Top 10 Child Stars Who Defined an Era

Why are we so interested in child stars? Is it comparable to sports fans’ interest in collegiate athletes? Looking out for those future stars of tomorrow? Perhaps. And maybe that’s why it was so exciting to see the talent of Lindsay Lohan arrive during the ‘90s. Charismatic child stars were nothing new at this point, of course, but that didn’t stop critics from noticing just how good Lohan was in movies like Disney’s remake of “The Parent Trap.” Lohan then managed to parlay this experience into another Disney reboot, this time of “Freaky Friday.” That said, it’s probably the actor’s work in “Mean Girls” that forever cemented her youthful legacy as an actor.

The 2024 documentary “Brats” was a firsthand chronicle of the “Brat Pack” phenomenon, delivered by someone who lived the experience. Director Andrew McCarthy was just one of this young group of actors that rose to prominence back in the 1980s. As anyone who was alive at the time knows, Molly Ringwald was another member of that group, and one of the most associated with it. Ringwald’s presence on screen was amazing, even back in one of her first filmed appearances, 1983’s “Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone.” Meanwhile, movies like “Sixteen Candles” and especially “The Breakfast Club” would firmly place Molly Ringwald upon the eighties’ cinematic Mount Rushmore.

Much has been revealed about how the Disney machine works, of this not-so-magical factory where child stars are continually pushed out of a revolving media door. Yet, there have also been some generational talents that have emerged from this process, including Miley Cyrus. Granted, it helped that Cyrus’ father, Billy Ray, was also a country star, but this singer definitely made it on her own two feet. Her “Hannah Montana” days are forever associated with the 2000s. But the creativity of Cyrus as a performer, writer and singer has transcended that period. As a result, her reputation is bullet-proof at this point. She’s an influential artist in her own right who doesn’t need help from anybody.

Jodie Foster is that rare child star who made the successful transition into an acclaimed adult career. Her early career encapsulates the 1970s era, ranging from typical child star work in Disney films like the original “Freaky Friday” through much more challenging material. The latter includes Foster’s roles in intense films like “Taxi Driver” and “The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane,” with the former one of the defining films of the ‘70s. These performances showcased Foster embodying roles that were honestly meant for adults, while simultaneously nailing each performance to the wall. This reputation for serious dramatic acting would eventually follow Foster into adulthood, leading to films like “The Silence of the Lambs.”

It’s no accident that the word “Disney” comes up again and again within this list. Hayley Mills was yet another talented young actor that gained early fame working on projects for The Mouse. The OG “Parent Trap” was a big hit for Mills, one of several which were favorites of children in the 1960s. Her determination, spunk and decency made her a strong role model. But it wouldn’t be long before the actor would graduate to headier stuff. “Twisted Nerve” and “Endless Night” showed Mills entering psychological thriller territory. Mills later worked on “Saved By the Bell” during its early years, portraying the teacher Miss Bliss. Throughout it all, she was a welcome presence who captured the hearts of multiple generations.

The 1970s were a halcyon decade for the actor/singer teen idol. Leif Garrett was one, as was David Cassidy of “The Partridge Family.” The show, which was inspired by a real-life family group known as The Cowsills, was also notable for Cassidy’s co-star, Danny Bonaduce. However, it would be Cassidy’s star that would ultimately rise, defining the 1970s for many youth, thanks to the actor’s natural stage presence. Meanwhile, Partridge songs like “I Think I Love You” are, perhaps amazingly, still played today, proving that sometimes what TV execs may see as “disposable” goes on to connect with an entire generation.

The case of Corey Feldman is an interesting one, primarily due to the actor’s outspoken criticism of Hollywood. The actor has made many allegations over the years with regard to what he feels is the deliberate grooming and predation of young actors who can’t defend themselves. This is despite, or perhaps because of Feldman’s success as a child actor himself, back in the 1980s. Feldman, alongside co-star Sean Astin, would speak to a generation of film fans with “The Goonies,” while also finding time to appear in horror fare like “Gremlins” and the “Friday the 13th” franchise. Later, Feldman would work with another Corey, Corey Haim, for a series of collaborative successes like “The Lost Boys” and “License to Drive.”

He is forever identified with the 1990s. But let’s face it: not every child actor remains cute forever, so eventually it becomes imperative to demonstrate a little range. Macaulay Culkin was unfortunately worked very hard by his father, Kit, a situation the actor has opened up about. As a result, Culkin’s public profile remained somewhat constant after his breakout success in the “Home Alone” movies. But Culkin’s work in “The Good Son” in particular demonstrated how the actor could convincingly play against type as a villain. The role remains one of Culkin’s best to date, although an entire era of moviegoers will probably always associate the actor with shaving, large cheese pizzas and continually being left behind by his parents.

It seemed a foregone conclusion that Drew Barrymore would follow in her family’s footsteps, and study the profession of acting. Yet no one, perhaps not even Drew’s father John Drew nor her great-uncle Lionel Barrymore, could’ve surmised she’d go on to achieve so much solo success. Today, however, it almost feels like destiny. Drew’s early appearances in classics like “E.T.” and the horror flick “Firestarter” endeared her to parents and kids alike, helping to define the 80s and early 90s film experience. The nineties also saw Barrymore’s rebellious streak start to show with erotic thrillers like “Poison Ivy.” Barrymore remained likable and easy to root for through it all, however, earning dedicated fans that were drawn to the actor’s inimitably bright and optimistic personality.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Tatum O’Neal
Ryan O’Neal’s Daughter Shone Alongside Her Old Man

Alyssa Milano
Totally Boss in Every Era

River Phoenix
Gone Too Soon, But Never Forgotten

Robby Benson
“Jeremy” Is a Must-See Depiction of Young Love & Heartbreak

For many, the term “child star” immediately brings to mind one person. Shirley Temple is the prototype for this sort of performer, an impossibly cute kid that captured hearts around the world. For Depression era audiences, Temple’s sunny optimism was a beacon of hope. Temple’s career also differentiates itself from many others on this list, in that she shifted career paths after her childhood acting career was over. As an adult, the actor left her child performances behind for a career in political diplomacy, becoming a United States ambassador to countries like Ghana and Czechoslovakia. Temple’s fans never forgot her, however, and the actor even penned an autobiography titled, you guessed it, “Child Star.”

Which of these child stars makes you the most nostalgic? Let us know in the comments!