15 Celebrities You Forgot Were Child Stars

Some of Hollywood’s brightest stars first stepped into the spotlight as children — and their journeys to superstardom are as inspiring as they are varied. From early TV roles to big-screen blockbusters, these actors and actresses grew up in front of the camera, carving out their places in the industry as adults. Join us as we look back at 15 celebrities who started young and have become icons in film and television.

Timothée Chalamet

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Timothée Chalamet began acting on television before enchanting audiences in celebrated indie films and blockbusters. He got his start with early TV roles including Law & Order in 2009, as reported by Deadline. His career has taken him from small roles to starring in major releases and even earning top industry honors.

Kieran Culkin

CraSH/imageSPACE / MEGA

Kieran Culkin charmed audiences in family comedies before delving into complex, acclaimed roles. He stood out from his famous siblings with his unique blend of wit and depth on screen. Over the years, he became known for his portrayal of Roman Roy on HBO’s Succession, winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for the role, per Variety.

Jake Gyllenhaal

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Jake Gyllenhaal‘s early exposure to acting came through his filmmaker parents, leading to a debut as a young actor. He made his feature film debut at age 11 in the 1991 comedy City Slickers, playing Billy Crystal‘s son, according to Britannica. His evolution from child performer to critically lauded star marks him as one of Hollywood’s most versatile leading men. Gyllenhaal balances independent films and box-office hits with ease, always bringing a distinctive intensity to his characters.

Michael B. Jordan

LISA OConnor/AFF-USA.com / MEGA

Michael B. Jordan showed his dramatic chops in early television roles, catching the industry’s eye while still a teen. He initially gained recognition playing Wallace in the first season of HBO’s crime drama The Wire in 2002, as reported by Biography. As he matured, his work in films and series brought depth and authenticity to a wide range of characters. Today, he’s a box-office powerhouse and an influential figure both on screen and behind the scenes.

Daniel Day-Lewis

KCS Presse / MEGA

Daniel Day-Lewis emerged from a family of artists, first performing on stage and in small roles as a young actor. He developed a reputation over the decades as a transformative performer, renowned for his total immersion into each role. Day-Lewis is the only person to win three Academy Awards for Best Actor — for My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007), and Lincoln (2012) — according to Britannica.

Ryan Reynolds

Lisa OConnor / AFF-USA.com / MEGA

Ryan Reynolds began working in television as a teenager, quickly making a name for himself with comedic timing and charm. He began acting at age 13, landing a lead role in the Canadian teen soap opera Hillside — distributed in the United States as Fifteen — in 1991, per Britannica. From sitcoms to blockbuster roles, Reynolds found lasting success in Hollywood, especially with his iconic superhero portrayals. His journey from small screen star to global sensation is a testament to his adaptability and wit.

Blake Lively

RCF / MEGA

Blake Lively was introduced to acting at an early age, starring in family projects before breaking out on teen drama series. She made her professional debut in her father’s directorial project Sandman in 1998 before achieving stardom with her portrayal of Serena van der Woodsen in the CW’s Gossip Girl (2007–2012), according to Britannica. Lively’s path from child actor to successful leading lady and producer has inspired a new generation.

Regina King

Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

Regina King captured hearts with one of her first TV roles and built her career with versatility and dedication. She began her acting career in 1985 as Brenda Jenkins on the NBC sitcom 227, a role she played for the show’s entire five-season run, as reported by NPR. King’s enduring presence and directorial accomplishments have solidified her status as a multi-talented Hollywood force.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Eric Kowalsky / MEGA

Sarah Jessica Parker‘s journey began on the Broadway stage as a child, leading to a long career filled with iconic TV and film roles. She made her Broadway debut at age 11 and went on to star in the title role of the Broadway musical Annie in 1979, per CBS News. Parker’s ability to reinvent herself keeps her at the forefront of popular culture year after year.

Scarlett Johansson

MEGA

Scarlett Johansson got her start with New York theater before shining in film as a teenager. She made her professional acting debut at age eight in an off-Broadway production before making her film debut at age nine in North (1994), according to Britannica. Her legacy as both a child actor and global superstar continues to shape blockbuster moviemaking.

Austin Butler

MEGA

Austin Butler appeared on youth-focused television series and steadily moved up the Hollywood ranks. He began his career on Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, most notably on Zoey 101 (2007–2008), before his breakthrough portrayal of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann‘s Elvis (2022) earned him a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award, as reported by Variety. His transition from teen TV to dramatic film roles highlights his resilience and ambition.

Robert Downey Jr.

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Robert Downey Jr. was cast in films as a youngster, learning the craft alongside family. He made his acting debut at the age of five in his father Robert Downey Sr.‘s film Pound (1970), per Biography. Despite a turbulent personal life, he experienced one of Hollywood’s most impressive comebacks, reinventing himself as a blockbuster lead. Downey’s story underscores the enduring potential of early talent when matched with perseverance.

Laurence Fishburne

KH1 / http: / www.wenn.com / MEGA

Laurence Fishburne landed his first acting gigs at a young age, eventually taking on powerful, commanding parts. He famously landed his role in Francis Ford Coppola‘s Apocalypse Now at just 14 years old, having lied about his age to secure the part, according to JoBlo. Fishburne’s depth and gravitas can be traced back to these early days on screen.

Christopher Walken

HBE / HSS / http: / www.wenn.com / MEGA

Christopher Walken broke into the entertainment world as a child performer, first on stage and later in film. He and his brothers were child actors on television in the 1950s, and he started his career with regular appearances on NBC’s The Colgate Comedy Hour, per InsideHook. His versatility and willingness to evolve established him as a true Hollywood original.

This story 15 Celebrities You Forgot Were Child Stars first appeared on InTouch Weekly. Follow InTouch Weekly on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.