From Childhood Fame to Today: What Happened to Our Favorite Child Stars?
Many beloved childhood shows were brought to life by talented young actors who captivated our hearts. For some of these child stars, their journeys didn’t end in front of the camera; many have continued to thrive in the entertainment industry or pursue diverse paths. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and discover what some of your favorite child stars from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s are up to now!
Ricky Schroder
Ricky Schroder made his debut in 1979 with his role in The Champ. He later gained fame for his recurring role on Silver Spoons. His most recent film appearance was in 2010’s Get Him to the Greek. However, he has remained active on television; in 2015 and 2016, he portrayed Robert Lee Parton in both Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors and Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Some stars reach such iconic status that it’s hard to pinpoint when their careers began. Leonardo DiCaprio started out as a child actor in the ’90s and has since become one of Hollywood’s most renowned figures. Over the years, he has tackled a diverse array of roles, including his unforgettable performance in The Wolf of Wall Street. His dedication to his craft was recognized when he finally won an Oscar for his remarkable work in The Revenant, a long-awaited achievement in his impressive career.
Jaleel White
Jaleel White is likely best known for his iconic portrayal of Steve Urkel in Family Matters, a role that forever changed how many people view the phrase “Did I do that?” Even after Family Matters wrapped up, White revisited his beloved character, lending his voice to Urkel in a 2019 episode of Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? In addition to his memorable role as Urkel, he has explored a range of other opportunities, including serving as a game show host for Total Blackout.
Macaulay Culkin
Macaulay Culkin is an actor whose name is instantly recognizable to many. He shot to fame with his iconic roles in the ’90s classics Home Alone and its sequel, Home Alone 2. In the following decade, he explored a variety of roles across both film and television. One notable venture for Culkin was forming a band called The Pizza Underground, a clever homage to The Velvet Underground that parodied their songs by giving them a pizza-themed twist. For those interested in his more recent acting work, Culkin appeared in the 10th season of American Horror Story.
The Olsen Twins
During the late ’90s and early 2000s, the Olsen twins were a prominent presence in the entertainment industry. Mary-Kate and Ashley often starred together, frequently portraying the same character. After their iconic role as Michelle Tanner on Full House, the sisters continued to act for a while before shifting their focus. Nowadays, they are primarily known for their successful careers in fashion as designers. Additionally, they remain active in the film industry, working in distribution as owners of Dualstar Entertainment Group.
Melissa Joan Hart
Melissa Joan Hart is another former child star who remains active in show business. In addition to her iconic role in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, she also starred in Clarissa Explains It All. While we’ve already mentioned her role in Melissa & Joey, she has continued to take on various projects since then. Recently, she has appeared in children’s programming, including The Loud House. Additionally, Hart showcased her skills on Dancing With the Stars, where she impressively made it through six weeks of competition.
Lukas Haas
Lukas Haas began his career as a child star, making a mark in the 1980s with notable films like Testament and Witness. He has since continued to build an impressive career, taking on several roles that audiences recognize. Haas collaborated with Leonardo DiCaprio twice, first in Inception and then again in The Revenant five years later in 2015. More recently, he appeared in Widows and First Man, adding to his already diverse filmography.
Fred Savage
Fred Savage rose to fame as a child star, appearing in several notable roles. He is perhaps best known for his work on The Wonder Years. In addition, he showcased his talent in films like Little Monsters and the beloved classic The Princess Bride. During the ’90s, Savage starred in the television series Working. More recently, he appeared in The Grinder, sharing the screen with Rob Lowe.
Joey Lawrence
Joey Lawrence began his acting career in the ’80s, landing several roles while still a child. He became well-known for his appearances on Blossom and Gimme a Break! during that era. For a more recent look at an adult Joey Lawrence, you can check out Melissa & Joey, where he starred alongside Melissa Joan Hart, famous for her role in Sabrina the Teenage Witch. In addition to his sitcom work, Lawrence has also ventured into reality television, participating in shows like Cupcake Wars and Celebrity Big Brother.
Tia and Tamera Mowry
Twins were a beloved trend in television during the ’90s and 2000s, and Tia and Tamera Mowry were among the most popular. The sisters gained widespread recognition for their roles in the hit show Sister, Sister, where they showcased their charm and talent. They later reunited on screen in the movies Twitches and its sequel. As adults, Tia and Tamera collaborated on a book series titled Twintuition, which consists of four installments. Each sister has also pursued her own individual projects alongside their joint endeavors.
Danica McKellar
Danica McKellar rose to fame in the ’80s with memorable roles, including appearances in The Twilight Zone and her iconic part as Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years. In more recent years, she has lent her voice to popular animated series such as Phineas and Ferb and Transformers: Rescue Bots. Beyond her acting career, Danica has also made significant strides in academia, earning a Ph.D. in mathematics. Passionate about empowering young learners, she authored several books, including Girls Get Curves: Geometry Takes Shape and Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-Algebra Who’s Boss, aimed at making math accessible and enjoyable for all.
Sean Astin
For many who grew up in the ’80s, certain films are unforgettable, and The Goonies is undoubtedly one of them. Sean Astin made his cinematic debut in this classic adventure as Mikey Walsh. However, he is perhaps best known for his iconic role as Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Astin’s impressive career spans a variety of genres, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He has also lent his voice to characters in animated series like Sofia the First and made a memorable appearance as a beloved character in the hit series Stranger Things.
Emmanuel Lewis
Emmanuel Lewis is best known for his portrayal of the main character in the beloved sitcom Webster, which aired from 1983 to 1989. Since then, he has continued to pursue acting, although his on-screen appearances have been sparse in recent years. Notably, he made an appearance on the comedic web series Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis in 2013 and was featured on the podcast TV Guidance Counselor the following year. In 2019, he made a brief cameo in a music video by Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz, showcasing his enduring presence in popular culture.
Soleil Moon Frye
Fans of ’80s television will undoubtedly remember Soleil Moon Frye for her iconic role as Punky Brewster in the beloved sitcom of the same name. Throughout her career, she also made guest appearances on popular shows like Saved by the Bell and The Wonder Years. In recent years, Frye has shifted her focus to voice acting, lending her talents to productions such as The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, as well as Robot Chicken and Planet Sheen. Additionally, in 2021, she reprised her beloved character in a revival of Punky Brewster on Peacock, bringing a nostalgic touch to a new generation of fans.
Corey Feldman
Corey Feldman first captured the attention of audiences as a child actor in The Bad News Bears. As he grew older, he gained further recognition for his role in the cult classic vampire film The Lost Boys. Transitioning into the ’90s, Feldman expanded his career beyond acting, exploring his passion for music and releasing several musical projects. He also authored an autobiography and starred in an autobiographical documentary, sharing his personal journey with fans. Additionally, Feldman has lent his voice to various video games over the years, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry.
Jenny Lewis
Jenny Lewis boasts an impressive array of credits from the 1980s, having made her mark as a child star in popular television shows like Growing Pains, Roseanne, The Twilight Zone, and The Golden Girls. In the late ’90s, she expanded her talents to include music, achieving significant success that continues to this day. Her latest album, On the Line, was released in 2019, further showcasing her artistic evolution. In addition to her music career, Lewis hosted the online special Jenny Lewis’ On the Line Online, engaging with fans in a unique format.
Tracey Gold
Tracey Gold burst onto the scene in the ’80s with her memorable portrayal of Carol Seaver on Growing Pains, a role she continued to embody well into the ’90s. Following her time on the beloved series, Gold remained active in the acting world and explored a variety of other roles. For a glimpse into her personal journey, she showcased her competitive spirit by participating in and winning a season of Worst Cooks in America. Additionally, she penned an autobiography titled Room to Grow: An Appetite for Life, offering readers insight into her experiences and growth.
Kirk Cameron
Kirk Cameron is another familiar face from Growing Pains, where he portrayed the iconic character Mike Seaver. Throughout the ’80s, he also took on several smaller roles, demonstrating his versatility as an actor. Cameron even starred in a spinoff series titled Kirk, showcasing his popularity at the time. In recent years, he has become more selective about his projects, with notable appearances in films such as Saving Christmas and Lifemark during the 2010s and 2020s.
Lisa Bonet
Lisa Bonet is a familiar name from the ’80s, having made a lasting impression as a child star. She continues to be a well-recognized figure even today, decades after her initial rise to fame. In the ’80s, audiences delighted in her performances on The Cosby Show and A Different World, where she showcased her remarkable talent. Since then, her personal life has often attracted media attention, notably her marriage to rock musician Lenny Kravitz during that era. More recently, she garnered headlines for her relationship with actor Jason Momoa, further showcasing her continued relevance in the public eye.
