Back in Time Today
The 1980s gave us some incredible child actors who became the faces of our favorite movies and TV shows. These young stars captured our hearts with their talent and charm, becoming household names across America. Years later, many of us wonder what happened to these familiar faces after the spotlight dimmed.
1. Macaulay Culkin: From Home Alone to Indie Icon
The mischievous kid who outsmarted burglars became the highest-paid child actor of his era. After the massive success of Home Alone, Culkin stepped away from Hollywood’s intense spotlight during his teen years. Today, he’s embraced a quirky career renaissance as an indie actor, musician, and founder of the satirical website Bunny Ears. The former child star also found personal happiness, becoming a father in 2021 with actress Brenda Song.
2. Drew Barrymore: E.T. Star to Media Mogul
Little Gertie from E.T. had Hollywood in her blood as part of the legendary Barrymore acting dynasty. Her early fame led to troubled teenage years, battling addiction before she was even old enough to drive. Remarkably, Drew rebuilt her career in the 90s with hits like The Wedding Singer and Charlie’s Angels. Now a successful producer, cosmetics entrepreneur, and beloved talk show host, she’s also a devoted mother of two daughters. Her comeback story remains one of Hollywood’s most inspiring transformations.
3. Corey Feldman: Goonies Legend Turned Advocate
The charismatic star of classics like The Goonies and Stand By Me seemed destined for long-term stardom. His friendship with fellow child actor Corey Haim made them the “Two Coreys” of 80s teen cinema. Behind the scenes, Feldman faced serious struggles with addiction and abuse. Now sober for years, he’s become an outspoken advocate against Hollywood exploitation while pursuing music and selective acting roles. His controversial 2020 documentary aimed to expose alleged industry predators, showing his determination to protect future child stars.
4. Corey Haim: The Lost Boy’s Tragic Story
With his soulful eyes and natural charm, Haim captured audiences in films like Lucas and The Lost Boys. Alongside Corey Feldman, he dominated teen magazines and became an 80s heartthrob. Sadly, his story took a dark turn as fame led to substance abuse issues that plagued him into adulthood. Despite multiple comeback attempts and reality show appearances, Haim never fully reclaimed his early success. His 2010 death at age 38 from pneumonia shocked fans and highlighted the dangers child stars often face after fame fades.
5. Alyssa Milano: From Samantha to Activist
The precocious child who won hearts as Tony Danza’s daughter on Who’s the Boss? smoothly transitioned to adult roles. Milano later found renewed fame on the supernatural series Charmed, proving her staying power in television. Beyond acting, she’s become one of Hollywood’s most vocal activists. Milano helped popularize the #MeToo movement with a viral tweet and advocates for various social causes. A successful entrepreneur with clothing lines and podcasts, she balances her career with raising two children and continuing her political activism.
6. Ricky Schroder: Silver Spoons to Controversial Figure
The adorable blond kid from Silver Spoons charmed America as the suddenly wealthy Ricky Stratton. His million-dollar smile and natural acting earned him a Young Artist Award and teen idol status. After child stardom, Schroder successfully transitioned to adult roles in NYPD Blue and the military drama Strong Medicine. Recent years have seen him step away from mainstream Hollywood, focusing on conservative political activism that has sometimes sparked controversy. The former child star has also worked as a director and producer on various independent projects.
7. Henry Thomas: E.T.’s Elliott Finds His Niche
The boy who befriended an alien in Spielberg’s masterpiece delivered one of the most memorable child performances in film history. That tearful goodbye scene still moves viewers decades later. Unlike many child stars, Thomas avoided major public scandals while maintaining a steady acting career. Horror fans recognize him from Mike Flanagan projects like The Haunting of Hill House and Doctor Sleep. The Texas native balances acting with family life on his farm, occasionally playing music with his band. His thoughtful career choices have given him longevity many child actors never achieve.
8. Lisa Bonet: Denise Huxtable’s Creative Evolution
With her bohemian style and natural charisma, Bonet became a fashion icon playing Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show and its spinoff A Different World. Her free-spirited personality matched her character’s rebellious nature. After leaving television’s top-rated show, Bonet chose a more selective, independent career path with occasional film roles. Her marriages to musicians Lenny Kravitz and Jason Momoa kept her in the public eye, as did her daughter Zoë Kravitz’s rising fame. Though intensely private, Bonet’s influence on fashion and culture continues through her rare but meaningful creative choices.
9. Sean Astin: From Goonie to Hobbit Hero
The adventurous leader of The Goonies gang showed early promise that hinted at his enduring career. Astin’s boyish enthusiasm made Mikey Walsh the perfect underdog hero for 80s kids. Unlike many child actors, he successfully evolved through each career phase. His portrayal of loyal Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy brought him to a new generation of fans. Between roles in Stranger Things and as a voice actor, Astin has become a marathon runner and mental health advocate. His daughter Mackenzie has followed him into acting, continuing the family legacy.
10. Fred Savage: Wonder Years Wonder to Director
As Kevin Arnold on The Wonder Years, Savage captured the awkward magic of suburban adolescence in the 1960s. His expressive face and relatable performance earned him Emmy nominations before he could drive. Transitioning from child actor to respected director and producer, Savage worked on shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Modern Family. His career faced setbacks in 2022 when misconduct allegations led to his firing from The Wonder Years reboot. Despite this controversy, his earlier work remains influential in how coming-of-age stories are told on television.
11. Emmanuel Lewis: Webster’s Mysterious Disappearance
Standing just 4’3″, Lewis captured America’s heart as the adorable adopted son on Webster. His infectious laugh and perfect comic timing made him one of the highest-paid child actors of the decade. After Webster ended, Lewis largely vanished from Hollywood, occasionally appearing on reality shows or in international commercials. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Clark Atlanta University and started his own record label. Despite rumors about his health, Lewis’s small stature was simply genetic, not medical. His deliberate step back from fame remains one of Hollywood’s more mysterious career choices.
12. Soleil Moon Frye: Punky Power Reimagined
With mismatched shoes and an irrepressible spirit, Frye’s Punky Brewster became the poster child for 80s resilience and individuality. Her character’s optimism despite abandonment resonated with a generation of kids. After childhood fame, Frye faced typical teen actor struggles before finding her voice as a director and author. Her documentary Kid 90, featuring her own home videos, offers a raw look at young Hollywood. A mother of four who briefly revived Punky for a 2021 reboot, Frye has embraced her iconic character while creating a multifaceted adult career focused on authentic storytelling.
13. Jaleel White: Urkel’s Unexpected Legacy
Originally cast for a guest spot, White’s Steve Urkel became a cultural phenomenon that dominated Family Matters and 90s pop culture. His catchphrase “Did I do that?” and nasal voice made him instantly recognizable. The role’s overwhelming success created typecasting challenges that White has spent years overcoming. Beyond acting in films and TV shows, he found success voicing Sonic the Hedgehog and launching his own cannabis brand. A devoted father and University of UCLA film school graduate, White has embraced his Urkel legacy while proving his talents extend far beyond the suspenders-wearing nerd.
14. Wil Wheaton: Star Trek Ensign to Geek Culture Icon
First gaining notice in Stand By Me, Wheaton became famous—and sometimes controversial—as Wesley Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation. The character’s “boy genius” status made him divisive among hardcore Trekkies. In a fascinating career pivot, Wheaton embraced internet culture early, becoming a blogger, podcaster, and champion of geek fandom. His candid discussions about childhood acting trauma and mental health have made him an advocate for younger performers. Regular appearances on The Big Bang Theory playing himself cemented his status as a beloved figure in the nerd community he once felt rejected by.
15. Tiffani Thiessen: From Teen Dream to Culinary Queen
Though most famous for 90s roles, Thiessen first appeared in late 80s television before landing her breakout as Kelly Kapowski on Saved by the Bell. Her all-American charm made her a teen magazine fixture. Successfully transitioning to adult roles, she showed dramatic range as Valerie on Beverly Hills, 90210 and later on White Collar. Reinventing herself yet again, Thiessen has become a respected food personality with cookbooks and hosting duties on the Cooking Channel. A mother of two who maintains close friendships with former castmates, she represents one of Hollywood’s more graceful evolutions from child star to multifaceted adult performer.
16. Noah Hathaway: Atreyu’s Journey Beyond Fantasia
Flying on the back of the luck dragon Falkor, Hathaway’s performance as warrior Atreyu in The NeverEnding Story created one of fantasy cinema’s most memorable characters. His intense dedication included performing dangerous stunts that would be CGI today. After childhood fame, Hathaway took an unconventional path away from Hollywood. He became a martial arts instructor, professional dancer, and motorcycle racer before training as a tattoo artist. Despite occasional film appearances and convention signings, he’s largely chosen a life outside the entertainment industry. His role remains iconic for 80s kids who dreamed of adventure in the magical land of Fantasia.
17. Tina Yothers: Family Ties to Real Family Life
As the outspoken Jennifer Keaton on Family Ties, blonde Yothers perfectly embodied the conservative family’s rebellious younger daughter. Her comedic timing while trading barbs with Michael J. Fox showcased natural talent beyond her years. When the hit show ended, Yothers made a dramatic personal statement by dyeing her signature blonde hair jet black. She largely stepped away from acting to front a rock band called Jaded and focus on raising her family. Occasional reality TV appearances on Celebrity Fit Club and What Not To Wear have kept her connected to fans while she enjoys a relatively normal life away from Hollywood’s pressures.