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Buzz Feed
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
17 Actors Who Were Either Child Stars Or Late Bloomers
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 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! 🎬✨
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Congratulations Pouring In For Actor Michael J. Fox
Congratulations Pouring In For Actor Michael J. Fox originally appeared on Parade. Michael J. Fox is feeling the love— in more ways than one. The actor best known for his iconic roles as Marty McFly in Back to the Future and Alex P. Keaton on beloved '80s sitcom, Family Ties, has accomplished so much throughout his decades-long career, but one particular achievement trumps them all: his marriage. On July 16, Fox, 64, took to Instagram to share a beautiful photo of himself with his wife and fellow actor, Tracy Pollan, 65, to celebrate their anniversary. The caption reads, "37… but who's counting? Love you, T.❤️" Almost immediately the floodgates of love and congratulations opened in the comments. "Happy Anniversary! You two have the type of love story that should be put on film to inspire people!" wrote one commenter. "I loved them on Family Ties, so happy to see a long, loving marriage for these two❤️🙌🍾" said another. "I remember watching the Family Ties episodes with the two of you, thinking 'Wow, those two really have chemistry.' Who knew? Congratulations on your beautiful marriage! Happy Anniversary! ❤️🥂" shared a third. Fox and Pollan met on the set of Family Ties in 1985. The pair were cast as love interests, and while their romance was strictly on camera at first, it eventually grew into a real life love story. They reconnected a few years later while filming Bright Lights, Big City and were engaged only seven months later. They went on to marry in 1988 and have four children together. In 1991, Fox, then just 29 years-old was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, though he didn't make his diagnosis public until 1998. Pollan has stuck by him throughout his entire health journey, a fact which Fox has never taken for granted. In 2023, he told CBS Mornings, "At any time she would have been forgiven to say, 'I'm just gonna step out.' But, she didn't do that." He went on to say, "She had indicated to me by saying, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health. She was able to get me through it, and go through it with me. And she has for 35 years." Now, two years later, the devoted couple is still going strong. So, what's their secret? "Every day we have something we laugh about for a good two minutes," he told PEOPLE in 2020. "The kind of support she gives me, I feel like a husband, a father and a friend first, and then somewhere way down the line, I'm someone with Parkinson's." Congratulations Pouring In For Actor Michael J. Fox first appeared on Parade on Jul 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Hindustan Times
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Once bigger than Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp, 'Hollywood's next big thing' was ruined by illness, forced into retirement
The 1980s was a decade of change for Hollywood. A crop of young blood came in, with newer actors trying to break out and make their mark. Tom Cruise and Johnny Depp went on to have mega-successful careers, while others like Charlie Sheen found their share of success as well. But for a brief period, there was an actor considered more promising than any of them. Yet, an illness derailed his career. Dubbed Hollywood's next best thing, this actor was forced into retirement due to an illness. How Hollywood's next big thing from the 80s fared Michael J Fox began his career as a child actor in the 70s before finding his break with the TV show Family Ties in 1982. The show's success made him a known name, but stardom came to him a few years later, when he starred in Back to the Future (1985). The film spent eight weeks as the number 1 film in the US and a star was born. The same year, Michael had another hit in Teen Wolf, and the actor was dubbed a 'teen idol'. Back to the Future turned Michael J Fox into a cine idol. Till 1990, Michael J Fox starred in other box office successes like The Secret of My Success (1987). He also won three back-to-back Emmy Awards from 1986-88 and a Golden Globe in 1989 for Family Ties. Many outlets dubbed him the 'next big thing'. In the late 80s, Michael was considered the brightest prospect in a class of young actors that also included Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp, and Charlie Sheen. How illness derailed Michael J Fox's career In 1991, Michael, just 30 at the time, was privately diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. He was told he just had '10 good years' left. The actor hastily signed multiple films, even agreeing to playing supporting roles. While many of these films worked, his stature was diminished to that of a supporting actor. In the 90s, Michael earned critical acclaim for his roles in The Frighteners and For Love or Money. After 1996, he largely devoted his time to the TV show Spin City, taking very few film roles. In 1998, he revealed to the cast and crew about his Parkinson's diagnosis, and quit the show in 1999, as his condition worsened. After 1999, Michael J Fox announced his retirement from acting, doing only small guest parts on television occasionally. He appeared in two episodes of Scrubs in 2004, five episodes of Rescue Me in 2009, and had a recurring role in The Good Wife starting 2010. His final appearance was in a sitcom called The Michael J Fox, which was cancelled mid-first season in 2012. He announced his retirement from acting in 2020, citing 'unreliability in speech'. Michael J. Fox attends A Country Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson's benefitting The Michael J. Fox Foundation at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on April 16, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee./AFP(Getty Images via AFP) Since then, the actor has made brief returns to films and TV shows, largely in cameos. He lives with his family in Malibu. Michael runs The Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has led a $100-million effort to find a cure for the disease.
New York Post
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Back to the Future' turns 40 — and the first actor to play Marty McFly was fired: ‘It was devastating'
Forty years ago, moviegoers were almost shouting, 'Great Stoltz!' That's because 'Back to the Future,' the science-fiction classic that hit theaters on July 3, 1985, nearly starred a very different actor than Michael J. Fox. The poor guy even shot scenes. Advertisement 5 Eric Stoltz was the first actor to play Marty McFly in 'Back to the Future' before being fired and replaced with Michael J. Fox. Paramount Pictures The first man to don the orange puffer vest as unwitting teen time traveler Marty McFly was Eric Stoltz, then the star of 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High,' 'The Wild Life' and 'The New Kids.' But he was ultimately denied the keys to the DeLorean. Advertisement 'The director fired me,' Stoltz, now 63, said in a 1993 interview with Bob Costas. 'He didn't like my work.' The stung actor added, 'It was devastating to me.' From the offset, director Robert Zemeckis, who had notched a hit in 'Romancing the Stone' with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, and producer Steven Spielberg craved Fox for the part. The 23-year-old had turned into a huge national TV star playing precocious Alex P. Keaton on the NBC sitcom 'Family Ties,' which began in 1982. By 1985, it was No. 2 in the Nielsen ratings. Advertisement He was made for Marty. But when 'Ties' creator and showrunner Gary David Goldberg was approached by Spielberg and Zemeckis about Fox doing the film, the TV bigwig was firm. 5 Michael J. Fox was a superstar playing Alex P. Keaton on 'Family Ties.' Getty Images 'He said, 'I can't let him do it,'' Fox recalled in a 2001 interview with the Archive of American Television. Advertisement 'And he said, you know, 'Please don't tell Michael — not that I want him to think I did something behind his back, but I really had no other choice.'' So, the Hollywood duo instead went with another 23-year-old — Stoltz. But, talented though he was, the actor struggled with the funny Californian for more than a month of production. 'Eric had such an intensity. He saw drama in things. He wasn't really a comedian, and they needed a comedian,' co-star Lea Thompson said in the book 'We Don't Need Roads: The Making of the Back to the Future Trilogy.' 'He's super-funny in real life, but he didn't approach his work like that, and they really needed somebody who had those chops.' 5 Stoltz was a terrific actor, but approached the role of Marty too seriously Getty Images Fox diplomatically agrees. 'There's a certain goofiness to [Marty] that I don't think Eric was really ready to embrace,' he said in 2001. Advertisement 'I think there was a silliness to the role that they kind of pictured me for.' Concerned with 'Future''s future, Zemeckis and Spielberg went back to Goldberg, who finally agreed to let his superstar do the project. Now the bad new had to be broken to Stoltz. On Jan. 10, 1985, Zemeckis axed his leading man. Advertisement 'I was a young actor,' Stoltz recalled to Costas. 'It was probably the worst thing that can happen to you in your career.' In a later interview with George Stephanopolous, the 'Forrest Gump' director felt mutually horrible. He also called the sacking 'the worst experience of my career.' 'Eric is a brilliant actor,' Zemeckis added. 'I simply miscast him and I learned a very serious lesson. It's not worth it. It's too painful for everybody. What you have to do is cast the movie the right way and feel really right about it.' Advertisement 5 Eventually the creator of 'Family Ties' allowed Fox to do the movie — while also filming the hit TV show. ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection So, Fox was ready to team up with Christopher Lloyd's Doc Brown to battle with Biff. But stepping in just a few months before release wasn't so simple. The shift added an estimated $3 to $4 million to the movie's budget. And Fox had to continue filming 'Family Ties' at the same time. Advertisement 'Within a week, I was doing both jobs,' Fox said. 'I would do 'Family Ties' in the daytime and I'd do 'Back to the Future' at night. And I was working 18, 19, 20 hours.' He added: 'By the time 'Back to the Future' came out in the summer of '85, there were whole scenes I can't remember shooting because I was so tired during so much of it.' The long, hard days paid off. What was hardly a surefire hit when filming began became a phenomenon, grossing $385 million worldwide, led to two more movies and even inspired a Broadway musical. 5 Stoltz has enjoyed a long career in Hollywood since the dustup. Getty Images for TCM Stoltz's Hollywood career wasn't over either. He received a 1986 Golden Globe nomination for director Peter Bogdanovich's movie 'Mask.' And he's appeared in films such as 'Pulp Fiction,' 'Jerry Maguire' and 'The Butterfly Effect,' and on TV series including 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Madam Secretary.' Stoltz is also a prolific television director. And since that tough experience, Fox and Stoltz have become unlikely pals. 'It was a wonderful actor — great actor — who since has become a friend of mine and someone I've had a good time with, talking about this turn in our lives and how we both ended up in different places,' Fox said during a 2025 'Back to the Future' panel at the Calgary Expo. 'I've learned a lot about acceptance and perseverance from him. He's a great guy, Eric Stoltz.'
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
20+ Age-Defying Parent-Child Castings From Blue Bloods, ER, Ginny & Georgia, Golden Girls, Supernatural and More
As TV fans, we're no strangers to suspending our disbelief when it comes to embracing fantastical or implausible storylines from our favorite shows. But sometimes, it can be an equally enjoyable exercise to fall down a rabbit hole of reason. And that's what we're doing here today, embarking on a journey to answer the age-old question: Could this actor be their co-star's parent in real life? More from TVLine Every New Scripted Show Confirmed to Premiere in 2025 - Save the Dates! The Buccaneers Season 2 Premiere: Leighton Meester Makes Dramatic Entrance as [Spoiler]'s Mother Does Jensen Ackles' Countdown Hero Have BDE - Big Dean (Winchester) Energy? 'There Are Familiar Aspects,' Says Supernatural Vet The list below rounds up the 20 weirdest, wackiest, most bizarre parent-child castings due to unbelievable age gaps. So if you, too, just watched the Season 2 premiere of Apple TV+'s The Buccaneers and thought, 'Leighton Meester is playing mom to a 19-year-old woman?!,' you're in the right place. Our list has it all, from a Family Ties father who had only 14 years on his on-screen son, to a Golden Girl who defied all logic by actually being younger than her daughter. We've also got age-defying pairings from Six Feet Under, Supernatural, The Good Place, Blue Bloods, Orange Is the New Black, Schitt's Creek, The Cosby Show, George Lopez and more. But before you get scrolling, some housekeeping: Our round-up is sorted from widest to smallest age gap, and we're sharing how old the actors were at the time they first appeared alongside each other — not how old they are today. Also, we've steered clear of soap operas and timey-wimey time travel shows. (We are in a rabbit hole of reason, remember?!) Without further ado, it's time for you, dear reader, to fly the coop and review our sampling of TV's most bizarre parent-child castings — and as always, feel free to nominate others that come to mind! Meredith Baxter (35) and Michael Gross (35) played parents to Michael J. Fox (21) Age Gap: 14 years Michael Sheen (50) and Bellamy Young (49) played parents to Tom Payne (36) Age Gap: 14 and 13 years Frances Conroy (48) played mother to Peter Krause (35) Age Gap: 13 years Belita Moreno (52) played mother to George Lopez (40) Age Gap: 12 years Jeffrey Dean Morgan (39) played father to Jensen Ackles (27) Age Gap: 12 years Earle Hyman (58) played father to Bill Cosby (47) Age Gap: 11 years Janet Hubert (34) played mother to Karyn Parsons (23) Age Gap: 11 years Brian Cox (72) played father to Alan Ruck (61) Age Gap: 11 years Leighton Meester (39) plays mother to Kristine Frøseth (29) Age Gap: 10 years Mo'Nique (31) played mother to Countess Vaughn (21) Age Gap: 10 years Leslie Grossman (45) played mother to Kristen Bell (36) Age Gap: 9 years John Marshall Jones (34) played father to Essence Atkins (25) Age Gap: 9 years Gretchen Mol (37) played mother to Michael Pitt (29) Age Gap: 8 years Brianne Howey (31) plays mother to Antonia Gentry (23) Age Gap: 8 years Adina Porter (37) played mother to Rutina Wesley (29) Age Gap: 8 years Jane Curtin (75) played mother to Katey Sagal (68) Age Gap: 7 years Len Cariou (70) played father to Tom Selleck (65) Age Gap: 5 years Frances Fisher (52) played mother to Laura Innes (47) Age Gap: 5 years Jennifer Robertson (43) played mother to Tim Rozon (38) Age Gap: 5 years Elizabeth Rodriguez (32) played mother to Dascha Polanco (30) Age Gap: 2 years Estelle Getty (62) played mother to Bea Arthur (63) Age Gap: -1 year! Which parent-child castings surprised you the most? And which did we miss? Hit the comments with your thoughts! Best of TVLine Young Sheldon Easter Eggs: Every Nod to The Big Bang Theory (and Every Future Reveal) Across 7 Seasons Weirdest TV Crossovers: Always Sunny Meets Abbott, Family Guy vs. Simpsons, Nine-Nine Recruits New Girl and More ER Turns 30: See the Original County General Crew, Then and Now
