Being a child actor can be an incredible adventure. When you land a role that captivates audiences, the world holds its breath in anticipation of your next performance. But sometimes, the pressure to meet those expectations can feel overwhelming. It’s as if the entire universe is holding its breath, waiting for you to stumble.
The demands of long work hours and the constant expectation to be at your best can take its toll. It’s no wonder that some young stars have faced challenges and found themselves caught in the darkness of substance abuse or worse.
Yet, amidst the struggles, there are those child actors who have taken a pause in their journey, only to return to the limelight with a resounding triumph. Some chose to step back, seeking new avenues of education or personal exploration. Others were pushed into a break, but they embraced the opportunity to reflect on their desires and grow as unique individuals. In the end, these experiences made them stronger and more determined to showcase their incredible talents once again.
So let’s rally behind these extraordinary child actors who have made their triumphant comeback, leaving us all in awe. Join in celebrating these stars who have reclaimed their spotlight and absolutely owned it. Show your love for your favorites!”
1. Jason Bateman Appeared In Sitcoms And ‘Teen Wolf Too,’ Then Returned As The Star Of ‘Arrested Development,’ ‘Ozark,’ And A Bunch Of Films
Jason Bateman had a promising start as a sitcom regular in the 1980s, but his transition to movie stardom didn’t quite work out. He spent around 10 years bouncing between short-lived TV shows and small movie roles, making it seem like he was just another former child star struggling to find adult success.
However, everything changed for Bateman in 2003 when he landed the lead role of Michael Bluth in Arrested Development. Although the show wasn’t initially a hit, it gained a cult following after its DVD release. Suddenly, Bateman became a sought-after actor in movies like Horrible Bosses, Identity Thief, Juno, and Game Night. He even proved his versatility by starring in the highly acclaimed Netflix series Ozark, where he played a money launderer. Against all odds, Bateman became far more popular as an adult actor than he ever was as a child.
Bateman attributes his “lost decade” to various factors, including a substance abuse problem. However, he eventually found the determination to prove himself as more than just another casualty of Hollywood. In an interview with The Guardian, he admitted, “I’d lost my place in line in the business; it was a case of trying to claw that back towards the end of the 90s.” Suffice to say, he clawed back exceptionally well.
2. Ke Huy Quan Was A Wacky Sidekick In ‘Temple of Doom’ And ‘Goonies,’ Then Returned As Multiple *Wildly* Different Characters In ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’
Ke Huy Quan had two major roles in the 1980s that made him well-known to audiences of the time. He portrayed Short Round in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, followed by his role as Data in The Goonies. Despite the success of these blockbusters, Quan did not receive many great opportunities afterward. He appeared in the TV sitcom Head of the Class and had a small part in Encino Man, but that was about it for the young star.
Realizing the challenges of making it as a child actor, Quan decided to step away from performing in the early ’90s. Instead, he found work assisting in choreographing martial arts fight scenes in films like X-Men in 2000 and took on the role of a Second Unit Director. However, in 2022, he made a significant comeback by playing Waymond Wang, a warrior who travels through different dimensions, in Everything Everywhere All At Once. This role required him to speak both English and Chinese while portraying various versions of Waymond from different dimensions. One version was a somewhat timid husband, while another was a fierce warrior who could defeat attackers with a fanny pack. Quan received critical acclaim for his performance and eventually won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his work in this unexpected hit, which went on to dominate the Academy Awards.
So, what led him to return to acting? It was a combination of someone else’s successful film and a fear of missing out. Quan admitted that seeing Crazy Rich Asians was a turning point for him. He said, “For a long time, I thought I was at peace with it, but something was missing, and I really didn’t know what it was until Crazy Rich Asians came out. I saw my fellow Asian actors up on the screen, and I had serious FOMO because I wanted to be up there with them.”
Quan spoke to GQ about this serendipitous turn of events, highlighting the impact other Asian actors had on his decision to return to acting. He shared, “Over the years, I’ve met a lot of Asian talent now working in Hollywood. They always thank me and say, ‘Man, it was so great to see you up there on the screen because I was able to see myself. Thank you for paving the way for us to be here.’ And, of course, it’s really interesting because they’ve paved the way for my return. My return to acting is the direct result of the progress made by them.”
3. Mayim Bialik Was ‘Blossom,’ Then Got A PhD In Neuroscience And Returned, Fittingly, In ‘The Big Bang Theory’
Mayim Bialik, known for her role as Blossom on the TV show of the same name, captured the hearts of Americans. She effortlessly portrayed the character’s unique style and quirky personality, making it genuine rather than forced. The show ran successfully for five years until its conclusion in 1995. Following its end, Bialik decided to take a step back from showbiz to pursue higher education. She enrolled in UCLA and earned a PhD in neuroscience. Her research focused on the impact of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder on individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Bialik’s studies proved beneficial when she later returned to acting full-time. She landed a role as a neuroscientist on The Big Bang Theory, where she played Amy, a love interest for the main character Sheldon. In addition to her impeccable comedic timing, the actress brought a genuine understanding of science to her character. She didn’t just recite scientific jargon; she truly comprehended it, adding an extra layer of authenticity to Amy’s character.
Playing a neuroscientist on TV resonated with Bialik, as she expressed in an interview with Forbes. She found it gratifying to portray a scientist and acknowledged the influence she could have, particularly on young girls. Bialik believed that being able to showcase the coolness of science and serve as a positive role model was a wonderful opportunity that her platform provided.
4. Drew Barrymore Was Gertie In ‘E.T.,’ Then Rebounded From Personal Problems To Reinvigorate Her Career With ‘Scream’
Drew Barrymore burst onto the movie scene with her role as Gertie in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Not only was she absolutely adorable, but she also displayed remarkable acting talent at a young age. This film propelled her into stardom, causing studios to scramble to find suitable leading roles for her. Some of these roles were a bit inappropriate, like the R-rated Firestarter, but others, such as the family drama Irreconcilable Differences, fit her better.
Unfortunately, Barrymore faced some challenges that affected her career for several years. She dealt with substance abuse issues, which led to a brief stay in an institution. As a result, she found herself stuck in movies that weren’t always of the highest quality. However, in 1992, things started to turn around when she received positive reviews for her role in the provocative thriller Poison Ivy. This led to better opportunities, including roles in Boys on the Side and Batman Forever. However, it was her performance in 1996’s Scream that truly marked the Drew Barrymore renaissance.
In Scream, Barrymore made a shrewd decision to play the character Casey, the first victim of Ghostface. By doing so, she defied audience expectations, as they anticipated her to be the film’s protagonist. Her authentic portrayal of Casey was so powerful that it terrified audiences and set the tone for the entire movie. This sequence became iconic, reminding everyone of Barrymore’s exceptional talent.
Barrymore herself recognized the impact of her decision to play Casey in Scream. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, she explained that she wanted to challenge herself and take the audience out of their comfort zone. This choice became a defining moment in her adult career, further solidifying her status as a remarkable actress.
5. Anna Chlumsky Was ‘My Girl,’ Then Returned As A Foul-Mouthed Political Hack In ‘In The Loop’ And ‘Veep’
Anna Chlumsky’s acting career took off in 1991 with her debut role in the heartwarming film My Girl, where she starred alongside Macaulay Culkin. The movie was a huge success, thanks to the fantastic chemistry between the actors and a surprisingly emotional twist. Although a less successful sequel followed, Chlumsky appeared in a few other films that didn’t make much of an impact. Eventually, she decided to take a break from acting and pursue a degree in International Studies at the University of Chicago. During this time, she even worked as a fact-checker for Zagat, the renowned restaurant guide company.
However, Chlumsky couldn’t resist the allure of acting for long. In 2009, she made a comeback with a role in the political satire In the Loop. This was just the beginning of her successful journey, as she then landed a supporting role as the Vice President’s Chief of Staff on the HBO series Veep. In both of these roles, Chlumsky showcased her impeccable comedic timing and her ability to add humor to topical issues. Her portrayal of Amy Brookeheimer in Veep perfectly captured the essence of a type-A personality, earning her well-deserved recognition.
Interestingly, Chlumsky has expressed a preference for being seen as an adult actress rather than a child star. She even harbors some resentment towards her earlier roles, stating, “People started recognizing me on the street for Veep instead of for some bullsh*t I did when I was 10.” This shift in perception was a new and joyful experience for her, where she realized the satisfaction of being acknowledged for her current work by strangers.
6. Macaulay Culkin Was A Mega-Star In ‘Home Alone,’ Then Returned As A Preacher’s Estranged Son In ‘The Righteous Gemstones’
Macaulay Culkin left a lasting impression on filmmaker John Hughes. After appearing in a supporting role in Hughes’ comedy Uncle Buck in 1989, Culkin was given a special gift – a screenplay written specifically for him. This screenplay turned out to be Home Alone, a movie that Hughes both wrote and produced. Home Alone became a massive success, even becoming the highest-grossing comedy at one point with $285 million in domestic earnings. It catapulted Culkin into stardom, making him a household name. However, his subsequent movies failed to reach the same level of popularity as Home Alone. Following the disappointing performance of Richie Rich in 1994, Culkin decided to take a break from his acting career.
During this hiatus, Culkin embraced a more normal lifestyle. He attended school like any regular kid and eventually got married. However, he also faced some troubles, such as getting arrested for substance possession. In his free time, he indulged in his passion for music by playing in a rock band called The Pizza Underground. Occasionally, Culkin would accept roles in low-budget independent films like Party Monster in 2003, but he generally stayed away from the spotlight. This all changed when he landed a role on American Horror Story and made a surprise cameo on the TV series The Righteous Gemstones. These roles showcased a more mature side of Culkin, far removed from his famous character Kevin in Home Alone, and highlighted his versatility as an actor.
Culkin’s pursuit of establishing himself as an adult actor is entirely on his own terms. He has no desire for a grand Hollywood comeback. In an interview with the BBC, he expressed his simple desire to work on meaningful projects with good people, regardless of whether they are plays or films. He just wants to do his own thing and continue exploring his talents.
7. Danica McKellar Was Winnie On ‘The Wonder Years,’ Became A Mathematician, Then Returned As A Queen Of Hallmark Movies
Danica McKellar, known for her role as Winnie Cooper on the hit TV show The Wonder Years, brought depth and emotion to her character, making her more than just a typical love interest for the male lead, Kevin Arnold. Her portrayal played a significant role in the show’s success.
After The Wonder Years ended, McKellar decided to step back from acting to pursue her education. She graduated with top honors from UCLA and even co-authored a mathematical theorem. Later on, she wrote a series of popular math books, aiming to encourage kids, especially teenage girls, to embrace math and STEM studies.
Returning to acting was more of a fun choice for McKellar than a necessity. With her successful books and a flourishing career in mathematics, she didn’t need to continue performing. However, she has become a prominent figure in Hallmark movies, starring in numerous films, many of which have a Christmas theme. McKellar explained that these movies provide a much-needed break and a chance to reconnect with core values, family, and the importance of the holiday season. She finds Hallmark to be the perfect platform for these heartfelt messages.
8. Haley Joel Osment Saw Dead People In ‘The Sixth Sense,’ Then Returned As A Cheerful But Ruthless Tech Guru In ‘Silicon Valley’
Haley Joel Osment became a household name in the 1990s with his iconic line, “I see dead people,” in M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense. This role not only made him a star but also earned him an Oscar nomination. Despite his consistent work in the industry after that, nothing had the same impact. Even his collaboration with Steven Spielberg in A.I. Artificial Intelligence fell short. Consequently, major roles became scarce, and Osment found himself mostly working on TV shows and independent films that went unnoticed, like Sex Ed and Yoga Hosers.
However, in 2017, Osment made a loud declaration that he was still here and still talented. He took on a recurring role on HBO’s Silicon Valley, playing the ruthless VR guru Keenan Feldspar. This character manipulates others shamelessly, hiring and firing them without considering the impact on anyone but himself. It was a stark contrast to his previous role as Cole Sear, and his new bearded look made him almost unrecognizable.
Finding success on a comedy show like Silicon Valley has been a welcome development for Osment. In an interview with Vanity Fair, he expressed his gratitude, saying, “I feel really lucky. I spent five years studying theater in New York, so to come back and have these opportunities is pretty fun. My main goal has always been, even when I was younger, to try and explore a wide variety of roles.”
9. Vincent Kartheiser Starred In Some ’90s Kids’ Movies, Then Returned As A Ruthless Ad Exec In ‘Mad Men’
Vincent Kartheiser became a prominent figure in children’s movies during the 1990s. Although films like The Indian in the Cupboard, Alaska, and Masterminds didn’t necessarily offer him the most impressive roles, they did help him gain recognition and popularity among young audiences at the time.
As he transitioned into adulthood, Kartheiser took on smaller roles in movies and occasionally appeared on television. However, it was his portrayal of Pete Campbell, an ambitious and ruthless ad executive on Mad Men, that truly marked his entrance into the world of adult acting. Kartheiser impeccably captured the moral complexity of Pete, continuously adding layers to his character throughout the show’s seasons. This nuanced portrayal played a significant role in establishing Mad Men as a cultural phenomenon.
Playing such a complex and contradictory character was a tremendous opportunity for Kartheiser, and he was fully aware of it. In his own words, he expressed, “Mad Men was one of those pilots where I read it and after I was done I wanted to read it again. There was this swagger about the script that was different from so much I had read in the last few years. I knew it was something I could do.” This role allowed him to go beyond the boundaries of his childhood work and showcase his talent on a whole new level.
10. Gaby Hoffmann Was A Ubiquitous Child Actor, Then Broke Through As An Adult With Scene-Stealing Roles In ‘Girls’ And ‘Transparent’
Gaby Hoffmann was a prominent child star during the late ’80s and early ’90s. She appeared in successful films like Uncle Buck, Field of Dreams, Now and Then, and Sleepless in Seattle. Working with industry luminaries at a young age was both educational and lots of fun.
Following in the footsteps of other child actors, Hoffmann decided to pursue higher education and “retired” from acting at 17. In an interview with NPR, she shared, “I always knew, since I was 7 or 8 years old, that [acting] was a means to an end and that I wanted to go to college.” Taking a break proved beneficial, and it eventually led her to gradually return to acting, but only on her own terms. She explained, “I just thought, ‘I’m going to open up to this and I’m going to say yes and not just verbally, but with my body and with my soul and heart and see how that feels and if after a year it still doesn’t feel good, I’m going to put it to bed and pursue another life.'”
Her decision to say yes to roles on Amazon’s Transparent and HBO’s Girls garnered praise from critics and audiences alike. Many were amazed to see the little girl who once portrayed wholesome characters tackle psychologically complex roles as an adult. Hoffmann’s deliberate selectiveness in choosing roles has resulted in an impressive adult resume, which includes well-received independent films like Obvious Child and C’mon C’mon. She has proven herself to be a dedicated and always-interesting actor.
