Being a child actor is not easy. It’s not just the pressure of being famous at a young age, but also the difficulty of establishing yourself as an adult in the film industry.
Growing up helps, and some of the child stars of decades past have changed so much there’s no trace left in them of the cute kids we remember.
10 /10 Abigail Breslin
Whatever happened to Little Miss Sunshine? If you were charmed by the talented little girl who played Olive Hoover in the movie and got an Academy Award nomination for her outstanding performance, you’d be hard-pressed to recognize her in Scream Queens.
Abigail Breslin still has those golden locks, but she’s turned into a scorching young woman.
9 /10 AnnaSophia Robb
Admit it; you hated her in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In 2005, AnnaSophia Robb landed Violet Beauregarde, and everybody hated the obnoxious blonde girl in Tim Burton’s iconic movie based on Roald Dahl’s book.
Look at her now, so sweet and sexy. Robb is quite a successful actress today, receiving much praise for her part in Soul Surfer (2011).
In recent years, AnnaSophia Robb got another big break with The Carrie Diaries’ leading role, a prequel to the hit series Sex and the City. Wow, such a change from the insufferable Violet to the lovely Carrie Bradshaw. Well done!
8 /10 Taylor Momsen
Who doesn’t remember little Cindy Lou Who from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Taylor Momsen ditched the braided hair, the ribbons, and the nice little girl dresses for the goth image much more suitable for a rocker. She hasn’t quit acting altogether, but she’s more interested in her career as a musician.
Momsen is the lead singer for the rock band The Pretty Reckless, and she’s not trying for sweet these days. But she is fascinating!
7 /10 Harry Melling
Harry Melling became a child actor at the age of 12, playing Dudley’s role, Harry Potter’s spoilt cousin in the Harry Potter franchise.
He’s had a stable career after the series ended, and he’s lost that insufferable smirk. The 31-year old has appeared in many movies and TV shows.
You’ve probably seen him in the recent hit The Queen’s Gambit, where he played Harry Beltik. I bet you didn’t recognize old Dudley!