Buzz
Many young people aspire to become renowned singers, actors, or TV stars. Yet, the harsh truth of having your name in the spotlight so early is far from the fantasy they envision.
For some children, fame proves too much to handle. As seen in these 10 famous child star tales, wealth and celebrity can lead to dangerous paths, including substance abuse and other unlawful actions. They might lose it all and derail their young lives. It's enough to make one rethink if fame and fortune are truly worth the cost.
10. Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan, born in 1986 in New York City, first gained widespread attention for her role as the twin sisters in Disney's remake of 'The Parent Trap'. Her fame soared even higher with her performances in 2003's 'Freaky Friday' and the 2004 hit 'Mean Girls'.
But fame had a dark side for Lohan. As her popularity surged, she was often seen partying in New York's nightclubs, and her personal life quickly became a magnet for scandalous tabloid stories.
In 2007, Lohan was arrested after crashing her Mercedes-Benz into a tree. Two months later, she found herself in trouble again after a car chase that also revealed she had cocaine in her possession. She faced two DUI charges and one for reckless driving, ultimately serving just one day of a four-day jail sentence.
Later that same year, Lohan entered rehab as part of her legal obligations. Upon her release, she expressed a desire to stay sober and avoid Los Angeles. After a quiet period, she reemerged in the media after being sentenced to 90 days in jail for skipping a DUI hearing. In 2011, she faced legal trouble once again when she was accused of stealing a necklace from a jewelry store.
Since her turbulent encounters with the law, Lohan has largely avoided tabloid attention, except for a notable incident in 2017 when she was bitten by a snake in Thailand. Currently, she is involved in running the Lohan Beach House club in Mykonos, Greece, with another club also operating in Rhodes.
Amanda Bynes
Amanda Bynes began her career at just seven years old with her first commercial. She soon transitioned to stage performances in productions like 'Annie', 'The Secret Garden', and 'The Sound of Music'. Her big break came when she landed a role in Nickelodeon’s 'All That', while also hosting her own show, 'The Amanda Show'.
Her career skyrocketed from there, as she took on various roles, including Holly in the WB sitcom 'What I Like About You'. However, her growing fame eventually led to her becoming a frequent subject of tabloid headlines, but for all the wrong reasons.
In 2012, after announcing her 'retirement', Bynes was involved in a car accident with a police vehicle. This led to her arrest and charges for driving under the influence. Her legal troubles continued with two more hit-and-run incidents, followed by a charge for driving with a suspended license after her car was impounded.
In 2013, Bynes was arrested for drug possession after she allegedly threw a bong out of her apartment window in New York City. She faced charges for reckless endangerment, drug possession, and tampering with evidence.
Later that same year, she was reported to have started a fire near a residential driveway in California, which led to her being placed on psychiatric hold. She eventually entered a rehabilitation facility. In 2014, Bynes seemed to be on the road to recovery. However, soon after regaining her driver's license, she was arrested for driving under the influence and placed on psychiatric hold once more.
Thankfully, Bynes has managed to regain control over her life and finances. Taking time away from the public eye, she focused on rebuilding relationships with her family and exploring other interests, particularly at a fashion design school. As of August 2018, 'People Magazine' confirmed that Bynes was in a 'happy and healthy place in her life'.
Britney Spears
Born in December 1981 in Mississippi, Britney Spears got her big break at age 11 when she starred in 'The All-New Mickey Mouse Club'. This success came after she was rejected during her first audition at just eight years old.
In 1995, Britney Spears shifted her focus to music and quickly signed with Jive Records, which produced her debut single, '...Baby One More Time.' By 1999, the single topped the charts, largely due to the buzz created by its controversial music video, where Spears wore a revealing outfit.
As the years passed, Spears began shedding her wholesome, girl-next-door image and embraced a more mature persona to help further her career. This shift culminated in a memorable performance of her hit 'I’m a Slave 4 U' at the MTV Video Music Awards, where she danced with a python while wearing a scanty costume, attracting even more attention.
In 2004, Spears married a childhood friend, only to annul the marriage just days later. A few months after, she wed her backup dancer Kevin Federline, who had left his pregnant girlfriend to be with her. In 2005, they announced they were expecting their first child in April, but from that point, Spears’s life took a downward turn.
In 2006, Spears made headlines when she was photographed driving with her infant son sitting on her lap, sparking nationwide criticism about her parenting skills. She was accused of setting a poor example for her fans, despite explaining that she was simply trying to evade the paparazzi.
After giving birth to their second son, Spears filed for divorce from Federline. She then became a regular at nightclubs and reportedly went in and out of rehab. In 2007, she made headlines once again by shaving her head before entering a treatment facility.
Shortly after releasing another single in an attempt to make a comeback, she found herself charged with a hit-and-run accident in a local parking lot. Following the incident, she underwent a psychiatric evaluation and spent some time in the hospital before triumphantly returning to the public eye.
In 2008, Spears released her next album, 'Circus', which soared to the top of the charts, marking the official start of her comeback. She also took on a role as a judge on the hit singing competition show, 'The X Factor', before returning to the music scene and collaborating with big names like Iggy Azalea. Appearing to be fully recovered, she went on her #PieceOfMe tour.
Brian Bonsall
Born in California in 1981, Brian Bonsall began his acting career at a very young age, making appearances in Hollywood from the age of 3 to 14. He played roles in several shows and films, including 'Family Ties', 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', and the Disney movie 'Blank Check'.
In 1995, Bonsall took a break from his acting career and moved to Colorado to attend high school. It was there that he developed a deep passion for punk music, eventually performing in punk bands like Late Bloomers and Thruster.
Unfortunately, his life took a dark turn when he was arrested for driving under the influence. In 2007, Bonsall faced further legal trouble after being arrested for assaulting his girlfriend. He pleaded guilty to third-degree assault, resulting in a two-year probation sentence.
This wasn’t the end of Bonsall’s troubles. Between 2007 and 2010, he faced a string of arrests related to drug possession and minor assault charges, which received widespread media attention due to his celebrity status. In 2009, he attacked a friend with a broken wooden stool while intoxicated, leading to another two years of probation after being charged with felony menacing and third-degree assault.
Now living in Boulder, Colorado, Bonsall is focused on his music career, playing rhythm guitar in the local punk rock band Lowjob. He is also a member of the acoustic duo Bootjack & Bonz.
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore, born in 1975, began her career at just six years old with a breakthrough role in Steven Spielberg’s classic film 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.' The 1990s saw her career soar as she appeared in films like 'Poison Ivy,' 'Guncrazy,' 'Bad Girls,' and 'Boys on the Side.'
Drew expanded her range by taking on diverse roles in films such as 'The Wedding Singer,' 'Ever After: A Cinderella Story,' 'Never Been Kissed,' and 'Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.' As one of the standout actresses of her generation, she earned widespread recognition. Despite her success, her personal life was marked by struggles.
At the age of nine, Drew’s mother started taking her to nightclubs while her alcoholic father was absent. These formative years introduced her to the destructive influence of drugs and alcohol. At just 13, Drew had a violent outburst, attacking her mother in an attempt to force her out of their home. This resulted in Drew being sent to rehab.
After a suicide attempt, Drew returned to rehab and came back to a sober life by 14. At 15, she successfully filed for emancipation, moving into her own apartment and taking a job at a local coffee shop to take control of her future.
At the age of 19, Drew made another misstep by posing nude for the notorious magazine 'Playboy.' After the issue was published, she received a quilt and a note from Steven Spielberg for her 20th birthday. The note advised her to cover up, and it included edited images from the magazine with clothes digitally added.
This moment marked the beginning of Drew's commitment to turning her life around. She now enjoys a successful career and maintains a healthy, balanced life. In her autobiography, 'Little Girl Lost,' Drew opens up about her difficult past.
5. Shia LaBeouf
Born in 1986 in California, Shia LaBeouf gained fame for his portrayal of Sam Witwicky in the 'Transformers' franchise. His career began with stand-up comedy in his hometown, where he was inspired by a friend working in the film industry. Shia quickly sought out an agent and began auditioning for roles.
Shia LaBeouf is not only recognized for his role in 'Transformers,' but also for his appearances in Disney Channel's 'Even Stevens' and the 2003 film 'Holes.' His work with Disney earned him a Daytime Emmy Award, propelling him into a successful career. Nevertheless, his childhood was far from easy.
Raised in a financially unstable home, LaBeouf endured mental and verbal abuse from his father, who struggled with addiction. This difficult upbringing is believed to have shaped LaBeouf’s determination to pursue a career in entertainment, though the emotional scars from such trauma likely left a lasting impact on him.
At 19, in 2005, LaBeouf found himself in legal trouble when he was arrested for assault after threatening a neighbor with a kitchen knife. The situation escalated further when LaBeouf rammed his car into the neighbor's vehicle, alleging that the neighbor was blocking his access to the garage.
In 2007, LaBeouf encountered more legal issues when he was asked by security to leave a Walgreens store and refused. His failure to appear in court later led to a $500 fine.
Soon after, LaBeouf was involved in a car accident, resulting in three surgeries to repair his hand. He faced charges for driving under the influence, and his license was suspended. His most recent media appearance was tied to allegations of plagiarism regarding three graphic novels he had authored.
4. Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato was born in 1992 in Albuquerque and began her acting career as a child star alongside Selena Gomez in 'Barney & Friends.' She later joined Disney Channel’s 'As the Bell Rings' before landing the lead role in the 'Camp Rock' films. It was during the making of 'Camp Rock' that she discovered her love for music, and from that moment, her music career skyrocketed.
After 'Camp Rock' wrapped up in 2008, Lovato began working on another Disney project, 'Princess Protection Program,' alongside her close friend Selena Gomez. She then went on to star in her own Disney Channel show, 'Sonny with a Chance,' which aired until 2011.
Alongside her rising career in television, Lovato's music career was taking off with albums like 'Don’t Forget' and 'Unbroken.' Her fame continued to grow from there. But what else might we have missed in her journey?
While touring with the Jonas Brothers in 2008, Lovato developed a cocaine addiction, admitting that she couldn’t go more than an hour without it. Her dependency led her to smuggle drugs onto planes, doing lines in her seat while other passengers slept or using drugs in the bathroom.
Even as her substance abuse issues grew, Lovato remained empathetic. In 2009, she joined Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, and the Jonas Brothers to record a single aimed at raising funds for charity.
In 2011, Lovato confronted her addiction and checked herself into rehab, where she was treated for bulimia, self-harm, and self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. During this time, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
After achieving sobriety in 2013, she shared her journey in the book Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year, aiming to assist young people battling addiction. She explained that the book offers readers “lessons, meditations, reflections, and daily goals.”
3. Macaulay Culkin
Macaulay Culkin rose to fame as one of the most famous child actors in the United States. Born in 1980 in New York City, his introduction to the entertainment industry came at the age of four when he appeared in several Off-Broadway productions. By age eight, he had already featured in films like Rocket Gibraltar and See You in the Morning.
Culkin's most iconic role came in 1990 when he starred in the blockbuster Home Alone, directed by Chris Columbus. The film became one of the highest-grossing movies ever, leading to a sequel.
By the time he was 14, Culkin appeared in several films that received poor reviews, causing many to wonder if his career had already reached its peak. This period also saw the actor displaying behaviors that damaged his previously pristine public image.
Before returning for the Home Alone sequel, Culkin's personal life was marred by accusations that his father, Kit Culkin, had mishandled his wealth. These claims were later confirmed when Culkin's parents entered a custody battle, during which it appeared that their primary concern was their son's fortune rather than his well-being.
In 2004, Culkin found himself arrested after being caught with 17.3 grams of marijuana and other controlled substances. Despite the more extreme troubles faced by other child stars, the media quickly turned on him, harshly criticizing him for his drug use.
For a time, Culkin also performed with a band called the Pizza Underground, which was a Velvet Underground parody group. They specialized in performing modified versions of classic songs with lyrics all centered around pizza.
2. Aaron Carter
Born in 1987, Aaron Carter followed in his brother Nick Carter's footsteps into the music industry. At the age of seven, Aaron joined the band Dead End as their lead singer before embarking on a solo career and opening for the Backstreet Boys two years later. This performance earned him a record deal and the release of his debut single, "Crush on You."
Aaron's first album dropped in 1997 and achieved gold status in countries like Norway, Spain, Denmark, Canada, and Germany. His second album, Aaron’s Party, hit the shelves in 2000 and quickly became a massive hit, eventually earning triple-platinum certification in the US. His music career also led him to acting roles in shows like Lizzie McGuire, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and 7th Heaven. However, this fame was accompanied by some dark controversies.
In 2008, Carter was pulled over for speeding in Texas, where marijuana was found in his car. The following year, he earned a spot on Dancing with the Stars, but his stage fright led him to rely on Xanax to cope with his anxiety.
Still struggling with his addiction to Xanax, Carter was urged by his brother Nick and their mother to enter rehab three years later. Tragically, it was the loss of his sister to a drug overdose in 2012 that finally motivated him to get sober. In 2013, Carter filed for bankruptcy, seeking to clear his $ million debt. Now, he is clean and has regained his financial stability.
1. Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber was born in 1994 and raised in Ontario, Canada. From a young age, he had a deep passion for music, teaching himself how to play multiple instruments, including the guitar, drums, piano, and trumpet.
Justin's journey to fame began when his mother began uploading videos of him performing on YouTube. His growing popularity caught the attention of many, eventually leading to talent agent Scooter Braun noticing him. With his guidance, Bieber was able to secure a record deal.
Bieber’s debut single, 'One Time,' was released in 2009, quickly becoming a global hit and earning platinum certifications in both Canada and the United States. His success continued with the release of his first album, My World, followed by My World 2.0 in 2010, alongside his concert film, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never. However, as his fame grew, his behavior began to raise eyebrows.
Bieber's first legal trouble surfaced in 2011 when a woman filed a lawsuit claiming the 17-year-old pop star was the father of her child. DNA tests confirmed his innocence, and the case was dropped. This, however, marked the beginning of his troubles.
In 2013, Bieber made headlines again, this time accused of spitting on his neighbor after making threatening remarks. Soon after, reports of his reckless driving in his neighborhood surfaced. That same year, he was also caught on camera urinating in public and insulting former President Bill Clinton.
Bieber’s most significant legal issue came in 2014 when he was arrested for drag racing and driving under the influence. He was held in custody until he posted bail and faced additional charges of resisting arrest.
