Stars You Forgot Were Actually Famous As Kids
Published -
- January 3, 2019
- 1:00 am
Since so many child stars fail to transition into adult roles.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate those who made it successfully, even if some of us forgot about their beginnings.
Joaquin Phoenix | 0:10
Hayden Panettiere | 0:52
Jason Bateman | 1:32
Eliza Dushku | 2:09
Jake Gyllenhaal | 2:57
What are some challenges that child actors face in the entertainment industry?
Many of today’s biggest stars actually began their careers as child actors, but as they have grown and found success in different industries, it’s easy to forget how they got their start. Here are a few stars you may have forgotten were actually famous as kids:
1. Leonardo DiCaprio
While he may be best known for his Oscar-winning performances in films like “The Revenant” and “Titanic,” Leonardo DiCaprio actually began his career as a child actor. He appeared in several commercials and TV shows as a young actor before landing a breakout role in the TV series “Growing Pains” in 1991.
2. Ryan Gosling
Before he became the leading man we all know and love, Ryan Gosling was a young actor with appearances on shows like “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” and “The Mickey Mouse Club.” He even starred alongside fellow kid stars Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake in the show’s early 90s cast.
3. Emma Watson
Emma Watson may have rose to fame as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” film series, but the British actress actually began her acting career at the age of 10. She appeared in various TV shows and films before landing the role that would launch her into superstardom.
4. Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris may now be known for his roles in TV shows like “How I Met Your Mother” and “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” but as a child actor, he starred in the beloved sitcom “Doogie Howser, M.D.” in the late 80s and early 90s.
5. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Joseph Gordon-Levitt may now be focused on his career as a writer and director, but as a child actor, he starred in the beloved sitcom “3rd Rock from the Sun.” He also had notable roles in films like “Angels in the Outfield” and “10 Things I Hate About You.”
These are just a few examples of stars who had successful acting careers as children but have since gone on to achieve even greater success in their adult lives. While it may be easy to forget about their early roles, it’s important to remember where these talented actors got their start.
