They captivated us as kids, but fame isn’t always kind to its youngest stars. These 10 former child celebrities faced monumental challenges before turning their lives around in ways that will leave you inspired. Let’s dive into their stories—from dark days to dazzling comebacks.
10. Lindsay Lohan
1998 was Lindsay Lohan’s breakout year, thanks to The Parent Trap, but her transition from child actor to teen icon wasn’t without turbulence. Legal issues, substance abuse, and media scrutiny nearly ended her career. However, Lindsay found stability, starring in Netflix’s romantic comedies, reuniting with Jamie Lee Curtis for a new Freaky Friday, and welcoming her first child in 2023. It’s clear Lindsay is rewriting her Hollywood narrative.
9. Daniel Radcliffe
This wildly famous child actor almost succumbed to the pressures of Harry Potter fame. Daniel Radcliffe admitted to using alcohol to cope with relentless attention, even arriving on set drunk at times. A personal decision to stop drinking in 2010 marked his turning point. Now a sober, versatile actor, Radcliffe is thriving both professionally and personally, proving resilience is his true magic.
8. Mary-Kate Olsen
From baby Michelle Tanner on Full House to teen mogul, Mary-Kate Olsen appeared to have it all—but behind the scenes, she struggled with body dysmorphia and anorexia. Constant public scrutiny didn’t help. After seeking treatment in 2004, Mary-Kate stepped away from the spotlight to pursue a quieter life as a successful fashion designer, focusing on creativity and self-care.
7. Jackie Coogan
Jackie Coogan, one of Hollywood’s first child stars, earned millions from his role in The Kid (1921). Tragically, his parents squandered his fortune, leading to the creation of the Coogan Act, which protects young performers today. Despite this betrayal, Coogan found fame again as Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, cementing his legacy as a survivor and trailblazer.
6. Jennette McCurdy
Behind the laughter of iCarly’s Sam Puckett was Jennette McCurdy’s painful reality: eating disorders, alcohol dependence, and emotional abuse by her mother. In her memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, McCurdy details her healing journey. Today, she’s an advocate for mental health and a writer, thriving on her own terms.
5. Wil Wheaton
Best known for Stand by Me, Wil Wheaton revealed he was forced into acting by his parents, enduring emotional abuse and manipulation. These experiences left him battling PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Estranged from his parents, Wheaton is now a sober, successful author and actor, embodying the freedom he always sought as a child.
4. Jodie Sweetin
Stephanie Tanner from Full House grew up with a hidden battle. Jodie Sweetin began drinking at 14, leading to a meth addiction that alarmed even her castmates. After years of struggle, she sought help and has been sober since 2008. Sweetin now works as a drug and alcohol counselor and inspires others with her story of recovery.
3. Mara Wilson
The darling of Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire, Mara Wilson left Hollywood at 13 after struggling with OCD, anxiety, and the loss of her mother. Since then, she has transitioned from acting to writing and advocacy, leveraging her platform to advocate for mental health awareness. Mara’s story shows that stepping back can be a step forward.
2. Macaulay Culkin
The ultimate ‘90s child star, Macaulay Culkin, faced a controlling, abusive father and a vicious custody battle over his earnings. After retiring at 14, Culkin retreated from the limelight amid addiction rumors. Today, he’s back in action, a father of two, and thriving with partner Brenda Song.
1. Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore’s story is the ultimate Hollywood redemption tale. Born into a famous family, Drew faced substance abuse by age nine and rehab by 14. Written off by many, she roared back in the ’90s with hits like The Wedding Singer and Charlie’s Angels. Now an actress, producer, and talk show host, Drew’s story is proof that resilience and reinvention go hand in hand.
