Former Child Stars We'll Always Root For

June 22, 2009

Some child stars break out big and never look back, going on to capture leading roles and acting awards. Others burn out early and never return to the industry. And then there's the third group, the ones who get their biggest roles young but keep working in Hollywood even though they're no longer household names. A couple of my favorite stars who fall into that third category have recently gotten some more recognition, so in honor of that, here's a salute to some of the one-time child and teen stars I'll never stop rooting for.

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by POPSUGAR Entertainment 18

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by POPSUGAR Entertainment 18

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18 Comments

ShelleyHFan 3 years 47 weeks

Jennie Lewis (these starts are from the 90s and Jenny is more late 80s early 90s...right?)and her bandmate.

editorjeff 3 years 47 weeks

I agree with the use who suggested that the same story be done for former male child stars who we root for ...

editorjeff 3 years 47 weeks

Just came upon your site ... and your list of former female child stars we root for ... The list is pretty good. The best of your notables is without a doubt Madeline Zima. Her comic timing and ability on her six seasons as the youngest child on "The Nanny" was impeccable. She held her own again Fran Drescher, Ann Guilbert and Renee Taylor. And she stole nearly every scene was in. But there are some noticeable omissions: One is Alyssa Milano from TV's "Who's The Boss," "Melrose Place" and "Charmed." I realize she probably has outgrown this category, but her absence in film or on TV for the last few years seems wrong. (Sort of like not having Christina Applegate in film or on a hit show -- the just canceled 'Samantha Who?' doesn't count.) I think Alysa and Christina should team up for a modern day version of "The Odd Couple."Also her "Charmed" co-star, Holly Marie Combs, who also was on David E. Kelly's "Picket Fences" has been noticeably absent from TV and screen.Then there is Mayim Bialik, TV's "Blossom," who shined as the young Bette Midler in "Beaches." Like Danica McKellar (from "Wonder Years") she's traded in acting for academia. Still, it's Hollywood's loss not having her, even in an appearance here and there.Tatyana Ali from TV's "Fresh Prince." She proved her chops in the latter seasons and also showed her vocal chops. Unfortunately Will Smith signed her to his label and then did nothing.Another is Karle Warren, who starred on TV's "Judging Amy." She finally makes her big screen debut in 2010.Having grown up on 1970s/1980s TV, three that should have continued to light up the small and big screen, but who have fallen into anonymity are Danielle Brisebois (TV's "All In The Family), Nancy McKeon ("Facts of Life" and a half dozen failed sitcoms) and Kristy Mcnichol.BTW, today was the first time I ever came upon your site. As a former journalist and formerly the president of notable online site during the late-90's online Internet boom ... I think you have a great site; its design is better then most of your competitors; it's appealing to the eye, user friendly and well tailored to its intended audience. The only thing that was hard to find and misplaced was your log-in/register button. The black bar, far at the top, is easy to miss, as looks like an ad ... it doesn't pop or catch a user's eye.

editorjeff 3 years 47 weeks

Just came upon your site ... and your list of former female child stars we root for ... The list is pretty good. The best of your notables is without a doubt Madeline Zima. Her comic timing and ability on her six seasons as the youngest child on "The Nanny" was impeccable. She held her own again Fran Drescher, Ann Guilbert and Renee Taylor. And she stole nearly every scene was in. But there are some noticeable omissions: One is Alyssa Milano from TV's "Who's The Boss," "Melrose Place" and "Charmed." I realize she probably has outgrown this category, but her absence in film or on TV for the last few years seems wrong. (Sort of like not having Christina Applegate in film or on a hit show -- the just canceled 'Samantha Who?' doesn't count.) I think Alysa and Christina should team up for a modern day version of "The Odd Couple." Also her "Charmed" co-star, Holly Marie Combs, who also was on David E. Kelly's "Picket Fences" has been noticeably absent from TV and screen. Then there is Mayim Bialik, TV's "Blossom," who shined as the young Bette Midler in "Beaches." Like Danica McKellar (from "Wonder Years") she's traded in acting for academia. Still, it's Hollywood's loss not having her, even in an appearance here and there. Tatyana Ali from TV's "Fresh Prince." She proved her chops in the latter seasons and also showed her vocal chops. Unfortunately Will Smith signed her to his label and then did nothing. Another is Karle Warren, who starred on TV's "Judging Amy." She finally makes her big screen debut in 2010. Having grown up on 1970s/1980s TV, three that should have continued to light up the small and big screen, but who have fallen into anonymity are Danielle Brisebois (TV's "All In The Family), Nancy McKeon ("Facts of Life" and a half dozen failed sitcoms) and Kristy Mcnichol. BTW, today was the first time I ever came upon your site. As a former journalist and formerly the president of notable online site during the late-90's online Internet boom ... I think you have a great site; its design is better then most of your competitors; it's appealing to the eye, user friendly and well tailored to its intended audience. The only thing that was hard to find and misplaced was your log-in/register button. The black bar, far at the top, is easy to miss, as looks like an ad ... it doesn't pop or catch a user's eye.

3 years 47 weeks

i love Tina Majorino (veronica mars and corina corina, she can't do wrong with that) and Jena Malone and i always have a soft spot for Anna Chlumsky with My Girl (Bingo ! remember).

pargie 3 years 48 weeks

I don't think everyone roots for Claire Danes, because of the whole stealing Mary Louise Parker's babydaddy thing HaterTot. I'm always rooting when I see one of the twin sisters from Sweet Valley High, and also the twin sisters from Sister Sister!

HaterTot 3 years 48 weeks

No Claire Danes? WTF?

HaterTot 3 years 48 weeks

No Claire Danes? WTF?

cg130 3 years 48 weeks

Tina Majorino! Love her!

cg130 3 years 48 weeks

Tina Majorino! Love her!

leslievanhouten 3 years 48 weeks

Can we do one with the boys? I just want more Joseph Gordon Levitt exposure

Linda McP 3 years 48 weeks

Great slideshow, Buzz.

Linda McP 3 years 48 weeks

Great slideshow, Buzz.

sumbum 3 years 48 weeks

I love all the girls who were in Now and Then!!!!

weffie 3 years 48 weeks

I wonder Big Pete & Little Pete are up to now...

Nitachequita 3 years 48 weeks

I love Tina Majorino and Jena Malone! I'd add Amanda Bynes to the list, who is always just so grounded. I'd also add Ricky Schroeder, who we just don't see enough of these days.

skigurl 3 years 48 weeks

i loved almost all of these girls at some point in my childhood...or at least the movies/shows they were in!!and All I Want for Christmas is my fav Xmas movie!

skigurl 3 years 48 weeks

i loved almost all of these girls at some point in my childhood...or at least the movies/shows they were in!! and All I Want for Christmas is my fav Xmas movie!