Skip to main contentSkip to footer
Digital Cover celebrities

10 celebrities who were child stars and are still successful

Get ready to see some adorable throwbacks


Jovita Trujillo
Jovita Trujillo - Los Angeles
Senior WriterLos Angeles
JUNE 14, 2022 2:52 PM EDT

Being in the entertainment industry is tough at any age, especially as a child. While some child stars are quickly forgotten, these 10 celebrities have had incredible careers. From Christian Bale, and Lindsay Lohan, to Brooke Shields, check out 10 celebrities who started their career in Hollywood as a child and are still in the limelight.

"The Parent Trap" Los Angeles Premiere© GettyImages

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan started modeling at the age of 3. While Lohan’s career is a bit of a rollercoaster, there is no doubting her charm and talent on screen, and she has started her comeback in film. In 1998, by the time she was 12, she became one of the most sought out child stars after she played twins in the Disney remake of “The Parent Trap.”

Saturday Night Live© GettyImages

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore proved she could command the screen at just 6 years old in “E.T.” By the age of 7, she became the youngest-ever host of the television show “Saturday Night Live.” The actress grew up quickly and became addicted to cocaine as a child, being blacklisted by Hollywood at the age of 12. Thankfully, after rehabilitation, she was able to grow up to be the successful star she is today

Premiere Reception For "Manny And Lo"© GettyImages

Scarlett Johansson

The beautiful Scarlett Johansson was in the business at the same time as Elijah Wood. She booked her first acting job at just 9 years old where she played John Ritter’s daughter in “North” alongside Wood.

Disney's "Hannah Montana" - File Photos© GettyImages

Miley Cyrus

Born into a famous family, Cyrus booked her first big role, “Hannah Montana” when she was 11 years old. The show debuted in 2006 when she was 13 and ran for 5 years. She also got her start at singing, signing with Disney’s Hollywood Records. Cyrus quickly became a teen idol and is one of the most successful stars to come out of Disney.

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno - Season 1© GettyImages

Elijah Wood

Elijah Wood was an adorable child star who was in several films in the 90s. He made his film debut with a small part in “Back to the Future Part II” (1989) before achieving recognition for his undeniable talent with roles in films like “Avalon” (1990), “Paradise” (1991), “Radio Flyer” (1992), and “The Good Son” (1993).

Brooke Shields© GettyImages

Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields began her career as a model when she was 11 months old in 1966. Her first job was for Ivory Soap. She starred as “Pretty Baby” at the age of 12, which caused a bit of controversy, as did her roles as a teenager in “The Blue Lagoon” (1980) and “Endless Love” (1981). By the age of 15, Shields was a model for Calvin Kleins, which also sparked controversy for its perceived sexual innuendos.

THE MICKEY MOUSE CLUB© GettyImages

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake has always loved to sing. When he was 11, he took his chances on the talent show Star Search. While he lost, he joined the “All-New Mickey Mouse Club” when he was only 12, alongside Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

On the Set of Empire of the Sun© GettyImages

Christian Bale

Christian Bale is undoubtedly one of the most talented actors in Hollywood. His first acting job was a cereal commercial in 1983 when he was just 8. But Bale’s talent surpassed commercials and he debuted on the West End stage in “The Nerd.” He caught Steven Spielberg’s attention after his role in the 1986 mini-series ”Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna“ which landed him his role in ”Empire of the Sun“ (1987) when he was 13.

"Interview with the Vampire" Westwood Premiere© GettyImages

Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst’s career began at the age of 3 when she started modeling and appearing in commercials. While she was uncredited, her feature film debut was at the age of 6 in the ‘Oedipus Wrecks’ segment of Woody Allen’s 1989 film “New York Stories” (1989). She received her first film credit in “The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990). By the age of 13, she earned a Golden Globe nomination, working alongside Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in “Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles” (1994).

48th Golden Globe Awards - Rehearsals© GettyImages

Macaulay Culkin

Macaulay Culkin is often regarded as one of the most successful child actors of the 90s. While he has seemingly stepped away from acting, he started practicing his craft at the age of 4, performing in an off-Broadway play. Throughout the 1980s, he appeared on stage, on television, and in film, and in 1990 he became the lead in “Home Alone,” beating over 200 actors for the role. Culkin has had hard moments in his life, but the actor is now happily married to Brenda Song and they have a daughter named Dakota. Last year fans went wild when he walked the runway for Gucci.