The Most Hated Child Stars-Turned-Adults

The transition from child stardom to adult life is often played out in the public eye, sometimes with disastrous results for an actor’s reputation. While many young performers successfully navigate the pressures of fame, others find themselves embroiled in legal battles, public feuds, or personal controversies that alienate their audience. These individuals often face intense scrutiny as their personal struggles or professional choices conflict with their early wholesome images. The following list examines former child stars whose adult lives have sparked significant public backlash and negative reputations.

Jake Lloyd

Jake Lloyd gained international fame as the young Anakin Skywalker in ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’. Following the film’s release, the actor faced intense bullying and public ridicule from fans disappointed with the prequel. In 2015, he was arrested after a high-speed car chase and later diagnosed with schizophrenia. Lloyd’s experience has often been cited as a cautionary tale regarding the psychological toll of intense childhood stardom and fan backlash.

Taran Noah Smith

Taran Noah Smith is best known for playing the youngest son, Mark Taylor, on the long-running sitcom ‘Home Improvement’. As he reached adulthood, he became a figure of controversy when he sued his parents for control over his 1.5-million-dollar trust fund. He also faced legal issues related to a drug possession arrest and a driving under the influence charge in 2012. Smith eventually left the acting world entirely to focus on vegan food business ventures and installation art.

Lark Voorhies

Lark Voorhies rose to prominence playing Lisa Turtle on the popular teen series ‘Saved by the Bell’. In her adult years, her public appearances and erratic social media posts sparked concern and criticism from fans. Her family eventually went public with her struggles with bipolar disorder, though Voorhies initially denied these claims. Frequent tabloid coverage of her personal life and several unconventional interviews have made her a frequent subject of public scrutiny.

Jaimee Foxworth

Jaimee Foxworth is remembered for her role as Judy Winslow on the family sitcom ‘Family Matters’. After her character was written off the show without explanation, Foxworth struggled to find mainstream acting work. She eventually entered the adult film industry under a pseudonym, a move that shocked fans of the wholesome series. Her subsequent appearances on reality programs like ‘Celebrity Rehab’ documented her battles with substance abuse and the difficulties of life after child fame.

Adam Rich

Adam Rich became “America’s little brother” playing Nicholas Bradford on the series ‘Eight Is Enough’. His adult life was marked by several high-profile arrests, including a 1991 incident where he allegedly broke into a pharmacy. Rich faced repeated struggles with drug addiction and spent time in various rehabilitation facilities. Despite several attempts to return to the spotlight, his legal history overshadowed his earlier accomplishments as a child star.

Brian Bonsall

Brian Bonsall played the adorable Andy Keaton on the hit television show ‘Family Ties’ during its final seasons. After leaving acting in the mid-1990s, he became better known for his repeated run-ins with the law. He faced multiple charges for second-degree assault and substance-related offenses in Colorado. Bonsall eventually pivoted to a career in music, but his reputation remains tied to his legal struggles during his early twenties.

Mackenzie Phillips

Mackenzie Phillips became a star at a young age in the film ‘American Graffiti’ and the sitcom ‘One Day at a Time’. Her professional life was derailed by severe drug addiction, leading to her being fired from her television series twice. In her adult memoir, she made shocking allegations regarding a long-term incestuous relationship with her father, John Phillips. These revelations divided public opinion and sparked intense debate across the entertainment industry.

Danny Bonaduce

Danny Bonaduce found fame as Danny Partridge on the 1970s musical sitcom ‘The Partridge Family’. His adult life became a spectacle of reality television, where he often displayed aggressive behavior and struggled with addiction openly. Shows like ‘Breaking Bonaduce’ showcased his volatile personal life and marital issues to a national audience. While he found success as a radio host, his reputation for being a loose cannon has persisted for decades.

Todd Bridges

Todd Bridges became a household name playing Willis Jackson on the sitcom ‘Diff’rent Strokes’. During the 1980s and 1990s, he was frequently in the news for drug-related arrests and a high-profile trial for attempted murder, of which he was later acquitted. He has spoken candidly about how the pressures of the industry and childhood abuse led to his downward spiral. Though he eventually achieved sobriety and returned to acting, his name was long synonymous with the “child star curse.”

Gary Coleman

Gary Coleman was the breakout star of ‘Diff’rent Strokes’, famous for his catchphrase and diminutive stature. His adult years were marred by financial ruin and a high-profile lawsuit against his parents for misappropriating his earnings. He also faced several arrests for disorderly conduct and assault following altercations with members of the public. Coleman’s life ended tragically in 2010, following years of legal turmoil and health complications.

Dana Plato

Dana Plato played Kimberly Drummond on ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ and was one of the first major child stars to face a public fall from grace. After being written out of the show, she struggled to find work and was arrested for armed robbery of a video store in 1991. She later faced charges for forging prescriptions for Valium, further tarnishing her public image. Her tragic death in 1999 came just one day after an interview with Howard Stern where she defended her life choices.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus transitioned from the wholesome ‘Hannah Montana’ brand to a highly controversial adult persona during her ‘Bangerz’ album era. Her provocative 2013 VMA performance and use of drug imagery sparked national outrage and criticism from parents. While she has since evolved her image, many fans from her Disney days remained alienated by her drastic shift in behavior. She remains a polarizing figure whose every move is scrutinized for its potential to shock.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber became a global pop sensation as a young teenager, but his transition into adulthood was marked by numerous legal issues. He faced backlash for an array of incidents, including egging a neighbor’s house, a DUI arrest, and alleged physical altercations with paparazzi. Public perception of the singer turned sour as he developed a reputation for being arrogant and unprofessional during his world tours. Bieber has spent much of his later career attempting to rehabilitate his image through public apologies and more mature music.

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton achieved massive fame as Marissa Cooper on the teen drama ‘The O.C.’ after years of working as a child actress. Her departure from the show was followed by a DUI arrest and a psychiatric hold, which were heavily covered by tabloids. Reports of difficult behavior on sets and lack of professionalism further damaged her standing in Hollywood. Barton has often spoken about the pressures of the industry, but her reputation as a “difficult” actress has persisted.

Taylor Momsen

Taylor Momsen began her career as Cindy Lou Who in ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ and later starred in ‘Gossip Girl’. She faced significant public backlash when she began dressing in a provocative Gothic style and making disparaging comments about acting. Reports from the set of ‘Gossip Girl’ indicated that her behavior was “erratic” and “unprofessional,” leading to her eventual departure from the series. She eventually left acting entirely to front the rock band ‘The Pretty Reckless’, remaining a polarizing figure to television fans.

Edward Furlong

Edward Furlong became a star overnight for his role as John Connor in ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’. His adult years have been defined by a series of domestic violence arrests and public struggles with heroin and methamphetamine addiction. These personal issues led to him being replaced in the ‘Terminator’ franchise and losing several high-profile roles. Furlong’s career has largely shifted to low-budget films as his reputation remains clouded by his legal history.

Corey Feldman

Corey Feldman was a staple of 1980s cinema with roles in ‘The Goonies’ and ‘The Lost Boys’. As an adult, he has become a frequent subject of public ridicule for his eccentric musical performances and bizarre public appearances. His claims regarding a pedophile ring in Hollywood have also sparked significant debate and skepticism from some members of the media. Feldman continues to be a fixture in reality television, though often as a figure of controversy rather than acclaim.

LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes was a country music prodigy who released her first hit at age thirteen. Her reputation took a major hit in 2009 when it was revealed she was having an affair with actor Eddie Cibrian while both were married to other people. The ensuing tabloid drama and public feuds with Cibrian’s ex-wife, Brandi Glanville, made Rimes a “villain” in the eyes of many fans. Despite her vocal talent, her personal life has frequently overshadowed her musical career in the public eye.

Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes was a comedic prodigy on ‘The Amanda Show’ and found success in films like ‘Hairspray’. Her public image began to unravel in 2012 following a series of driving-related arrests and erratic social media behavior. She was eventually placed under a conservatorship after several incidents involving public outbursts and mental health struggles. While many fans have expressed sympathy, the nature of her public downfall made her a frequent target of tabloid mockery.

Stacey Dash

Stacey Dash first gained attention in ‘Clueless’ and other early roles as a teenager and young adult. In recent years, she has faced significant backlash for her transition into political commentary on networks like Fox News. Her controversial statements regarding the abolition of Black History Month and the BET Awards alienated many of her former fans. Dash’s shift from a beloved film actress to a polarizing political figure has made her a highly divisive personality.

Aaron Carter

Aaron Carter became a teen pop idol in the late 1990s with hits like “I Want Candy.” His adult life was characterized by very public feuds with his brother, Nick Carter, and other family members. He frequently appeared in erratic social media live streams and was open about his struggles with substance abuse and mental health. His tragic death in 2022 followed years of legal issues and public concern regarding his well-being.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne rose to fame on the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’. As an adult, she sparked controversy by joining the platform OnlyFans and allegedly causing a change in the site’s payout rules that negatively affected other creators. She has also been criticized for her marketing tactics and a highly publicized “fake” wedding. Thorne’s deliberate move away from her Disney image into a more provocative persona has been met with both support and significant online vitriol.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan was once one of the most promising young actresses in Hollywood after starring in ‘The Parent Trap’ and ‘Mean Girls’. Her career was derailed by a decade of legal troubles, including multiple DUIs, jail time, and stints in rehabilitation. Reports of her being late to sets and unprofessional behavior led to her being uninsurable for many major productions. Lohan eventually moved abroad to escape the paparazzi, but her name remains a primary example of a child star’s public decline.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf became a star on the Disney Channel’s ‘Even Stevens’ before moving into major blockbusters like ‘Transformers’. His reputation began to suffer following several arrests for disorderly conduct and public intoxication. He also faced intense criticism for a plagiarism scandal and was later sued by former partner FKA Twigs for alleged sexual battery and assault. LaBeouf’s performance art stunts and erratic behavior have made him one of the most polarizing figures in modern cinema.

Chris Brown

Chris Brown rose to fame as a teenage R&B sensation and actor with roles in films like ‘Stomp the Yard’. His public reputation was irrevocably changed in 2009 after he pleaded guilty to the felony assault of his then-girlfriend Rihanna. Since that incident, he has been involved in several other legal altercations, including battery and hit-and-run allegations. Despite his continued commercial success, he remains one of the most widely criticized figures in the entertainment industry.

JoJo Siwa

Jojo Siwa first gained attention as a child dancer on the reality series ‘Dance Moms’ before becoming a massive brand for young children. As an adult, she attempted a radical “bad girl” rebrand that included provocative music videos and a departure from her colorful image. This transition was met with significant online mockery and criticism regarding the authenticity of her new persona. Additionally, allegations surfaced concerning the treatment of performers in her girl group, further impacting her public standing.

Kirk Cameron

Kirk Cameron was a massive teen heartthrob during his years on the sitcom ‘Growing Pains’. During the show’s run, he underwent a radical religious conversion that led to tension with cast members over “immoral” storylines. In adulthood, he has become a controversial figure for his outspoken views on religious and political issues, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights. His public statements have often led to boycotts and criticism from former co-stars and the general public.

Orlando Brown

Orlando Brown is best known for his role as Eddie Thomas on the Disney Channel series ‘That’s So Raven’. His adult life has been marred by a series of arrests for domestic battery, drug possession, and resisting arrest. He frequently made headlines for bizarre interviews in which he made unsubstantiated claims about his former co-stars and Disney executives. His erratic public behavior has led to widespread concern and a significant loss of professional opportunities.

Dustin Diamond

Dustin Diamond became famous for playing the lovable geek Screech on ‘Saved by the Bell’. He alienated his former cast members and fans when he released a scandalous, largely fabricated tell-all book about the show’s behind-the-scenes life. He also faced legal trouble, including a 2014 arrest for a stabbing in a bar, for which he served four months in prison. Diamond’s career was largely defined by these controversies until his death from cancer in 2021.

Jamie Lynn Spears

Jamie Lynn Spears starred in the hit series ‘Zoey 101′ before her career was interrupted by a highly publicized teen pregnancy. In recent years, she faced intense backlash during her sister Britney Spears’ legal battle to end her conservatorship. Fans of Britney accused Jamie Lynn of being complicit in her sister’s situation and profiting from the family’s drama. The release of her memoir, which Britney publicly criticized, further cemented her negative reputation among a large segment of the public.

Ezra Miller

Ezra Miller began their career in acclaimed films like ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ before joining the ‘Justice League’ franchise as ‘The Flash’. Their reputation was severely damaged following a string of arrests in Hawaii for disorderly conduct and harassment. Miller also faced allegations of grooming, burglary, and housing a mother and children in unsafe conditions on a farm in Vermont. Despite these legal issues, the release of their major superhero film proceeded, sparking significant public outcry.

Drake Bell

Drake Bell was a beloved figure for his role in the Nickelodeon series ‘Drake & Josh’. His reputation was permanently damaged in 2021 when he pleaded guilty to felony charges of attempting to endanger a child and a misdemeanor charge of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles. The case involved inappropriate social media communication with a minor that led to a victim impact statement in court. Following the conviction, many fans and former colleagues distanced themselves from the actor.

Allison Mack

Allison Mack rose to fame playing Chloe Sullivan on the hit television series ‘Smallville’. Her reputation was permanently destroyed when she was identified as a high-ranking member of the NXIVM cult. Mack was involved in the recruitment of women into a secret society where members were subjected to psychological manipulation and physical branding. She ultimately pleaded guilty to racketeering and conspiracy charges related to her activities within the organization and served a prison sentence.

Please share your thoughts on these controversial transitions in the comments.