Hollywood is a strange place. It takes some people decades to get their big break. For others it takes months, maybe a few years, at most.
Child stars have been a staple of Hollywood since the earliest days. Today, child stars are a mixed bunch, with some thriving and thriving into adulthood while others struggle with the pressure of such fame and notoriety at a young age.
Some stars start out very young, like those famous faces you probably grew up with.
1.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were months old when they began their career together as Michelle Tanner at Full House. Though they’ve since transitioned into fashion, the two are still popular personalities who have spent their entire lives in the spotlight.
2.
There was also Jurnee Smollet, who performed first Full house when she was six years old as Michelle’s best friend Denise Fraser. Smollet last appeared in 2022 Lou.
3.
Dylan and Cole Sprouse started out as toddlers as Patrick Kelly on Grace Under Fire.. Unlike Mary-Kate and Ashley, these twins chose to stay in business, with both brothers still growing into new roles to this day.
4.
Raven Symoné was four when she made her debut as Olivia Kendall The Cosby Show. She still does family television and stars in it Raven’s home on Disney+.
6.
Drew Barrymore came from film aristocracy, so it probably wasn’t too strange that she was just three years old when she starred in her first TV movie. Suddenly love, in an uncredited role. Two years later, she would get her first loan bogie. Today she is a talk show host and superstar who has overcome countless struggles to succeed.
7.
Tahj Mowry was four years old when he got his first gig Who is the boss? This was quickly followed by his own stint Full house. Tahj continues to act today, most recently in the series how we roll
8th.
Leonardo DiCaprio made his big screen debut Romper room 1979 and today he’s one of the biggest talents out there.
9.
Abigail Breslin was six when she showed up Sign. Now, at 26, she’s still playing, most recently in Miranda’s sacrifice. She also recently tied the knot.
11.
Dakota Fanning began acting in 2000 with a series of television roles — including commercials Ally McBeal, HEAnd spin city. In 2001 she was there i am sam, and the rest is history. At 29, she has three projects in the works and was the last one involved The First Lady as Susan Ford.
12.
Lindsay Lohan also began her acting career at the age of six with a guest appearance Example. The mom-to-be (!!!) is a millennial favorite and linked multiple times, she’s still acting and most recently appeared in In love with Christmas.
13.
Haley Joel Osment was six years old when he appeared on stage in a few projects in 1994, most notably his role as Forrest Jr. in Forrest Gump. These days, Osment does more voice acting than traditional acting, but is still very much in business.
14
Jonathan Lipnicki became a national phenomenon at the age of six for his role as Ray Boyd Jerry Maguire. Despite not having an acting credit as of 2021, IMDb says he has three projects in the works!
15
Natalie Portman was just 12 years old when she played the lead role The professional and proved that she has great acting skills. Almost 30 years later, Portman is still a huge movie star, most recently in Thor: Love & Thunder.
Who are your favorites from this list? Which child stars have we forgotten? Let’s talk in the comments.
