Some actors spent most of their youth, or sometimes even longer, trying to figure out to mark an iconic role in their career. They’ve taken years of hard work and sacrifice beyond the capacity of most people. Luckily, some actors found this success incredible early in life, turning into stars before they’ve even made it to high school.
These child stars became famous due to their built-in innocence, and we want to preserve them because it makes us feel nostalgic. While some step out of the limelight and take their own path, many grow up to excel on the screen. Now, they have transformed from cute kids into absolutely stunning adults.
Take a look to see how kid actors grew up and starred in popular films and TV shows.
#1 Jaeden Martell
Source: © It / New Line Cinema, © Hahn Lionel / ABACA / Abaca / East News
At 13, Jaeden Martell took on the role of Bill Denbrough in the new adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, “It”. He also appeared in the mystery film Knives Out (2019) and starred in the miniseries Defending Jacob (2020).
#2 Jack Dylan Grazer
Source: © It / New Line Cinema, © jackdgrazer / Instagram
Jack Dylan Grazer had his breakthrough playing the role of Eddie Kaspbrak in the 2017 and 2019 film adaptations of the Stephen King novel, “It”. 2 years later, he starred as Freddy Freeman in the CBS series “Me, Myself, and I”.
#3 Finn Wolfhard
Source: © Stranger Things / Netflix, © Invision / Invision / East News
He gained recognition for playing Mike Wheeler in the Netflix series “Stranger Things”. He was the lead vocalist and guitarist for the rock band Calpurnia and is currently a member of The Aubreys.
#4 Christa B. Allen
Source: © 13 Going on 30 / Revolution studios, © christaallen / Instagram
Christa B. Allen is known for playing the younger version of Jennifer Garner's character in “13 Going on 30”. At that time, she was just 13 years old. Since then, the actress has starred mainly in various series. One of her biggest roles was in the drama, Revenge.
#5 Neel Sethi
Source: © The Jungle Book / Walt Disney Pictures, © theneelsethi / Instagram
Neel Sethi portrayed Mowgli in the movie “The Jungle Book”. After the movie, he appeared in the series “The Last O.G”, but there haven’t been any other big roles to follow.
#6 Sophia Lillis
Source: © It / New Line Cinema, © Invision / Invision / East News
She is known for her role as Beverly Marsh in the horror films “It” (2017) and “It: Chapter Two” (2019). The actress confirms to star in “Dungeons & Dragons”, which will release in 2023.
#7 Millicent Simmonds
Source: © A Quiet Place / Paramount Pictures, © Stars Image Bank / KCS / East News
When being 14 years old, Millicent Simmonds took on the role of Emily Blunt’s elder daughter in the horror movie “A Quiet Place”. In 2021, the girl returned to this role having taken part in the continuation of the franchise.
#8 Madeline Carroll
Source: © Resident Evil: Extinction / Constantin Film, © Flipped / Castle Rock Entertainment, © madscarroll2 / Instagram
Madeline Carroll is known for starring as Juli Baker in “Flipped”, in which she worked alongside Callan McAuliffe. After that, she appeared alongside Jim Carrey in Mr. Popper's Penguins and with Gerard Butler in the Machine Gun Preacher thriller.
#9 Angourie Rice
Source: © The Nice Guys / Silver Pictures, © Mare of Easttown / HBO
Angourie Rice started her career as a child actress, coming to attention for her roles in “These Final Hours” and “The Nice Guys”. She is known for her portrayal of Betty Brant in the
Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017), “Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2019), and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021).
#10 Hailee Steinfeld
Source: © True Grit / Paramount Pictures, © face to face / FaceToFace / REPORTER / East News
Hailee Steinfeld had her breakthrough with the western drama film True Grit (2010), which earned her an Academy Award. Steinfeld then rose to mainstream prominence for her lead roles in “Ender's Game”, “Romeo & Juliet”, and so on.
#11 Will Poulter
Source: © The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader / Fox 2000 Pictures, © willpoulter / Instagram
Poulter got famous after starring in “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”. He also played one of the major roles in the “We're the Millers” comedy and co-starred alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Revenant”.
#12 Amybeth McNulty
Source: © Anne / Netflix, © amybethmcnulty / Instagram
“Anne With An E” series, based on the “Anne of Green Gables novel” starred the 15-year-old actress Amybeth McNulty in the main role. In 2022, she appeared in the movie “Stranger Things” (season 4).
#13 Mckenna Grace
Source: © Gifted / Fox Searchlight Pictures, © mckennagraceful / Instagram
Mckenna Grace began her acting career at the age of 6. She is famous for portraying a wunderkind girl in “Gifted”. In 2021, Mckenna played the role of Esther Keyes in the fourth season of The Handmaid’s Tale.