13 Child Stars Who Grew Up Faster Than We Even Realized

It feels like just yesterday we were watching these actors and actresses as kids and teens, but those familiar faces are all grown up now. While some former child stars chose different career paths or focused on their families, others went on to become even more famous. And no matter where life took them, some truly changed a lot since their childhood or teen years.

1. Alexa PenaVega

The actress rose to fame for her role as Carmen Cortez in the Spy Kids film franchise. While she still appears mainly in TV projects, she now devotes most of her time to her family and children.

Alexa and her husband, Carlos PenaVega, are parents to three children. In 2024, they experienced the heartbreaking stillbirth of their daughter, Indy — a deeply personal and spiritual loss they have spoken about openly. Alexa has shared how they’re helping their children process the loss with honesty and care, and how their faith has guided their healing journey.

Today, Alexa is also partnering with World Vision, a global humanitarian organization. Around the holiday season in particular, she encourages meaningful, impactful charitable giving that supports families in need.

2. Adam Sevani

Adam Sevani became widely recognized for his role in the popular Step Up film series, where he showcased his impressive dance skills. He joined the franchise starting from the second installment and continued to captivate audiences with his talent throughout multiple films. Although his most recent acting credit is from the 2018 TV movie Art Prison, Sevani’s contributions to the Step Up series have solidified his presence in the world of dance-oriented cinema.

3. Christa B. Allen

Christa B. Allen has had a notable career in the entertainment industry, with one of her memorable roles being in the film 13 Going on 30. In addition to her performance in this beloved movie, she has appeared in other projects, showcasing her talent and versatility as an actress. Audiences continue to appreciate her contributions to the film industry, and her performances have left a lasting impression on viewers.

4. Ashley Tisdale

Ashley Tisdale has had a successful career in the entertainment industry, gaining recognition for her roles in various movies. One of her most iconic roles was Sharpay Evans in the popular High School Musical franchise. In addition to her standout performance in the musical series, she has also appeared in other notable films such as Bring It On: In It to Win It and Scary Movie 5.

5. Alexander Ludwig

Prior to his notable portrayal of Cato in The Hunger Games film series, Alexander Ludwig commenced his acting journey as a child actor, earning his first credited role in the 2005 movie Eve and the Fire Horse.

6. Emily Osment

Emily Osment played Gerti Giggles in Spy Kids 2 and Spy Kids 3, and then she got the role of Lily on the Disney Channel show Hannah Montana. Recently, she has been starring in a number of TV shows.

7. Evanna Lynch

Evanna Lynch rose to international fame after being cast as Luna Lovegood in the iconic Harry Potter film series, where her whimsical and heartfelt portrayal of the beloved character quickly won over fans around the world. After her time in the wizarding world, she went on to appear in other projects, including G.B.F. and My Name Is Emily.

Beyond acting, Evanna is also an accomplished writer. She released her memoir, The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting, and has reportedly been working on her first novel. Lynch has been open about stepping back from the spotlight at times to prioritize her mental well-being, devote herself to writing, and enjoy a quieter life in London with her partner and animals.

8. Nathan Kress

Nathan Kress gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Freddy in the popular Nickelodeon show iCarly. The show made a comeback with a new season, almost a decade after its original run concluded. Fans were delighted to see Kress return to the series, reprising his beloved role and bringing joy to viewers once again.

9. Nick Jonas

Nick Jonas, known for his past role as Nick Lucas on the Disney Channel series Jonas, has continued to pursue his passion for music in recent years. With a shift in focus, he dedicates his time and energy to furthering his successful music career, captivating audiences with his talent and dedication.

10. Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus rose to prominence following her breakthrough role on the popular Disney Channel series, Hannah Montana. Since then, she has experienced significant success in the entertainment industry. While her latest acting role was in 2019 on an episode of the acclaimed series Black Mirror, Cyrus continues to make an impact through her versatile talents and artistic endeavors.

11. Taylor Lautner

Taylor Lautner embarked on his acting journey at the tender age of 9, making his debut in the film Shadow Fury. At just 16 years old, he secured the iconic role of Jacob in the widely acclaimed Twilight movie franchise. Demonstrating his versatility, Lautner’s latest project is Netflix’s Home Team, released in January 2022, where he takes on the lead role and captivates audiences with his talent.

12. George MacKay

George MacKay embarked on a promising acting career, making his debut in the film Peter Pan in 2003. Displaying his talent from a young age, he appeared in notable projects such as The Thief Lord and Defiance. His breakthrough came in 2019 when he delivered a remarkable performance in the Oscar-winning film 1917, solidifying his presence in the industry.

13. Jonathan Lipnicki

After appearing in Jerry Maguire, Lipnicki went on to land roles in the sitcom The Single Guy as well as guest appearances on Dawson’s Creek. He later starred in the popular 1999 film Stuart Little.

Now in his 30s, Jonathan continues to pursue an acting career and has not stepped away from the industry. He’s been candid about the difficulties of transitioning from child star to adult actor, acknowledging that his career isn’t exactly where he wants it to be yet — but he remains actively focused on moving forward.

Don’t miss our other article featuring celebrities who look strikingly different in social media photos compared to professional shots.