Child Movie Stars: Then And Now

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

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

Drew Barrymore is a vivid example of a talented and successful child star that managed to stay afloat though the years. She debuted in E.T. in 1982 (it’s still one of my favorite movies) playing Gertie, a little sister of the main character Elliot. Not that it was all smooth and easy for Drew. She went to rehab in 13 to battle alcoholism, she managed to pull herself together and proved herself a talented actress in such movies as Grey Gardens, 50 First Dates, Mysic and Lyrics, Duplex and others.

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

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

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

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

Well, maybe when it comes to running a business, Hilary can be beaten by the Olsen twins. Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, 22, had their movie debut when they didn’t really understand what they were doing, they were 9 months old after all. Anyways, these girls knew how to use fame and invest money. They created their production studio at the age of 9 and soon added fashion designing to their busy schedule. Now they’re choosing their own paths. While Ashley is focusing entirely on her designer career, Mary-Kate is going to pursue her career in acting. Will they make it on their own this time? Time will show.

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

Source : http://www.glamourvanity.com