It’s easy to think that the child stars in our fave movies and TV shows are ageless, so its often pretty jarring to see them grow into full-on adults.
Here are some child stars you mightn’t have thought about in a while, and what they look like now.
Sean O’Neal, ‘Clarissa Explains It All’ (1991-1994)
Nickelodeon; seanoneal.comAccording to the actor’s website, O’Neal was approached to join a boy band formed in Florida following his days as Clarissa’s best friend Sam on the Nickelodeon series. He refused, however, aiming to step away from the spotlight. Though his recent credits only include a small role in a TV series called Development Hell, O’Neal’s website indicates that he’s still stepping into audition rooms. Hopefully sans the ladder this time.
Ron Lester, ‘Popular’ (1999-2001)
The WB; The Media Circuit / WENNA lot has changed since Ryan Murphy failed to keep his beloved first series on air. The creator has since gone on to become a TV juggernaut and one of Popular‘s stars, Lester, has undergone a shocking transformation thanks to duodenal switch surgery. Unfortunately, Lester hasn’t been able to replicate his pre-surgery success, but his weight loss led to a motivational radio series. So losers can be winners.
Erik Per Sullivan, ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ (2000-2006)
FOX; PNP / WENNFollowing his busy youth — during which the cherub-esque actor juggled a sitcom with roles in films like Joe Dirt, Unfaithful, and Finding Nemo — Sullivan is at last allowing himself to act his age. The actor, who also received a James Joyce Award following Malcolm‘s run, is currently attending the University of Southern California. Did we expect anything less from Malcolm‘s young genius?
Christie Abbott, ‘Wishbone’ (1995-1999)
PBS; FacebookAbbott might have worked like a dog (heh) in the mid-’90s, appearing in 50 episodes of the pup-centric PBS series. But the actress only has a few post-Wishbone credits, including bit parts in Walker, Texas Ranger, Dr. T and the Women, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The good news? Girl looks doggone good.
Lark Voorhies, ‘Saved By the Bell’ (1989-1993)
NBC; WennDelivering Saved By the Bell‘s cheese paid off for Voorhies, who played Lisa Turtle on the hit series — the actress parlayed the gig into a respectable soap opera career, nabbing roles on Days of Our Lives and The Bold and the Beautiful. But, in the late ’90s, after appearing in music videos like Boyz II Men’s “On Bended Knee,” Voorhies dropped out of acting and formed her own production company, but suffered a PR setback in 2012 when a video featuring the actress wearing bizarre makeup began to lead some to question her well-being.
Malcolm David Kelley, ‘Lost’ (2004-2010)
ABC; Daniel Tanner/WENNYoung Walt might have gotten too old to remain on Lost — strange things might have happened on the Island, but not sudden growth spurts, apparently — but Kelley was still young enough to score a role on TeenNick’s Gigantic in 2010. Following the show’s wrap, Kelley re-teamed with co-star to form Columbia Records-backed singing duo MTKO. Judging by the way Walt’s dad Michael could howl, maybe they should consider him as a recruit.ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
Monica Keena, ‘Dawson’s Creek’ (1998-1999)
The WB; Nikki Nelson/WENNKeena — who began her career as a sweet child star in films like While You Were Sleeping — found fame for being nasty in projects like Dawson’s Creek, in which she played the much-hated Abby Morgan. She parlayed the role into parts in Undeclared and Entourage, but has since gained more notoriety for dating fellow former child star Edward Furlong, who was arrested numerous times for domestic violence during their courtship.
David Lascher, ‘Hey Dude’ (1989-1991)
Nickelodeon; TwitterHey dude, where’ve you been? Though Lascher had no trouble finding roles in the ’90s — he starred in TV series like Blossom, Clueless, and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch — the actor has only appeared in a handful of TV movies since the early 2000s. Seems he’s making more time for his personal life — based on his Twitter and Facebook, Lascher simply enjoys spending his days with his two daughters with wife Jill London.
Senta Moses, ‘Beakman’s World’ (1995-1997)
Columbia TriStar Television; Jeff NicholsonSeeing Moses’ resumé, it’s shocking she’s still best known for playing Beakman’s lab assistant, Phoebe. The actress has starred in Sister, Sister, General Hospital, and Greek. But it seems even Moses is nostalgic for her days on Beakman’s — the actress, whose most recent credit was an episode of Rizzoli & Isles, recently tweeted about the series’ availability on Netflix.ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
Ross Hull, ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark?’ (1991-1996)
Nickelodeon; CBCAfter nabbing starring roles stateside in Ready or Not and Student Bodies, Hull found that his future was much sunnier in his native Canada, where he began work in the mid-2000s as a weatherman. Currently, Hull works as a weather anchor on CBC Ottawa, proving he belonged on the small screen after all, eh?
Austin St. John, ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ (1993-1994)
AB Distribution; MyspaceA contract dispute led to the original Red Ranger parting ways with the show in its second season, but St. John — an experienced martial artist — couldn’t keep away for long. He returned to the series in 1996 for Power Rangers Zeo and starred in Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie. St. John left Hollywood soon thereafter, but it turns out the former actor liked wearing red — he now works as an EMT and firefighter in Washington, D.C.
Jason David Frank, ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ (1993-1996)
AB Distribution; Fighter PortraitsHaving played every color Ranger in almost every Power Rangers series throughout his career, it’s no wonder Frank was inducted in World Karate Union Hall of Fame in 2003. But, following turns in shows like Power Rangers Zeo and Power Rangers Turbo, Frank also began a career as a competitive mixed martial artist. There was, apparently, a softer side to Frank, though — in the mid-’90s, he also starred in several episodes of Sweet Valley High.ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
Scarlett Pomers, ‘Voyager’ (1998-2001)
CBS; FayesVision/WENNPomers might have broken out with her role as young Naomi Wildman on Star Trek: Voyager, but she shot to stardom with as a regular on Reba. After experiencing success at a young age, however, Pomers found herself following a path familiar to many child stars — the actress checked into treatment for anorexia nervosa in 2006. After completing the program, Pomers jumpstarted a career in music — forming the band SCARLETT — and aimed to help similarly troubled youth by becoming an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association.
Justin Lee, ‘Arrested Development’ (2004-2006)
FOX; Justin LeeWe first said “Annyong” to Lee in 2004, when the actor joined the critically acclaimed Arrested Development as Lucille’s adopted Korean son. Since then, ABC Family fans might have spotted him in a recurring role on 10 Things I Hate About You. And, of course, prepare to say “Annyong” to Lee when he returns to Season 4 of Arrested Development.
Michael Fishman, ‘Roseanne’ (1988-1997)
ABC; Apega/WENNAfter finishing his run as D.J. on Roseanne, Fishman got a taste of normalcy when he returned to the Orange County High School of the Arts. But the acting bug began itching again, leading Fishman to re-team with his famous co-star on The Roseanne Show, on which he served as producer and sidekick for two years. Despite a role in A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Fishman has largely stepped away from the industry, though he continues to write and act when he’s not raising his two children.ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
Hana Hatae, ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ (1993-1999)
CBS; FOXHatae’s career as an actress might have ended following her stint as Molly O’Brien on Deep Space Nine. But she returned to television one last time in 2010 as a hostess and waitress for her family’s Japanese restaurant, which was featured on Kitchen Nightmares. Where she is now is a mystery. Blame Gordon Ramsay?
Jenna von Oy, ‘Blossom’ (1990-1995)
NBC; Facebookvon Oy tried the simple life after playing six for five years, but dropped out of the University of Southern California after two years to return to acting. Following a long stint on The Parkers, von Oy jumpstarted a career in country music, releasing her first album in 2007. Though her music career never quite blossomed, her personal life did — von Oy and husband Brad Bratcher welcomed a daughter in 2012.
Jeremy Jackson, ‘Baywatch’ (1991-1999)
NBC; DJDM/WENNIt seems Jackson, who starred as Hobie on the lifeguard-centric series, could have used a lifesaver of his own. After leaving Baywatch due to a struggle with drugs, Jackson was arrested for drug possession, which quickly inspired him to clean up. That is, until he joined Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew in 2011 for a steroid addiction. But the troubles don’t stop there: the actor has been involved in a sex tape controversy, Vh1’s depressing Confessions of a Teen Idol, and Ed Hardy Clothing, which he publicly endorses.
Marla Sokoloff, ‘Full House’ (1993-1995)
ABC; FayesVision/WENNStephanie Tanner’s troubled friend Gia’s life sure turned around following Full House. The actress starred in films like Dude, Where’s My Car? and Sugar & Spice, and later scored a regular role on The Practice. Though Sokoloff still gets steady work in Hollywood, she has stayed out of the limelight — until ex-boyfriend James Franco told Howard Stern earlier this year the duo made a sex tape together as teens.
Jeremy Miller, ‘Growing Pains’ (1985-1992)
ABC; Reggie Collier/ WENNIt’s no wonder Miller took a break from acting after starring as young Ben Seaver. After all, he lived through such terrifying ordeals as fielding a stalker eventually apprehended by the FBI and befriending Saved By the Bell star Dustin Diamond. But after a brief stint at the University of Southern California, Miller began his comeback in the late 2000s, appearing in films like Milk and Fashion and Never Have I Ever.
Nate Richert, ‘Sabrina, the Teenage Witch’ (1996-2003)
ABC; Asia Butterfly Photography; FacebookThough it seems no amount of magic could return Richert to television — the actor left the industry shortly after finishing Sabrina — fans can see him on the road, where he performs original music. In fact, the former actor released his debut solo album just this January. That’s right — Harvey’s a musician, making it that much easier to fall under his spell again.ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
Mackenzie Rosman, ‘7th Heaven’ (1996-2007)
The WB; Nikki Nelson / WENNThe actress who played adorable Ruthie Camden on the WB series continues to reach out to younger audiences. Following 7th Heaven, Rosman landed a role in ABC Family’s The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and recently agreed to appear in a Maxim photo shoot. Sigh. They grow up so fast.
Olivia D’Abo, ‘The Wonder Years’ (1988-1993)
ABC; FayesVision/WENND’Abo’s on-screen alter-ego, Karen Arnold, might have been rebellious, but the actress’ career has been quite grounded since Wonder Years wrapped. D’Abo has had roles in Wayne’s World 2 and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and developed a respectable voice career with parts in projects like Star Wars: The Clone Wars. And she’s romanced some big names along the way — D’Abo, who has also released an album was formerly engaged to both Thomas Jane and Julian Lennon.
Josh Saviano, ‘The Wonder Years’ (1988-1993)
ABC; TwitterSeems life does imitate art. Shortly after Wonder Years fans learned Paul Pfeiffer attended Harvard, Saviano also enrolled in an Ivy league institution, Yale. But while Saviano disappeared from Hollywood, he certainly didn’t disappear from gossip — for years, rumors circulated that Saviano was actually rocker Marilyn Manson. But the former actor definitely isn’t living the rock-and-roll lifestyle. Currently, Saviano works as a partner for law firm Morrison Cohen.ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
Josh Server, ‘All That’ (1994-2005)
Nickelodeon; JoshServer.netIt’s no wonder Server is All That longest-running cast member. The actor simply couldn’t keep away from Nickelodeon. After finishing his long stint on the sketch comedy series, Server appeared on shows like Alex Mack, Figure It Out, Kenan & Kel, and The Amanda Show. Server’s career has slowed down in recent years, but the industry should keep an ear out for the artist formerly known as Earboy, who is currently auditioning for roles. (And, based on his good looks, keep an eye out too!)
Lori Beth Denberg, ‘All That’ (1994-1998)
Nickelodeon; FacebookReady for some vital information about All That‘s “Vital Information” star? The actress, who enjoyed a long stint on The Steve Harvey Show after out-growing Nickelodeon, recently appeared on a Workaholics episode, despite quitting acting in the mid-2000s. Why did she decide to leave Hollywood? According to Denberg herself at a 2011 All That reunion, the then-35-year-old actress said she was “living out her old age.”
Madeline Zima, ‘The Nanny’ (1993-1999)
CBS; The CWArguably, the most successful Sheffield daughter was the youngest one. In fact, Zima — who boasted regular roles on Heroes and Californication following The Nanny — continues to book high-profile projects like The Vampire Diaries. Seems Fran taught her just fine.
Benjamin Salisbury, ‘The Nanny’ (1993-1999)
CBS; No CreditTurns out Brighton Sheffield was indeed bright — Salisbury graduated from American University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism following his time on television. But despite a small role in a Numb3ers episode and a Domino’s Pizza commercial, Salisbury had only a few projects on his plate. Unless you count family — Salisbury welcomed his second child with wife Kelly Murkey in 2013.
Nicholle Tom, ‘The Nanny’ (1993-1999)
CBS; FayesVision/WENNThe Sheffields’ oldest daughter won roles in films like Panic and The Princess Diaries, but found greater success as a voice actress in projects like Superman, in which she played Supergirl. In recent years, however, Tom has found steady work in film and on TV, appearing in series like The Mentalist and The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman on IFC. And in case you didn’t realize Tom was all grown up, the actress currently has a recurring role in the Showtime series Masters of Sex.
Brice Beckham, ‘Mr. Belvedere’ (1985-1990)
ABC; TwitterSurprisingly, Beckham, who found fame as the incorrigible young Wesley on the ABC series, didn’t score his next regular role until 2007, when he starred in Vh1’s short-lived I Hate My 30’s. But Beckham, who is a member of the Namaste theater group in L.A., probably loved his 30s after he went viral in 2012 for starring in “Child Celebrities Opposing Kirk Cameron,” a FunnyorDie sketch poking fun at Kirk Cameron’s beliefs on homosexuality. These days, you can find, and talk to, Beckham on his charming Twitter feed.
Zachery Ty Bryan, ‘Home Improvement’ (1991-1999)
ABC; Nikki Nelson/WENNThe Taylors’ oldest son, Brad, fared much better. Bryan enjoyed a long post-Home Improvement career as a guest star on series like Boston Public and Veronica Mars. But after appearing in some less-than-quality projects — like Syfy’s Thor movie, Hammer of the Gods — Bryan founded his own production company, Vision Entertainment Group, Inc. Tim would grunt in approval.
Taran Noah Smith, ‘Home Improvement’ (1991-1999)
ABC; Nikki Nelson/WENNSeems Home Improvement led Smith — who played Mark on the series — to mature quickly. After wrapping the series, Smith left acting, accused his parents of mishandling his $1.5 million trust fund, and married Heidi Van Pelt, a woman who was 16 years his senior, at just 17 years old. But Smith, who has since divorced, proved he was still a bit too young at heart — the actor was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence and possession of marijuana in 2012.
Peter Costa, ‘The Cosby Show’ (1985-1989)
NBC; MyspaceCosta was a beloved member of the hit ’80s series as Rudy’s silent friend Peter. But Costa is certainly making noise now — after leaving Hollywood shortly after his run on The Cosby Show, Costa jumpstarted a career in music. Currently, Costa plays for Torrential Downpour, PT Grimm, and Kreptatka Bar Band.
Andrea Barber, ‘Full House’ (1987-1995)
ABC; TwitterSurprisingly, the actress also known as the flighty Kimmy Gibbler was already a seasoned actress by the time she joined Full House, having starred in Days of Our Lives for four years in the early ’80s. But even more surprising was the fact that Barber cut her days as an actress short following her time with the Tanners — the actress, who now plays mom to two children, retired following the show’s wrap in order to focus on her personal life, graduating from Whittier College with an English degree.
Staci Keanan, ‘My Two Dads’ (1987-1990)
NBC; Nikki Nelson / WENNThe actress who played Carol’s oldest daughter, Dana, would most likely be game for a Step By Step reunion. After all, the actress already reteamed with Duffy and Christine Lakin in You Again. But the 2010 comedy wasn’t her only turn on the big screen — Keanan, who guest starred in various series like Diagnosis: Murder in the late ’90s — turned her attention to film after Step By Step‘s run was complete. Among the projects on her resume: 2009’s Sarah’s Choice, 2010’S Holyman Undercover, and her most recent project, 2010’s Death and Cremation. Could a Step By Step reunion revive her career again?
Josh Byrne, ‘Step By Step’ (1991-1997)
ABC; MyspaceJust as quickly as young Brendan mysteriously disappeared from the series without mention (in order to make way for the cuter baby Lilly), the actor who portrayed him, Josh Byrne, disappeared from Hollywood. We’d claim he was still chained in Frank and Carol’s basement, but this picture of the actor dressed in costume proves he’s alive, and presumably can be seen at your local Renaissance Faire
Kellie Shanygne Williams, ‘Family Matters’ (1989-1998)
ABC; FacebookAfter Williams’ post-Laura Winslow project, What About Joan failed to attract TV audiences, the actress stepped away from the small screen, heading to Washington, D.C., to start a youth arts program called the Kellie Williams Program. Turns out, Williams’ philanthropy was dramatic enough — in 2012, it was suspected the Kellie Williams Program might have helped former Washington D.C. councilman Harry Thomas Jr., in a scheme to steal money from the city. Thomas is currently serving a 38-month sentence, but it remains unclear whether Williams was involved.
Michael Ray Bower, ‘Salute Your Shorts’ (1991-1992)
Nickelodeon; heybower.comDonkeylips locked in quite the career for himself as a perennial guest star. After his memorable stint on Salute Your Shorts, Bower appeared in series like X-Files, Dark Angel, Bones, and Friends, as Monica’s prom date. Roles in other projects like Dude, Where’s My Car? and Grand Theft Auto IV — in which he voices Eugene Reaper — make you wonder, dude, where’s Bower’s massive fame?
Kel Mitchell, ‘Kenan & Kel’ (1996-2000)
Nickelodeon; FayesVision/WENNMitchell found promise as a young comedian after teaming with All That co-star Kenan Thompson in Kenan & Kel, and, on the big screen, Good Burger. But the duo split soon after Kenan & Kel‘s wrap, and even competed against one another while auditioning for SNL. Thompson won the role, while Mitchell began a rapping career. (He even starred in Kanye West’s video for “All Falls Down.”) Mitchell has, however, returned to his acting roots, writing and starring in Dance Fu and lending his voice to several TV series.
Leanna Creel, ‘Saved By the Bell’ (1992-1993)
NBC; VimeoBrought in as a temporary replacement for Tiffani Thiessen and Elizabeth Berkley in Saved By the Bell‘s final season (NBC’s episode order complicated contract talks with the original cast), Creel never quite reached her co-stars’ level of stardom in her role as tomboy Tori Scott. But Creel — one-third of a set of acting triplets — parlayed Tori into parts on Ned and Stacey and 2000’s The Cell. Soon after, Creel left Hollywood to be a wedding photographer, and scored some wedded bliss of her own, marrying wife Rinat Greenberg in 2008.
Steven Anthony Lawrence, ‘Even Stevens’ (2001-2003)
Disney; ShowtimeBeans has sprouted into a young man since his days on the Disney Channel hit, scoring roles in Kicking & Screaming and, more recently, on an episode of Weeds. Though he has yet to find a part as beloved as Beans, Lawrence has found a lucrative career starring in commercials for companies like Old Spice and T-Mobile.
Trevor Einhorn, ‘Frasier’ (1996-2003)
NBC; Noam Nitzani/WENNThe actor who portrayed Frasier and Lilith’s son Frederick certainly isn’t hearing the blues a-callin’ these days. Einhorn followed up his long run on the NBC sitcom with a roles in Joan of Arcadia and Sons & Daughters before locking in his most recent role: Mathis on Mad Men. No doubt TV will be callin’ him again.
Blake and Dylan Tuomy-Wilhoit, ‘Full House’ (1992-1995)
ABC; TwitterUnlike their on-screen cousins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (and their real-life cousin, My So-Called Life‘s Lisa Wilhoit), the Tuomy-Wilhoit twins — who played Nicky and Alex Katsopolis — disappeared from Hollywood as quickly as the mullet. Now, after leaving the industry post-Full House to live a normal life, you can find the California-born twins on Twitter, where they often answer questions about their ’90s-era fame.
Brian Bonsall, ‘Family Ties’ (1986-1989)
NBC; MyspaceYou might also know Bonsall as Andy from Family Ties. Or you might know him from police reports — after Bonsall left Hollywood in 1995, the actor-turned-punk musician found himself in police custody for a DUI, assault, and possession of marijuana, among other charges. Most recently, Bonsall was serving two years’ probation for a third-degree assault charge.
Danny Tamberelli, ‘The Adventures of Pete & Pete’ (1993-1996)
Nickelodeon; No CreditTrying to balance work with childhood must have certainly been an adventure for Little Pete — not only did he star in the Nickelodeon hit, but Tamberelli also boasted roles in The Baby-Sitters Club, The Mighty Ducks, and, following his Pete & Pete success, All That. Though Tamberelli hasn’t appeared on the small or big screen since participating in 2005’s All That reunion, he did manage to eke in one single adult-oriented role in 2002’s Igby Goes Down.
Michael C. Maronna, ‘The Adventures of Pete & Pete’ (1993-1996)
Nickelodeon; Funny Or DieThe actor also known as Big Pete couldn’t quite replicate Pete & Pete‘s big success, but managed to nab small parts in films like Slackers and 40 Days and 40 Nights, and even scored a role in a series of Ameritrade ads so popular, they were the subject of a sketch at Bill Clinton’s final White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 2000. The actor has also put his filmmaking degree to good use, working behind-the-scenes films like Tower Heist and Sex and the City.
Source – WTF Detective