As a fellow human being, I can only imagine the rollercoaster of emotions and experiences that these two extraordinary individuals have gone through. Sophie Turner, a young girl thrust into the limelight at the tender age of 14, had to navigate the complex world of “Game of Thrones” while battling her own mental health demons. It’s heartbreaking to think about the pressures she faced, from body dysmorphia and eating disorders to severe anxiety. Yet, it’s inspiring to see her find balance in her life, embracing motherhood, marriage, and continued success.
Many tales in the entertainment world highlight how being a child star can significantly impact a person’s life. It’s obvious that some movies and TV shows necessitate young actors for believable portrayals of youth, but these roles can often have harmful effects on their mental well-being and ability to maintain privacy.
Some child actors find it difficult to move beyond their initial famous roles, but others see a key early role as crucial for their future careers. These performances can motivate them to continue striving for success or help redefine their public image in a way they’re comfortable with long-term. Remarkably, some even manage to step out of the limelight cast by that role and achieve greater success as adult actors.
Many child stars transition to ordinary jobs as adults or leave the industry following a single film, yet these young actors represent a diverse group. Some continue to cherish the careers they’ve built after their most impactful roles, while others develop resentment towards their celebrity status. Originally, they were individuals when first cast in iconic roles, but afterward, these child performers underwent significant transformations.
Drew Barrymore had a rough time after E.T.
At just seven years old, Drew Barrymore charmed audiences worldwide in the role of Gertie, Elliott’s (Henry Thomas) little sister, in “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”. Despite this early fame, Barrymore had a difficult childhood, having grown up in an abusive household and hailing from a lineage of renowned actors. Additionally, there was a recurring issue with alcoholism within her family. Fortunately, she developed a unique bond with director Steven Spielberg during the filming of “E.T.”, with Spielberg making sure to protect Barrymore’s childhood while working on the production.
By her teenage years, however, Barrymore had already been exposed to the world of narcotics and promiscuous Hollywood parties. She was 13 when she first entered rehab for substance abuse, and it wasn’t her last. As the actress told The Guardian about this period of her life, she never let go of hope despite all the trauma that came in those later years, saying, “I never went all the way into darkness. There were so many things I could have done that would have pushed me over the edge and I just knew not to go there.” Perhaps Gertie kept a few lessons from E.T. in mind after all.
Ke Huy Quan thought Indiana Jones was going to change his life
In 2022, Ke Huy Quan made a comeback to the movie scene as he starred in the critically acclaimed film “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” which won an Oscar. Quan won the award for best supporting actor for his portrayal of Waymond, the timid husband of Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh) and father to Joy (Stephanie Hsu). However, many viewers might recall Quan from a single role he played in his youth: the sidekick Short Round, who accompanied Harrison Ford’s famous archaeologist character in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” from 1984.
Despite his significant role in one of cinema’s most iconic franchises, Quan found it challenging to secure more opportunities after his successful performance in “The Goonies” in 1985. This struggle was particularly difficult for the young Quan, who had developed a passion for acting following his experience on “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.” Reflecting on this period, he shared with People, “I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would become an actor… My memories of working on [‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’] are incredibly fond.”
It’s worth noting that despite being largely overlooked by many in Hollywood, Ke Huy Quan maintained a connection with Steven Spielberg post-“Temple of Doom”. This relationship even extended to receiving an annual Christmas gift from the director. Throughout his career transformation from unemployed actor to award recipient, Quan also took on roles choreographing fight sequences for films such as “X-Men” and “The One.”
Macaulay Culkin wanted to quit acting after Home Alone
Back in the ’90s, it was me, Macaulay Culkin, who captured hearts worldwide as Kevin McCallister in the timeless Christmas movie “Home Alone.” I played a boy left behind by my parents, enjoying an unforgettable Christmas on my own while outsmarting two bumbling burglars. Throughout that decade, I took on many other memorable roles and even had the incredible opportunity to host “Saturday Night Live” at just 11 years old. Yet, nothing quite compares to the enduring fame of that mischievous kid from this cherished holiday staple.
As a kid who starred in “Home Alone,” Macaulay Culkin wasn’t exactly thrilled about the spotlight that came after. The friendship he developed with Michael Jackson following the movie’s release sparked rumors of questionable behavior on Jackson’s part, something Culkin has firmly refuted. With my life turning into tabloid headlines, I found myself drowning under all the attention. So, when the gossip started swirling about me doing drugs and squandering my fortune – the usual storyline for a child actor – I decided enough was enough. I wasn’t going to let myself become another cliche of a troubled child star. As told to Time magazine.
Despite temporarily pausing his acting career for education, Macaulay Culkin appears to thrive today, featuring in Season 10 of “American Horror Story” as well as the film “Changeland.” Remarkably, this latter project brought him together with future partner Brenda Song, and they now share two beautiful children.
Anna Chlumsky felt embarrassed by My Girl
Born in the ’90s might recall Anna Chlumsky playing Vada in the 1991 movie “My Girl,” which also featured Macaulay Culkin and Dan Aykroyd. At just 11 years old, her performance in this drama (and its sequel in 1994) left a lasting impression, considering the seriousness of the film’s themes. Yet, instead of continuing her career in the spotlight, she chose to complete high school and further her education, rather than pursue fame.
After college graduation, Chlumsky transitioned to work at a publishing company, maintaining acting as a secondary interest and occasionally appearing on shows like “30 Rock” and “Law and Order.” Later in life, she garnered more attention when she landed the role of Amy in HBO’s “Veep,” which netted her six Emmy nominations for exceptional supporting actress in a comedy series.
In an interview with The Daily Beast, Chlumsky openly expressed her thoughts about the movie “My Girl”. She said, “I’m glad it struck a chord with so many people… However, being forever associated with something from so long ago and at a time that doesn’t reflect my current age can feel a bit unjust.” Interestingly enough, she attributes her decision to resume acting as an adult to the influence of “My Girl”. This was prompted by a psychic who recognized her and encouraged her to revisit her acting career.
Kirsten Dunst learned a lot from Interview with the Vampire
As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say I’m more renowned for my adult movie roles than my childhood stints as an actress. Hailing from New Jersey, I’ve graced the big screen with major parts in Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” series, Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette,” and even earned an Oscar nod for “The Power of the Dog.” Yet, it’s easy to overlook my early success, like my breakout role in the 1994 classic, “Interview with the Vampire.”
In the movie, Dunst portrayed Claudia, the young vampire child of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise’s characters. An unusual scene involved her kissing Pitt, who was 30 at the time while she was only 11. Although many actresses might have jumped at this chance, Dunst admitted that it felt strange under the circumstances. However, she eased concerns about inappropriate behavior on set and expressed gratitude for being treated kindly by her co-stars. In her own words to British GQ, “I was well taken care of on set… I felt like Brad’s little sister, and Tom made me feel like a princess.”
Apart from the recognition she gained for her portrayal of Claudia, which even earned her a Golden Globe nomination, what Emily Dunst valued most from “Interview with the Vampire” was the professionalism it instilled in her. This ranged from remaining patient during an extensive audition period to handling demanding nighttime filming schedules.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt was financially set by 3rd Rock From The Sun
As a gamer, I’ve been around for quite some time now. My first taste of the limelight was back in the day, with brief appearances on shows like “Family Ties” and “Roseanne.” But my big break came when I joined the cast of “3rd Rock from the Sun,” playing Tommy, the teenage son of an alien family disguised as humans on Earth. I spent a significant chunk of my teenage years in front of TV cameras, from 12 to 20, with most of my adolescence unfolding under the watchful eyes of viewers everywhere.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is grateful for his time on “3rd Rock from the Sun,” as it provided him with the means to afford a college education without being burdened by heavy student loans. His decision to pursue higher education stemmed from a desire for intellectual stimulation that he wasn’t getting from the sitcom. Speaking to The New York Times, he expressed that his university professors presented him with challenges and helped him realize that life is not just about having fun. They inspired him to care about the world and seek ways to connect with it.
Even though Joseph Gordon-Levitt joined Columbia University during the final stages of his sitcom, he decided to leave and focus on acting instead. In a short span, he secured parts in films like “The Lookout,” “500 Days of Summer,” and “Inception,” transforming the teenage extraterrestrial into a bona fide film star. Fortunately, his time at Columbia proved beneficial, as he leveraged his French studies to portray Philippe Petit, the daredevil, in “The Walk.”
Daniel Radcliffe struggled with being seen as Harry Potter
In the movie franchise adapting J.K. Rowling’s famous book series, Harry Potter was a challenging part to replace. Fortunately, Chris Columbus discovered his version of The Boy Who Lived in Daniel Radcliffe, who first appeared as the spectacle-wearing character in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in 2001. This role catapulted a then 12-year-old Radcliffe, along with his fellow actors Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, into juvenile fame.
Daniel Radcliffe remained committed to the role of Harry Potter for a decade, mainly due to his affection for the character, but at the expense of his personal life since he matured under the public eye. He handled the burden of being the legendary character by resorting to alcohol consumption, yet this strategy didn’t last without consequences. In an interview with BBC Radio (as reported by Men’s Health), he admitted, “Whenever I went out and got drunk, I’d realize that people were interested not just because I was a drunk guy, but because it was ‘Harry Potter drinking in the bar.'”
In 2013, Radcliffe decided to give up alcohol, not long after the premiere of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.” Since then, his career has taken an interesting turn, with him featuring in unusual roles like in “Swiss Army Man,” the TBS comedy “Miracle Workers,” and winning a Tony for his performance in “Merrily We Roll Along” on Broadway.
Kristen Stewart fell in love with acting on Panic Room
Kristen Stewart primarily rose to fame for her role in the “Twilight” series, starting at age 18. Yet, before this, she had already made a name for herself, as seen in the David Fincher movie “Panic Room,” filmed when she was between 10 and 11 years old. In this film, Stewart portrayed Sarah, the diabetic daughter of Meg (played by Jodie Foster), who are both captives in their own home due to burglars.
Stewart admitted to Vanity Fair that the process, though demanding in terms of acting, was what ignited her passion for the profession. She recollected, “I didn’t want to leave. Whenever I had to go home because it had been nine hours, I would think, ‘Why? I’m okay. I can manage. I’m not tired.'” She also noted that she has evolved as an actor since her childhood days, now finding herself more attuned to the emotions she portrays compared to how effortlessly she handled them before.
In time, Stewart and Foster reconnected during an occasion where Foster received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stewart acknowledged that Foster, who played Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs”, served as an inspiration to her when she was younger.
Tyler James Williams thought he’d never work again after Everybody Hates Chris
It’s not uncommon for child actors to encounter challenges with their roles, and this was true for Tyler James Williams as well. Following stints as an extra on “Saturday Night Live” and “Sesame Street”, he landed the part of a young Chris Rock in “Everybody Hates Chris” in 2005, where he starred for four seasons. One might expect such a role to launch a successful career at age 12; however, fate didn’t seem to favor him.
According to Williams’ interview with GQ, bearing the responsibility of a sitcom all by himself during his awkward adolescent phase was challenging. He expressed this by saying, “Whenever someone approaches me, no matter what they might recognize me for, in that moment it feels like I’m being watched and seen. Instantly, I have to be ‘on.'” Towards the end of the show, it is said that one of the producers warned him that he may never get another job again.
I’m thankful that I didn’t let a comment shake me up; instead, I took a moment to focus on honing my skills. Afterwards, I got a chance to appear in “The Walking Dead” and “Dear White People.” My luck turned around when I joined the cast of “Abbott Elementary,” but this time, it wasn’t just a role – it was an opportunity that led to three Emmy nominations for my performance on the show.
Miley Cyrus wanted to erase the Hannah Montana persona
It’s challenging to come across someone who isn’t familiar with the significant transformation Miley Cyrus has undergone in her career, ever since her days on the Disney Channel. The future Grammy award winner, who is also the daughter of country musician Billy Ray Cyrus, first gained prominence through her own TV show, “Hannah Montana.” In this series, she portrayed an ordinary teenage girl who secretly performed as a pop star with blonde hair. Miley was just 13 years old when she started appearing on “Hannah Montana,” while also pursuing a solo pop career with popular songs like “Party in the U.S.A.” and “The Climb.”
After the conclusion of “Hannah Montana,” my life became quite tumultuous, marked by questionable performances at the Video Music Awards and self-objectifying music videos. I admitted later that this phase was a rebellion against my days as a Disney star, expressing to British Vogue, “I sought attention because I was distancing myself from a character I had portrayed. At 20 or 21, everyone has more to prove. ‘I’m not my parents.’ ‘I am who I truly am.'”
Over time, Cyrus no longer reminisces about her turbulent past with nostalgia, but she can certainly attest to the music industry accomplishments and recognition that stem from those years. Nevertheless, it isn’t too far-fetched to suggest that Miley Cyrus, who played Hannah Montana, might harbor some regrets about that role, as it laid the foundation for her thriving career today.
Sophie Turner developed mental health issues on Game of Thrones
Numerous actors encountered challenges due to their roles on “Game of Thrones,” such as Emilia Clarke’s health problems that she feared would lead to dismissal and Kit Harington taking a break after the series ended. However, Sophie Turner, who debuted as Ned Stark’s eldest daughter Sansa in the initial season at age 14, has experienced particularly tough times following the show.
Turner, in retrospect, disclosed that the stress of starring on “Game of Thrones” during her teenage years significantly impacted her psychological wellbeing. This strain led to eating disorders, body image issues, and intense anxiety. During an interview with Dr. Phil (as reported by Grazia), she candidly shared, “I often found myself accepting the negative comments about my appearance and acting skills.” Eventually, she resorted to therapy, at one point even hiring a residential counselor to assist her in managing her eating patterns.
Despite acknowledging that she’ll continue to grapple with the aftermath of her experiences portraying characters on “Game of Thrones,” Turner now leads a more balanced life. She has ventured into motherhood, married life, and achieved further success with roles in “Do Revenge” and “The Staircase.”
High School Musical made Olivia Rodrigo into a pop star
Olivia Rodrigo could be seen as a promising example of a Disney star transitioning into a music career. Prior to filling Madison Square Garden, Rodrigo initially appeared on the Disney Channel series “Bizaardvark” and garnered additional attention at 16 with her character role as Nini in “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” The actress had long harbored dreams of songwriting, but it wasn’t until the producers of the Disney+ show requested an original song for her character to perform in the first season that she truly broke through.
Olivia Rodrigo’s hit song was “All I Want,” marking her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. This debut propelled her into widespread fame. Later, Rodrigo released her solo debut single, “Driver’s License,” a tune inspired by her romantic relationship with her co-star Joshua Bassett on the set of “HSMTMTS.” Remarkably, this song climbed to the top of the charts, taking both the music industry and Rodrigo herself by surprise. In an interview with The Guardian, she said, “I didn’t plan my career to unfold gradually like that; it was more like an overnight success for me.”
Rodrigo decided to depart from “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” during its third season to prioritize her burgeoning music career, a move that seems advantageous given she received three Grammys for her initial album. We’ll see if the pop sensation eventually reflects on her Disney days with warmth.
If you, or someone close to you, is dealing with addiction, has experienced child abuse, or requires assistance for mental health concerns, please reach out to the resources listed below:
As a gamer, when I find myself struggling with mental health issues or substance abuse, I turn to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for help. You can visit their website or reach out to them directly by calling their National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
You can reach out to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline by dialing 1-800-4-A-Child, which is 1-800-422-4453. Alternatively, you can also connect with them through their live chat services.
If you’re going through a tough time, consider reaching out to Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741. Alternatively, you can contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). Another option is to visit the National Institute of Mental Health website for resources and information.
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2024-08-02 14:32