1. Keshia Knight Pulliam
Claim to Fame: As the adorable Rudy Huxtable on The Cosby Show, Keshia Knight Pulliam was instantly beloved.
Where She Is Today: An accomplished actress and mom, Keshia has grown into a well-rounded adult with a passion for family and career. Her journey from child star to thriving adult is a testament to her resilience and grounding.
2. Drew Barrymore
Claim to Fame: Drew Barrymore won over audiences as Gertie in E.T. and quickly became one of the most iconic child actors of the ‘80s.
Where She Is Today: Now a beloved talk show host, producer, and entrepreneur, Drew has come a long way from her early fame. With a successful career revival and an infectious personality, she’s a Hollywood favorite who’s left her child star image far behind.
3. Tracey Gold
Claim to Fame: Tracey Gold played the smart, straight-laced Carol Seaver on Growing Pains, becoming a favorite in family sitcoms.
Where She Is Today: Now a mental health advocate, Tracey often speaks out about her experience with anorexia, helping to change the conversation around eating disorders. Her resilience and growth from the pressures of child stardom are inspiring, and she’s a much different, more grounded person today.
4. Gary Coleman
Claim to Fame: Known for his famous line, “What’chu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” Gary’s role as Arnold Jackson on Diff’rent Strokes was a defining part of the ‘80s.
Where He Was: Despite health and financial challenges later in life, Gary left a lasting mark on TV before passing away in 2010. His enduring legacy is a reminder of the joy he brought to millions and the toll early fame can take.
5. Brooke Shields
Claim to Fame: Brooke Shields became one of the decade’s biggest stars with roles in The Blue Lagoon and Endless Love, starting as a child model and growing into a teen sensation.
Where She Is Today: Now a celebrated actress, author, and advocate, Brooke has transitioned from her early career to a more private, grounded life. She’s as radiant as ever, but with a maturity and wisdom that make her nearly unrecognizable from her teen idol years.
6. Kirk Cameron
Claim to Fame: As Mike Seaver on Growing Pains, Kirk Cameron was the quintessential ‘80s heartthrob, charming fans with his mischievous smile.
Where He Is Today: Now known for his work in faith-based projects, Kirk is a dedicated religious leader and filmmaker. His transformation from teen idol to religious advocate has surprised many fans, showing how much he’s evolved since his sitcom days.
7. Emmanuel Lewis
Claim to Fame: Known for his role as Webster Long on Webster, Emmanuel Lewis charmed audiences with his innocence and warmth.
Where He Is Today: Emmanuel stepped away from acting to pursue business interests and continues to live a quiet life outside of the Hollywood spotlight. While he still resembles the Webster of old, he’s carved out a very different path as an adult.
8. Alyssa Milano
Claim to Fame: Alyssa Milano gained fame as Samantha Micelli on Who’s the Boss?, becoming a teen icon over the course of the show.
Where She Is Today: An activist and actress, Alyssa’s work in Hollywood and her role on Charmed solidified her adult career, but her advocacy has become her real legacy. From her sitcom days, Alyssa has grown into a confident, outspoken voice in the industry.
9. Ricky Schroder
Claim to Fame: Ricky Schroder shone as the silver-spooned kid in Silver Spoons, bringing warmth and charm to his character.
Where He Is Today: Today, Ricky has taken on roles behind the camera as a producer and filmmaker. Though he looks vastly different from his child star days, he’s still a beloved presence in Hollywood with a new focus on family and career.
10. Fred Savage
Claim to Fame: As Kevin Arnold on The Wonder Years, Fred Savage captured the essence of the coming-of-age experience for a generation.
Where He Is Today: Fred transitioned to a successful career as a director and producer, earning accolades behind the scenes in Hollywood. While he’s unrecognizable from his days as Kevin Arnold, his storytelling talent remains a constant.
11. Jodie Sweetin
Claim to Fame: Jodie Sweetin grew up in front of audiences as Stephanie Tanner on Full House, known for her adorable one-liners.
Where She Is Today: Jodie’s life since the show has been filled with highs and lows, but she’s come through as a strong advocate for addiction recovery and a beloved Fuller House cast member. She’s transformed from the spunky kid we remember into an inspiring adult with her own powerful story.
These former child stars defined the ‘80s, filling our screens with unforgettable characters and creating a connection with fans that lasts to this day. Though they’ve each traveled different paths, their journeys from stardom to adulthood are a testament to the resilience and adaptability that make them unforgettable figures in TV history.
12. Corey Feldman
Claim to Fame: Corey Feldman rose to stardom as a beloved teen heartthrob in the ’80s, starring in iconic films like The Goonies, Stand By Me, and The Lost Boys. With his charming personality and relatable characters, he became the face of a generation’s adventures and mischief on the big screen.
Where He Is Today: Today, Corey has taken a different path, advocating for issues surrounding childhood stardom and mental health while pursuing a career in music. Although he remains a polarizing figure, his resilience and commitment to his art reflect the complex journey many child stars face as they navigate the challenges of fame and personal growth.
