10 Child Stars Who Turned Their Lives Around
These 10 former child stars faced struggles but found stability, success, or peace as adults.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Growing up in the spotlight isn’t easy, and many child actors deal with pressure, fame, and burnout early on. Some go through tough public struggles before finding a better path. These are the stories of actors who didn’t stay stuck in their past and worked hard to rebuild or redefine their lives.
1. Drew Barrymore
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Drew Barrymore became a star at age 7 in E.T. but soon struggled with addiction and rehab before she turned 14. Her early fame came with little structure, and her personal issues played out publicly. In her 20s, she took control of her life, started her own production company, and rebuilt her career. Today, she’s a successful actress, producer, and talk show host.
2. Macaulay Culkin
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Best known for Home Alone, Culkin became one of the most famous child stars of the 1990s. After a messy family and legal battle, he stepped away from acting for years. He later returned on his own terms and now lives a quieter life, doing creative projects and starting a family. He’s open about his past but focused on staying healthy and grounded.
3. Amanda Bynes
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Amanda Bynes was a standout on Nickelodeon in the early 2000s, known for her comedy and charm. Later, she faced mental health struggles and legal issues and stepped away from acting. After years of treatment and self-reflection, she re-enrolled in fashion school and has kept a low profile. She continues to work on her recovery and personal growth.
4. Shia LaBeouf
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Shia LaBeouf found fame young through Even Stevens and later moved into big-budget films. His adult life included arrests, rehab, and public controversy. He’s since spoken openly about trauma, healing, and sobriety. While still a complicated figure, he’s focused on recovery and creative work through writing and performance.
5. Lindsay Lohan
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Lindsay Lohan rose to fame in The Parent Trap and became a teen icon with films like Mean Girls. Fame and partying led to legal issues, rehab, and a damaged career. In recent years, she’s returned to acting, launched business ventures, and kept her private life more protected. She now lives abroad and seems more stable and focused.
6. Britney Spears
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Though best known as a pop star, Britney began on The Mickey Mouse Club as a child. She faced intense media scrutiny, a public breakdown, and years under a controversial conservatorship. After a long legal battle, she regained control over her life in 2021. She’s now choosing how to live on her own terms, even if that means staying out of the spotlight.
7. Jodie Sweetin
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Jodie Sweetin played Stephanie Tanner on Full House and struggled with addiction after the show ended. For years, she battled substance abuse while trying to escape her child star image. She got sober, became a certified drug and alcohol counselor, and returned to acting. She also shares her recovery story to help others.
8. Corey Feldman
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Corey Feldman was a major 1980s star in films like The Goonies and Stand by Me. His teen years were filled with drug use and traumatic experiences in the industry. As an adult, he’s become an outspoken advocate for child protection in Hollywood. Though often controversial, his life now centers on advocacy and healing.
9. Tatum O’Neal
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Tatum O’Neal won an Oscar at age 10 but later dealt with drug addiction, legal problems, and family issues. Her personal battles were long and painful, often in the public eye. In recent years, she’s focused on recovery, writing, and reconnecting with her children. She continues to speak openly about addiction and healing.
10. Alyssa Milano
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Alyssa Milano became famous through Who’s the Boss? and made a successful transition to adult acting. Though she avoided some of the typical child star pitfalls, she’s been open about the pressure of growing up famous. She later became a vocal activist and writer, using her platform for political and social issues. Her story shows that reinvention can be purposeful and long-term.