From Shirley Temple to Macaulay Culkin, child actors have always captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. These talented young performers often start their careers at a very young age, and some of them continue to shine in the spotlight as adults. In this article, we take a look at seven celebrities who began their careers as child actors and have since made a name for themselves in the entertainment industry.
1. Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore is one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses, known for her roles in films such as “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Never Been Kissed,” and “Charlie’s Angels.” However, Barrymore actually began her acting career at the tender age of 7 when she starred in the iconic film “E.T.” Her performance in the film earned her critical acclaim and set her on the path to stardom. Barrymore has since become a successful actress, producer, and director, proving that her talent knows no bounds.
2. Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the most accomplished actors of his generation, with a career that spans over three decades. However, DiCaprio’s acting career began when he was just a child, appearing in commercials and television shows. His breakout role came in the early 1990s when he starred in the critically acclaimed film “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” for which he received an Academy Award nomination. DiCaprio has since gone on to star in numerous successful films, including “Titanic,” “Inception,” and “The Revenant,” for which he won his first Academy Award for Best Actor.
3. Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman is a talented actress known for her roles in films such as “Black Swan,” “V for Vendetta,” and “Jackie.” However, Portman’s acting career began when she was just 11 years old, starring in the film “Léon: The Professional.” Her performance in the film garnered critical acclaim and launched her into stardom. Portman has since become a respected actress, producer, and director, winning an Academy Award for her performance in “Black Swan.”
4. Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster is an accomplished actress known for her roles in films such as “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Taxi Driver,” and “Contact.” However, Foster’s acting career began when she was just a child, appearing in commercials and television shows. Her breakout role came in the early 1970s when she starred in the film “Taxi Driver,” for which she received an Academy Award nomination. Foster has since become a respected actress, producer, and director, winning two Academy Awards for her performances in “The Accused” and “The Silence of the Lambs.”
5. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a versatile actor known for his roles in films such as “500 Days of Summer,” “Inception,” and “Looper.” However, Gordon-Levitt’s acting career began when he was just a child, appearing in commercials and television shows. His breakout role came in the early 1990s when he starred in the television series “3rd Rock from the Sun.” Gordon-Levitt has since become a respected actor, producer, and director, starring in numerous successful films and television shows.
6. Emma Watson
Emma Watson is a talented actress known for her role as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” film series. However, Watson’s acting career began when she was just 9 years old, landing the role of Hermione at the age of 11. Her performance in the film series garnered critical acclaim and launched her into stardom. Watson has since become a respected actress, activist, and model, starring in films such as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Little Women.”
7. Shia LaBeouf
Shia LaBeouf is a versatile actor known for his roles in films such as “Transformers,” “Disturbia,” and “Honey Boy.” However, LaBeouf’s acting career began when he was just a child, appearing in commercials and television shows. His breakout role came in the early 2000s when he starred in the Disney Channel series “Even Stevens.” LaBeouf has since become a respected actor, producer, and director, starring in numerous successful films and television shows.
These seven celebrities have proven that being a child actor is not just a stepping stone to a successful career in Hollywood; it can also be a lasting and fulfilling career in its own right. Their early starts in the entertainment industry have paved the way for them to become respected and accomplished actors, producers, and directors. As fans, we can only look forward to the future projects of these talented performers, knowing that their talent and dedication will continue to shine in the spotlight for years to come.
