Awkward Child Stars That Truly Grew Into Themselves

Most people look to their youth and realize they were awkward. It may have happened in middle or elementary school, but some people bloom later. Luckily, you aren’t famous, and your life isn’t spent in front of the camera.

Generally, your awkward phase was shown in private photos and memories, but young celebrities have their worst appearances immortalized forever. As they get older, they shed that demeanor and leave the awkwardness behind. They often look fondly on their former selves to see how far they’ve come.

These incredible transformations happened before your eyes because these child actors grew up in the spotlight and blossomed into something amazing.

Kylie Jenner

Kylie doesn’t need an introduction because of her part on Keeping Up with the Kardashians. She also has many social media followers. However, she wasn’t always emulated for her fashion style, being an awkward kid growing up on TV.

Danica McKellar

Danica was the crush for many boys who watched The Wonder Years. She shied away from the bright spotlight after the show ended, breaking away from Hollywood. However, she’s now acting and doing voiceover work here and there.

Jonathan Lipnicki

You probably remember Jerry Maguire because of the many catchphrases and Jonathan Lipnicki as the adorable Ray Boyd. He used the success of that film to land other roles, but his adult resume isn’t very impressive. Still, he’s young, so things could pick up.

Alexa PenaVega

Alexa was the older child in Spy Kids, but her looks aren’t a clandestine venture now. She held a constant presence with TV work and had a public personal life when she married Carlos Pena Jr., an actor and singer. The couple now hosts a YouTube channel.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Joseph was a teenage alien that looked like a human in 3rd Rock from the Sun, and he looked like the pimply, gangly teenager everyone sees. However, he then fell from view for a while, sticking to indie roles and a few TV appearances. Now, he’s focused on big-budget films.

Lindsay Lohan

Everyone adored Lindsay’s freckles in The Parent Trap, but she soon showed that she had more. She was a star from Freaky Friday, Mean Girls, and Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen. While she’s fallen off recently, you can remember those glory days.

Tatyana Ali

Tatyana is best known for her days on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, but the child star continued popping up in TV and film. She’s landed roles on popular soap operas and all the rest, showing that you can turn your geeky childhood into an adult movie-rama.

Daniel Radcliffe

Most people think they’ve known Daniel for their whole lives because he was in the famous Harry Potter films, sticking with it through eight full movies (Warner Bros. ended up splitting Book 7 into two). From there, he’s maintained steady work, though he had to leave the magic wand behind.

Lacey Chabert

Party of Five was a popular show, but it went off the air. Most people wondered what happened to Claudia Salinger, but she’s now a beautiful woman. Lacey Chabert shifted her focus to voice acting, but she has been in a few popular movies, too!

Alyson Stoner

Do you remember the pigtailed, adorable dancer from the Missy Elliot music video, Work It? Well, she’s turned into a fine young woman. Stoner has more than 100 voice-acting and film credits to her name and loves dancing still.

Matthew Lewis

The human example of the caterpillar turning into a butterfly is Matthew Lewis. He played the bumbling and awkward Neville Longbottom during the Harry Potter series, becoming a main hero at the end. After that spotlight, he decided to do some pretty strange things!

Anna Chlumsky

Anna Chlumsky was an overnight sensation for her role in My Girl. She’s had a few others but disappeared from the public in 1998. However, she came back in 2007 for a few films and television shows, making people wonder how they knew the actress because she looked so different!

Jaleel White

Jaleel was the staple for the TGIF lineup for ABC, spawning a cultural tagline of “Did I do that?” He was the famous Steve Urkel, a scrawny but brainy kid next door from Family Matters. He became famous internationally but couldn’t separate himself from the character.

Claire Danes

Clair was the awkward teen from My So-Called Life, and that awkwardness extended into her real life. However, Danes got that last laugh because she’s stealing hearts and awards for her role on Homeland.

Nicola Peltz

Most actors with short resumes don’t last long, but that wasn’t the case for Nicola. She debuted with Deck the Halls, helping her land a great part in The Last Airbender. From there, she went to Transformers: Age of Extinction and many others. While you don’t see her often, she does pop up sometimes!

Jerry O’Connell

Most people know O’Connell as an adult, but they’re shocked to learn that he was on the big screen as a child. They have to go back to Stand By Me from 1986, though. He was Vern and continues to have a steady career in Hollywood today.

Abigail Breslin

Abigail was in Little Miss Sunshine, which was about a young and awkward girl who wanted to be in beauty pageants. She even earned an Academy Award nomination. Overall, she was smart to use that to propel her career, getting top billing for TV and film projects.

Afshan Azad

This Harry Potter actress was only 17 years old when she played Padma Patil, the Ravenclaw girl of The Goblet of Fire. Fans saw the actress turn into a budding beauty with the next four films. However, she hasn’t starred in other American films since then.

Nicholas Hoult

Do you remember About a Boy? Nicholas Hoult played Marcus Brewer in the film, exploding later onto the Hollywood scene with starring roles in many big-budget films. He’s sure grown up well!

Amber Scott

Most 90s kids can’t forget the live-action version of Hook, starring Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams. However, big fans may also remember Amber Scott as Maggie Banning. She was only 7 at the time and hasn’t done much in Hollywood since then!

Danielle Fishel

Danielle is known for her depiction of Topanga on Boy Meets World, and she was the dream for thousands of high school boys. After her Girl Meets World reprisal, she hasn’t done much in Hollywood, but she still looks amazing.

Zac Efron

Zac started his career as a dorky tween on High School Musical but is now a major A-lister in Hollywood. In fact, he’s been as busy as can be with Baywatch (film), Neighbors, and The Greatest Showman. There’s no stopping him.

Neil Patrick Harris

While Neil started as the boy genius in Doogie Howser, M.D., at 16 years old, he didn’t stop there. Still, he never landed notable roles until he transformed himself as the playboy on How I Met Your Mother. The smash-hit revitalized his career, even though he’s a proud gay man.

Soleil Moon Frye

You probably remember Punky Brewster because she had spunk, but Soleil didn’t stop there. Her resume is loaded with voice-acting roles, and she even had a recurring role in Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.

Eric Lloyd

Eric was in The Santa Clause and never stopped believing. However, his Hollywood career doesn’t have that same magic. This young actor returned for all the sequels and has had small roles in film and television, but he never got his breakout role. Still, he dabbles in music and seems to enjoy life.

Emma Watson

What is it about the Harry Potter kids? They were all introduced as young actors, so people got to watch them grow up. Emma is a style icon for Hollywood and fights for the planet. Plus, she keeps landing leading roles and doing what she can.

Shia LaBeouf

Most people think of crazy when they hear Shia’s name. He has been in physical altercations with people and has taken on questionable films recently. Many considered him to be the next big star a few years ago, but things never panned out.

Michelle Trachtenberg

Harriet the Spy was a popular movie at the time, and the actress was a nerdy brunette. However, Trachtenberg shed the demure look, scoring many high-profile roles, such as Gossip Girl, Mercy, 17 Again, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Daniel Curtis Lee

Daniel got his big break in Ned’s Declassified (Nickelodeon) and received a few Young Artist Awards, so he was set for stardom. Though he entered the Hollywood hottie world, he hasn’t yet made it big. Still, he did have a recurring role on Glee.

Alyssa Milano

Alyssa grew up on Who’s the Boss? and became an icon. From there, she came out of her shell to boss many sets, such as Charmed, a hit WB show. However, you may even remember her as the child in Commando, an Arnold Schwarzenegger film.

Freddie Highmore

Freddie Highmore made a name for himself on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. While critics might not have liked it, Highmore launched his career. From there, he’s been on many projects, getting a Golden Globe nomination for The Good Doctor.

Kristen Stewart

Because of the Twilight series, Kristen Stewart got to grow up on television. Everyone seems to love seeing her whenever they can, but you might not realize that she started as the daughter in Panic Room with Jodie Foster. Overall, she’s an advocate for gay rights and has been in a few popular movies since then.

Christina Ricci

Who could have thought that pale Wednesday Addams could grow up and be adorably blond like Christina is today? The interesting thing is she takes off-beat roles in television and film now, which hasn’t hurt her career at all.

Elijah Wood

Elijah didn’t have a normal childhood. He’s been acting consistently since 8 years old, landing major roles throughout the years. However, his chubby cheeks are now chiseled with stubble that adulthood brings!

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato was initially on Barney and Friends like Selena Gomez. Lovato’s been in the spotlight for many years, being cast in Camp Rock. Now, she’s an international superstar and has many musical accolades and nominations.

Candice Cameron Bure

Candice was the older daughter on Full House, using her star status to land many small television and film roles. Now, she is the lead for the Aurora Teagarden murder-mystery films from Hallmark Channel and even reprised her role on Fuller House.

Alex D. Linz

Alex was another 90s child actor who really never hit it big, but he melted hearts in One Fine Day with Michelle Pfeiffer and George Clooney. He was also in a few others but couldn’t move away from child stardom syndrome.

Alisan Porter

The Voice shook things up in 2016 when they found out that a favorite contestant had been a child actress. Alisan Porter was Curly Sue from the popular family comedy. Even though she didn’t pursue a Hollywood career, she’s been on the music scene a lot.

Evanna Lynch

As with other Harry Potter costars, Evanna was the perfect blend of cute and geeky as Luna Lovegood. Now, she’s playing down-to-earth roles in television and film. Though she hasn’t captured leading spots, she’s just beginning!

Bonnie Wright

You just can’t get away from the Harry Potter stars, can you? Most of the child actors grew to become hotties, and Bonnie Wright is no exception. She played Ginny Weasley and has been very busy with the eight Potter films, continuing to work on various projects each year.

Justin Berfield

Justin Berfield appeared on Malcolm in the Middle, playing Reese, the less than intelligent older brother of Malcolm. He later starred on Unhappily Ever After as Ross Malloy and since 2010 he has been working as Chief Creative Officer of Virgin Produced.

Chanel West Coast

Chanel West Coast, born Chelsea Chanel Dudley, is best known for her role in MTV shows Roby Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory and Ridiculousness, which she has spent co-hosting for 25 seasons. In October 2020, she released a studio album called America’s Sweetheart.

Josh Peck

Josh Peck became known as the funny brother on Drake & Josh, which he starred on from 2004 until 2007. He also appeared on The Amanda Show when he was younger from 2000 until 2002. Since his childhood acting days, Peck has worked on voice acting in Ice Age and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and appeared alongside John Stamos on comedy show Grandfathered.

Jonathan Taylor Thomas

Jonathan Taylor Thomas became well known when he starred as Randy Taylor on Home Improvement. He also provided the voice for a young Simba in the animated Disney movie The Lion King. His latest appearance was in Last Man Standing, when he had a 4 episode role. He has since stepped away from the spotlight.

Mara Wilson

Mara Wilson stole out hearts when she starred in Mrs. Doubtfire when she was just 6 years old and then in Matilda when she was 9 years old. She decided to step away from acting anf in 2016, she released a memoir called Where Am I Now? True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame. She returned to acting, appearing in Broad City and lending her voice to Bojack Horseman and Big Hero 6: The Series.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman was just 12 years old when she appeared in The Professional. She has since starred in countless hit films like Star Wars: Episode I through Episode III, Garden State, Mars Attacks!, V for Vendetta, and more recently Black Swan, Jackie, and A Tale of Love and Darkness.

Angus T. Jones

Angus T. Jones first rose to prominence when he played Jake Harper on Two and a Half Men, for which he earned a TV Land Award and two Young Artist Awards. Before then, he appeared in films like Simpatico, George of the Jungle 2, and The Christmas Blessing. In 2012, he distanced himself from Two and a Half Men, calling it “filth.” He later enrolled in University of Colorado Boulder.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster first appeared in the Andy Griffith Show spinoff Mayberry R.F.D. At the age of 14, she earned her first Oscar nomination for her role in Taxi Driver. She also appeared in the 1976 Freaky Friday film. After attending Yale University, she returned to acting and appeared in many successful films including The Silence of the Lams, Panic Room, Hotel Artemis, and The Mauritanian.

Jennifer Connelly

After appearing alongside David Bowie in Labyrinth in 1986, Connelly had some small roles in films like The Rocketeer, Mulholland Falls, and Inventing the Abbots. Her breakthrough role was in Requiem for a Dream and she went on to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2001 for her role in A Beautiful Mind. She has most recently appeared in the TV adaptation of the film Snowpiercer.

Josh Brolin

Son of actor James Brolin, Josh started out his career playing Brandon Walsh on The Goonies in 1985. He continued his career in films like Flirting with Disaster, No Country for Old Men, American Gangster, W., Milk, Jonah Hex, True Grit, Deadpool 2, and Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame.

Macaulay Culkin

Macaulay Culkin became a bona fide child star when he starred in the Home Alone film series. He was just 10 years old at the time, but he had already starred in TV movies since the age of 5. He took some time away from acting for almost a decade until he appeared in Party Monster and Saved. He has a daughter with Brenda Song.

Kieran Culkin

Macaulay’s brother Kieran starred alongside his brother in Home Alone in 1990. He then appeared in Father of the Bride, She’s All That, Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World, Margaret, The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys, and Igby Goes Down, in a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination. He also earned his first Emmy nomination in 2020 for his role in Succession.

Dakota Fanning

Dakota Fanning’s earliest roles include playing Ally McBeal’s 5 year old self as well as Sean Penn’s daughter in I Am Sam. She went on to star in many more films including Uptown Girls, Man on Fire, Hide and Seek, War of the Worlds, Charlotte’s Web, The Secret Life of Bees, Twilight, and Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood.

Elle Fanning

The younger sister of Dakota, Elle Fanning first played a younger version of her sister’s character in I Am Sam, but she has since carved out a path all her own, appearing in Daddy Day Care, The Door in the Floor, Babel, and Reservation Road. She later appeared in We Bought a Zoo, Maleficent, Trumbo, 20th Century Women, The Neon Demon, and The Beguiled.

Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff first stole our hearts as Lizzie McGuire and went on to dominate the teen film industry in roles in films like Agent Cody Banks, Cheaper by the Dozen, and A Cinderella Story. She later appeared in TV show Younger and has most recently appeared in How I Met Your Father, a spinoff of How I Met Your Mother.

Candace Cameron

Candace Cameron, the younger sister of Growing Pains star Kirk Cameron, first became well known for playing D.J. Tanner on Full House from 1987 until 1995. She later was a co-host on The View for two seasons and also reprised her role of D.J. Tanner on the revival Netflix show Fuller House. She also has starred in many Hallmark Channel Christmas specials.

Jodie Sweetin

Fellow Full House alum Jodie Sweetin played middle sister Stephanie Tanner throughout the run of the show. She opened up about her substance abuse struggles in her 2009 memoir called unSweetined. She returned to her role of Stephanie on Fuller House and appeared in Hallmark Channel movies like Merry and Bright and Just Swipe.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

Mary-Kate and Ashley charmed us all when they alternated with one another playing the role of the adorable Michelle Tanner on Full House. They then launched an empire that included TV shows, movies, clothing lines, books, fashion lines, a production company, and more. Ashley left acting after their 2004 film New York Minute, but Mary-Kate continued acting for a bit longer. Now they are more focused on their fashion brands The Row and Elizabeth & James.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling first appeared on TV screens when he was just 12 years old when he was a part of The All-New Mickey Mouse Club. He continued on to become one of the most successful actors in Hollywood, appearing in movies like The Notebook, Blue Valentine, La La Land, The Big Short, and First Man. He is married to actress Eva Mendes and they have two daughters together.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Before becoming one of the most successful actors in Hollywood, Leonardo DiCaprio appeared on Growing Pains, on which he played a homeless teen named Luke. He then starred in films like What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, A Boy’s Life, The Basketball Diaries, Marvin’s Room, and Romeo + Juliet. He later went on to star in smash hit Titanic, which catapulted him into major fame. He’s since appeared in movies like Inception, The Wolf of Wall Street, Once Upon A Time…in Hollywood, and The Revenant, which finally earned him his first Oscar award.