The 1980s gave us some of the most unforgettable child stars in TV and movie history. Whether they were solving mysteries, cracking jokes, or saving the world, these kids were everywhere. Some stayed in the spotlight, while others traded fame for a quieter life. Curious about what they’re up to now? Here’s a look at 15 child stars from the ’80s and where life has taken them since.
Drew Barrymore: Then
She rose to fame as Gertie in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, melting hearts with her pigtails and wide-eyed wonder. She came from a legendary acting family, and her early stardom put her in the spotlight fast.
Drew Barrymore: Now
Today, Drew is a talk show host, producer, and founder of her own beauty brand. She’s open about her past struggles and is a proud mom of two daughters.
Macaulay Culkin: Then
Though best known for Home Alone in the early ’90s, Macaulay had already made his mark in Uncle Buck in the ’80s. His dry humor and expressive face made him one of the decade’s most famous kids.
Macaulay Culkin: Now
Now, he lives a relatively quiet life with actress Brenda Song and their son. He acts occasionally and runs a satirical lifestyle brand called Bunny Ears.
Fred Savage: Then
Fred became a household name thanks to The Wonder Years, playing Kevin Arnold with charm and vulnerability. He also starred in The Princess Bride as the sick kid listening to a fairy tale.
Fred Savage: Now
Fred moved behind the scenes as an adult, directing and producing for shows like Modern Family, Black-ish, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Alyssa Milano: Then
She starred as the smart and independent Samantha Micelli in Who’s the Boss?, becoming a teen idol and TV sweetheart. She was also in Commando alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Alyssa Milano: Now
Alyssa has continued acting and is a prominent activist. She’s been especially involved in the #MeToo movement and writes about political and social issues.
Corey Feldman: Then
He was everywhere in the ’80s, appearing in The Goonies, Stand by Me, Gremlins, and The Lost Boys. His pairing with Corey Haim made them a pop culture duo.
Corey Feldman: Now
Corey still acts and makes music, but he’s also known for being outspoken about child abuse in Hollywood. He focuses on activism and documentary work.
Jodie Foster: Then
Though she was acting since the ’70s, Jodie stayed in the spotlight through the ’80s with movies like The Hotel New Hampshire and The Accused. Her intelligence and maturity always set her apart.
Jodie Foster: Now
She’s now an award-winning actress and director, with two Oscars under her belt. Jodie continues to work in film and recently starred in True Detective: Night Country.
Ricky Schroder: Then
He became a star as the rich, adorable kid on Silver Spoons, a sitcom that made him one of the most recognized faces on TV.
Ricky Schroder: Now
Today, Ricky acts occasionally and focuses on directing and producing. He’s known for his conservative political views and keeps a lower public profile.
Molly Ringwald: Then
A defining face of ’80s teen movies, Molly starred in Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink. She was the queen of John Hughes films.
Molly Ringwald: Now
Now, she acts in both American and international productions. Molly also writes essays and books, and she’s appeared in series like Riverdale.
Emmanuel Lewis: Then
He starred in Webster, a sitcom where his small stature and big personality made him instantly lovable.
Emmanuel Lewis: Now
Emmanuel eventually stepped back from acting and focused on business and education. He still occasionally appears at fan events and retrospectives.
Wil Wheaton: Then
Wil starred as Gordie in Stand by Me and played Wesley Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation. He was the go-to kid for smart, sensitive roles.
Wil Wheaton: Now
Today, he writes books, does voice work, and advocates for mental health awareness. He’s a favorite in geek and gaming communities.
Soleil Moon Frye: Then
She became a star as Punky Brewster, the mismatched, spunky foster kid full of color and chaos.
Soleil Moon Frye: Now
Soleil directed the emotional documentary Kid 90 and reprised her famous role in a short-lived reboot. She’s also a mom and passionate about self-expression.
Lisa Bonet: Then
Lisa played Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show, later getting her own spin-off A Different World. Her effortless cool made her a standout.
Lisa Bonet: Now
She went on to star in films and marry Jason Momoa (they’ve since separated). Lisa continues to act and is focused on raising her kids.
Henry Thomas: Then
He played Elliott in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and made audiences everywhere cry with a single “Goodbye.”
Henry Thomas: Now
Henry never fully left acting. He’s appeared in projects like The Haunting of Hill House and works regularly with director Mike Flanagan.
Mayim Bialik: Then
She played young Bette Midler in Beaches and soon got her own show, Blossom, as a quirky, lovable teen.
Mayim Bialik: Now
Mayim took a break to earn a PhD in neuroscience. She later returned to fame with The Big Bang Theory and co-hosted Jeopardy!.
Jason Bateman: Then
Jason starred in Silver Spoons and The Hogan Family, already charming audiences with his dry wit and timing.
Jason Bateman: Now
He went on to star in Arrested Development and Ozark, winning awards as both actor and director. He also co-hosts a popular podcast, SmartLess.
