The Jury. A few years later, he was a teen heartthrob on 10 Things I Hate About You. Eventually, Gardon-Levitt ditched the teen roles and starred in more mature roles. He had roles in Inception, The Dark Knight Rises, Looper, and Snowden. The star also saw plenty of success in his personal life. He married Tasha McCauley in 2014, and the couple has since welcomed two beautiful children.

Dylan And Cole Sprouse

It’s impossible not to grin and flashback to your childhood when you see these twin stars. Dylan and Cole Sprouse stole the attention of audiences with their roles in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and they’ve since made a name for themselves as successful adults. They took a brief hiatus from acting to attend college but have since starred in several successful television shows. Cole Sprouse had a role in the hit television drama Riverdale, while his brother Dylan found success with his role in the Indie film Dismissed. Of course, they’ve both grown into handsome, successful men, and they have their roles on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody to thank for giving them visibility in the entertainment industry.

Natalie Portman

Portman’s stand-out role in The Professional at the age of 12 proved she had the acting chops needed for high-profile films. Since her debut in 1994, Portman has starred in a range of impressive hits, including Star Wars: Episodes I through III, the Thor franchise, and Avengers: Endgame. But Portman didn’t just want to be known for these highly visible blockbuster favorites. She also starred in a few indie roles, comedies, intense dramas, and apocalyptic thrillers. Portman has earned several awards and been nominated for even more due to her impressive acting skills.

Blake McIver Ewing

Most people will recognize Blake McIver Ewing’s classic round wire-framed glasses and wide dimpled smile as Waldo from The Little Rascals or Derek from Full House. His childhood charm wooed audiences and granted him high-profile roles throughout his childhood. As an adult, Ewing chooses to step away from the world of acting and focus instead on his other passions- singing and writing music. Ewing has released two albums, one in 2014 and another the following year, but had otherwise kept his adult life out of the attention of the media.

Angus T. Jones

Jones rose to fame on the hit sitcom Two and a Half Men, but unlike most of the other actors on this list, Jones was involved in a pretty interesting scandal. Over ten years after the premiere of the sitcom that gave Jones his entrance into stardom, a video emerged of Jones trashing the sitcom and calling it “filth.” Naturally, Jones later backpedaled and released a statement apologizing for the video. After that experience, Jones had a minor role in the 2016 limited series Horace & Pete. While the actor has never directly stated that this scandal was the reason he fell out of favor in the entertainment biz, we can only assume that is the case.

Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff was one of those childhood stars that everyone loved. She’s best known for her leading role in the hit television series Lizzie McGuire, but she’s equally loved for her roles in The Lizzie McGuire Movie, A Cinderella Story, and Cheaper By the Dozen. Once the hype from her roles in kid and family-friendly productions died down, Duff went on to pursue other passions. She released a couple of albums, co-authored novels, and even created her own fashion line. These days, Duff is married and a mother to two young children. She is the leading example of a childhood star who experienced massive success and didn’t let it take over their life in a negative way.

Daniel Radcliffe

Some actors struggle to remove themselves from an iconic role when they receive massive success in a series that lasts several years. Daniel Radcliffe is the perfect example of an actor that could have fallen into this trap but didn’t. Radcliffe starred as Harry Potter in the Harry Potter film series for many years, and his acting is credited with helping the series achieve the unbelievable levels of success it did. However, once the series was over, Radcliffe did an amazing job of putting himself into wildly different roles to show off his acting chops. Some of the films he’s starred in since he put down his wand include The cripple of Inishmaan, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Drying, and Kill Your Darlings. His latest project, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, is guaranteed to set him even farther from his role as a young wizard and help propel his adult acting career even further!

Mary-Kate And Ashley Olsen

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen is another example of twin child stars that found success in their adult lives without having to weather serious scandals. These iconic twins shared their role as the adorable youngest sister on Full House before moving on to playing separate characters in various movies and music videos. As adults, the twins continue to work together, but they’ve moved away from the acting world and stepped into the fashion universe. The twins have launched beauty and fashion lines, keeping them too busy to reprise their roles in the spin-off Fuller House, which was hilariously mentioned in a fourth wall breaking moment on Fuller House.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster became a household name after starring in Mayberry R.F.D at the tender age of six. She received her first Oscar nomination at only 14 years old for her role in the iconic film Taxi Driver. She’s also starred in other well-known films like Freaky Friday. Foster took a short break from acting to attend Yale, but it wasn’t long after graduation that she returned to the spotlight with a bang in her roles in Accused, Little Man Tate, and The Silence of the Lambs. The actress proved to be an excellent director as well, helming episodes of hit series like Orange Is the New Black and Black Mirror.

Chandler Riggs

If you were a fan of the apocalyptic drama series The Walking Dead, then you’ll instantly recognize Chandler Riggs from his role as Carl Grimes. His impressive performance on this dramatic series won him five awards and opened the door to major success. This role gave Riggs the opportunity to explore other roles in Hollywood, including in the series A Million Little Things and the movie Inherit the Viper. Like many other stars on this list, Riggs has taken a break from acting full-time and is focusing on other passions in his life.

Kristen Stewart

Most people still think of sparkly vampires and testosterone-fueled werewolves when they see Kristen Stewart, but her acting resume is filled with roles completely different from her time starring in Twilight. Stewart starred in Panic Room in 2002, where she played alongside Hollywood icon Jodie Foster. She also played in the made-for-tv drama Speak. As she emerged into adulthood, Stewart began taking on more mature roles and starred in films like Snow White and the Huntsman and Underwater. Stewart famously had a years-long relationship with her Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson, but their on and off-screen romance didn’t last.

Tina Marie Majorino

Tina Marie Majorino experienced her rise to fame at a young age. She starred in major films like Andre, Waterworld, and When a Man Loves a Woman. Life as a child star isn’t easy, and Tina needed to step away from the spotlight for a time to deal with the pressures and burnout she’d experienced. However, audiences hadn’t seen the last of Tina. She re-entered the film industry with a successful role in Napoleon Dynamite, which opened the door to renewed success. Since then, Tina has starred in major television series like Legends, True Blood, and Grey’s Anatomy.

Jennifer Connelly

Jennifer Connelly had an interesting start to her film career. She started with a hit role alongside industry icon David Bowie in the 1986 fantasy classic Labyrinth, but it would be a while before Connelly found herself in another high-profile role. She played parts in less successful films like Mulholland Falls, The Rocketeer, and Inventing the Abbots, but her career was stagnating. Then, in 2000, she exploded back into stardom with her intense role in Requiem for a Dream. After that, success followed Connely wherever she went. She won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2001 film Beautiful Mind, and then secured roles in other blockbuster hits like Hulk, Dark Water, He’s Just Not That Into You, and more!

Anna Chlumsky

Some child stars find themselves caught in a world of never-ending opportunities that they can’t convince themselves to turn down but others, like Anna Chlumsky, understand the importance of pacing themselves. Chlumsky’s lead role in the 1991 film My Girl skyrocketed her into success and she reprised her role in My Girl 2 to continued success. After that, Chlumsky took a break from her acting career to focus on school. After graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in International Studies, she returned to the acting scene. Her adult acting career has seen roles in a variety of tv series, including 30 Rock, Hannibal, and Inventing Anna.

Josh Brolin

Son of the iconic actor James Brolin, Josh Brolin set out to make a name for himself in the acting world, and he succeeded! The young actor got his start playing Brandon Walsh, the cool and over-protective big brother, in the hit 1985 film Goonies. After this role, Brolin found the doors to Hollywood completely open to him. He starred in over a dozen hit films, including No Country for Old Men, American Gangster, and Flirting With Disaster. Some of his most popular roles include an appearance in Deadpool 2 and playing the lead villain Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. Brolin has found just as much success in his personal life as he has in his professional one, with four children whom he adores.

Tom Holland

Everyone loved Tom Holland for his role as the new Spider-Man, but his career actually started long before that. Holland’s career began in Lond’s Est End theater scene as a young child. His performances caught the attention of the bigwigs in the entertainment industry and led to him being offered roles on the big screen. A Spanish film called The Impossible marked Holland’s debut into the film world, and after that, he was offered roles in other high-profile projects, like the renowned series Wolf Hall. Of course, he’s best known for his role in the new Spider-Man film series, but Holland is only 23, so he still has an impressive career ahead of him.

Christina Ricci

Most people recognize young Christina Ricci from her role in The Addams Family, but she also stared in the 1990 film Mermaids around the same time. Ricci was barely 10 when she starred in these iconic roles alongside industry legends like Cher and Winona Ryder, and it propelled her career straight into the limelight. She starred in other well-received projects as a young actress, including Casper and Now and Then. After those early roles, Ricci went on to star in more complex and mature films, including The Opposite of Sex, Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas, Prozac Nation, and Sleepy Hollow. Ricci’s career hasn’t slowed down since she started and we don’t see her losing steam anytime soon!

Bonnie Wright

Who didn’t love Bonnie Wright’s portrayal of the spunky spit-fire Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter series? It was an honor for fans of the series to grow up with Wright as she transformed on-screen from the kid sister to the self-assured love interest of the titular character. After her break-out role as a member of the Weasley clan, Wright got her degree in film and television production management. It seems to have worked out well for the young actress, as she went on to direct a short film called Know Thyself and has even founded her own production company.

Macaulay Culkin

A list featuring successful child actors wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Macaulay Culkin! His stand-out role in the iconic Home Alone series set him on a path to a lifetime of recognition and fame, but Culkin had several roles before the Home Alone series. He’d already starred in several TV movies, including Uncle Buck, Jacob’s Ladder, and more. Culkin took an extended break from the acting world, returning only to star in small films like Party Monster and Saved. Despite his extended hiatus and preference to say away from major feature films, Macaulay Culkin is still a household name and a legend in the film industry.

Michelle Trachtenberg

Many child stars got their start acting in commercials, including Michelle Trachtenberg. After spending her youngest years working on her acting skills, Michelle Trachtenberg received her breakout role in Harriet the Spy. This role opened the door to many other successful projects that propelled her career into success. Trachtenberg earned major roles in tv classics like Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which gave her the recognition needed her to pursue other interests. While Trachtenberg has starred in other minor roles and even a made-for-TV movie, she’s mostly focused her career on modeling since her earlier roles.

Kieran Culkin

The adorable little brother of Macaulay Culkin, Kieran made his movie debut in 1990’s Home Alone when he was only 7 years old. He stepped out of his brother’s shadow a short while later with his role in Father of the Bride. Culkin didn’t take on any major projects during his high school years, but afterwards he became a well-known face in Hollywood. He tarred in a variety of dramas, comedies, and indie films, including She’s All That, Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World, Margaret, and Igby Goes Down. His more recent project playing Roman Roy, a quick-witted and defiant media-empire scion, on HBO’s Succession earned him his first Emmy nomination in 2020.

Bug Hall

Bug Hall grew up in the spotlight, and he’s had an impressive glow-up while starring in major films and tv series. As a child actor, Hall was well-known in the entertainment world for his roles in the ’90s hits Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves, Get A Clue, Little Rascals, and The Stupids. His signature quirky kid looked served him well in those days, but he’s since established a more mature and serious demeanor. Since leaving his Disney and childhood roles behind, Hall has turned to smaller projects, although he’s still starred in some big-name series, like 90210 and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

Dakota Fanning

Dakota Fanning made a name for herself playing Ally McBeal’s 5-year-old self in I Am Sam, though many recognize her for her later role as a feminist private detective in the period drama The Alienist. But Fanning put in a ton of work between those two well-known roles, starring in a variety of films. She gave memorable performances in War of the Worlds, Hide and Seek, Uptown Girls, Charlotte’s Web, and three Twilight movies. Fanning’s success spans 20 years of hard work and dedication in the film industry, which has paid off in spaids!

Daryl Sabara

An entire generation grew up watching Daryl Sabara on the big screen as the kid brother in the Spy Kids series. You probably instantly recognize young Daryl Sabara with his signature curly red hair and wide smile. His success continued as a young star with roles in popular tv series like Wizards of Waverly Place. After his younger years passed, Sabara went on to star in more complex and mature roles. He appeared in World’s Greatest Dad and became one of the judges on World’s Most Talented Kids. In his personal life, Sabara found success in his relationship with the iconic singer Meghan Trainor, to whom he is now married to.

Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning, the adorable kid sister of Dakota Fanning, got her start by playing her older sister’s younger version on I Am Sam. Like many sibling acting duos, Fanning may have gotten her start from her sister, but she quickly made a name for herself outside of her sister’s shadow. Elle Fanning stared in several successful films, including Daddy Day Car, Babel, Reservation Road, and Dorr in the Floor. Her acting career spanned multiple genres, including family-friendly movies, young adult films, dramas, and fantasies. More recently, she and her sister starred side by side in the World War II-era epic The Nightingale.

Jodie Sweetin

’90s kids will instantly recognize Sweetin’s bright smile and wide dimples from her role as the adorable middle sister in the hit sitcom Full House. Sweetin’s role in this beloved series set her on a path to success, although she didn’t pursue acting full-time after that role. Instead, she went on to pursue other interests, before finally returning to the entertainment world in 2016. She reprised her role as Stephanie Tanner for the spin-off Fuller House. She starred in all five seasons of the show and proved she still has the chops to be a formidable actress.

Candace Cameron

Speaking of Full House stars, Candance Cameron played Sweetin’s on-camera big sister, DJ Tanner. While she’s best known for her role in the American sitcom, Cameron went on to star in other productions, including a handful of TV movies. She starred in 1996’s No One Would Tell and was a co-host for two seasons on the The View. In 2016, Cameron reprised her iconic role as DJ Tanner in the well-loved spin-off Fuller House. She’s also had a ton of roles on the Hallmark Channel and starred in the Aurora Teagarden murder-mystery franchise.

Maureen McCormick

If you’re a fan of classic American sitcoms, then you’ll have no trouble recognizing Maureen McCormick from her role as Marcia Brady in the tv classic The Brady Bunch. She played the oldest Brady daughter and portrayed all the classic and relatable struggles of a young girl growing into a young woman. Her role in this series skyrocketed her into fame and made her a cultural icon in American television. However, McCormick struggled growing up in the spotlight and struggled with addiction after her work on The Brady Bunch. Despite her struggles, McCormick came back stronger than ever, reprising her role on a number of Brady Bunch spin-offs and working in country music and theater.

Ryan Gosling

Who knew what Ryan Gosling’s career would become when he got his big break on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club at the tender age of 12? The role propelled Gosling into an entertainment biz world with nothing but open doors! Goslin has played ever type of role imaginable, with hit performances in projects like Half Nelson, Lars and the Real Girl, The Notebook, Blue Valentine, Murder by Numbers, La La Land, and The Big Short. Gosling has two Oscar nominations under his belt and won a Golden Globe for his role in La La Land. In his personal life, Gosling married his co-star Eva Mendes and the adorable power couple has two daughters together.

Fred Savage

Do you recognize this iconic child actor of the ’80s? He got his start playing Kevin Arnold in The Wonder Years, but his career skyrocketed with his role in The Princess Bride. These two roles set him on the path to a lifetime of success, and he even earned multiple nominations and awards for his role in Wonder Years. You may not have seen Savage on the screen in a while, but he’s still working in show biz. Savage took up directing as an adult and has worked on many well-known shows like Modern Family. He’s directed one feature-length film and appears to enjoy being on the other side of the camera!

Leonardo DiCaprio

There are few faces in Hollywood as recognizable as Leonardo DiCaprio! This multitalented actor got his start on the sitcom Growing Pains in 1991, and this role opened the door for him to become the powerhouse he is today! DiCaprio starred as a teen heartthrob in several productions, including Romeo + Juliet, Marvin’s Room, and The Basketball Diaries. After the teen phase ended, DiCaprio set audiences on fire with his deeply complex and mature roles in The Wolf of Wall Street, The Revenant, and Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood. This actor has received critical acclaim for a multitude of his roles, and with each new project he continues to prove his depth as an actor.

Tyler James William

Audiences got to watch Tyler James William as he transformed from a young child to a confident adolescent with his role as the lead character in Everybody Loves Chris. His performance in this role was impressive, earning him a Young Artist Award. After that iconic role, William went on to expand his acting career. He dabbled in other genres while appearing in Dear White People, Criminal Minds, and Criminal Minds: Beyond Boarders. This actor has proven he’s capable of playing a variety of characters, and his on-screen transformation from young to mature talent has been an honor for fans to witness.

Neil Patrick Harris

Did Neil Patrick Harris get lucky or was he just that good? Honestly, we think it’s a combination of both! This actor earned a Golden Globe nomination at only 15 years old for his debut role in the 1988 TV movie Clara’s Heart. After appearing in Doogie Howser, M.D., Harris’s acting career went through a bit of a dry patch. But with an actor this talented, that dry spell was destined not to last! He skyrocketed back to fame with his role as the complicated misogynist Barney in the hit sitcom How I Met Your Mother. He won four Emmy nominations for that role and it secured his place as a Hollywood sweetheart.