Remember those unforgettable faces from the movies and shows you watched as a kid? Some of these young stars went on to dominate Hollywood, while others stepped away from the spotlight entirely. A few have completely reinvented themselves in ways you’d never expect. This list takes a peek at what these child actors were known for back then and what their lives look like today. Some stories will make you smile, others might surprise you.
Keke Palmer – Then
Keke lit up the screen in Akeelah and the Bee and True Jackson, VP, showing talent far beyond her years.
Keke Palmer – Now
As an adult, she’s done it all: acting, singing, hosting, and recently starred in Jordan Peele’s Nope.
Lindsay Lohan – Then
Lindsay stole the show in The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday, and Mean Girls, becoming a household name.
Lindsay Lohan – Now
After years out of the spotlight, she’s made a comeback with Netflix movies, got married, and recently became a mom while living in Dubai.
Haley Joel Osment – Then
Known for the haunting line “I see dead people” in The Sixth Sense, Haley also starred in A.I. and Pay It Forward.
Haley Joel Osment – Now
Today, he works steadily in indie films and comedies like Silicon Valley, and does voice acting as well.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen – Then
These twins rose to fame on Full House and created a media empire with movies like Holiday in the Sun and their fashion line.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen – Now
Now they’ve retired from acting and run the high-end fashion brand The Row, staying very private.
Frankie Muniz – Then
Frankie starred as the genius middle kid in Malcolm in the Middle, winning fans with his comedic timing.
Frankie Muniz – Now
These days he’s a race car driver, new dad, and olive oil business owner, still popping up on reality TV now and then.
Raven-Symoné – Then
From The Cosby Show to That’s So Raven, Raven lit up the screen with her humor and charisma.
Raven-Symoné – Now
She returned in the reboot Raven’s Home, got married, and now co-hosts a podcast, opening up about her identity and life post-Disney.
Jonathan Lipnicki – Then
He was the cute, glasses-wearing kid in Jerry Maguire and Stuart Little, known for his lovable screen presence.
Jonathan Lipnicki – Now
As an adult, he focused on martial arts and fitness, and still acts in indie projects while poking fun at his childhood fame.
Christina Ricci – Then
Christina made her mark with iconic roles in The Addams Family, Casper, and Now and Then.
Christina Ricci – Now
She’s now back in the spotlight with roles in Yellowjackets and Wednesday, often embracing her spooky legacy.
Jake T. Austin – Then
Jake was Max Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place and the voice of Diego from Go, Diego, Go!.
Jake T. Austin – Now
He’s kept a low profile in recent years, with some indie film work and a strong fan base on social media.
Amanda Bynes – Then
Amanda was everywhere with The Amanda Show, What a Girl Wants, and She’s the Man, nailing physical comedy.
Amanda Bynes – Now
She’s been focused on recovery, stepped away from Hollywood, and went to school for fashion design.
Kenan Thompson – Then
Kenan cracked kids up in All That and Kenan & Kel, plus the cult-favorite Good Burger.
Kenan Thompson – Now
He’s now Saturday Night Live’s longest-running cast member and remains a comedy staple.
Tia and Tamera Mowry – Then
These twins were beloved on Sister, Sister and starred in the Disney movie Twitches.
Tia and Tamera Mowry – Now
Tia became a food and lifestyle influencer, while Tamera co-hosted The Real—both keep sharing bits of their lives with fans online.
Alyson Stoner – Then
Alyson appeared in Cheaper by the Dozen, Camp Rock, and voiced Isabella in Phineas and Ferb.
Alyson Stoner – Now
They’re now an outspoken advocate for mental health, a choreographer, and creator educating others on the dark side of child stardom.
Abigail Breslin – Then
She was nominated for an Oscar at 10 for Little Miss Sunshine and starred in Zombieland and Nim’s Island.
Abigail Breslin – Now
These days, Abigail acts in indie films, has become a strong voice against abuse, and recently got married.
Zendaya – Then
Zendaya began on Shake It Up and quickly became one of Disney’s biggest breakout stars.
Zendaya – Now
She’s now an Emmy-winning actress with lead roles in Euphoria, Dune, and Challengers, and continues to be a red carpet icon.
