Top 10 TV Characters That Grew Up Before Our Eyes

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were born about a year before “Full House” premiered, and were nearly 9 by the time it ended. As we saw Michelle Tanner go from being an infant to a kid, we also watched her on-screen sisters grow up. Jodie Sweetin, who played Stephanie, started the show when she was just 5 years old. And Candace Cameron Bure, who portrayed D.J., was 11 when the series began airing. The stars ended the original show at 13 and 19, respectively. It goes without saying, but as they matured, so too did their characters. We only wish we could’ve seen the Olsen twins reprise their role when the other Tanners came back as adults on “Fuller House”.

Audiences get to see all of Carl’s teenage years play out on “Shameless”. The young boy is arguably the character on this list that goes through the most challenging times. While many programs don’t depict kids who struggle to make it to - and through - their teens, this show has it all. At the start of the series, the actor behind the role, Ethan Cutkosky, was still awaiting his 12th birthday. By the time it ends, Carl has been in juvie, completed military school, and lost a wife. Plus he looks like a completely different person! Needless to say, a lot can change in 11 seasons.

Viewers of this classic saw Jonathan Taylor Thomas’s transformation from child actor to teen heartthrob. But before his face was plastered on every teen magazine, he was Randy, the Taylors’ middle child. “Home Improvement” focused on the family’s household life, so naturally we got to see all of the characters change throughout the show. Even though he was only a series regular for the first three seasons, little Randy’s growth caught everyone’s attention. With the success of the show, the actor himself would also use his talents in projects like “The Adventures of Pinocchio,” and, of course, most famously in “The Lion King.”

Disney stars are often kids when they start out, so we get to watch them and their characters grow up. Yet we’re always a little surprised by the tremendous changes they undergo. Zuri’s sass, troublemaking tactics, and adorable outfits won everyone over on “Jessie”. We know it was technically Debby Ryan’s show, but Skai Jackson was arguably the star. Her transformation definitely feels subtle when you watch the episodes back-to-back. Yet when you compare her first appearance to her last, the growth is remarkable. And thankfully, we got to see her transform even further on “Bunk’d”!

Sansa goes through some crazy character development throughout the course of the show. The actress behind the role, Sophie Turner, was already a teen when she was first seen bringing the now beloved character to life. At the time of the “Game of Thrones” premiere, the actress was 15 years old. And though Sansa undergoes an obvious physical transformation over the years, it’s the way she truly comes into herself that leaves us in awe. As she becomes a young adult, Stark goes from worrying about her sewing skills to taking the throne as a responsible leader and true Queen. That’s an impressive journey if we’ve ever seen one.

Over the course of “Black-ish”, Diane has grown to become one of the best characters on the show. Confident, intelligent, and honest to a fault, she has a razor-sharp wit and isn’t afraid to let loose with savage insults - especially at her siblings. Of course, a big part of what makes her character so compelling is Marsai Martin’s stellar performances. When the show first started airing, the actress was only 10 years old, playing the roughly 8-year old Johnson. Since “Black-ish” has yet to come to an end, we’re excited to see Diane continue to thrive.

Another family show means a whole crew of child actors to watch flourish on screen. Alex Dunphy’s growth is only surpassed by her younger brother Luke’s. The youngest Dunphy was still years away from becoming a teenager when we first saw him on screen. In a show with such a big cast of iconic characters, it can be hard to pick a favorite. But Luke is definitely a frontrunner. Just like his dad, the easily distracted young boy becomes a funny, easy going, and mischievous young man. Even though he wasn’t necessarily the brightest, the character always lit up the scene.

Imagine playing the same TV character from the time you’re a middle school aged kid until you’re ready for college. It’s far from easy, as these are pivotal years in any young person’s life. But Ben Savage had to do just that when he brought Cory Matthews to life. He was no newbie to the industry when he landed the role, but it’s arguably his most notable part. When we first meet Cory, he’s a young boy on the verge of some major life changes. We watch him go through puberty on “Boy Meets World”, and see him as a father on the show's spinoff. That’s some serious growth.

Living a double life never looked so fun. Has there ever been a Disney channel character that had as much of an impact on pop culture as Hannah Montana? We don’t think so. We all know the absolute rockstar Miley Cyrus is now. But it all began when she was just 11 years old, auditioning for the series. Throughout the seasons - and movie - we watched the character truly find herself. By the time the show came to an end, Cyrus herself was about 18 years old. Understandably, she wanted to break away from her Disney star persona at that point. But Miley has since made it clear that Hannah will always be a part of her.

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

Ricky Nelson, “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” (1952-66)
This Show Turned Ricky into a Music Teen Idol

Jake Harper, “Two and a Half Men” (2003-15)
“Three Full Men” Just Doesn’t Have the Same Ring to It

Zack Morris, “Saved by the Bell” (1989-93)
Even at a Young Age, He Was Able to Keep His Audience Involved

Kevin Arnold, “The Wonder Years” (1988-93)
Both Savage Boys Had to Make the List

Doogie Howser, “Doogie Howser, M.D.” (1989-93)
Seeing Your Doctor Go Through Puberty Is Normal, Right?

It’s not too often that we get to see young characters graduate high school even after their initial show comes to an end. But that’s the case with the Martin twins. When Zack and Cody showed up at the Tipton Hotel in 2005, they were just kids. Though it seemed like the original show was on the air for ages, “The Suite Life” only lasted for 3 seasons before they moved on to cruise ship life. By the time the boys were ready to graduate high school, they were fully grown young adults. So viewers had understandably developed a real bond with the characters after seeing them go through so much over the years!