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THEN AND NOW: 25 child actors all grown up

Talia Lakritz   

THEN AND NOW: 25 child actors all grown up
Abigail Breslin then and now.Mark Mainz/Getty Images, Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images

When young actors become famous early on in life, some decide to stick with show business and go on to even bigger success. Others quit Hollywood for good.

Here's what 25 child actors are up to now.

Read the original article on Insider

Dylan and Cole Sprouse played Zack and Cody Martin on Disney Channel's "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody."

Dylan and Cole Sprouse played Zack and Cody Martin on Disney Channel
Dylan and Cole Sprouse in "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody."      Disney Channel

Their acting careers started out even earlier, playing Ross' son Ben on "Friends."

After a brief break from acting to attend New York University, the Sprouse twins are back to acting in TV shows and films.

After a brief break from acting to attend New York University, the Sprouse twins are back to acting in TV shows and films.
The Sprouse twins today.      Kevin Winter/Getty

Cole currently plays Jughead Jones on The CW's hit drama "Riverdale."

Dylan returned to acting with 2017's indie "Carte Blanche" and has appeared in two music videos: Camila Cabello's "Consequences" and Ygo's "Think About You." He also opened the brewery All-Wise Meadery with two business partners in 2018.

Raven Symone played Olivia Kendall on "The Cosby Show" from 1989 to 1992.

Raven Symone played Olivia Kendall on "The Cosby Show" from 1989 to 1992.
Raven Symone in 1990.      The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

After rising to fame in "That's So Raven" on Disney Channel, Symone returned to the network in a spinoff called "Raven's Home."

After rising to fame in "That
Raven Symone at Disney Channel Fan Fest.      Image Group LA via Getty Images

Symone left her gig as a cohost on "The View" to star in and executive produce "Raven's Home," which premiered in 2017.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson played the beloved trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the "Harry Potter" movies.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson played the beloved trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the "Harry Potter" movies.
Daniel Radcliffe (center), Rupert Grint (left) and Emma Watson when they were cast as Harry, Ron, and Hermione.      Stefan Rousseau - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images

Radcliffe was 11 years old when he filmed "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" — the same age as the titular character in the book. The first film was released in 2001.

They grew up onscreen throughout filming eight "Harry Potter" movies.

They grew up onscreen throughout filming eight "Harry Potter" movies.
Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson attend the premiere of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2" in 2011.      Jim Spellman/WireImage/Getty Images

Daniel Radcliffe has experimented with different movie genres and appeared on Broadway in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," "The Cripple of Inishmaan," and "The Lifespan of a Fact."

Rupert Grint has worked on indie films and appeared in the West End's production of "Mojo" and "It's Only A Play" on Broadway. He recently welcomed his first child.

Emma Watson has become a real-life Hermione with her feminist book club and advocacy for gender equality. Among other acting roles, she played Belle in Disney's live-action "Beauty and the Beast."

Mayim Bialik became famous playing Blossom Russo in the '90s TV show "Blossom."

Mayim Bialik became famous playing Blossom Russo in the
Mayim Bialik as Blossom.      Harry Langdon/Hulton Archive via Getty Images

Bialik landed the role when she was 12 years old and played Blossom for six seasons.

Bialik earned a doctorate in neuroscience and returned to Hollywood playing Amy Farrah Fowler on "The Big Bang Theory."

Bialik earned a doctorate in neuroscience and returned to Hollywood playing Amy Farrah Fowler on "The Big Bang Theory."
Mayim Bialik attends the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2017.      Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

"The Big Bang Theory" aired its series finale on May 16, 2019. Bialik uses her platform to speak out about parenting and the pressure new mothers often face.

Abigail Breslin earned an Oscar nomination for her role in "Little Miss Sunshine" in 2006.

Abigail Breslin earned an Oscar nomination for her role in "Little Miss Sunshine" in 2006.
Abigail Breslin brings a stuffed animal to the red carpet in 2002.      Mark Mainz/Getty Images

Breslin played "Baby" in a 2017 remake of "Dirty Dancing."

Breslin played "Baby" in a 2017 remake of "Dirty Dancing."
Abigail Breslin attends the "Dirty Dancing: The New ABC Musical Event" premiere in 2017.      Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images

The original "Dirty Dancing" is a beloved, classic dance movie that's hard to top, and the remake was widely panned as "unnecessary." Breslin also appeared on "Scream Queens," a Ryan Murphy television show that lasted two seasons.

Frankie Muniz is best known as Malcom from "Malcom in the Middle" in the early 2000s.

Frankie Muniz is best known as Malcom from "Malcom in the Middle" in the early 2000s.
Frankie Muniz poses for a studio portrait circa 1998 in Los Angeles, California.      Ron Davis/Getty Images

The role earned him both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

Muniz competed on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2017 and hosts "Dancing with the Stars: Juniors."

Muniz competed on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2017 and hosts "Dancing with the Stars: Juniors."
Frankie Muniz on the red carpet in 2018.      David Livingston/Getty Images

Muniz won third place on season 25 of "Dancing with the Stars." He got engaged to longtime girlfriend Paige Price in 2018.

Shannen Doherty played Jenny Wilder in "Little House on the Prairie" at age 11.

Shannen Doherty played Jenny Wilder in "Little House on the Prairie" at age 11.
Shannen Doherty as Jenny Wilder from "Little House on the Prairie."      Frank Carroll/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

The television series was based on the "Little House on the Prairie" books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It aired from 1974 to 1983.

She later became known for her roles on "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Charmed."

She later became known for her roles on "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Charmed."
Shannen Doherty attends Paramount Network Launch Party in 2018 in Los Angeles.      Earl Gibson III/Getty Images

Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and is now in remission.

Tia and Tamera Mowry played long-lost twins on the sitcom "Sister Sister."

Tia and Tamera Mowry played long-lost twins on the sitcom "Sister Sister."
Tia and Tamera Mowry in 1990.      The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

They also played long-lost twins in the Disney Channel original movies "Twitches" and "Twitches Too" about twin witches.

They continue to work together on a "Twintuition" book series.

They continue to work together on a "Twintuition" book series.
Tamera (left) and Tia Mowry sign their book "Twintuition" at Barnes & Noble in Los Angeles.      Araya Diaz/WireImage/Getty Images

They took a break from acting to attend Pepperdine University and both majored in psychology.

Today, Tamera is one of the hosts of the daytime talk show, "The Real," while Tia has continued acting. Recent movie credits include roles in "Baggage Claim" and "Indivisible."

Another famous set of twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, got their start on "Full House."

Another famous set of twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, got their start on "Full House."
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen alternated playing Michelle Tanner on "Full House."      ABC

The Olsen twins were babies when they began starring on "Full House" in 1987, and were 9 years old when it ended.

The twins retired from acting to focus on their fashion line, Elizabeth and James, which they launched in 2007.

The twins retired from acting to focus on their fashion line, Elizabeth and James, which they launched in 2007.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen attend the Met Gala.      Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Their style has evolved over the years, inspiring trends including choker necklaces, big sunglasses, and oversized layers.

Hilary Duff landed small parts in TV shows and made-for-TV movies before becoming known as Lizzie McGuire on the Disney Channel series of the same name.

Hilary Duff landed small parts in TV shows and made-for-TV movies before becoming known as Lizzie McGuire on the Disney Channel series of the same name.
Hilary Duff during her "Lizzie McGuire" days.      Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images

After 65 episodes of "Lizzie McGuire" aired on Disney Channel, the 2003 "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" served as the series finale. The show made Duff a teen idol.

Duff has continued acting and is also working as a designer.

Duff has continued acting and is also working as a designer.
Hilary Duff poses for photographers.      Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

She designed a line of glasses for Glasses USA. She also appeared in an independent movie in 2019 called "The Haunting of Sharon Tate," as well as the TV show "Younger."

A "Lizzie McGuire" reboot was recently announced. In the show, Duff will be 30 and living in New York City.

Dakota Fanning's performance in the 2001 movie "I Am Sam" put her on the map.

Dakota Fanning
Dakota Fanning in 2002.      Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images

Fanning hasn't slowed down, appearing in the "Twilight" saga movies and "Ocean's Eight."

Fanning hasn
Dakota Fanning attends the screening of "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood" at the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival in 2019.      Oleg Nikishin\TASS via Getty Images

She most recently appeared in the 2019 Quentin Tarantino movie "Once Upon A Time ... In Hollywood."

Jodie Foster got her start on TV shows such as "The Courtship of Eddie's Father" and "The Doris Day Show."

Jodie Foster got her start on TV shows such as "The Courtship of Eddie
Jodi Foster on an episode of "The Courtship of Eddie's Father" in 1969.      ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images

Her real name is Alicia Christian Foster.

She has been nominated for four Oscars, and has won two — both for best actress.

She has been nominated for four Oscars, and has won two — both for best actress.
Jodi Foster today.      Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Foster won best actress for "The Accused" and "Silence of the Lambs," and continues to act.

Macaulay Culkin is best known as the mischief-making protagonist in the "Home Alone" movies.

Macaulay Culkin is best known as the mischief-making protagonist in the "Home Alone" movies.
Macaulay Culkin in "Home Alone."      Fox

The "Home Alone" movies, which came out in the 1990s, are holiday classics.

He took a break from acting in 1994, but returned with a few small roles in 2003.

He took a break from acting in 1994, but returned with a few small roles in 2003.
Macaulay Culkin grown up.      Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Culkin also wrote an autobiography, co-founded a pizza-themed Velvet Underground tribute band called The Pizza Underground with which he toured before they split up in 2018, and hosted a podcast called Bunny Ears.

Ross Bagley worked with Will Smith on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" in the '90s.

Ross Bagley worked with Will Smith on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" in the
Ross Bagley attends the opening party for "Circus Vargus" in 1994.      Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Bagley has since appeared in several horror movies.

Bagley has since appeared in several horror movies.
Ross Bagley arrives for the NOH8 Campaign 5th Anniversary Celebration in 2013.      Gabriel Olsen/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Alisan Porter rose to fame as Curly Sue in the 1991 movie of the same name.

Alisan Porter rose to fame as Curly Sue in the 1991 movie of the same name.
Alisan Porter as Curly Sue.      Warner Bros. Pictures

Porter won "Star Search" when she was 5 years old. In addition to "Curly Sue," she appeared on "The Golden Girls" and in a TV movie called "When You Remember Me."

Porter won season 10 of "The Voice" after years away from the spotlight.

Porter won season 10 of "The Voice" after years away from the spotlight.
Alisan Porter on "The Voice."      NBC

Porter headlined a show in Las Vegas called "The Voice: Neon Dreams" after her victory on Christina Aguilera's team.

She also runs a blog with her partner Celia Behar called Lil' Mamas.

Amanda Bynes' comedy skills helped her land her own show when she was 13 years old.

Amanda Bynes
Amanda Bynes at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.      Steve Granitz Archive/WireImage/Getty Images

Bynes has been on a hiatus from acting since 2010.

Bynes has been on a hiatus from acting since 2010.
Amanda Bynes at the MTV Movie Awards.      Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images

After a slew of successful movies including "What A Girl Wants," "Hairspray," "She's the Man," and "Easy A," Bynes took a break from acting due to struggles with substance abuse.

She earned an Associate degree in Merchandise Product Development from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in 2018 and told Paper magazine that she wants to return to acting.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt got his start on shows such as "Family Ties" and "Quantum Leap" before his breakout role in "10 Things I Hate About You."

Joseph Gordon-Levitt got his start on shows such as "Family Ties" and "Quantum Leap" before his breakout role in "10 Things I Hate About You."
Joseph Gordon-Levitt in 1994.      Jean Krettler/ABC via Getty Images

He took a brief break from acting to attend Columbia University, but later dropped out to return to show business.

He continues to act and runs hitRECord, an online production company.

He continues to act and runs hitRECord, an online production company.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt at Comedy Central Roast Of Bruce Willis in 2018.      Faye Sadou/MediaPunch /IPX/AP

In recent years, Gordon-Levitt appeared in "Snowden," playing the titular role of Edward Snowden, and the comedy "The Night Before."

Carrie Henn played Newt in the 1986 movie "Aliens."

Carrie Henn played Newt in the 1986 movie "Aliens."
Carrie Henn in "Aliens."      20th Century Fox

Henn was 9 years old when she was cast as space orphan Newt in "Aliens," and had no prior acting experience. She won a Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor.

Henn left acting and became a teacher.

Henn left acting and became a teacher.
Carrie Henn at Comic-Con International 2016.      John Sciulli/Getty Images for WIRED

She made an appearance at the Comic Con 30th Anniversary panel for "Aliens" in 2016, with fellow cast members Sigourney Weaver and Bill Paxton, but has otherwise stayed out of the limelight.

Shia LaBeouf won a Daytime Emmy for playing Louis on "Even Stevens."

Shia LaBeouf won a Daytime Emmy for playing Louis on "Even Stevens."
Shia LaBeouf poses with Christy Carlson Romano from "Even Stevens."      George Lange/Disney Channel via Getty Images

He continued on the Disney track with the movie "Holes" in 2003.

LaBeouf has since appeared in blockbusters like the "Transformers" series and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."

LaBeouf has since appeared in blockbusters like the "Transformers" series and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."
Shia LaBeouf at the the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival.      Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

He also appeared in Sia's music video for "Elastic Heart."

Most recently, he's written an autobiographical movie, "Honey Boy," about a child actor and his father, whom LaBeouf also plays.

Mara Wilson played the titular character in "Matilda" in 1996.

Mara Wilson played the titular character in "Matilda" in 1996.
Mara Wilson in "Matilda."      TriStar Pictures

Wilson was just 6 years old when she made her on-screen debut in "Mrs. Doubtfire" in 1993.

Wilson retired from acting at age 13, opting instead for a career as an author and journalist.

Wilson retired from acting at age 13, opting instead for a career as an author and journalist.
Mara Wilson attends the 9th Annual Shorty Awards in 2017.      Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Shorty Awards

Wilson published a memoir called "Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame," wrote a play called "Sheeple," and has bylines in Elle.com, McSweeney's, The New York Times, Reductress, Vanity Fair.com, The Daily Beast, Jezebel, Cracked, Talkhouse Film, and The Toast.

Cali and Noelle Sheldon took turns playing Ross and Rachel's baby, Emma, on "Friends."

Cali and Noelle Sheldon took turns playing Ross and Rachel
On set with Jennifer Aniston and guest star Christina Applegate.      NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

One twin would appear on camera while the other napped.

"All of the cast were super nice to us, they treated us all like little princesses and when we had holidays and stuff, they'd give us little Christmas gifts," Cali previously told Insider.

They most recently played twins named Becca and Lindsey in Jordan Peele's movie "Us."

They most recently played twins named Becca and Lindsey in Jordan Peele
Cali and Noelle Sheldon at the premiere of horror film, "Us."      Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage

"'Us' was an awesome experience for us because we go to meet all really influential people and obviously you can actually really remember that, so it was cool to be on the set of a real movie," Cali previously told Insider.

Lindsay Lohan's performance in "The Parent Trap" cemented her as a Hollywood mainstay.

Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan attends the premiere of "The Parent Trap" on July 21, 1998.      Rose Prouser/Reuters

She went on to star in favorites such as "Life Size," "Freaky Friday," and "Mean Girls."

Lohan opened two nightclubs in Greece and starred on the British show "Sick Note."

Lohan opened two nightclubs in Greece and starred on the British show "Sick Note."
Lindsay Lohan.      KGC-03/STAR MAX/IPx

Lohan famously had a series of run-ins with the law, but has been returning to the spotlight with movies such as "Among the Shadows."

Scarlett Johansson booked her first acting job at 9 years old.

Scarlett Johansson booked her first acting job at 9 years old.
Scarlett Johansson at the 12th Annual IFP/West Independent Spirit Awards.      Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

In 1994, she played Laura Nelson in "North" alongside Elijah Wood.

Johansson is about to star in her own Avengers spin-off, "Black Widow."

Johansson is about to star in her own Avengers spin-off, "Black Widow."
Scarlett Johansson arrives at the Oscars.      Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

At the 2020 Oscars, she was nominated for best actress in "Marriage Story" and best supporting actress in "JoJo Rabbit."

After a few small television parts, Kirsten Dunst landed roles alongside some of Hollywood's biggest names.

After a few small television parts, Kirsten Dunst landed roles alongside some of Hollywood
Kirsten Dunst in 1995.      Globe Photos/MediaPunch/IPX/AP

She played Claudia in "Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles" in 1994 with Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise when she was 11 years old. A year later, she played Judy Shepherd in "Jumanji" with Robin Williams.

She's since appeared in iconic movies such as "Spider-Man," "Bring It On," and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."

She
Kirsten Dunst in 2017.      David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images

She's currently filming "The Power of the Dog," a thriller based on a book by Thomas Savage.

Elijah Wood starred in "North" in 1994.

Elijah Wood starred in "North" in 1994.
Director Rob Reiner with Elijah Wood.      AP

His first movie role was "Video Game Boy" in "Back to the Future II."

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