12 Famous Kid Stars of the ’90s—Where Are They Now?
The biggest child stars of the ‘90s grew up, and while some stayed in the spotlight, others took unexpected paths in life.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
The ‘90s gave us some of the most iconic child stars in Hollywood, from sitcom prodigies to blockbuster movie favorites. While a few transitioned smoothly into adult acting careers, others stepped away from fame entirely. Whether they’re still on our screens, behind the camera, or living a totally different life, here’s where they ended up.
1. Macaulay Culkin
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This Home Alone star was the ultimate ‘90s kid celebrity, but fame became overwhelming, and he stepped back from acting for years. Macaulay made a low-key comeback with indie films, launched a comedy website, and recently starred in American Horror Story. He’s also a dad now and happily engaged to actress Brenda Song. These days, he embraces his childhood fame without letting it define him.
2. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
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The Olsen twins left acting behind after dominating the ‘90s with Full House and a series of direct-to-video movies. They built a massive fashion empire with their luxury brand, The Row, and have remained largely out of the spotlight. Unlike many former child stars, they transitioned seamlessly into their new careers. They still avoid social media and rarely give interviews, keeping their lives as private as possible.
3. Jonathan Taylor Thomas
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JTT was the heartthrob of the decade, thanks to Home Improvement and The Lion King. He walked away from fame to focus on education, attending Harvard and later Columbia University. Aside from a few guest roles, he’s kept a very low profile. Fans still wonder if he’ll ever make a full return to Hollywood.
4. Lindsay Lohan
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After The Parent Trap made her a star, Lindsay had a rollercoaster career filled with box-office hits and personal struggles. She took a long break from Hollywood, moved to Dubai, and later launched businesses in Greece. Recently, she’s made a steady return to acting, starring in Netflix projects. Now, she’s a mom and seems to enjoy a more stable, low-key life.
5. Haley Joel Osment
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The Sixth Sense kid shocked the world with his eerie performance and seemed destined for a long Hollywood career. He took time off to go to college and later returned to acting, mostly in quirky character roles. He now embraces his ‘90s fame but prefers staying out of the spotlight. Unlike many former child stars, he’s managed to keep things drama-free.
6. Tia and Tamera Mowry
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These twins were everywhere in the ‘90s and smoothly transitioned into adult roles. Tia focused on acting and cooking shows, while Tamera became a talk show host on The Real. Both have families and successful business ventures outside of Hollywood. Their bond as sisters remains strong, and they still check in with fans on social media.
7. Kenan Thompson
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Kenan went from All That and Kenan & Kel to becoming the longest-running cast member on Saturday Night Live. His career never really slowed down, and he’s now one of the most recognizable comedic actors on TV. He even got his own sitcom, Kenan, and continues to appear in movies. The ‘90s may have launched him, but he’s still going strong decades later.
8. Kel Mitchell
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Kel was Kenan’s comedic partner in crime, starring in All That and Good Burger. Unlike Kenan, he struggled to find the same mainstream success in Hollywood. However, he found a new passion in faith-based work and motivational speaking. He’s still acting and recently reunited with Kenan for Good Burger 2, giving ‘90s kids a major nostalgia boost.
9. Amanda Bynes
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Amanda was a Nickelodeon favorite with All That and The Amanda Show, later transitioning to teen rom-coms. Unfortunately, personal struggles and legal issues led her to step away from acting entirely. She has since focused on fashion school and personal healing. While she occasionally updates fans, she keeps a much lower profile than during her Hollywood days.
10. Raven-Symoné
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Raven went from The Cosby Show to Disney Channel royalty with That’s So Raven. She successfully continued acting, hosted The View for a while, and now works behind the scenes in entertainment. She’s also been very open about her personal journey, including her marriage and self-discovery. Even after decades in the industry, she remains a beloved figure in Hollywood.
11. Elijah Wood
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Before becoming Frodo, Elijah was a popular child actor in the ‘90s, having roles in Flipper and The Good Son. He successfully transitioned into adult acting and now balances indie films, voice work, and producing. Unlike many child stars, he avoided major Hollywood pitfalls. He still embraces his geeky side and often appears at fan conventions.
12. Frankie Muniz
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Malcolm in the Middle made Frankie a household name, but he later shifted away from Hollywood. He pursued race car driving, drumming, and business ventures, even owning a specialty olive oil store. Recently, he made a small return to acting and competed in Dancing with the Stars. He may not be the Hollywood regular he once was, but he’s enjoying life on his terms.