All Your Favorite Child Stars And What They Look Like Today
Have you ever wondered what your favorite child stars look like now? If so, you’ve come to the right place – we have all the details. Some of the kid celebs you remember did pretty well in their later lives and some… not so much. Check out this gallery of former child stars and what they look like as adults.
Frankie Muniz
Everyone remembers Frankie Muniz from his role as the title character in the hit sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, which ran from 2000 and 2006. He won an Emmy Award for his work as Malcolm! After the show, Muniz had a career as an open-wheel racer and as a drummer.
Frankie Muniz Today
Unfortunately, Muniz has had to battle some pretty major health concerns in recent years. In a video he recorded prior to a Dancing with the Stars appearance, he revealed that he’s suffered from multiple concussions and seizures, and doesn’t even remember the years he spent filming Malcolm in the Middle. Very sad.
Trevor Einhorn
Although he’s most famous for his role playing Frederick Gaylord Crane in the series Frasier, Trevor Einhorn has appeared in many other shows and films. Two Guys and a Girl, BASEketball, Sons & Daughters, and The Office are all acting credits that Einhorn can claim to his name.
Trevor Einhorn Today
Einhorn is still acting. In more recent years he played the role of John Mathis, a writer on Mad Men. He’s also been in some commercials including one alongside Kiefer Sutherland. He really doesn’t look much different than he did as a kid, although a more flattering style of eyeglasses probably wouldn’t hurt his appearance.
Alison Arngrim
Nellie Oleson was the Little House on the Prairie character that made actress Alison Arngrim famous. Although Nellie was adorable to look at, she was nasty and mean. One of her favorite hobbies was making fun of people who were not as fortunate as she was. Arngrim played Nellie from 1974 to 1981.
Alison Arngrim Today
Maybe too many years playing the nasty character Nelly affected the reason Arngrim has aged the way she has. While she doesn’t necessarily look bad for her age, she definitely does not look as great as she could. Or maybe this is just not a very flattering photo of her!
Dustin Diamond
It looks like "Saved By The Bell" ruined their cast member’s good looks! Dustin Diamond played adorable, yet geeky Screech on the popular teen show. His nerdy outfits and idiotic antics gave off an innocent, yet kind-hearted character that many fell for. But, it was definitely too good to last!
Dustin Diamond Today
Today, Dustin Diamond has become an infamous villain in the reality television world. In 2006, Diamond released his sex tape, Saved By The Smell and ended up challenging physical trainers during his stint on the show, "Celebrity Fit Club." Both his weight gain and terrible life decisions have made this former child star a hideous adult reality star.
Joshua Jackson
This Canadian-American star won us all over as the Pacey Witter in the intense teen drama "Dawson’s Creek." His brooding teen sorrow was what really made him a sexy character, one that made all of the girls watching the show just want to comfort him. His emotional dark brown eyes weren’t too bad either.
Joshua Jackson Today
Jackson has recently gone back to his homeland and our neighbors to the North, Canada. While appearing in some independent features, Jackson has really let his once sexy body go. His physique is round and shapeless, while his beard and hygiene looks like it’s been ignored. We miss you Pacey!
Macaulay Culkin
This child actor gained fame from his cute and pesky role as a little troublemaker in the Home Alone franchise in the early 90’s. His adorable chubby cheeks and famous scream pose made him a child star favorite that left critics and fans in love. Culkin was on his way to becoming a definite teen heartthrob.
Macaulay Culkin Today
Today, Culkin has been linked to numerous legal issues including selling marijuana and a stint in the slammer over his possession of over 32 milligrams of a controlled substance. As for acting goes, Culkin’s career fizzled out in the mid 2000’s and he’s mostly seen as making cameo appearances in television and film. But, we can’t say that this new look is anything close to “cute.”
Lark Voorhies
For all you 90’s kids, you will definitely remember bubbly Lark Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle from the smash hit "Saved By The Bell." With her spunky, street-wise attitude and insanely fashionable style, Lisa Turtle was what every high schooler wanted to be and what every jock wanted to get.
Lark Voorhies Today
Due to some health issues, Voorhies is barely recognizable today. The actress became infamous in 2006, when the National Inquirer stated that she had had an ongoing drug problem, though the story was later dropped. Apart from doing some straight-to-video movies in 2012, Lark Voorhies has been off the screen to focus on her mental health.
Jonathan Lipnicki
This little guy was crushworthy in the classic movie, Jerry Maguire playing opposite Tom Cruise and Renée Zellweger. His adorable nerd persona and even cuter questions made Lipnicki the real star of the film. This little guy was going big places, but would his cute looks remain?
Jonathan Lipnicki Today
We hate to tell this to you, but no his adorable looks would not make it past puberty for this young stud. Though he didn't make it big as a leading man out in Hollywood, Lipnicki today spends his time being actively involved in charities, such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and speaking for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. You go Lipnicki!
Daniel Radcliffe
Daniel Radcliffe has become one of the biggest names in Hollywood for his genius portrayal of Harry Potter in one of the most beloved literary and film franchises. His British accent and slightly tousled hair made him a teenage dream boat, and the wizard fantasy for many a young teenage girl.
Daniel Radcliffe Today
Poor Harry! Even though his career is on the upswing, Radcliffe turned from adorable little British teen to short little man. When he’s not acting, Radcliffe is speaking out for equality, particularly against homophobia and sexism. However, with his unkempt beard and off-putting squeaky voice, Mr. Radcliffe was definitely cuter as a child actor.
Sean Astin
This hobbit used to be one of the most famous child actors with his quintessential role in the cult classic, The Goonies. This pudgy little guy won over his fans in the mid-eighties with his quick wit and huggable, plump body. But due to typecasting, Astin was hired to play nerds or unlikely heroes like Rudy, rather than leading men.
Sean Astin Today
After the success of The Lord Of The Rings, Astin again was thrust into the limelight, but his larger frame wasn’t making him cute anymore. The actor has kept to doing voice-overs, such as the 2012 cartoon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, instead of appearing in front of the camera. That might be a good thing there, Astin.
Brian Austin Green
Brian Austin Green was one the studly drama starters on the hit 90’s series, "Beverly Hills: 90210." His character David Silver was said to mirror the sexy and adventurous life of Green himself, which included his passion for rapping. However, as Green tried to become a rapper, his looks and his career began to fizzle out.
Brian Austin Green Today
Today Green is a regular on the Fox hit "Rosewood," but his looks have taken a turn for the worst. His constant stressed-out expression and weight gain have made this former sexy teen a proud supporter of the “dad bod.” We hope that he can get his looks back to 90210 status, ASAP.
Shia LaBeouf
Shia LaBeouf was a Disney channel darling, starring on shows like "Even Stevens" and in smash hit movies like Holes. His adorable curls, lanky body, and quirky personality combined to create the ultimate adorable nerd. LaBeouf was bound to become the nerd boyfriend that all the girls wanted.
Shia LaBeouf Today
Some people might even go as far as to say that Shia LaBeouf’s image and personality can both be described in one word: crazy. LaBeouf has been up to some pretty strange things like a screaming motivational video and hosting a marathon of his own movies in New York City. However, his looks have taken the worst turn. Someone should tell Shia that homeless chic is not “in” this season.
Taylor Momsen
Little Cindy Lou Who stole our hearts back in 2000 when Taylor Momsen portrayed her in the Jim Carey version of How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Her angelic face and beautiful blonde hair made Taylor Momsen the cutest little actress out there. However, her descent from cuteness began shortly after joining the cast of the CW’s hit show "Gossip Girl."
Taylor Momsen Today
Today Momsen is now the frontwoman of the alt rock and punk band, The Pretty Reckless. This former actress went from adorable child to the looking like the love child of Marilyn Manson and Courtney Love. Ease up on the mascara and fishnets Taylor! Momsen’s new babydoll and grunge inspired outfits are a far cry from the innocent little girl she used to be.
Mitchel Musso
This former "Hannah Montana" tween star was funny, fresh-faced, and the owner of the coolest side-swept hair that could make any girl or guy swoon. His voice was also incredible, which allowed him to launch his very own headlining tour and the release of his own album. Musso was the perfect package, but what happened?
Mitchell Musso Today
This former good looking guy’s career came to a sudden halt when he was pulled over and charged with a DUI in 2011. Musso’s looks have gone from wholesome looking kid to skinny, tattooed, punk wannabe. His new style gives off the 2000’s skater and angst feel, which is anything but attractive. Also, almost every new photograph of Musso shows him with at least one cigarette in his mouth. Yuck!
Haley Joel Osment
I SEE CUTENESS! This former Sixth Sense star was the pure definition of adorable. His innocent, yet haunting face were both heartwarming and terrifying. Osment’s big eyes also added to his baby-faced persona and we know you definitely had a little crush on this one.
Haley Joel Osment Today
Holy transformation! Osment today has definitely packed on the pounds and has experimented with some atrocious looking facial hair. Like most child actors, Osment also has struggled with both drug and alcohol problems. In 2006, Osment drunk drove into a mailbox and was sentenced to three years probation and 26 Alcoholic Anonymous meetings. He better lay off the beers, both his driving and his gut will look better!
Sarah Jessica Parker
Before she played Carrie Bradshaw from the ultimate television classic "Sex and the City," Sarah Jessica Parker first started out as a Broadway baby and moved onto being an 80’s teen movie darling. Appearing in films like, Footloose and Firstborn. Her unique look and likeability made her a favorite among teenage girls.
Sarah Jessica Parker Today
SJP has not aged gracefully, we hate to say it. Parker has always had problems with the media, mainly due to allegations that she suffers from eating disorders or being “too skinny.” However, Parker’s looks have suffered throughout the years due to stress and a very rocky marriage with fellow actor Matthew Broderick. We’re pulling for you SJP!
Raven-Symoné
"Cosby Show" and Disney channel starlet has always had problems dealing with the media’s obsession with the way she looks. However, Raven-Symoné looked her best when she portrayed a psychic fashion-loving teenager on the Disney Channel hit, "That’s So Raven." Symoné’s style and self loving character had amazing confidence that radiated and shined.
Raven-Symoné Today
Raven has always struggled with the media because of their constant obsession with her yo-yoing weight. However, these days Raven-Symoné's hair choices are what really should be under the spotlight. Her new adventurous style is not flattering and is more on the wild side rather than unique. Raven has also recently been under some fire for her politically incorrect comments on "The View," which she is a co-host of. Awkward.
Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart was the cute and loveable tomboy from Panic Room, which had her co-starring with Jodie Foster. Her tomboy chic style landed her other roles in films, such as Catch That Kid and Zathura. Her laid back style was one that allowed tomboys and un-girly girls to finally have a role model. You go KStew!
Kristen Stewart Today
Awkward and not caring are only adorable traits when you’re ten, Kristen. After the success of Twilight, Kristen Stewart is now taking smaller and more independent roles, matching her “too cool for school” attitude and style. However, this look doesn’t let Stewart show her natural beauty, in fact it’s only distracting and messy looking. It’s not hipster, just ugly!
Jaleel White
"Family Matters" was one of the best American sitcoms, and was the first time that we were all lucky to see the brilliant performance of Jaleel White. His portrayal of Steve Urkel, including his suspenders and taped glasses was adorable, nerdy, and lovable all at the same time. Even his annoyingly high voiced, “did I do that” catchphrase made us fall in love.
Jaleel White Today
Even though Jaleel White looks okay, we miss his cute Urkel persona. We hate to say this, but today White is just looking like a regular guy, dad bod and all. After the birth of his daughter Samaya back in 2009, White was completely off the radar, until his appearance on the hit show "Dancing With The Stars," where he was voted off. The dad bod isn’t a good look Jaleel, bring back Urkel!
Drew Barrymore
Before her drug and alcoholic rebellion in the early 80’s, Drew Barrymore was the cutest little tyke you ever saw. Starring in films like E.T. The Extra Terrestrial and Irreconcilable Differences, Barrymore was captivating and endearing on screen. Her cute curly cue curls and dimples made America fall in love with her.
Drew Barrymore Today
Drew Barrymore has had some rocky years, however today her looks are taking a turn for the worst. Barrymore’s age has given a beating to her once youthful expression and hair. Her face recently has been riddled with wrinkles and her eyes appear to look almost sunken in. Drew definitely looks like she could use a spa day.
Amanda Bynes
Talk about going from adorable to absolutely hideous! Amanda Bynes first came on the scene in the late 90’s and early 2000’s with shows like "All That" and "The Amanda Show." Her blonde hair, great smile, and all American overall appearance was cute, sexy, and friendly. However, after retiring from acting in 2012, her looks and sanity took a downward plunge.
Amanda Bynes Today
In 2012, Bynes suffered from an emotional and mental breakdown that left her in and out of mental-health centers and services. She publicly went to Twitter to tell her story telling followers that her father molested her, and then claimed the micro-chip in her brain told her to do that. However, through all of this, her once gorgeous looks were replaced by wigs and cheek piercings. Yikes!
Corey Feldman
Another Goonies alumn, Corey Feldman was an 80’s cutie pie! As one of “The Two Coreys” (alongside the late Corey Haim), Feldman became a teenage heartthrob that could have rivaled even Justin Bieber. His "don’t care" attitude and rebellious sense of self left all the tween girls in love.
Corey Feldman Today
Feldman’s personal life has been a roller coaster of emotions that were bound to leave some scars and physical distress. After a terrible friendship with Michael Jackson that left Feldman scarred and led to his descent from fame, the stress has taken its toll on his looks. Both weight loss and wrinkles have left the actor looking much much older than his actual age.
Jesse McCartney
The original creator of the Bieber haircut, this blonde singer-songwriter was every tween’s crush in the 2000's. He was almost on every cover of Teen Bop and was the guy that we all wanted to bring home to meet our parents. His innocent songs and catchy lyrics about love and relationships were the perfect combinations for next-generation stardom.
Jesse McCartney Today
As the boy band and pop scene of the 2000’s died down, so did the career of Jesse McCartney. These days McCartney has let go of his clean-cut image and has opted for a scruffy-faced mess. His beard and goatee make him look like a middle-aged creeper, not the blondie that we all fell in love with!
Rose McGowan
Rose McGowan has been acting for many years but is probably best known for playing a witch named Paige Matthews in the series Charmed. The WB show ran from 2001-2006. She’s also appeared in many films such as Encino Man, Devil in the Flesh, Scream, The Black Dahlia, and Grindhouse, among others.
Rose McGowan Today
She’s still acting but has led quite a controversial life in more recent years and frequently gets into public arguments with other stars. We hope that the look she is sporting in this photo is for a role, as it’s not exactly the most flattering look for Rose!
Josh Saviano
Josh Saviano is a former child actor who rose to public fame for playing Kevin Arnold’s best friend, Paul Joshua Pfeiffer, on the hit 1980s TV series The Wonder Years. Paul was a nerdy kid with bad allergies. He wore geeky glasses and pants that were always too short.
Josh Saviano Today
Ever “wonder” what became of Josh Saviano after The Wonder Years? He outgrew his “Paul” persona and quit acting in order to attend college and law school. Although he did eventually appear in three episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit from 2014 to 2015, he focuses on his career as an attorney.
Benjamin Salisbury
From 1993 to 1999, Benjamin Salisbury played the adorable Brighton Sheffield on the comedy TV show The Nanny. After that show ended, Salisbury made appearances in Captain Ron and D3:The Mighty Ducks. He also did voice work in 1996's The Oz Kids. Fun fact: he once competed in a special episode of Teen Celebrity Jeopardy!
Benjamin Salisbury Today
Ah, the perils of being a cute young actor! The inevitable will happen – you’ll age the way everyone does – and your fans will delight in seeing that you’re just like them. Here’s a recent photo of Benjamin Salisbury, with less hair and looking very much older than he did as Brighton Sheffield on The Nanny.
Brian Bonsall
Many of us know Brian Bonsall from his role as the super-adorable Andrew "Andy" Keaton on the 1980s sitcom Family Ties. He was such a cutie! Bonsall went on to act in several other films like Mikey, Father Hood, and Blank Check. He retired from acting altogether back in 1995.
Brian Bonsall Today
Since his retirement from acting, Bonsall has been a musician with several different punk bands. He’s also had many run-ins with the law. He’s been arrested twice for assault (once against his girlfriend) and another arrest came for using marijuana. As you can tell in this photo, he looks a lot different than he did playing Andy.
Johnny Depp
As a young actor, Johnny Depp was a total babe. His poster adorned the walls of many a fan’s bedroom. From his breakout role in the 1980s television series 21 Jump Street, he’s been a fixture in Hollywood and has starred in many, many films over the years.
Johnny Depp Today
Today, Depp’s lifestyle appears to have caught up with him. No longer youthful-looking, he’s frequently seen drinking and smoking. His face is bloated and many of his teeth are discolored. He’s also been dealing with extensive legal problems including a public divorce from former wife Amber Heard.
Susan Olsen
Susan Olsen’s name is synonymous with Cindy Brady, the role she played in The Brady Bunch from 1969 to 1974. She was an absolutely adorable child actress, with her bright blue eyes, blond ponytails and cute lisp. Olsen started on the show when she was just eight years old.
Susan Olsen Today
It was a long way to fall from Cindy Brady. Today, Susan Olsen has somewhat of a reputation as a homophobe, after she was fired from her job as a radio personality in 2016. The L.A. station that dismissed her claimed that she repeatedly made anti-gay comments and slurs. That’s not an attitude that’s flattering on anyone!
Taran Noah Smith
Playing Marcus "Mark" Jason Taylor on the bit 1990s sitcom Home Improvement, actor Taran Noah Smith quickly became one of the country’s favorite kid stars. He retired from acting at a young age (16) and got married the next year, to a woman 16 years older than him.
Taran Noah Smith Today
After retiring from show business, Smith took control of his $1.5 million trust fund. He and his wife started a vegan company called Playfood, and they volunteer with a disaster relief group. Unfortunately, Smith’s cute boyish looks have faded but at least he seems happy.
