Many children aspire to become successful actors, yet only a select few reach that goal—while others may wish they had never pursued it at all. Alastair Stout, Dominic McLaughlin, and Arabella Stanton, the chosen trio to portray Harry, Hermione, and Ron in the latest television adaptation of the JK Rowling classic, might have some insight into the challenges that lie ahead.

While Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson have each experienced varying degrees of success following their roles in the Harry Potter series, the road to fame is never a guarantee.

The journeys of early stars are complex and diverse. A number of them transitioned into high-profile careers, while others found themselves trapped in unhealthy environments marked by demanding parents, troubled productions, and struggles with addiction. Here, we highlight those who faltered, thrived, or chose entirely different paths.

Downfall Stories

Drew Barrymore

Barrymore’s co-stars in E.T. have pursued successful acting careers, but her journey was much more tumultuous. She became a cautionary example of a child star gone astray, grappling with substance abuse from a shockingly young age. After experiencing a series of challenges, including rehab stints, she ultimately regained clarity and went on to reclaim her status in the film industry, humorously acknowledging that she managed her “midlife crisis” as a teenager.

Judy Garland

From a vaudeville performer at age 2 to her iconic role in The Wizard of Oz at 16, Garland’s talents earned her numerous accolades. However, her personal struggles were extreme, marked by turbulent marriages, breakdowns, and substance abuse which eventually led to her tragic overdose. The pressures of Hollywood reportedly robbed her of her childhood, leading to her reliance on drugs.

Macaulay Culkin

As the beloved Kevin from Home Alone at just 10 years old, Culkin’s childhood was anything but typical. After a brief retirement from acting at 14, he faced legal issues related to drug use by 2004. Fortunately, he has since turned his life around and is now living a more stable family life. His challenges pale in comparison to fellow actor Edward Furlong, whose struggles with addiction led to notorious incidents.

Gary Coleman and the Diff’rent Strokes Cast

The sitcom Diff’rent Strokes (1978-1986) premiered with a heartwarming concept, yet many cast members faced tragic fates that some attribute to a curse. Gary Coleman endured health issues and struggles with addiction, while Dana Plato died from a drug overdose at just 34. Todd Bridges has also battled addiction but has since overcome his challenges.

Jack Wild

At 16, Wild gained fame for his standout performance as the Artful Dodger in the acclaimed musical Oliver!. Though initially successful, his early marriage and alcoholism severely hindered his career until his death from cancer in 2006 at the age of 53. In contrast, his Oliver! co-star Mark Lester pivoted to a career in osteopathy and became known for his connection to Michael Jackson.

Career Changes

Shirley Temple

Temple, a charming child star, was featured in 34 movies by the age of 22, beginning her career at just three years old. Instead of falling into a life of addiction, she redirected her ambitions into politics, running for Congress in 1967 and later serving as a prominent diplomat during Nixon and Reagan’s administrations, eventually becoming the U.S.’s first female ambassador to Czechoslovakia.

Lech and Jaroslaw Kaczynski

The Kaczynski twins starred as 13-year-olds in the 1962 Polish film The Two Who Stole the Moon. While the film may not be widely recognized, both brothers transitioned to significant political roles, with Jaroslaw serving as Poland’s Prime Minister and Lech as President until his tragic death in 2010.

Danny Lloyd

Lloyd shot to fame at six years old in The Shining, but he left acting shortly after. He has since become a biology professor and enjoys a quieter life with his family. In contrast, fellow child actor Harvey Spencer Stephens, known for his role in The Omen, has faced legal troubles stemming from a violent incident in 2017.

Success Stories

Elizabeth Taylor

Starting her career at just 12 years old with National Velvet, Taylor showcased an undeniable talent that led to her becoming one of the most beloved actresses in history. Her impressive journey included numerous accolades and a lasting legacy in the film industry.

Jodie Foster

Foster’s breakthrough role as a young prostitute in Taxi Driver, albeit challenging, laid the foundation for her award-winning career. Her academic pursuits at Yale only further solidified her significant standing in Hollywood.

Christian Bale

Introducing his stellar talent in Empire of the Sun at age 13, Bale’s performance paved the way for a versatile and acclaimed acting career, with key roles in Batman, American Psycho, and The Big Short.

Nicholas Hoult

Best remembered as the peculiar child in About a Boy, Hoult has evolved into an accomplished actor, portraying Hank McCoy/Beast in X-Men and starring in projects such as Skins and The Great. He is currently in a relationship and shares two children with his partner.

Thomas Brodie-Sangster

At 13, Brodie-Sangster captivated audiences in Love Actually, and he has since built a successful career, appearing in major films like Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the fantasy series Game of Thrones. He received an Emmy nomination for his role in The Queen’s Gambit and has married Talulah Riley, who was previously wed to Elon Musk.