From Sandbox to Spotlight: 8 Child Stars Who Made It Big Early

Elaine Thompson

July 21, 2025

5

min read

Last Update -

July 21, 2025 7:00 AM

⚡ Quick Vibes

From Sandbox to Spotlight: Famous Child Celebrities Who Started Way Young

They weren’t just born stars—they started as them.

Child celebrities have always held a weirdly powerful grip on pop culture. There’s something surreal about watching someone grow up on our screens, from baby-faced auditions to red carpet slay. And Gen Z especially gets it—we’ve grown up alongside many of these stars, binge-watching their first big roles before we even hit middle school. But behind all the glam is often a wild story of early fame, growing pains, and hustle that started way earlier than you'd think.

Here’s a look at some of the most iconic child celebrities, how young they kicked off their careers, and what that early fame really looked like.

1. Millie Bobby Brown – Started at 9, Icon at 12

Before Stranger Things made her the face of the Upside Down, Millie was grinding through small roles on shows like NCIS, Grey’s Anatomy, and Once Upon a Time in Wonderland. She was just 9 years old when she landed her first TV role, but it was at 12 that she blew everyone’s minds as Eleven. Her buzzcut, nosebleeds, and deadpan stares became instantly iconic. By 16, she’d already launched a beauty line, executive produced a Netflix movie, and shut down red carpets like a veteran.

Gen Z lesson? Being young doesn’t mean staying quiet. Millie used her voice early on—not just for acting but for advocating mental health, feminism, and equality in Hollywood.

2. Justin Bieber – Discovered at 13, Star at 15

Back in the early YouTube era, a 12-year-old Canadian kid named Justin Bieber was uploading covers of Ne-Yo and Chris Brown from his living room. Scooter Braun spotted him online, and by 13, Biebs had a record deal. By 15, he dropped “One Time” and officially started a global obsession that would last years. (Sorry, we’re still not over it.)

Fun fact: His first-ever live performance? A singing competition at age 12—where he came in second but still ended up with millions of Beliebers.

3. Raven-Symoné – TV Regular at Just 3

Before she was the psychic queen of That’s So Raven, Raven-Symoné was already on national TV. She joined The Cosby Show at just 3 years old, delivering sassy comebacks and nailing sitcom timing like a seasoned adult. By age 7, she’d already launched a music career.

Real talk: Raven’s rise paved the way for Black girl representation on Disney Channel way before it became mainstream. And she did it with unshakable confidence.

4. Macaulay Culkin – 4 When He Started, 10 When He Ruled Christmas

Macaulay was basically Hollywood’s golden boy in the early ’90s. He started acting in theater productions at 4 and was in films by 8. But it was Home Alone, released when he was 10, that made him a household name. By age 12, he was one of the highest-paid child actors in the world.

His smirk, scream, and booby traps became instant holiday movie legend. But fame that fast came with burnout—he stepped away from the spotlight by his teens.

5. Selena Gomez – On Screen at 10, Pop Star at 17

Before she was making mental health podcasts and dominating streaming charts, Selena Gomez was a 10-year-old on Barney & Friends. Like many Disney kids, she was recruited young and by 15, she had her own show: Wizards of Waverly Place. Her chill-girl energy and deadpan delivery made Alex Russo iconic.

Sel transitioned into music seamlessly, dropping bangers like “Naturally” and “Who Says” by the time she was 17. And today, she’s not just a star—she’s a mogul, philanthropist, and advocate for mental wellness.

6. Drew Barrymore – Baby-Faced Fame at 7

Drew Barrymore’s childhood was anything but ordinary. She was cast in E.T. at 7, but had been modeling and doing commercials since 11 months old (yup). The fame was instant and intense—by 13, she’d already been through rehab, highlighting the darker side of child stardom.

But what makes Drew’s story powerful is how she rebuilt. Today she’s a producer, talk show host, and one of the most beloved names in entertainment—still goofy, still real, and always relatable.

7. JoJo Siwa – 9-Year-Old Reality Queen

JoJo Siwa’s brand is loud, sparkly, and 100% unapologetic. But before she was dancing with bows bigger than her head, she was already a 9-year-old standout on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition. She blew up on Dance Moms, then flipped that into a billion-dollar brand and YouTube empire—all before high school.

Her recent shift into LGBTQ+ icon and Gen Z role model shows just how much a child star can grow with their audience.

8. Jacob Tremblay – Baby Actor, Oscar Buzz at 9

Jacob Tremblay made serious waves in Room alongside Brie Larson when he was just 9. His raw, heart-wrenching performance earned award buzz that would make most grown actors sweat. He’s since kept the momentum with roles in Wonder, Luca, and Good Boys, showing off both emotional range and comedic chops.

This kid went from juice boxes to red carpets without missing a beat.

Why Gen Z Connects With Child Stars

We don’t just watch these celebrities—we grow up with them. For a generation raised on YouTube, TikTok, and Disney Channel reruns, child celebrities don’t feel like distant icons. They feel like classmates, cousins, or the cool friend you lowkey wanted to trade lives with.

But there’s also real admiration in how they handle pressure most of us can’t imagine—balancing school, fame, creativity, and public scrutiny before hitting puberty. It’s both inspiring and eye-opening.