#2 Jonathan Lipnicki From Jerry Maguire, Age 5 vs. Now Age 34
Being thrust into the bright lights of Tinseltown is automatically a life-changing experience for a child. And while many can avoid the trappings of fame, others struggle with them. Popstar Justin Bieber, for example, desired normalcy so badly that he had to take matters into his own hands.
In a 2021 interview with GQ, Bieber revealed that he had hidden his passport to evade his obligations and hang out with his friends like a typical youngster.
#4 Joseph Gordon-Levitt From Angels In The Outfield, Age 13 vs. Now Age 44
#5 Here Is Abigail Breslin From Little Miss Sunshine At Age 10 vs. She Is Now, Age 28
Actress and talk show host Drew Barrymore has been in the spotlight since she was 11 months old. Born into a family of actors, she went through a tumultuous childhood that landed her in rehab for substance abuse at age 13.
In a 2024 interview with People, she looked back on this dark time in her life in a positive light, knowing she was a “walking cautionary tale” for others.
“I may feel lost again at different moments, because you never figure it all out, and it never all comes together. You just keep finding things,” she said.
#9 Daniel Radcliffe From Harry Potter, Age 11 vs. He Is Now, Age 35
Child star Mara Wilson is among the many names on this list. Known for her starring role in the 1996 hit film Matilda, the 37-year-old wrote an opinion piece for the New York Times in 2021, titled The Lies Hollywood Tells About Little Girls.
As the title suggests, Wilson spoke about how the industry treated women, along with disturbing details of her experiences being objectified as a 12-year-old.
“Our culture builds these girls up just to destroy them,” she wrote.
#10 Rico Rodriguez As Manny Delgado From Modern Family When He Was 11 Years Old vs. Now, At 26
#11 Brooke Shields From The Blue Lagoon, Age 14 vs. Now Age 59
However, not all child stars have unpleasant experiences, and Christina Ricci is an example. She gained recognition for her role as Wednesday Addams in the 1993 film adaptation of the cartoon Addams Family Values.
In a 2018 interview with People, she referred to that period in her career as her “glory days.”
"I loved working. I loved being a kid who had a talent. I loved being good at something,” she said. “It was incredible to be able to do that so young,” she said.
#13 Frankie Muniz From Malcolm In The Middle At 13 Years Old vs. At 39
Readers, we’d like to hear from you. Which of these then-and-now photos grabbed your attention the most? What fascinated you about them? Share your insights in the comments!
#16 Haley Joel Osment In The Sixth Sense In 1999 At 11 Years Old vs. At 36
#18 Miranda Cosgrove In School Of Rock Being 10 Years Old vs. At 30
#19 Mackenzie Foy From The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn At Age 11 vs. Now, Age 23
#20 Taylor Momsen From How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Age 7 vs. Now Age 31
