16 Celebs Who Got Their Start on Kids’ Shows
Many well-known celebrities began their careers on children’s television shows before moving on to mainstream fame.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Several famous actors, singers, and entertainers started on kids’ TV shows early in their careers. These programs helped them gain experience, exposure, and a fan base while they were still young. This list covers 16 celebrities who first appeared on television made for children or pre-teens.
1. Ryan Gosling
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Ryan Gosling appeared on The Mickey Mouse Club in the early 1990s. He was cast alongside other young performers and participated in musical and comedy segments. The show gave him early screen experience and performance training. He later moved into film and earned critical recognition for dramatic roles.
2. Britney Spears
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Britney Spears was also part of The Mickey Mouse Club during its revival. She sang and danced on the show before launching her music career. Her time in the program helped build her performance skills. She became one of the best-selling pop artists of the late 1990s and 2000s.
3. Justin Timberlake
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Justin Timberlake joined The Mickey Mouse Club in the same era as Britney and Ryan. He stood out for his musical talent and stage presence. The show introduced him to the entertainment industry early. He later gained fame with NSYNC and as a solo artist.
4. Selena Gomez
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Selena Gomez played the lead role of Alex Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place. The show aired on Disney Channel and ran for four seasons. Her role on the series made her a household name among younger audiences. She later transitioned into music and more mature acting roles.
5. Miley Cyrus
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Miley Cyrus rose to fame through Hannah Montana, where she played a teenager living a double life as a pop star. The show was one of Disney Channel’s most successful series. It gave her both acting and music exposure. She later continued her career with a focus on music and film.
6. Zendaya
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Zendaya first gained attention on Shake It Up, a Disney Channel show about teenage dancers. She co-starred with Bella Thorne and performed in musical numbers. The show helped her build a fan base during her teen years. She has since won major awards for her acting in film and television.
7. Shia LaBeouf
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Shia LaBeouf played Louis Stevens on Even Stevens, a Disney Channel sitcom. He received praise for his comedic performance and even won a Daytime Emmy. The role marked his entry into television acting. He later moved into more serious film roles and gained international recognition.
8. Ariana Grande
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Ariana Grande began acting on Victorious, a Nickelodeon show where she played Cat Valentine. Her character was known for a distinct voice and quirky behavior. After the show, she continued on the spin-off Sam & Cat. She later focused on music and became a successful pop singer.
9. Kenan Thompson
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Kenan Thompson started on All That, a sketch comedy show on Nickelodeon. He later starred in Kenan & Kel with co-star Kel Mitchell. These roles gave him early experience in comedy and writing. He is now the longest-running cast member on Saturday Night Live.
10. Demi Lovato
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Demi Lovato starred in Barney & Friends as a child before joining Camp Rock, a Disney Channel movie. She also had a leading role in Sonny with a Chance. These projects helped her become known among young viewers. She later developed a career in music and continued acting.
11. Christina Aguilera
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Christina Aguilera joined The Mickey Mouse Club at the same time as Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. She was recognized for her strong singing voice at a young age. Her time on the show gave her performance experience. She later became a Grammy-winning recording artist.
12. Hilary Duff
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Hilary Duff became popular through her role in Lizzie McGuire, a Disney Channel series. The show followed a teen navigating school, friends, and growing up. It was successful and led to a feature film. She later expanded into music and adult acting roles.
13. Josh Peck
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Josh Peck gained early fame on The Amanda Show, then starred in Drake & Josh. Both were Nickelodeon comedy series. His work on these shows helped him build a fan base. He later moved into film and social media content.
14. Raven-Symoné
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Raven-Symoné appeared on The Cosby Show at a young age, then starred in That’s So Raven on Disney Channel. Her role in the Disney series was one of the most successful of its time. She played a teen with psychic abilities and comedic timing. She later became a talk show host and producer.
15. Emma Roberts
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Emma Roberts started her acting career on Unfabulous, a Nickelodeon series. She played a middle school student who wrote songs about her daily life. The show ran for three seasons and was her breakout role. She later acted in films and mature television series.
16. Nick Cannon
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Nick Cannon got his start on All That, a sketch comedy show on Nickelodeon. He also appeared on The Nick Cannon Show, a spin-off series. These roles gave him experience as a performer and writer. He later moved into hosting, music, and business ventures.