What Your Favorite Child Stars Are Up To Nowadays
It seems like yesterday we watched our favorite child actors and actresses on our family TV, but believe it or not, those famous personalities have matured now! From your favorite Nickelodeon actors to TV commercial stars, these celebrities have come a long way since their years as adorable child stars.
While some went on to star in other films and TV series, others have decided to quit the limelight for good to switch careers or go back to school to pursue a college degree. Needless to say, a few of them are barely recognizable now, especially if we’d only ever watched them on our TV screens for a brief period.
What these former child stars have in common, however, is that the audience always wants to see how they’ve matured. Take a look at what your favorite child stars are up to nowadays.
Alexandrea Owens-Sarno | Titanic
Remember the little girl dancing at a party with Jack Dawson in Titanic? Former child actress Alexandrea Owens-Sarno portrayed her. Back then, her dancing scene with Leonardo DiCaprio was so iconic to the degree that she gained fans of her own. She was even dubbed “the Titanic girl” at her school. More importantly, the exposure to the film became the starting point of Alexandra’s acting career.
Following her performance in Titanic, Owens-Sarno called a talent agent and started auditioning for other movie projects. She was also recognized on the streets and was asked for autographs until she finally decided to take a break from Hollywood. Nevertheless, she has consistently kept up with fan mail throughout the years and sent out autographed photos of herself in her Titanic stint. After college, Owens-Sarno relocated to Los Angeles and attended various acting classes. She currently works in improv and sketch comedy and is now 32 years old!
Alyson Stoner | Cheaper by the Dozen
In 2003 and 2005, Alyson Stoner appeared as Sarah in the successful comedy series Cheaper by the Dozen as one of the twelve Baker children. She has also starred in several other television series aimed at the preteen audience, including the fan-favorite, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and That’s So Raven.
As you probably know, Stoner studied tap dance, jazz dance, and ballet at O’Connell’s Dance Studio. She was also offered a movie role in Step Up as Channing Tatum’s character’s younger sister, Camille. As a dancer, she appeared in a couple of music videos, notably Eminem’s Just Lose It and Missy Elliott’s Work It. Nowadays, the 27-year-old actress teaches dance classes at the Millennium Dance Complex and takes credit as the youngest dance teacher providing a master class there. She also serves as the dance editor for KEWL Magazine.
Amanda Bynes | All That
American actress Amanda Bynes is best known for her extensive work in film and television throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Her awards include winning a Critics’ Choice Award and seven Kids’ Choice Awards. Bynes started her career as a child actress, appearing on the hit sketch comedy show All That from 1996 to 2000. She had her breakthrough performing as the lead star in its spin-off show The Amanda Show, for which she received accolades.
Bynes rose to prominence during her teenage years for her movie performances in Big Fat Liar, What a Girl Wants, She’s the Man, Hairspray, and Easy A. Her degree of fame began to dwindle when she announced her acting hiatus in 2010. In recent years, the 35-year-old star expressed interest in returning to TV acting, and her fans are looking forward to her next project.
Angela Cartwright | The Sound of Music
Angela Cartwright became famous as a child actress for her role as Brigitta von Trapp in the hit musical The Sound of Music. On television, she portrayed Linda Williams in the 1950s TV show The Danny Thomas Show.
Cartwright made her first film at the age of three as Paul Newman’s character’s daughter in the 1956 movie Somebody Up There Likes Me. She continued to win TV roles in the ’70s and ’80s, and outside the acting industry, she has worked as a photographer with a studio located in Studio City, Los Angeles. Cartwright also has several book credits. Most recently, she published a novel with Bill Mumy. Although she has not appeared on screen for a number of years, she has not retired from the acting industry yet. In 2018, the 68-year-old actress appeared in Netflix’s Lost In Space.
Anna Chlumsky | My Girl
Former child actress Anna Chlumsky skyrocketed to fame for playing Vada Sultenfuss in the 1991 film My Girl and its 1994 sequel. By the late ’90s and early 2000s, her career entered a hiatus as she pursued a college degree. Chlumsky returned to acting by the late 2000s with roles in several independent films, such as Blood Car and Loop. She then starred in the HBO series Veep from 2012 to 2019 as Amy Brookheimer and received six Primetime Emmy nominations.
In 2008, Chlumsky tied the knot with Army Reserve member Shaun So, with whom she has two kids. Now 40 years old, she continues to appear in the world of television, accepting roles here and there. She portrayed Dr. Katie Herman in Halt and Catch Fire in 2017 and received a role as the main star in Shonda Rhimes’ Inventing Anna in 2019.
Blake and Dylan Tuomy-Wilhoit | Full House
While Fuller House fans still hope for Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen to reprise their roles in the final season of the Netflix show, there is another set of twins who did not hesitate about returning to the limelight, even if only for a moment. Widely known as Nicky and Alex Katsopolis on the hit show Full House, actors Blake and Dylan Tuomy-Wilhoit portrayed the twin sons of Uncle Jesse and Aunt Becky.
Fast forward to 2016, the duo appeared on the Fuller House remake and was 25 years old at the time. Although we saw them briefly in the series, the twins are no longer actors. Instead, they are working on the other side of the camera. Dylan has been working as a foley artist with credits and three Emmy Awards for his work on Game of Thrones. Blake, on the other hand, works as an audio engineer.
Bonnie Langford | Just William
Bonnie Langford came to prominence in the ’70s as a child actress when she bagged a role in Just William’s TV show. In the following decade, she portrayed Mel Bush in Doctor Who. Langford has also been known for her acting credits in various musicals both on Broadway and in the West End, including Cats, Peter Pan, Chicago, and The Pirates of Penzance.
From 2015 to 2018, Langford played the role of Carmel Kazemi on the soap opera EastEnders, for which she garnered the British Soap Award for Best Newcomer in 2016. The former child star is also a dancer and has appeared on the competition show Dancing on Ice in 2006 as a celebrity contestant. She and her partner, professional figure skater Matt Evers, finished in third place overall. Her appearance on the show somehow sparked a regeneration in her showbiz career.
Brandon Cruz | The Courtship of Eddie’s Father
American actor and singer Brandon Cruz is famous for his role as Eddie Corbett on the television show The Courtship of Eddie’s Father. Aside from his work as a child star, Cruz is also a punk rock musician, performing for bands like Flipper and Dr. Know.
Following the cancellation of the show we’ve just mentioned, the actor appeared in several guest appearances in Gunsmoke, Kung Fu, and The Incredible Hulk. By the late ’70s, he turned his attention to punk rock, with his band releasing several records and touring Europe. Reflecting on his life as a former child star, which has sadly brought tragedy to many others, Cruz revealed in American Profile that “surfing and punk rock” saved his life. In 1991, he took the credit with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Young Artist Foundation for his past acting work.
Brittany Ashton Holmes | Little Rascals
If you’re one of the ’80s and ’90s kids who watched the fan-favorite movie Little Rascals, then you’d know who portrayed the adorable Darla. Actress Brittany Ashton Holmes played the iconic role and still goes by the name “Darla” because she captivated a large audience with her charm and wit back then. She may be that cute little girl in the movie, but now she’s grown up to be a gorgeous young lady.
In the late ’90s, Holmes shifted her focus from acting to education and reportedly pursued a degree in political science. According to some reports, she worked in Starbucks for a while. The former child star has retired from acting, but the actress once made a brief comeback in 2014 with the comedy We Hate Paul Revere. Although her career was relatively short, it was pretty fruitful as she won a few nominations and awards.
Brooke Shields | Pretty Baby
Brooke Shields was initially a young child model who ventured into acting. She gained critical acclaim at only 12 years old for her leading role in the 1978 film Pretty Baby, for which she garnered widespread notoriety. Shields continued to work as a model into her late teenage years and appeared in several dramas of the ’80s, including The Blue Lagoon and Endless Love.
In 1983, the model turned actress decided to suspend her Hollywood career to attend Princeton University, where she obtained her degree in Romance Languages. She returned to acting in the 1990s and starred in minor roles in movies and sitcoms. Now 56 years old, Shields continues to be active in the entertainment scene and has been a guest co-host of Today on NBC. She also recurred as Sheila Porter during season 19 of Law & Order: SVU.
Butch Patrick | The Munsters
Debuting his professional acting career at only age seven, Butch Patrick is most known for his performance in The Munsters as child werewolf Eddie Munster. He portrayed the role from 1964 to 1966, and reprised the character in its feature film Munster, Go Home! By the following decade, he played Mark on the ABC morning show Lidsville.
Patrick was discovered by a talent scout when he was seven, which led to a couple of appearances in TV commercials and shows. When recounting how he started his acting career, he credits his sister, who was the one who gave him “all the encouragement.” Aside from his role as a child werewolf, he had guest-starring roles on other popular shows of the ’60s, including I Dream of Jeannie, Gunsmoke, Daniel Boone, and Adam-12. Today, Patrick still appears on the big and small screens, albeit sporadically.
Christian Bale | The Dark Knight
Born in Wales and raised in Los Angeles, Christian Bale had his first starring role at only 13 years old in Steven Spielberg’s hit film Empire of the Sun. After decades of performing in both leading and supporting roles, he gained wider recognition for his performances in American Psycho, The Machinist, and, of course, The Dark Knight series.
Known for his versatility in acting, Bale positioned himself as a sought-after leading man and Hollywood A-lister. He is also a recipient of various accolades and once landed the Time magazine’s list of the world’s most influential people. With only a few child stars achieving massive success as an adult, he serves as an inspiration for those who aspire to have a long-running entertainment career. As for his most recent acting credit, Bale will portray Gorr the God Butcher in the 2022 movie Thor: Love and Thunder.
Christina Ricci | The Addams Family
Christina Ricci started her film career at the age of nine and appeared in Mermaids, followed by a breakthrough role in The Addams Family as Wednesday Addams. Her subsequent appearance in Casper brought her to a massive degree of fame and established her as a teen icon.
At 17, Ricci transitioned into adult-oriented roles with performances in The Ice Storm, Sleepy Hollow, and Anything Else. Despite being notable predominantly for her work in independent films, she has appeared in a number of box office hits, with her films grossing over $1.4 billion as of date. Since 2011, the actress shifted her focus on television, with consistent acting offers over the years. She appeared in the 2014 TV movie Lizzie Borden Took an Ax, the 2017 Amazon Video show Z: The Beginning of Everything, and the 2020 series 50 States of Fright.
Dakota Fanning | I Am Sam
Dakota Fanning came to prominence at seven years old for her iconic performance in the 2001 film I Am Sam as Lucy Dawson. For her work in the movie, she bagged a Screen Actors Guild nomination at age eight, making her the youngest ever nominee in SAG history. She also portrayed significant roles in Uptown Girls, The Cat in the Hat, and Charlotte’s Web.
By the late 2000s, the young star followed more mature roles, playing the titular character in Coraline and appearing as Jane in The Twilight Saga. Fanning continued appearing in independent productions throughout the 2010s. She also debuted her modeling career and was featured in several fashion magazines like Vanity Fair, Elle, and Cosmopolitan. She walked the runway in the 2014 and 2015 New York fashion week. Without a doubt, Fanning’s dual career as an actress and model has upscaled her credit score in Hollywood.
Daniel Radcliffe | Harry Potter
It’s hard not to think of Harry Potter when you say Daniel Radcliffe’s name. The 31-year-old star is best known for playing the most famous wizard of them all in the movie adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling book series with the same title. However, did you know that it wasn’t the first project he did?
He was first seen in the TV film David Copperfield at the age of 10 in 1999. After two years, who would have thought he would become one of the most famous child stars in history. The first Harry Potter film brought Radcliffe’s career to the pedestal. He went on to play the role for ten years, ending in 2011. During this time, Radcliff was one of the highest-paid actors in the world. Not only that – the credits he received range from being critically acclaim to receiving several accolades and more.
Dante Basco | Hook
Do you remember Rufio from the 1991 Steven Spielberg movie Hook? The leader of the Lost Boys is now a full-grown adult and into voice acting this time. Dante Basco is famous for his role as Rufio that made a mark in the minds of many. How couldn’t he? With his trademark big, spiked, red-striped hair, who could even forget him?
Though this might be the most significant project Basco had, other TV movie credits he received. He boasts guest roles on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Moesha, and Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper and appeared in But I’m a Cheerleader and many more. Behind the camera, Basco is the voice behind Prince Zuko in Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender and Jake Long in Disney Channel’s American Dragon: Jake Long. Today, Basco streams gameplay on Twitch and has dropped his memoir From Rufio to Zuko.
Drake Bell | The Amanda Show
Drake Bell had successfully made a name as a child actor in the early 2000s. After his appearance as a young child in Home Improvement, he became best known in Nickelodeon’s The Amanda Show. He was also part of the hit TV series Drake & Josh. The now-34-year-old star continued to dominate the small screen—Nickelodeon in this matter—and starred in the trilogy The Fairly OddParents movies.
In case fans didn’t know, Bell also had a band called Drake 24/7 when he was doing Drake & Josh. From here, he continued his music career and released his own album, and It’s Only Time. Two more album releases followed, putting Bell’s then-degree of fame to an incredible height. It was all a success, making its way to the Billboard music chart. As Time has now passed, Bell is also into voice acting and continuously releasing new songs until today.
Dylan and Cole Sprouse | The Suite Life of Zack & Cody
Dylan and Cole Sprouse, famously known as the Sprouse Brothers, are some of the most famous twins in the industry. They have been part of the most significant movie projects to date, like Adam Sandler’s Big Daddy, where the two co-starred. How? They alternately played the role of Julian, who Sonny (Sandler) looked after.
Though this was already a big project, Dylan and Cole received their biggest break when they starred in the Disney Channel sitcom The Suites Life of Zack & Cody for three years. From here, they were coined the “heartthrobs,” receiving incredible attention from the preteen and teen audiences. The series gave birth to a retooled The Suite Life on Deck and the movie The Suite Live Movie that made them the wealthiest children alive of 2007 and the highest-paid teenage Disney stars in 2010. Moreover, the event may have given Dylan the suitable investment to start a business in Brooklyn while Cole remains in the entertainment scene.
Edward Furlong | Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Edward Furlong’s breakout role in the business came when he was only 14 years. At the time, he played the iconic role of John Connor in the 1991 James Cameron film Terminator 2: Judgment Day. This film earned the now-43-year-old star Saturn and MTV Movie Awards at a young age. Cameron even made a mini-sequel, T2-3D: Battle Across Time to this movie in 1996 that also featured him.
Furlong was also part of the equally iconic movie Pet Sematary Two, which gave him his second Saturn Award nomination for unfamiliar fans. If these are not enough, the actor has received several credits from some of the best movies he made, like Before and After, Pecker, American History X, Detroit Rock, and Animal Factory. Today, we rarely seen Furlong either on the big or small screen, as the last movie he made was the 2019 movie Terminator: Dark Fate.
Elden Henson | The Mighty Ducks Trilogy
The Mighty Ducks was all the rave in the ‘90s. It’s one of the most famous films back then, and it gave birth to two more movies, making it a trilogy. Though several names had emerged from this movie franchise, one of its most prominent characters was Elden Henson’s, Fulton Reed. From an ice hockey player to a construction worker, Reed returned to the ice rink to fight once again.
However, aside from this iconic movie, there are several other films that Henson has been a part of. He’s Foggy Nelson in Daredevil and Marvel Cinematic Universe and Pollux in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and Part 2. His role in the MCU gave him the chance to be part of the crossover to the other miniseries. He took on roles in The Defenders, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage. Though it has been three years since he last received any TV and movie credits, Henson is now back in the game to reprise his role in The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers.
Elijah Wood | Lord of the Rings
If Daniel Radcliffe is for Harry Potter, and then Elijah Wood is for Lord of the Rings. Some have mistaken these two for their uncanny similarities in looks, but it looks like several others are the same. The now-40-year-old star receives credit for his role as Frodo Baggins, also seen in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
However, this is not just the iconic film that he has been part of. At the tender age of eight years old, Wood made his film debut in 1989 Back to the Future, though he only had a small role. However, this has been his stepping stone to be known in the business. He continuously receives recognition as a child star in Avalon, Paradise, Radio Flyer, and more. With his success, Wood manages to have the right investment money to find the film production company, SpectreVision, in 2010.
Erin Murphy | Bewitched
Erin Murphy has successfully made a name as a child actress in the ‘60s. She’s made a mark as the young Tabitha Stephens from the third to the last episode of Bewitched. The now-57-year-old actress appeared in 103 episodes, 18 of which she shared with her twin sister, Diane. However, as they started to differ in appearance as they grew up, Murphy played the role alone.
After this show, Murphy went on to appear on Lassie. She also had over 100 commercials and became a model for Hang Ten. Murphy also made a massive investment in the business, working behind the camera as a casting director, makeup artist, and fashion stylist. It looks like there’s nothing that Murphy couldn’t do, and she proved this true when she became a reality TV host, a motivational speaker, and even a stunt double for Virginia Madsen.
Jason Zimbler | Clarissa Explains It All
Before Jason Zimbler turned his back from the entertainment industry, he’s one of the most famous child actors on the small screen. He’s best known for the role of Ferguson W. Darlin in the Nickelodeon TV series Clarissa Explains It All. The now-43-year-old former actor was famous back then as the “world’s brattiest little brother.”
Zimbler also made an appearance on The Edge of Night. He later joined the theatre world as a director and assistant in theatre productions after he played the role of Robert Anderson in the 1989 revival of Shenandoah. Zimbler started to get the ways of theatre works, and with the proper investment planning, he founded the theatre company The Re-Theatre Instrument with Sam Kusnetz in 2007. Through this and with Zimbler’s direction, they reimagined the classic works of Faust, King Lear, and Much Ado About Nothing. However, in 2011, he started working as a software designer for HBO.
Haley Joel Osment | The Sixth Sense
“I see dead people” are the words that the young Haley Joel Osment made famous when he played the role of Cole Sear in the M. Night Shyamalan movie The Sixth Sense, opposite Bruce Willis. His role as the unwilling young medium earned him the Best Support Actor award that paved the way for him to be part of some of the most successful and high-profile Hollywood films.
He was part of Steven Spielberg’s A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Mimi Leder’s Pay It Forward, and Secondhand Lions. Aside from working with the best directors, he also worked with some of the best actors, like Tom Selleck in Land Stand at Saber River. Osment is now in the business for almost three decades. With a degree from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, it looks like Osment has a bright future waiting for him in the entertainment business.
Hayden Panettiere | Heroes
Fans probably know Hayden Panettiere as Juliette Barnes in the hit musical drama series Nashville. Before she stunned everyone with her incredible acting, she’s best known as Claire Bennet on Heroes’ superhero series. It looks like the now-31-year-old star is destined to be under the limelight.
At the early age of 11 months, Panettiere already appeared in a commercial. She then started her acting career full-time in 1994 with One Life to Live. There’s never a time that the actress has no project to do. From TV series to movies of different themes, name it, she has done it. In fact, Panettiere even ventured into voice acting and became the voice behind the credit roles of Kairi and Xion in the video game series Kingdom Hearts and Sam in Until Dawn. With the degree of success she has experienced, Panettiere knows how to give back by joining different causes.
Hayley Mills | Tiger Bay
Ever since Hayley Milles has started her acting career, she has been continuously wowing the audience. From the family of good actors, from her dad Sir John Mills, mom Mary Hayley Bell, and sister Juliet Mills, you can expect more from the 75-year-old star herself. She quickly earned a BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer for her hit film Tiger Bay. From here, the rest is what they say, history.
Mills received the Academy Juvenile Award and Golden Globe’s New Star of the Year for her following consecutive projects. Hayley quickly showed everyone what she got as she did six films for Walt Disney immediately. After just two years in the business, Milles already received the BAFTA Award for Best British Actress. Hayley also ventured into the world of theatre, and as expected, she succeeded. Though she didn’t manage to maintain the degree of fame she had back then, Hayley remains an essential part of the business.
Hilary Duff | Lizzie McGuire
Who doesn’t know Hilary Duff as Lizzie McGuire from the hit TV series with the same name? This show helped the now-33-year-old star peak her career that led from one project to another. She also started to get credits as the early 2000s’ teen idol. More importantly, this paved the way for her to appear in several movies.
Aside from The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Duff also appeared in Cheaper by the Dozen, A Cinderella Story, and Agent Cody Banks. She also ventured into movie production with some films she starred in, like According to Greta, Beauty and the Briefcase, and more. Duff was also a singer back then, dubbed as one of the most famous pop stars of the early 2000s. Today, Duff is slated to appear in the How I Met Your Mother sequel, How I Met Your Father.
Jay North | Dennis the Menace
Jay North brought to life the iconic comic strip character Dennis Mitchell by Hank Ketcham in Dennis the Menace’s TV series in the late ’50s. At the age of seven, the now-69-year-old star instantly became a household name, thanks to his well-meaning but mischievous character. At the time, his career had a fantastic start. North might be one of the few child actors with eight TV series, two variety shows, and three movies to his name.
Of course, his colorful career didn’t just stop there. When he turned into a teen, he started doing movies for the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and an NBC TV series. As he became a full-grown adult, North ventured into voice acting for different TV animated series. However, as he left the entertainment business, North revealed the degree of hardships he had been through as a child star and joined a cause to counsel young kids working in the industry.
Jerry Mathers | Leave It to Beaver
If you’re familiar with the name Theodor “Beaver” Clever,” Jerry Mathers made this young boy famous back in the late ‘50s to the early ‘60s. He’s best known for the then-hit sitcom Leave It to Beaver. His frankness at a young age caught the show’s producers’ attention, making him perfect for the role.
In six years and about 234 episodes, Mathers successfully played the role that made his mark in the business. In fact, he was the first actor who had a deal made on his behalf to receive a percentage of the show’s merchandising revenue. Mathers already knew how to be out of debt and any financial loans at a young age, securing a bright future for himself. Indeed it’s a smart move that the actor did. After more than half a century and the TV series production run, Leave it to Beaver still earns good profit today.
Jodie Foster | Taxi Driver
When Hollywood introduced Jodie Foster as one of its pioneers, faces from the industry cheered and nodded in accord. She had persevered through many stages. It was incredible to consider that she began her career as a child actress before achieving a substantial degree as a notable adult actress.
She read at the age of three, but she had little trouble landing her first acting role in Mayberry R.F.D. She succeeded in squeezing in as many as eight other productions in the first half of the 1970s but rose to international fame in the critically acclaimed Taxi Driver. She remarked that receiving her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 1977 was the first time she learned the true meaning of acting. She devoured four more silver screens in 1976, and her name became more popular as a result. In addition to performing, Foster has worked as a successful film director and producer in recent years. She already has over 90 acting and directing credits under her belt, and she shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Candace Cameron Bure | Full House
Candace Cameron has come a long way from her days as a child star to becoming a Hallmark Channel favorite and mother of three children. Candace debuted on the stage in the early 1980s while appearing in a variety of TV shows, including St. Elsewhere and Punky Brewster. But it wasn’t until 1987 that she got her big break as D.J. Tanner of Full House.
Candace grew from a small child to a teenager and a self-assured young woman during that time. As a result, she got a lot on her plate even if the series concluded in 1995. Candace joined the television show Dancing with the Stars and finished the season in third place. She co-hosted The View from 2015 to 2016 and continued to star in Hallmark Channel holiday films. In addition, she reprised D.J. Tanner in the sequel series titled Fuller House from 2016 until 2020. From acting in national commercials, Cameron has undoubtedly made a degree in Hollywood over the years.
Jon Provost | Lassie
Jon Provost portrayed “Timmy Martin,” the well-known human friend of Lassie. John joined the cast at the age of seven, and he rapidly became a vital part of the plot. He stepped up to a great degree admirably, and he and Lassie became an iconic partnership, to the point that neither could appear on the show without the other.
Provost began his acting career at a young age and was cast in The Country Girl when he was four years old. He took on even more responsibilities in 1956 and 1957, but it was the latter year that he felt genuinely connected to his work. Jon dropped out of the scene when he approached his mid-teenage years and went on to work in television and film. Jon then moved to Northern California after high school to be “a normal college guy.” Provost had changed dramatically from the small child “Timmy” that audiences had grown to love. Yet, even after all these years, he still has a soft spot for the franchise.
Jonathan Lipnicki | Jerry Maguire
Jonathan Lipnicki’s look is likely to be familiar to anyone who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s. After beginning his acting appearance in the 1996 film Jerry Maguire, the young star swiftly soared to stardom with his characteristic spiked hair and round glasses.
The world fell in love with Jonathan for the first time 24 years ago. He was only six years old when he played Ray Boyd alongside Tom Cruise and Renée Zellweger. Following its success, the emerging kid star won the role of George Little in Stuart Little and then appeared in The Little Vampire, Like Mike, and Dawson’s Creek episodes. Jonathan took a break from acting as a youngster, but he eventually pursued his goal. Jonathan struggled to find work as he grew older, but it didn’t stop him from performing. Jonathan is still making a name for himself in the field today and has even made an appearance on reality TV. Outside acting, Jonathan practices mixed martial arts and holds a degree in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Tia and Tamera Mowry | Sister, Sister
It was all about Sister, Sister for kids in the 1990s. Tia and Tamera Mowry portrayed twin sisters who got reunited after being adopted as babies. The sitcom made us laugh, weep, and do many other things throughout six seasons.
After the sitcom ended in 1999, the twins continued to work together in films. They starred in Twitches and Twitches Too, as well as Seventeen Again. From 2011 to 2013, they had their reality show, Tia & Tamera. Over the years, they’ve also worked on independent projects. From 2006 until 2015, Tia portrayed Melanie on The Game and Stephanie Phillips on Instant Mom. She is presently starring in the Netflix series Family Reunion as Cocoa. As for Tamera, she was a co-host of The Real from 2013 to 2020. She currently appears on the Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family as a “family member.” Though they have built a successful degree over the years, we will be eternally grateful to the show for giving us the Mowry twins.
Josh Peck | Drake and Josh
Josh Peck has made a degree of transition from a child actor on television to a Hollywood star. He knew he would make it big from the moment he identified his passion at the age of eight. He was born with a natural sense of humor, which he has exploited to the fullest from boyhood.
He landed a prominent role on the Nickelodeon comedy series The Amanda Show, followed by the smash sitcom Drake & Josh. He and co-star Drake Bell resurrected the Odd Couple act for a new generation. Peck’s outspoken and self-deprecating sense of humor helped him land high-profile roles in independent films and voiceover work in animated films. However, his breakout role in The Wackness revealed a versatile actor who could appeal to a wide range of audiences. Peck has continued his work on TV, in films, and online to be a role model for future generations.
Joshua Jackson | Dawson’s Creek
When Dawson’s Creek first aired on the WB in 1998, it was one of the most talked-about TV shows of the year. It continued to become one of the most successful shows during its six-season run. The kids of Capeside are sure to enthrall a new generation of teenagers now that it’s available on Netflix.
Since his debut appearance on our screens, Pacey Witter has been creating unreasonable expectations for boyfriends all over the world. Although Dawson and Joey seemed meant for each other, Joshua Jackson made Pacey a feasible romantic alternative for Joey. Jackson’s breakout role was Charlie Conway in the Mighty Ducks trilogy. He then appeared in another favorite show, Fringe, after the series ended in 2003. At 42, he continued to pile up her career investments with appearances on famous shows like The Affair and Little Fires Everywhere. He also appeared in Netflix’s When They See Us miniseries.
Keith Thibodeaux | I Love Lucy
Keith Thibodeaux embodies a legacy because of his role as Little Ricky on the ’50s sitcom I Love Lucy. Thibodeaux starred in many TV shows after Lucy, including four years as Johnny Paul on The Andy Griffith Show. He hasn’t been under the radar for a long time. As a result, we were curious about how the former child star (who used the stage name Richard Keith) looks these days. He’s now 70 years old, and he still has that famous smile.
Thibodeaux has also been busy since he departed from the show. He joined David and the Giants, a rock band, when he was 19 years old. He is now happily married to Kathy Denton and lives in their investment home in Jackson, Mississippi. Together, they currently co-direct Ballet Magnificat. Little Ricky appears to have done well for himself. But we wouldn’t expect anything less from a former cast member of I Love Lucy.
Kel Mitchell | Good Burger
The adoration for Nickelodeon in the 1990s is simply fantastic. The network spawned some bona fide stars in the process of delivering such nostalgic entertainment. Kel Mitchell was the one who welcomed us to Good Burger, the home of the Good Burger, and wanted to take our order.
Mitchell’s ascent to a degree of popularity began in 1994 when he joined the cast of All That. From there, his star continued to increase as he starred opposite Kenan Thompson in the ever-popular Kenan & Kel spin-off from All That. In 1997, he landed his first — and most well-known — big-screen part in Good Burger. Kel has slipped further and more out of the spotlight during the last two decades. Instead, he chose to go on a new route with his life. He’s started to focus on staying at home and being a family man in recent years. Being a parent, as they say, is the most rewarding job in the world.
Kenan Thompson | All That
All That may be remembered fondly by many kids who grew up in the mid-’90s and early aughts. Kenan Thompson was a regular on the show from 1994 to 2000, appearing in over 50 episodes. He cemented his degree for his roles as Super Dude and Pierre Escargot in the recurring comedy Everyday French with Pierre Escargot.
Thompson and his co-star Kel Mitchell also filmed the Nickelodeon sitcom Kenan & Kel and the Good Burger. However, as the shows drew to a close, Thompson’s dreams got even more significant. Thompson is most known for his work on Saturday Night Live, a late-night sketch comedy show. He’s been on the show for nearly two decades and is now the longest-serving cast member in history. He has his own NBC show, Kenan, and continues to appear on SNL, but he doesn’t seem too bothered about it.
Kevin Schmidt | Cheaper by the Dozen
Kevin Schmidt began his acting career at the age of nine, starring in Cheaper by the Dozen I and II. Kevin also portrayed Noah Newman on The Young and the Restless, the highest-rated and longest-running daytime drama. On the big screen, Schmidt co-starred in The Butterfly Effect and Catch That Kid. In addition, he starred in Resurrection Mary and Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel and other films.
Kevin has also had a lot of success behind the scenes. He developed and marketed a dance instructional DVD when he was 18 years old. Kevin also starred in Randy’s Canvas, an award-winning independent feature film produced by the Autism Society. Adding to his career investments, he developed a 24-hour broadcast television station for the Calvert County government in Maryland, focusing on community and educational programming. Kevin has produced, edited, and directed over 200 hours of unscripted and live-broadcast programming to date.
Kiernan Shipka | Mad Men
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’s wicked twists and witchy came to a close as it released the show’s final season. It drew a large, committed fan base that fell in love with Kiernan Shipka’s role as Sabrina Spellman.
Before joining the ensemble of CAOS, Kiernan was already a star in her degree. Before graduating to the mature character of Sabrina in 2018, the young actress shone as Sally Draper on the Emmy-winning series Mad Men. She appeared in the first three seasons as a recurrent character before becoming a regular from the fourth to the seventh. With CAOS, Kiernan balanced his naiveté from the first season and ultimately developed into a formidable witch that no one wanted to mess with. Though it’s sad to see her go, Kiernan fans can expect a lot more from the great actress in the future. She’ll play Lizzy alongside Cole Sprouse in the series Swimming with Sharks.
Kim Fields | Facts of Life
Kim Fields became a household name after starring in numerous smash sitcoms, including Facts of Life. Kim played roller-skating enthusiast Tootie Ramseyall throughout the nine seasons of the series.
Kim maintains a busy Hollywood schedule, acting in films, television shows, and theater productions regularly. From 1993 through 1988, Kim played Regine Hunter on Living Single. She’s appeared in several TV episodes since then. In 2015 and 2016, she competed on Dancing With the Stars and appeared on Season 8 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Outside acting, she established her second career as a television director. She worked on episodes of Kenan & Kel, Meet the Browns, House of Payne, and other shows. Approaching her 42nd year in the entertainment industry, she aspires to strike the ideal work/life balance. Kim continues to handle her challenging career and various business investments while maintaining a solid religion and family.
Kim Richards | Escape to Witch Mountain
Kim Richards began her career in show business as a child, appearing in television commercials. Richards first appeared in a diaper commercial when she was four months old. She had already appeared in twenty small-screen advertisements by the time she was four and a half years old.
She earned her role as Prudence Everett in the sitcom Nanny and the Professor. The show continued for three seasons, bringing Richards to national prominence as a young performer. Kim starred in several additional television shows and films before getting the lead part of Tia Malone in Escape to Witch Mountain. She propelled her degree for her role as a telepathic extraterrestrial girl in the movie and its sequel. After that, Kim took a decade apart from show business to raise her four children. She later returned with her role as Tia in The Blair Witch Project. More recently, Richards and her sister Kyle joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Kirsten Dunst | Bring It On
Before Cheer, there was Bring It On. The film spawned a slew of remakes and has become a pivotal masterpiece in the teen cinema genre. During its premiere, Kirsten Dunst was by far the most well-known cast member.
Since she was a child, Kirsten has been a known name in the entertainment industry. Dunst received her first film part at the age of six, in Woody Allen’s New York Stories. But it was in 1994’s Interview with a Vampire that she made her breakthrough. At 11, her performance got her a Golden Globe nomination and roles in the popular films Jumanji and Little Women. She rose to prominence as a teenager in films such as Bring It On and Spider-Man, where she played the title character’s redhead-next-door love interest. She continued adding to her career investments with The Power of the Dog. Isn’t that impressive for our former cheerleader?
Kym Karath | Sound of Music
Kym Karath had a stellar career as a child actor back in the days. She is best remembered for her role as Gretl, the youngest Von Trapp child in The Sound of Music. Karath was only seven years old when she landed the role of Gretl, and it was here that she gained a lot of media attention. After her work in the film, Karath appeared in other TV shows such as Lassie, Dr. Kildare, The Brady Bunch, and Lost In Space. The young actress pursued a degree in humanities in the University of Southern California before moving to Paris to learn art history and become a model.
She did go back to the United States to rekindle her acting career but took a long break to raise her child. She certainly had much work waiting for her after reuniting with her fellow cast members back in 2005. It seems that she isn’t finished doing what she loves best.
Lance Kerwin| James At 15
Lance Kerwin was one of the best-known child stars back in the 70s. He was even considered as one of the highest-paid child actors at that time. Kerwin was best known for his work in James At 15, but other acting projects lined up for him back then, such as Salem’s Lot and The Loneliest Runner. The actor had a good run in Hollywood, but his dependency on recreational medications affected his work in the entertainment industry.
He did try to undergo rehab for his vices to his credit, but it did not last long. The actor found himself in trouble with the law because of it. With regards to his personal life, Kerwin got married to his first wife, Kristen Lansdale, and they have one child between them. Later on, he married Yvonne, with whom he had four children. The actor was last seen acting in 1995 for the film, Outbreak. Today, he is a minister of religion in Kaua’i in Hawaii.
Lauren Chapin | Father Knows Best
Lauren Chapin became a household name for her role in the TV show Father’s Knows Best, where she portrayed the youngest child, Kathy Anderson. She enjoyed success as a child actor, but after the show ended, Chapin found life difficult. Growing up, the actress rebelled against her parents and later got married when she was only 16. However, this did not last long, and she soon found herself addicted to and selling recreational medication. She spent several years in and out of jail, but she was able to find a steady source of income after this.
Chapin was able to turn her life around after being ordained as an evangelist. In the ‘80s, she worked in a business firm and even taught women how to give birth naturally. The actress is also a published author, which helped her increase her investment money. Today, she works as a manager for singers and actors, plus she gives seminars too with regards to show business.
Lindsay Lohan | Mean Girls
Lindsay Lohan was one of the rising stars in the 90s. She is best known for her performance in Mean Girls, but she had already been acting before that. Lohan appeared in Another World, which was followed by the remake of The Parent Trap. She earned the Young Artist Award for her work in the film. She also received a Breakthrough Performance for her performance in Freaky Friday. This was followed by more acting jobs like in Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, Herbie: Fully Loaded, Georgia Rule, and more.
Although Lohan had a bright career ahead of her, she spiraled out of control with her drinking and partying. Unfortunately, this has affected her acting career. Hence, she retired from doing acting. To her credit, she found some success as an entrepreneur, with her own clothing line and even self-tanning spray. After many years of being inactive in showbiz, the actress is dropping hints that she is back to rekindle her career.
Lisa Loring | The Addams Family
Lisa Loring began her career as a model when she was just three years old. But it was landing the role of Wednesday Addams for the TV show, The Addams Family, that propelled her to the limelight. It is easy to assume that child actors are destined to do great things in the entertainment industry. However, this was not true in Loring’s case. After the TV show ended, she found herself facing several challenges in her personal life.
Loring got married a few times though she has yet to find a partner for life. She did have children with her husbands, which she doted on. The actress sought help for her drug dependency after a close friend died because of it. This has helped Loring change the course of her life. She stopped acting for a while and used the time to become a makeup artist to add to her investments.
Lisa Whelchel | The Facts of Life
Lisa Whelchel started her career as an actress when she got enlisted in The New Mickey Mouse Club for one year. After her time here, she was cast as Blair Warner, the spoiled girl in the TV show, The Facts of Life. She reprised her role in the made-for-TV movie, The Facts of Life Reunion, back in 2001. But after her stint in The Facts of Life, Whelchel left acting to pursue her other passions. Today, she is a published author herself, although she is considered to be a controversial writer.
Whelchel focused her attention on writing and joining reality shows like in the case of Survivor: Philippines back in 2012. Though she may have stopped acting altogether, she still appears on TV from time to time. Perhaps she needs to have investment planning if she goes on like this to help her with her finances.
Macaulay Culkin | Home Alone
Macaulay Culkin has been a household name back in the 1990s. Thanks to his performance in the Home Alone movie. During his peak career in Hollywood, he became one of the highest-paid actors in the movie industry. He has since resurfaced and taken on TV as well as film roles. Unfortunately, the actor was hounded by the tabloids, which may have contributed to him staying away from the spotlight. He did step back from acting from the late 90s to the early 2000s.
On a good note, the actor is slowly rekindling his acting career, starting with Party Monster then Saved!. The latter was a sleeper hit which helped Culkin’s comeback. His other projects included Kings, The Wrong Ferrari, Changeland, and he will be part of the next American Horror Story. It seems that even the actor went on a hiatus, he still has a decent amount of net worth. Perhaps he is being helped by a financial adviser on how to grow his earnings.
Mara Wilson | Matilda
Mara Wilson is one of the best childhood actors back in the ‘90s. Thanks to her performance in Matilda. Those who have fallen in love with this cult film have been asking why they haven’t seen the actress lately. This was surprising, given that she was pretty active while she was growing up. She even got roles in movies like Mrs. Doubtfire, Miracle on 34th Street, and A Simple Wish. She also became part of TV shows like Pearl and Batman Beyond. Well, it seems that the actress has called it quits and has since pursued other careers.
She got a degree at New York University and has since had quite a fulfilling career. She wrote a memoir with the title, Where Am I Now? which talked about her time as a child actor and its effects on her life. She also wrote a play called, Sheeple. The actress once stated that her mother’s death while shooting for Matilda made her want to become a normal child.
Marc Copage | Julia
Marc Copage was one of the first persons of color who appeared on television back in 1968. He was tapped for the role of Corey Baker for the TV show, Julia. The show was the first of its kind to feature an African American star in a new role. What made this program famous was the fact that it tackled several issues, like racism. But Copage has stated that there were other reasons as to why this show became controversial. He mentioned that it was his TV mom that bore the brunt of the negative feedback of the show.
The lure of the limelight wasn’t enough for Copage to remain in the entertainment industry. He needed a steady source of income which he found as a leasing agent plus as assistant manager of an apartment community. The actor doesn’t have to worry about personal loans since he has found success in his choice of work.
Marguerite Moreau |The Mighty Ducks
Marguerite Moreau became a household name thanks to her role as forward Connie in the film The Mighty Ducks and its succeeding movies. She later appeared in several TV shows such as Amazing Grace, Life As We Know It, What About Brian, Shameless, and Grey’s Anatomy, to name a few. After that, she went on to work on several films like Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home, Mighty Joe Young, Queen of the Damned, and Runaway Jury.
Aside from acting, Moreau has also been using her investments to become a producer. Her first work as a producer was Stress Position back in 2013. She was also a writer on the show. Outside of acting, Moreau found success in her personal life. She got married to fellow actor Christopher Redman back in 2010, with whom she has a son named Casper. For sure, we haven’t seen the last of Moreau in the entertainment industry.
Mary Badham |To Kill a Mockingbird
Mary Bedham had her taste of the limelight when she was cast as Jean Louise “Scout” Finch for the film, To Kill a Mockingbird. To her credit, her performance in the film earned her a nomination at the Academy Award, which proved that she had acting skills. But the actress had another idea in mind, and that was to leave acting instead. But before she did bid Hollywood goodbye, Badham starred in several movies like This Property is Condemned, Let’s Kill Uncle, and Our Very Own. She also got guest roles in Dr. Kildare and Twilight Zone.
You might think that once a movie is finished, the actor will move on to another project. Although Badham found work in other fields, she is also actively promoting the film and the book, To Kill a Mockingbird. Her main goal was to inspire other students when it comes to being compassionate to others. Today, Badham works as an art restorer, and she is also a coordinator for college testing.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen | Full House
Although Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are no longer acting, people will forever remember them for their time in the hit TV show Full House. After their time in Full House, the twins did some acting jobs with numerous films to their names. But the last that we have seen them were in The Jerk Theory, I’m Still Here, and Beastly. The last was released in 2011, which means that they have been away from the limelight for a decade now.
The two had been busy creating a fashion empire for themselves that had helped increase their net worth considerably. They may have gotten negative feedback for their fashion choice back in the day, but they have grown up right before our eyes. They are the best minds behind the high-fashion brand, The Row, which has helped them amass a lot of wealth. Fortunately, the two know how to handle their investment money.
Maureen McCormick | The Brady Bunch
Maureen McCormick has enjoyed her time in the limelight as being one of The Brady Bunch kids. The actress played the role of Marcia, and it was here that she became a household name. The show had five seasons and even became popular during its syndicated run. Several specials, parodies, and even spin-offs showed how the TV show became a cult favorite. Unfortunately, after the show ended, McCormick found herself hooked to the use of recreational medications as well as bulimia. Fortunately, she was able to get help.
After getting better, the star appeared in guest roles in different TV shows such as Celebrity Fit Club, A Very Brady Renovation, and Dancing with the Stars. She tied the knot with Michael Cummings in 1985. Besides acting, she is also an author. She wrote her memoir, Here’s the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding My True Voice. Not much was written about her net worth, but she may have been following an investment planning to keep her finances intact.
Melissa Joan Hart | Sabrina the Teenage Witch
Melissa Joan Hart started in Clarissa Explains It All, but it was in Sabrina the Teenage Witch that propelled her to the limelight. However, with all the fame that she received from her TV show, it was hard to bring the fans on board with her transition to film. Hart did appear in movies such as Drive Me Crazy, but it wasn’t enough to make her an A-lister. Did this affect the actress? After 20 years, she is quite happy to be where she is today.
She is happily married to her husband of 17 years, plus she is using her investment money for charity work. It didn’t come as a surprise that she received job offers like Holiday in Handcuffs, Melissa & Joey, and more. Today, she is more comfortable being the director instead of being the actor. Among the shows that she has directed are Young Sheldon, Schooled, and The Goldbergs.
Mindy Cohn | The Facts of Life
Mindy Cohn did not expect to become an actress while she was in high school. She was discovered by the star and producers of The Facts of Life, where she was cast to play the role of Natalie Green. Her performance made her a star in the show, which led to more job opportunities for her. She was seen as a guest star in shows like Charles in Charge and 21 Jump Street. She even lent her voice for the Scooby-Doo franchise. She was the one who voiced Velma Dinkley.
Her most recent works were in Hot in Cleveland and The Secret Life of the American Teenager. The actress had since reunited with her The Facts of Life co-stars for the Light Up My Christmas back in 2019. Thanks to her investments in her acting, Cohn has increased her net worth to $1 million.
Miranda Cosgrove | iCarly
It’s been over a decade since the cast of iCarly said their final goodbyes on their web program. The Nickelodeon series aired for 95 episodes from 2007 to 2012. The show’s rebirth has officially wrapped filming, and the first reboot episode aired on Paramount+ last June 17, 2021.
Miranda Cosgrove had already been in children’s and teen films before landing the lead role on iCarly. She starred in the Jack Black-led comedy School of Rock and played Megan Parker on the hit show, Drake and Josh. Cosgrove attended the University of Southern California when iCarly finished in 2012. She continued her voiceover work for the Despicable Me franchise, which she’d started in 2010 while pursuing her schooling. She has also appeared in NBC’s Crowded, the horror film, The Intruders, and several TV movies. Her most recent film credit includes a role in the movie North Hollywood, about a pro skater, and a guest appearance on ABC’s The Goldbergs. She’s also presently starring in the relaunch of iCarly.
Nancy McKeon | The Facts of Life
Nancy McKeon, who rose to fame as Jo Polniaczek on the NBC comedy The Facts of Life in the 1980s, is now a proud mother of two and looks better than ever. She’s still working in the entertainment industry and has even flaunted her dancing abilities on television.
Since she was a child, Nancy McKeon has been a celebrity. Her elder brother, Philip McKeon, began auditioning at an early age as well. When their mother could not locate a nanny for Nancy, a casting agent got interested in her. McKeon then auditioned for a position in the second season of The Facts of Life, a spin-off of Diff’rent Strokes that premiered in 1979. In 1980, she made her screen debut as the rebellious tomboy Jo Polniaczek. She continued to play the character for the next seven seasons of the show until it was canceled in 1988. To date, among Nancy’s characters, Jo remains to receive the most credit.
Peter Ostrum | Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
Peter Ostrum portrayed the one and only Charlie Bucket in a realm of pure fantasy and co-starred with Gene Wilder in the 1971 classic Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. Charlie would not be the only actor’s breakout and credited role but also his final.
He also praised working with outstanding actors such as Gene Wilder and Jack Albertson. Peter Ostrum described Wilder’s death in 2016 as “like losing a dad.” Ostrum went to tutoring sessions up to three times a day throughout the filming. Despite his growing celebrity resulting from the film, the actor prioritized his study and put much effort into it. He eventually opted to pursue a veterinary medicine degree. Then, in 1984, Peter Ostrum graduated from Cornell University with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Ostrum worked as a veterinarian at Countryside Veterinary Clinic and a managing partner at Dairy Health & Management Services as of August 2019.
Piper Perabo | Coyote Ugly
Piper Perabo took much credit for portraying Violet, an aspiring singer who leaves her home in New Jersey for the wilds of New York to follow her goals. She receives a “second audition” to be a Coyote Ugly bartender after deftly resolving simmering tensions between two boisterous guests.
The family-friendly smash Cheaper by the Dozen (and its sequel), the horror thriller The Cave, rom-com Imagine Me & You, haunting Christopher Nolan, drama The Prestige, and sci-fi action movie Looper, were among Perabo’s many films throughout the next decade. She co-starred in the Netflix comedy Turn Up Charlie alongside Idris Elba in 2019 and has since moved on to a recurring role on Showtime’s Penny Dreadful: City of Angels. Perabo told Variety in 2020 that Coyote Ugly was the film that got her in the door and the reason why she has been creating movies for the past 20 years.
Quinn Cummings | The Goodbye Girl
Quinn Cummings is a former child actress best remembered for Neil Simon’s The Goodbye Girl and Family credit roles. She is currently a retired actress who discovered her true calling in the world of literature.
Cummings began her career in the entertainment industry when she was a child, and unlike many of her peers who grew up in the spotlight, she concluded that Hollywood was not for her. Cummings, an only child, got his start in the entertainment industry courtesy to a neighbor, Academy Award-winning cinematographer James Wong Howe. In 1977, she was hired as Lucy McFadden, Marsha Mason’s sharp, fast-talking daughter in The Goodbye Girl. Quinn was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards for her portrayal, making her one of the youngest performers to be nominated. Quinn was cast as Annie Cooper on ABC’s Family the following year, and she found a paternal figure in TV dad James Broderick. Cummings spent two years at UCLA and then worked as a casting agent before concluding that performing wasn’t for her.
Raven-Symoné | That’s So Raven
One of Disney Channel’s classic sitcoms is That’s So Raven. The show first aired in 2003 and continues to hold a special place in our hearts. Raven Baxter, a teenage girl who experiences psychic visions into the future, was the series’ protagonist. The show aired for four seasons. It followed Raven’s misadventures and lessons learned from her visions.
Raven-Symoné had already received credit as a star when she took on the role of Raven Baxter, having featured on The Cosby Show as a child. She was featured in The Cheetah Girls movies during her stint on the show. In the 2008 film College Road Trip, she won her first leading role in a feature film. Raven made her Broadway debut in Sister Act in 2012 as Deloris van Cartier. Raven joined The View as one of the co-hosts in 2015. In 2016, she left her daytime chat show. She has also appeared in television shows such as Empire, K.C. Undercover, and Black-ish. In season 2 of The Masked Singer, she was revealed to be the Black Widow.
Regina King | 227
Regina King is a tireless worker. There’s no more delicate way to characterize an individual who can sustain a career like hers, one that’s not just surviving but thriving 30 years later. By 1985, she’d landed her big break, portraying Brenda Jenkins in the hit NBC series 227, a role she was hand-picked for by star Marla Gibbs. Regina received her credit role on the syndicated sitcom What’s Happening Now!!, a sequel to ABC’s What’s Happening!! that same year.
As a four-time Emmy winner Regina has spent the last five years lifting the bar on television in prestige dramas such as Southland, American Crime, The Leftovers, and Watchmen and winning her first Golden Globe and Oscar for her work in Barry Jenkins’ If Beale Street Could Talk. Still, it’s her efforts behind the camera of One Night in Miami.. Her nomination for Best Director at the 2021 Golden Globe Award might create a history.
Ricky Schroder | Silver Spoons
Richard Bartlett Schroder received much credit as an actor and film director. He made his acting debut as a young actor in the film The Champ and star in the sitcom Silver Spoons as Ricky Schroder. He starred as Ricky Stratton, the son of a wealthy and eccentric tycoon, Eddie Stratton, and won two Young Artist Awards for his portrayal.
As an adult, he continued to perform under the name Rick Schroder, most notably as “Newt” in the Western miniseries Lonesome Dove and the criminal drama series NYPD Blue. Black Cloud, a drama about a Navajo boxer, was written and directed by Schroder in 2004. In the same year, he directed and starred in the music video for Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss’s song Whiskey Lullaby. Schroder won another award for Best Music Video at the 2005 Nashville Film Festival, this time for the same directorial experience. The video won Collaborative Video of the Year at the 2005 CMT Music Awards, while Schroder was named Director of the Year.
Ron Howard | Happy Days
When Ron Howard was five years old, he landed the role of Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show in 1960. He went on to have a string of guest-star appearances until landing the role of Richie Cunningham in the 1970s smash Happy Days. Howard departed Happy Days in 1980 to focus on directing, producing, and occasionally scripting films and television series.
In 1995, Howard received significant acclaim and recognition for his performance in the historical drama Apollo 13. He also gets credit for directing How the Grinch Stole Christmas, a children’s fantasy film, and The Da Vinci Code, a Robert Langdon film trilogy. For A Beautiful Mind, Howard won the Academy Award for Best Director and the Academy Award for Best Picture. He was nominated for the same prizes again for Frost/Nixon. Howard received the National Medal of Arts in 2003. In 2013, he was admitted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. Howard has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his services to the television and motion picture industries.
Ross Lynch | Austin & Ally
Austin & Ally first aired on Disney Channel for almost a decade. From 2011 to 2016, the fan-favorite series aired for four seasons, and time has flown by. For Ross Lynch, Austin & Ally were only the beginning! He received much credit for playing Harvey Kinkle in the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Netflix series, although he also acted in the films Status Update and My Friend Dahmer.
That’s not all, though. With his band R5, the former Disney star has released a lot of music throughout the years. Yes, he and his siblings released seven albums as The Driver Era before changing their name in 2018. They released three more albums after that, and fans are still listening to them on repeat. In terms of his personal life, he was in a relationship with Courtney Eaton for about two years before breaking up in 2017. He’s presently seeing Jaz Sinclair, a co-star from CAOS.
Ryan Gosling | The Mickey Mouse Club
Ryan Gosling has snatched America’s and the world’s hearts. The Canadian-born actor can do no wrong in viewers’ eyes everywhere, thanks to his charming face, attractive body, and outstanding acting skills. Gosling has spent his whole life in the public glare, having begun his career as a child actor in the early 1990s. Throughout his decades-long career, he has transformed right before our eyes.
When he was a child, Ryan Gosling demonstrated to the world that he was destined for greatness. Credits to a 2018 interview with CBC, he beat out hundreds of aspiring performers after auditioning in his home Canada for a role on Disney Channel’s The Mickey Mouse Club at the age of 12. According to the story, Gosling has proven to be humble over the years, claiming that he earned the job primarily due to “luck.” His innate talent has kept his schedule busy, while his charisma and excellent looks have kept his reputation alive in entertainment and celebrity circles. In addition to being a huge heartthrob, Gosling has a long list of achievements to his name.
Ryan Reynolds | Fifteen
Ryan Reynolds went down in history as one of Hollywood’s most hunky heartthrobs, and he’s had that famous status for decades. The great actor, producer, and businessman have achieved success in every part of his life, and he credits his caring nature to his Canadian upbringing.
Reynolds turned to theater for an outlet, and at the age of 12, he received his first professional acting role. From 1991 to 1993, Reynolds starred in the Canadian adolescent drama, Fifteen. Ryan Reynolds’ film career started in 2009. He acquired his A-list fame after playing the mercenary Deadpool in the mega-hit film X-Men Origins: Wolverine after years of appearing in a slew of box office flops. Reynolds’ fame and money have increased tenfold since then. Reynolds has established himself as a gin enthusiast in addition to his Golden Globe-nominated acting career. Reynolds’ transformation emphasizes how captivating his life is, and his journey just appears to get more astounding as the years pass.
Sally Field | Gidget
Sally Field’s tremendously diverse career covers many decades of underappreciated talent, from surfer girl to labor leader, from mystical nun to Mary Todd Lincoln. Sally Field began her career in television with roles on sitcoms such as Gidget and The Flying Nun. She rose to popularity in the late 1970s with a credit role in Smokey and the Bandit, then moved on to more prestigious films, winning Oscars for both Norma Rae and Places in the Heart.
Miranda Hillard, Daniel’s ex-wife who yearns for an emotionally and financially supportive partner, was played by Field when she was well into her career. Since then, Field has had a varied cinematic career such as Lincoln, Forrest Gump, The Amazing Spider-Man. With a six-year tenure on ER and a key part as matriarch Nora Walker on Brothers and Sisters, she’s also returned to her television origins. One of Field’s quirky, indie comedies is Hello, My Name Is Doris.
Scarlett Johansson | Lost in Translation
Many people consider award-winning actress Scarlett Johansson a modern-day Hollywood megastar. The actress is known for fusing Marilyn Monroe-style Hollywood glitz with a whip-smart, down-to-earth New York cool-girl aura. As a result, it’s difficult to name the roles in Johansson’s filmography that aren’t utterly legendary! Since beginning her professional acting career at the age of seven, she stunned critics and audiences alike with landmark parts in Lost in Translation, The Other Boleyn Girl, and, of course, Marvel’s Avengers franchise.
With a long list of outstanding credits dating back to her childhood, it’s challenging to see Johansson as anything other than the star she is today. Many people automatically associate Johansson with her role as the Black Widow in Marvel’s long-running Avengers franchise. She made her first appearance in the immensely successful flicks in 2010, appearing in Iron Man 2. Fans will be pleased to know that Black Widow is getting her own film, which is set to be released in July 2021.
Shia LaBeouf | Transformers
Shia LaBeouf portrayed Sam, the protagonist of the Transformers franchise, drawn into the conflict between the Autobots, a benevolent race of intelligent alien robots, and the Decepticons, who want to take over the Earth, after discovering a pair of spectacles from one of his ancestors.
LaBeouf was only breaking out of his Disney Channel reputation at the time – he had been starring in Even Stevens for years, and his two notable features were Disney’s Holes and the Rear Window-Esque Disturbia. In 2008, however, LaBeouf would play Harrison Ford’s heir apparent in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. He continued to act in franchise films, including two additional Transformers films and Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, a 2010 sequel to Wall Street. LaBeouf began active in performance art in 2014 and his credit role in the Brad Pitt-led war thriller Fury.
Soleil Moon Frye | Punky Brewster
While she has ventured into other fields today, Soleil Moon Frye is still known to many people who grew up during the 80s as an adorable sweetheart. Frye played the titular character in Punky Brewster, which ran during the mid-1980s. Her cute and quirky character made her endearing to countless watchers of the show. This led to her becoming a sensation during that time, possibly even influencing some aspects of 80s culture. However, when the show ended in 1988, she found difficulty transitioning to other fields, as is quite common among child actors.
Fortunately for her, she has managed to find her field that she liked in the form of voice acting. She has lent her voice in countless TV series and movies such as Robot Chicken, Bratz, Planet Sheen, and The Proud Family throughout her later career. In addition, she has also made investments into various ventures, including in boutiques and selling stationery.
Tom Felton | Harry Potter Series
While he certainly had some choice words for his character, Tom Felton is proud to be Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series. The role was perhaps his big break into acting, as was the case with so many of his co-stars over the years. Malfoy’s antagonistic and arrogant personality made him popular with countless Harry Potter fans and watchers. Despite his character’s bad reputation, Felton has been quite glad about his longtime work in the franchise. Even as the series ended, the actor has shared insights behind the scenes of some Harry Potter films.
Since the end of the series, Felton has found great success in his acting career. Among the many films and TV series he appeared in as part of his acting credits include Origin and The Flash. In addition, he has been an advocate for animal rights, having raised funds to be donated to animal rights groups.
Tom Welling | Smallville
For many, Tom Welling will always be Clark Kent, aka Superman. He played the character in the well-known series, Smallville. Interestingly enough, Welling’s most notable role wasn’t wanted by him initially. Back in 2001, Welling aspired to star in film roles, thereby increasing his acting credits. He was discovered after months of searching by acting scouts for Smallville. Despite getting the main role in the series, it took Welling reading the script and some convincing that his TV role won’t derail his film acting prospects to get him on board. Of course, the rest is history, and Welling became attached to the role.
Since the series ended in 2011, Welling has found success in many film and TV roles. Recently, he became known for his role as Marcus Pierce aka Cain in Lucifer. In addition, he has also delved into production and directing, starting with him taking the helm on some of Smallville’s episodes.
Tommy Norden | Flipper
While Tommy Norden has left acting a long time ago, he was a sweetheart during his time as a child actor. He is well-known for his role as Bud Ricks on Flipper. Norden’s character is a redhead and quite reckless 10-year-old. During the series, many episodes were devoted to Ricks’ shenanigans and their eventual consequences. These, along with the quite memorable cast, made Norden quite endearing to many of the show’s watchers. Despite the show’s short runtime of three years, the show became quite iconic in many countries worldwide.
Initially, Norden pursued acting after the show ended. He appeared in many TV series, films, and commercials which added to his endured presence. However, Norden left his acting career in the 1970s to pursue the family business, an executive recruiting company. Today, he continues to manage the New York-based company and has made investments over the year.
Tony Dow | Leave It to Beaver
While Tony Dow today has ventured into other fields, he has given credit as Wally Cleaver in Leave It to Beaver as a springboard to success. He landed the role just by chance. Initially, Dow was slated to play a role in a series called Johnny Wildlife. However, the series never made it off the ground. Fortunately, he got a new role in the series called Wally and the Beaver, later known as Leave It to Beaver. His stint in the iconic sitcom propelled his acting career to new heights.
After the show ended in 1963, Dow went on to become quite successful in his acting career. Among the many TV series and films he appeared in include Knight Rider, General Hospital, and Mr. Novak. In Addition, he also expanded his repertoire into multiple disciplines, including directing, producing, and sculpting. With regards to working behind the camera, his working credits include Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Babylon 5, and Doctor Who.
Zendaya | Shake It Up
Zendaya is perhaps one of the most promising stars today. Her recent roles in SpiderMan: Far From Home and Euphoria made her even more popular than ever before. Of course, these wouldn’t be possible without her time at Disney. Before she took on more serious roles, Zendaya is perhaps one of the faces of Disney, with her most notable acting credits with the company being in Shake It Up. She got the role in the series back in November 2009 after wowing many during her audition. When the series premiered in 2010, it was Disney’s most successful TV series on its channel. This became a springboard for Zendaya’s success in the many years to come.
Today, she has expanded her field into much more dramatic ones, exemplified by her well-received performance in Euphoria. In addition, she has become a sort of a blockbuster darling, with her appearances in highly successful films such as in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series. While she has mostly distanced from Disney, her quirky and child-friendly side still lingers. Regardless, it is clear that Zendaya has been adamant about making a name for herself as a talented and highly flexible actress.