17 Actors Who Were Either Child Stars Or Late Bloomers

Buzz Feed

a day ago

Some celebrities were practically born into the spotlight, landing roles before they could even walk. From baby commercials to Disney Channel stardom, we grew up alongside these stars.
But not every celeb followed that path. In fact, some of today's most beloved actors didn't get their start until much, much later in life. Whether they pursued a college degree, different careers, or simply waited for the right time, these celebrities prove that there's no specific age to break into the scene. 🎭
So, let's take a look at the stars who got an early start in acting — and the ones who took their time.
Let's kick things off with the celebs who started young:
Born into an acting dynasty, Drew Barrymore was just 7 years old when she landed her breakout role in E.T. The wild part is, she started acting even earlier at the age of 11 months!
Zendaya began in the industry as a Kidz Bop kid before becoming a Disney Channel star in 2010. At just 14 years old, Zendaya got her big break on Shake It Up!
Daniel Radcliffe made his acting debut at age 10 in BBC's TV adaptation of David Copperfield. Just two years later, he became The Boy Who Lived! Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone premiered in 2001, catapulting Radcliffe into superstardom at only 12 years old.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt was 7 years old when he appeared on Family Ties, and by 14, he starred in 3rd Rock from the Sun. At 17, he had a lead role in10 Things I Hate About You. What a stacked resume before becoming a legal adult!
Millie Bobby Brown made her screen debut at 9 years old in Once Upon a Time in Wonderland. A few years later, she landed the part as Eleven on Netflix's Stranger Things, and became a global phenomenon at age 12.
Macaulay Culkin began his acting career at only four years old! It wasn't until his iconic role in Home Alone that would make him one of the most famous child stars of all time. Not to mention, he was only 10 years old then too.
Saoirse Ronan began acting at 9 in the medical TV series The Clinic. By 13 years of age, she already earned her first Oscar nomination for Atonement!
Ryan Gosling got his start at 12 when he joined The Mickey Mouse Club, working alongside superstars-to-be like Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Christina Aguilera!
Kirsten Dunst's career began to take off at 12 years old when she starred in Interview With the Vampire alongside Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. She later began a household name at 17 for leading the classic teen comedy Bring It On.
Dakota Fanning started out by acting in commercials at age 6! Just one year later, she starred alongside Sean Penn in I Am Sam.
And now, the celebs who started acting much later in life! ⏳
Ken Jeong was a practicing doctor before pivoting to acting in his late 30s. His first major role was in Judd Apatow's Knocked Up at 39 years old. Even better, he played a doctor in the movie too!
Alan Rickman studied graphic design years before pursuing acting. He later made his film debut at 40 as the villainous Hans Gruber in Die Hard. He passed away in 2016, but has left behind an expansive and beloved career.
Melissa McCarthy landed her first film role at 29 in the 1999 comedy Go. Only a year later, she was cast as Sookie in Gilmore Girls!
After teaching high school theatre, Jon Hamm moved to LA to pursue acting in his mid-twenties. He gave himself a deadline to succeed by 30, and booked his first movie role on Space Cowboys in 2000!
Octavia Spencer worked behind the scenes in casting before beginning her acting career. She landed her first role in A Time to Kill at 26.
Danny Trejo overcame abuse, addiction, and prison time before becoming an actor. His first role came at 41 after helping a young man with sobriety on the set of 1985's Runaway Train.
Before acting, Terry Crews played professional football in the NFL throughout the 90s. It wasn't until the age of 30 when he got his first on-screen role in 1999's Battle Dome.
Imagine having a whole career as a doctor before making it big in Hollywood — or being famous before you're even legal...🍼🍼
Whether these celebrities started right out of the womb, or decades later, these stars prove that there's no expiration date on talent and success.
Do you feel inspired? Honestly same...Let us know your fav late-bloomers or child stars in the comments!
And for more celeb content, check out BuzzFeed Canada on TikTok and Instagram! 🎬✨