25 Exciting Journeys
The 1980s launched countless young performers into stardom. Although some of them continued to shine in Hollywood's spotlight, many went on to discover unexpected passions and build entirely new identities.
Corey Feldman
Corey Feldman’s 80s roles made him a pop culture icon. Outside the spotlight, he’s been outspoken about protecting child actors and sharing his honest Hollywood experiences. To this day, he continues performing live and directing music videos.
Universal Pictures, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Soleil Moon Frye
Remember Punky Brewster? Soleil Moon Frye, who played her, has grown into a creative voice behind the camera. She directed the documentary Kid 90 and founded Little Seed, an eco-friendly children's clothing line. She also appeared in the reboot of her hit TV series recently.
NBC, Punky Brewster (1984-1988)
Peter Billingsley
Best known as Ralphie in A Christmas Story, Peter Billingsley built a powerhouse career as a producer and director. His behind-the-scenes work on major hits like Iron Man and Elf highlights a successful evolution from charming child actor to Hollywood’s creative leader.
MGM Studios, A Christmas Story (1983)
Tracey Gold
Battling an eating disorder while starring on Growing Pains wasn’t easy for Tracey. Today, she speaks openly about her recovery, inspiring others with her strength and honesty. She even wrote a book on her anorexia recovery in 2003, titled Room to Grow: An Appetite for Life.
Warner Bros. Pictures, Growing Pains (1985-1992)
Sean Astin
Sean Astin became a household name as Mikey in The Goonies and then as Samwise Gamgee in the LOTR trilogy. He also brought warmth to Stranger Things as Bob Newby. After that, he branched out into producing and directing, and even slipped in original songs in his own projects.
Warner Bros. Pictures, The Goonies (1985)
Drew Barrymore
Drew gained fame at seven in E.T. and overcame early struggles to become a major Hollywood figure. She acts, produces hit films like Charlie’s Angels, hosts The Drew Barrymore Show, and runs Flower Films. Coming from a family of actors, she has certainly defined her own success.
Universal Pictures, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Danica McKellar
Danica from The Wonder Years surprised everyone by becoming a math whiz! She authors books that encourage kids—especially girls—to love math. Her journey breaks stereotypes, showing that a child star can wear many hats beyond acting.
Warner Bros. Pictures, The Wonder Years (1988-1993)
Fred Savage
If you thought Fred was just Kevin Arnold on The Wonder Years, you’re missing out on a lot. Kevin shifted gears into directing and producing, with over 100 TV episodes, including Modern Family and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Multiple Directors Guild nods prove his skills behind the camera.
Warner Bros. Pictures, The Wonder Years (1988-1993)
Molly Ringwald
Famous for defining 80s teen archetypes in Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club, Molly expanded her talents into writing novels and jazz singing. Her writing career has birthed Getting the Pretty Back and When It Happens to You, and you can find her in hot shows like Riverdale and The Bear.
Universal Pictures, Sixteen Candles (1984)
Jeff Cohen
Jeff Cohen, once known as Chunk in The Goonies, left acting to become a leading entertainment lawyer. He went on to co-found the influential firm Cohen Gardner LLP to represent award-winning clients and shape high-level deals in the entertainment industry.
Warner Bros. Pictures, The Goonies (1985)
Jerry O’Connell
Jerry O’Connell rose to fame as a child in Stand By Me and went on to build a versatile career in television and film. He currently co-hosts The Talk on CBS and lends his voice to popular animated franchises. You’ll be able to spot him in Justice League Unlimited.
Columbia Pictures, Stand By Me (1986)
Kristy McNichol
Once the bubbly star of family dramas, Kristy McNichol stepped away from the limelight to find peace. She had previously won two Emmys starring in Family during the 70s and 80s, but now she occasionally makes appearances and prefers a quiet life away from the limelight.
Ke Huy Quan
Ke Huy Quan captured hearts as a clever kid in The Goonies and Indiana Jones. Then, after years away from acting, his recent Hollywood comeback in Everything Everywhere All at Once surprised fans. And 20 years later, his Oscar win was a real fell-good Hollywood story.
Warner Bros. Pictures, The Goonies (1985)
Neil Patrick Harris
After starring in Doogie Howser, MD, he expanded his career to become a celebrated Broadway performer and television host. Today, Neil Patrick Harris takes on diverse acting roles and continues performing magic to engage audiences across multiple entertainment platforms worldwide.
The Walt Disney Company, Doogie Howser, MD, (1989-1993)
Ricky Schroder
Ricky Schroder won a Golden Globe at just nine for The Champ before going on to star in Silver Spoons. Apart from acting, he made his directing debut with the award-winning Black Cloud and later created acclaimed US Army documentaries while still producing numerous films.
Warner Bros. Pictures, The Champ (1979)
Emmanuel Lewis
Winning four consecutive People’s Choice Awards as Webster made Emmanuel Lewis a standout child star in the 80s. Beyond television, he became a recording artist in Japan and continues to remain active in entertainment circles with occasional appearances.
The Walt Disney Company, Webster (1983-1989)
Brandon Quintin Adams
Brandon acted in TV shows and films like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Mighty Ducks. Currently, he works both in front of and behind the camera to support new entertainment projects and mentors up-and-coming talent, though no high-profile recent acting credits have surfaced publicly.
NBC, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
Danny Lloyd
Danny Lloyd, the one from The Shining, left the entertainment business early and now works as a college biology professor. Even though he made an unexpected cameo in the sequel to the film in 2019, he primarily leads a quiet life focused on education.
Warner Bros. Pictures, The Shining (1980)
Winona Ryder
Rising to fame in 80s classics such as Beetlejuice, Winona Ryder evolved into an award-winning star with roles in Girl, Interrupted and Stranger Things. Her career blends independent films and popular TV, which has earned her acclaim for nuanced performances across decades.
Warner Bros. Pictures, Beetlejuice (1988)
Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster’s career is all about remarkable acting with sharp directorial skills. Beginning as a child actor in Taxi Driver, she later won two Academy Awards for The Silence of the Lambs and The Accused. She currently directs films and television, with Black Mirror being one of the standouts.
Columbia Pictures, Taxi Driver (1976)
Melissa Gilbert
Star of Little House on the Prairie, Melissa, didn’t just stay in front of the camera. She wrote memoirs, got involved in politics, and took on directing. Her journey shows a passion for storytelling both on screen and in real life.
NBC, Little House on the Prairie (1870s-1890s)
Alyssa Milano
Alyssa Milano gained fame as Samantha Micelli on Who’s the Boss? and later starred in hit series like Charmed and Mistresses. She has been a prominent voice in the #MeToo movement and wrote Sorry Not Sorry, a collection of personal essays on social and political issues.
Columbia Pictures, Who’s the Boss (1984-1992)
Mayim Bialik
Mayim Bialik’s journey blends art and science uniquely. After starting as a child actor in the 80s, she earned a PhD in neuroscience, then starred in the hit TV show The Big Bang Theory. Today, she is known for promoting education and mental health to reach various kinds of audiences.
Jeremy Miller
Famed for his role as Ben Seaver on Growing Pains, Jeremy Miller transitioned from TV stardom to dedicate his life to ministry and community service. Though no longer acting regularly, he occasionally revisits his acting roots at fan events and interviews.
Warner Bros. Pictures, Growing Pains (1985-1992)
Candace Cameron Bure
Candace Cameron Bure rose to fame as DJ Tanner on Full House and reprised the role in Fuller House. Beyond acting, she has produced and starred in numerous Hallmark Channel films, authored several books on faith and family, and frequently speaks at Christian conferences.
Warner Bros. Pictures, Full House (1987-1995)
