10 Child Actors Who Turned Their Careers Around

Hollywood can be a tough place for child actors, with many struggling to transition to adult roles due to typecasting or personal challenges. Yet, some have defied the odds, reinventing themselves with bold career moves or triumphant comebacks. These stars took control of their paths, proving their talent and resilience far beyond their early fame.

Here are 10 former child actors who successfully turned their careers around. Their stories show how determination and smart choices can reignite a stalled career.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan was a ‘90s darling in ‘The Parent Trap’ (1998), but her career faltered with personal struggles and tabloid scandals in the 2000s. Poorly received films like ‘I Know Who Killed Me’ (2007) dimmed her star, pushing her out of the spotlight.

Lohan staged a comeback with Netflix’s ‘Falling for Christmas’ (2022) and ‘Irish Wish’ (2024), showcasing her rom-com charm. Now sober and selective, she’s rebuilding her career in Los Angeles, proving she’s more than her past headlines.

Macaulay Culkin

Macaulay Culkin ruled the ‘90s with ‘Home Alone’ (1990), but fame’s toll and a strained family life led to a hiatus in the 2000s. His early stardom as Kevin McCallister made him a household name, yet personal struggles kept him away from major roles.

Culkin returned with ‘American Horror Story’ (2021) and earned a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2023. Living in Paris, he balances acting with music and family, showing a thoughtful revival of his career.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf charmed audiences on ‘Even Stevens’ (2000-2003) before hitting the big screen with ‘Holes’ (2003). His career soared with ‘Transformers’ (2007), but public outbursts and legal issues in the 2010s, like his 2014 arrest, stalled his momentum.

LaBeouf bounced back with ‘Honey Boy’ (2019), a semi-autobiographical film he wrote and starred in, earning critical praise. Now in Los Angeles, he’s focusing on indie projects and personal growth, reclaiming his place as a serious actor.

Corey Feldman

Corey Feldman was an ‘80s icon in ‘The Goonies’ (1985) and ‘Stand by Me’ (1986), but personal trauma and addiction issues overshadowed his early success. He’s spoken openly about Hollywood’s dark side, which impacted his career trajectory.

Feldman has sustained a career with roles in ‘The Birthday’ (2004) and reality TV, while pursuing music. Living in California, he’s an advocate for child actor safety, showing resilience in maintaining a multifaceted career.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster was a child prodigy in ‘Taxi Driver’ (1976) and ‘Freaky Friday’ (1976), but her early roles risked typecasting her as a precocious teen. A brief pause to attend Yale allowed her to rethink her career path.

Foster’s comeback with ‘The Accused’ (1988) and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991) earned her two Oscars, cementing her as a powerhouse. Now directing and starring in projects like ‘True Detective’ (2024), she’s a Hollywood titan.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore shot to fame with ‘E.T.’ (1982) at age 7, but addiction and a tumultuous childhood led to a career slump in her teens. Emancipating herself at 14, she faced an uphill battle to be taken seriously.

Barrymore roared back with ‘Scream’ (1996) and ‘Never Been Kissed’ (1999), later launching her talk show, ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ (2020-present). Based in Los Angeles, she’s a beloved figure blending acting and hosting.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart broke out at 12 in ‘Panic Room’ (2002), but her ‘Twilight’ (2008-2012) fame led to typecasting as Bella Swan. Harsh media scrutiny in the 2010s threatened to derail her career.

Stewart pivoted to indie films like ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ (2014) and ‘Spencer’ (2021), earning an Oscar nomination. Now living in Los Angeles, she’s a respected actress and director, thriving in bold, artistic roles.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman stunned at 12 in ‘Léon: The Professional’ (1994), but her early roles risked pigeonholing her as a precocious talent. A brief break to attend Harvard gave her perspective to navigate Hollywood strategically.

Portman’s comeback with ‘Black Swan’ (2010) won her an Oscar, and she’s since starred in ‘Jackie’ (2016) and ‘May December’ (2023). Based in Los Angeles, she balances acting with producing, proving her lasting versatility.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Joseph Gordon-Levitt was a standout in ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’ (1996-2001), but his teen roles risked typecasting him as a quirky sidekick. A hiatus to study at Columbia University helped him refocus his career.

Gordon-Levitt returned with ‘(500) Days of Summer’ (2009) and ‘Inception’ (2010), showcasing his range. Now in Los Angeles, he acts, directs, and runs hitRECord, a creative platform, cementing his multifaceted comeback.

Ke Huy Quan

Ke Huy Quan stole hearts in ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ (1984) and ‘The Goonies’ (1985), but roles dried up as he aged, leading to a 20-year acting hiatus. Hollywood’s lack of opportunities for Asian actors pushed him behind the camera.

Quan’s stunning comeback in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022) won him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Now in Los Angeles, he’s thriving in projects like ‘Love Hurts’ (2025), embodying a triumphant return.

Which of these comebacks inspires you most, or is there another child actor’s revival you admire? Share your thoughts in the comments!