10 Most Successful Child Stars Who Made It Big

These child actors became very famous and successful when they were young. In this list, we will talk about young entertainers who continued to have Most Successful Child Stars as adults career. Our list includes Daniel Radcliffe, Drew Barrymore, Christian Bale, and more! In this list, we will discuss young entertainers who were able to have successful careers even as they grew up.

Let’s Dive into 10 Most Successful Child Stars

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster made her debut in the 1976 film “Taxi Driver” at the age of 12, despite some criticism for casting her. However, she received critical acclaim for her performance and received an Oscar nomination. Her transition into adult roles was challenging at first, but she succeeded with “The Accused” in 1988, which won her an Academy Award. Foster continued to shine in Hollywood and even became a director, showcasing her extraordinary talents behind the camera.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio went from being a child star to a teen heartthrob and eventually became one of Hollywood’s leading actors. He started with commercials before landing roles in TV shows. His breakthrough came with “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” in 1993, which earned him his first Academy Award nomination. He became a heartthrob in the mid-90s with roles in “Romeo + Juliet” and “Titanic.” DiCaprio’s versatility is evident in his career, as he has acted in rom-coms, crime thrillers, and biopics. He won his long-awaited Best Actor Oscar for his role in “The Revenant.”

Christian Bale

Christian Bale was chosen from thousands of child actors to play the lead in Steven Spielberg’s 1987 film “Empire of the Sun” when he was just 13 years old. He impressed audiences with his acting skills and gained attention for the role. Despite some challenges, Bale continued to take on supporting roles in the 1990s and delivered a remarkable performance in “American Psycho” in the early 2000s. He gained further recognition for “The Dark Knight Trilogy” and “The Fighter,” which earned him an Academy Award. Bale has remained a formidable force in the industry from his debut to the present day.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe, who was born in London, started playing Harry Potter when he was only 12 years old in the first Harry Potter movie. This role made him extremely famous and one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. After the Harry Potter series, Radcliffe took on more mature roles. His co-stars Emma Watson and Rupert Grint also found success in acting. Radcliffe appeared in independent films like “Swiss Army Man” and “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” and received praise from critics for his performances. He also starred in various stage productions.

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan is an incredibly talented actress who received four Oscar nominations by the age of 25. Her first film was “I Could Never Be Your Woman” in 2007, but it was her role in “Atonement” that brought her into the spotlight. She was nominated for an Academy Award at the age of 13 for her performance in that movie. Ronan has continued to succeed in various genres, from period dramas like “Brooklyn” and “Mary Queen of Scots” to comedies like “The Grand Budapest Hotel” and “See How They Run.” Her diverse portfolio showcases her exceptional talent.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore was born into a family of actors and began appearing in TV commercials at a very young age. Her major breakthrough came with the film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” directed by Steven Spielberg. This successful movie paved the way for her to dominate the big screen in the 1980s. Despite facing personal challenges and addiction issues, Barrymore overcame them and became a leading lady in movies like “Charlie’s Angels” and “50 First Dates.” In 2020, she started her own talk show, earning multiple Daytime Emmy nominations.

Ryan Gosling

Today, Ryan Gosling is a top Hollywood actor whose movies have earned billions of dollars at the box office. However, in the early 1990s, he was a young actor on Disney Channel’s “The Mickey Mouse Club.” He appeared on the show for two years alongside future stars like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. After some struggles during his adolescence, Gosling rose to fame with “The Notebook” in 2004. He followed it with critically acclaimed performances, earning his first Oscar nomination in 2007. In the 2010s, Gosling established himself as a box office draw with lead roles in movies like “La La Land” and “Blade Runner 2049,” earning a second Oscar nomination for the former.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor started her career in 1942, but it was the 1934 film “National Velvet” that launched her into stardom. With her captivating violet eyes and magnetic charm, Taylor transitioned effortlessly from child actress to Hollywood legend. Her most memorable roles came in the 1950s and 1960s, with Taylor winning two Best Actress Oscars for “BUtterfield 8” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.” At the height of her career, she was one of the biggest stars in the industry, with a devoted fan base. Taylor’s legacy continues to inspire today.

Judy Garland

Judy Garland’s rise from a child in “The Wizard of Oz” to one of Hollywood’s enduring stars was incredibly rapid. She started performing in vaudeville with her older sisters and signed with MGM in 1935. She stayed with the studio for 15 years, starring in classics like “Meet Me in St. Louis” and “Easter Parade.” Garland’s success was unparalleled, with her name on every movie marquee and her sold-out concerts breaking records. She also released multiple studio albums and became the first woman to win the Album of the Year Grammy. Even after her passing, Garland continues to delight audiences worldwide, reminding us that dreams can come true.

Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple made her film debut in 1931, and her career took off with 1934’s “Bright Eyes.” She became Hollywood’s top box-office attraction for three years and received an Honorary Academy Award in 1935 for her contributions to the film industry. Temple stepped back from acting in 1950 but successfully transitioned to politics. She served as the U.S. ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia and later became America’s first female Chief of Protocol. From child star to diplomatic powerhouse, Temple showed that with talent, hard work, and determination, anything is possible.

The world of entertainment has seen its fair share of child stars, but only a few have managed to maintain their stardom well into adulthood. Our countdown of the Top 10 Most Successful Child Stars of All Time has shown us the incredible talent and determination of these individuals. From Daniel Radcliffe to Shirley Temple, their journeys have been filled with ups and downs, but they’ve all left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Their stories remind us that with passion, hard work, and talent, one can achieve greatness, regardless of age.

FAQs

• What was the breakthrough movie for Ryan Gosling?

Ryan Gosling’s breakthrough came with “The Notebook” in 2004.

• What sets Shirley Temple apart from other child stars?

Shirley Temple not only became a famous child star but also transitioned into politics, serving as a U.S. ambassador and Chief of Protocol.

• How many Oscar nominations did Leonardo DiCaprio receive before winning?

Leonardo DiCaprio received multiple Oscar nominations before winning his first for “The Revenant.”

• Who received an Honorary Academy Award for their contributions to the film industry?

Shirley Temple received an Honorary Academy Award in 1935 for her outstanding contributions to the movie industry.