1. Melissa Gilbert
Melissa Gilbert found fame at a young age as Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie. Despite the pressures that came with being a child star, she navigated adulthood with a clear sense of purpose. She transitioned from acting to become an advocate for actors’ rights, even serving as the president of the Screen Actors Guild. Over the years, she continued to take on roles in television and film, maintaining a respected career in the industry.
In addition to her acting career, Gilbert embraced her personal life, marrying actor Bruce Boxleitner and even running for political office. She also wrote a memoir, Prairie Tale, where she shared intimate details about her life in Hollywood. While many former child stars struggled to find stability, Gilbert managed to live a grounded, fulfilling life, balancing both her professional and personal commitments.
2. Jodie Sweetin
Jodie Sweetin was adored as Stephanie Tanner on Full House, but her life after the show was filled with challenges. She struggled with addiction during her teen years, leading to a public battle that ultimately overshadowed her career. However, after overcoming her substance abuse issues, Sweetin became a motivational speaker, openly sharing her experiences in order to help others.
Today, Sweetin has reinvented herself as a resilient and inspiring woman. She has authored a memoir about her journey, Unsweetined, and continues to act, most notably on Fuller House, the revival of her beloved show. Sweetin’s life is a testament to personal growth, as she transformed from a troubled teen into a strong, grounded adult with a family and a renewed sense of purpose.
3. Ricky Schroder
Ricky Schroder rose to fame as the charming, wealthy boy on Silver Spoons. While many child stars struggle to find their footing as adults, Schroder made a name for himself with his acting chops in both film and television. As he grew older, he shifted away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, opting to focus on a more private life. He even transitioned into directing, where he found success with several projects.
Schroder’s life after Hollywood has been marked by a focus on family. He married and became a devoted father, putting his family life at the center of his world. Although he still occasionally acts, he’s known for his advocacy work and his desire to keep his personal life out of the spotlight. His story is one of finding peace and stability, even after the unpredictable nature of child stardom.
4. Christina Applegate
Christina Applegate’s career skyrocketed when she became Kelly Bundy on Married… with Children, but her adult life has been about much more than just acting. After battling breast cancer, Applegate emerged as a powerful advocate for cancer research, using her platform to raise awareness. Her strength through this difficult time has earned her respect from both her fans and her peers in Hollywood.
Applegate continued acting after her diagnosis, landing a critically acclaimed role in Dead to Me. She also built a family with her husband, enjoying a private life away from the tabloids. Despite the challenges she’s faced, Applegate has remained an enduring figure in Hollywood, known for her resilience, her wit, and her ability to balance work and family with grace.
5. Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris became famous for his role as Doogie Howser on Doogie Howser, M.D., but his career didn’t stop there. Harris skillfully transitioned from child star to adult actor, showcasing his versatility in roles on How I Met Your Mother and in various stage productions. He embraced his identity as an entertainer and expanded his career into hosting, producing, and even magic.
Outside of his professional life, Harris has maintained a strong focus on his family. He married actor David Burtka, and together they raise twins, ensuring their private life stays just that—private. Known for his charm and his steady career, Harris has mastered the art of being a successful actor while avoiding the drama that often follows former child stars. His life continues to be an example of balance and success.
6. Kirk Cameron
Kirk Cameron was a beloved figure in the ’80s as Mike Seaver on Growing Pains. After the show ended, he made a conscious decision to step away from Hollywood’s fast pace and embrace his Christian faith. Cameron became a vocal advocate for family values and turned his focus to making faith-based films. His career shifted in a direction that prioritized his beliefs over celebrity, and he became a dedicated father and husband.
Though many of his peers continued to pursue acting, Cameron found his purpose outside of the spotlight. He married his Growing Pains co-star, Chelsea Noble, and together they have six children. Cameron’s life now revolves around his faith, his family, and his efforts to promote positive messages, steering clear of the Hollywood scene that often entraps former child stars.
7. Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker was a child star with early roles like Square Pegs, but it was her portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City that cemented her place in pop culture. Despite her fame, Parker has been able to carve out a fulfilling life outside the celebrity spotlight. She married actor Matthew Broderick, and together they’ve raised their children away from the public eye.
While she continued to work in television and film, Parker also ventured into fashion, launching her own line of shoes and clothing. Throughout it all, she managed to maintain a sense of normalcy, prioritizing family life and keeping a balance between her career and home life. Parker’s ability to adapt and maintain a grounded existence in an often unpredictable industry is a testament to her resilience.
