7 Celebrities Who Started as Child Actors
Becoming a successful actor or actress is no small feat. It requires talent, dedication, and often a bit of luck. For some celebrities, their path to stardom began at a very young age. These child actors took their first steps into the world of entertainment before they even hit their teenage years. Let’s take a look at seven celebrities who started their careers as child actors and went on to achieve great success.
1. Natalie Portman:
Natalie Portman first gained fame for her role as Mathilda in the 1994 thriller “Leon: The Professional,” when she was just 12 years old. Her mesmerizing performance in the film caught the attention of critics and audiences alike. Since then, Portman has gone on to star in numerous acclaimed films, including “Black Swan,” for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress.
2. Joseph Gordon-Levitt:
Joseph Gordon-Levitt began his acting career at the age of six and gained recognition for his role in the sitcom “3rd Rock from the Sun.” As a child actor, he showcased his talent and versatility, which ultimately earned him leading roles in films like “(500) Days of Summer” and “Inception.” Gordon-Levitt has proven to be a multi-talented artist, pursuing not only acting but also writing, directing, and producing.
3. Emma Watson:
Emma Watson rose to prominence at the age of 11 when she was cast as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” film series. She captured the hearts of fans worldwide with her portrayal of the intelligent and brave Hogwarts student. Beyond her role as Hermione, Watson has ventured into other acting projects and has become an advocate for gender equality and environmental sustainability.
4. Neil Patrick Harris:
Neil Patrick Harris started his acting career as a child, starring in the sitcom “Doogie Howser, M.D.” at the age of 16. Known for his charismatic charm and wit, Harris quickly became a household name. He has since gained recognition for his roles in shows like “How I Met Your Mother” and has successfully hosted award shows like the Tony Awards and the Oscars.
5. Jodie Foster:
Jodie Foster began her acting career at a young age, appearing in commercials and TV shows before gaining critical acclaim for her role as a child prostitute in the 1976 film “Taxi Driver” at the age of 14. Foster continued to impress audiences with her performances, earning several Academy Awards throughout her career. She has also ventured into directing and has become a prominent figure in the film industry.
6. Elijah Wood:
Elijah Wood’s breakthrough role came at the age of eight with the fantasy film “The Good Son.” He later achieved international fame for his portrayal of Frodo Baggins in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Wood’s talent and versatility have allowed him to take on diverse roles in films ranging from dramas to comedies.
7. Drew Barrymore:
Drew Barrymore became a household name at the tender age of seven when she starred in the film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” Her infectious charm and natural talent made her one of the most recognizable child actors of her time. As an adult, Barrymore has continued to have a successful acting career and has also ventured into producing and directing.
The journey from child actor to successful adult performer is not always an easy one. Many child stars face unique challenges as they navigate their way through the entertainment industry. However, these seven celebrities proved that their talent and determination could pave the way for long-lasting careers.
It is worth noting that not all child actors continue to thrive in the industry as adults. Some may choose to step away from the spotlight to focus on other aspects of their lives, while others struggle to transition into more mature roles. Nevertheless, the success stories of these celebrities serve as inspiration for aspiring actors and remind us that age is no barrier to achieving greatness on the silver screen.
