Famous Kids Then and Now: A Blast from the Past
Do you remember the adorable faces of child stars who captured our hearts in the 90s and early 2000s? From Disney Channel phenoms to Nickelodeon sensations, these young actors and actresses stole the spotlight and left us wondering what would become of them as they grew up. Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most famous kids from yesteryear to see what they’re up to now.
1. Macaulay Culkin (Home Alone)
The precocious young star of the iconic 1990 film Home Alone, Macaulay Culkin, was only 10 years old when he stole the show as Kevin McCallister. Today, Culkin, now 41, has largely stepped away from acting, focusing on his music career and personal life.
2. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (Full House)
Who can forget the adorable twin sisters who played Michelle Tanner on the popular sitcom Full House? Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, now 35, have long since abandoned their acting careers to pursue fashion and business ventures. They founded the luxury fashion brand The Row and have become renowned designers in their own right.
3. Drew Barrymore (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial)
At just 7 years old, Drew Barrymore won hearts as Gertie in the 1982 classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Today, the 46-year-old actress has had a successful career in film and television, starring in movies like Charlie’s Angels and 50 First Dates.
4. Jaleel White (Family Matters)
Steve Urkel, the lovable nerd from the popular 90s sitcom Family Matters, was played by Jaleel White, who was just 13 when the show premiered. Now 45, White has continued to work in the entertainment industry, appearing in TV shows like Dancing with the Stars and The Masked Singer.
5. Shia LaBeouf (Even Stevens)
Before becoming a Hollywood A-lister, Shia LaBeouf starred as Louis Stevens on the Disney Channel series Even Stevens. Now 35, LaBeouf has appeared in films like Transformers, Indiana Jones, and Fury, as well as a number of critically acclaimed independent projects.
6. Frankie Muniz (Malcolm in the Middle)
The talented young actor who played Malcolm Wilkerson on the hit TV show Malcolm in the Middle, Frankie Muniz, was just 8 years old when the show premiered. Today, the 34-year-old is pursuing a career in professional racing and has also worked as a DJ.
7. Alyson Stoner (The Suite Life of Zack and Cody)
Alyson Stoner, who played the role of Max Russo’s (played by Jake Thomas) friend, London Tipton, on The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, was just 12 years old when the show debuted. Now 31, Stoner has continued to work in the entertainment industry, appearing in TV shows like Miss Guided and The Goldbergs.
8. Amanda Bynes (All That)
Amanda Bynes, who got her start on the Nickelodeon sketch comedy show All That, went on to star in her own TV show, The Amanda Show. Now 35, Bynes has stepped away from acting to focus on her personal life and has been open about her struggles with mental health.
9. Christy Carlson Romano (Even Stevens)
Christy Carlson Romano, who played Ren Stevens, the sister of Louis Stevens (played by Shia LaBeouf) on Even Stevens, was just 12 years old when the show premiered. Today, the 37-year-old is a singer, songwriter, and podcast host, and has been open about her struggles with mental health and addiction.
10. Raven-Symoné (The Cosby Show)
Raven-Symoné, who played Olivia Kendall on the iconic sitcom The Cosby Show, was just 3 years old when she started appearing on the show. Now 36, the actress and singer has had a successful career in television, starring in her own Disney Channel show, That’s So Raven, and appearing on Dancing with the Stars.
As we look back on these child stars from the 90s and early 2000s, it’s clear that many have gone on to lead successful careers in the entertainment industry, while others have pursued different passions and interests. Either way, it’s been a wild ride watching these talented young actors grow up and make their mark on the world.