Child actors are not a new phenomenon in Hollywood. Throughout the years, there have been plenty of talented youngsters who got their start in the world of entertainment. Some of them went on to have successful careers as adults, while others faded into obscurity. In this list, we will take a look at 10 celebrities who started out as child actors and have continued to shine in the spotlight.
1. Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore is perhaps one of the most well-known child actors who successfully transitioned into adult roles. She made her big screen debut at the age of 7 in the film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and quickly became America’s sweetheart. Barrymore went on to star in a number of successful films, including “The Wedding Singer” and “Never Been Kissed.”
2. Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio first gained fame as a child actor on the hit TV show “Growing Pains.” He went on to star in films like “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” for which he received an Academy Award nomination. DiCaprio has since become one of the most respected actors in Hollywood, with roles in critically acclaimed films like “The Revenant” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
3. Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman got her start in acting at a young age, making her film debut in “Leon: The Professional” at just 12 years old. She went on to star in the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy and won an Academy Award for her role in “Black Swan.” Portman has since become known for her strong performances in a wide range of films.
4. Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster began her acting career at the age of 6 and quickly gained recognition for her roles in films like “Taxi Driver” and “The Silence of the Lambs.” Foster has won two Academy Awards for her performances and has become known for her strong and complex characters.
5. Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart got her start in Hollywood at a young age, appearing in films like “Panic Room” and “Zathura.” She gained international fame for her role as Bella Swan in the “Twilight” series and has since starred in a number of successful films, including “Snow White and the Huntsman” and “Personal Shopper.”
6. Emma Watson
Emma Watson first gained fame for her role as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” series, which she began filming at the age of 9. Since then, Watson has become known for her work as an actress, activist, and advocate for gender equality. She has starred in films like “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
7. Macaulay Culkin
Macaulay Culkin shot to fame as a child actor in the hit film “Home Alone” and its sequel. He became one of the most successful child actors in Hollywood and continued to work in film and television throughout his career. Culkin has since become known for his offbeat roles and appearances in projects like “Party Monster” and “The Jim Gaffigan Show.”
8. Shia LaBeouf
Shia LaBeouf began his acting career at a young age on the Disney Channel series “Even Stevens.” He went on to star in the “Transformers” series and has since become known for his intense and unpredictable performances in films like “Fury” and “The Peanut Butter Falcon.”
9. Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris rose to fame as a child actor on the sitcom “Doogie Howser, M.D.” He has since become known for his work as an actor, comedian, and host, with roles in projects like “How I Met Your Mother” and “A Series of Unfortunate Events.”
10. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Joseph Gordon-Levitt started his acting career at a young age on the TV show “3rd Rock from the Sun.” He has since become known for his work as an actor, director, and producer, with roles in films like “Inception” and “500 Days of Summer.”
These are just a few examples of child actors who have gone on to have successful careers as adults. It goes to show that talent knows no age, and with dedication and hard work, anyone can make it in Hollywood.