Since so many child stars fail to transition into adult roles, let's take a moment to celebrate
those who made it successfully, even if some of us forgot about their beginnings.
Joaquin Phoenix
When Joaquin Phoenix started acting in films like 1986's Space Camp, he didn't even use
his given name, instead going by "Leaf Phoenix."
His first role was an episode of the musical TV series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
alongside his older brother River.
He then went on to appear in a number of popular TV shows and films, including Hill Street
Blues, Murder, She Wrote, and Parenthood.
After completing Parenthood, he reportedly moved to Mexico and took a break from showbiz.
After about a six-year hiatus, he returned to acting as Joaquin and became the recognizable
star we know today.
He broke through in 1999's 8MM alongside Nicolas Cage, and then, of course, there was his Oscar-nominated
turn in Gladiator in 2000.
Hayden Panettiere
You probably recall Hayden Panettiere's role as Claire Bennet on Heroes, but there's a
good chance you also saw her before that.
You just may not have put the pieces together because she was so young when her career launched.
Panettiere starred on the soap operas One Life to Live and Guiding Light from the age
of 5 until she was about 10.
Then she landed her most recognizable childhood role as Sheryl Yoast, the spunky daughter
of a high school football coach in 2000's Remember the Titans.
Despite that scene-stealing performance, she didn't land many high-profile roles between
Titans and Heroes, aside from a small recurring gig on Malcolm in the Middle.
She may have suffered through some growing pains in Hollywood, but the star of Nashville
definitely figured it out eventually.
Jason Bateman
You're probably very familiar with Jason Bateman's more recent work.
Since Arrested Development's 2003 debut, he's been a bright light in the industry, but his
journey in Hollywood began long before that.
Back in 1982, Bateman played James Cooper Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie.
After that, he took a role in the sitcom Silver Spoons, which then led to a starring role
in It's Your Move, and then The Hogan Family.
His performance as David Hogan thrust him into teen-icon status, which only intensified
when he starred in Teen Wolf Too.
The '80s were a good time to be Bateman, but the '90s were not as kind, which may explain
why you forgot about his awesome early career.
Eliza Dushku
When Eliza Dushku first appeared on Buffy the Vampire Slayer as teenager Faith, many
fans thought she was a fresh face in Hollywood, but think again.
Dushku got her career rolling by playing the precocious Alice Bloom in That Night in 1992.
The next year, she starred alongside another child star, Leonardo DiCaprio, in This Boy's
Life.
Those early experiences led to a film that would change her life in more ways than one.
In 1994, at the age of 12, Dushku appeared in True Lies as Dana Tasker, the daughter
of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis.
While her performance helped forge a long career in the industry, Dushku revealed on
Facebook in January, 2018, that she was allegedly assaulted by a crew member on set, something
she spoke out about in the "hope that speaking out will help other victims and protect against
future abuse."
Jake Gyllenhaal
Much of Jake Gyllenhaal's massive fanbase became attached to the star after his incredible
performance in 2000's Donnie Darko.
He also starred the year before in October Sky, but his acting résumé actually goes
back much further than those flicks.
When he was 11 years old, Gyllenhaal played Danny Robbins in 1991's City Slickers.
Though that role didn't make him a superstar, it did open some doors.
From there, he took parts in A Dangerous Woman and Josh and S.A.M., but he eventually took
time away from acting to focus on school.
In another timeline, Gyllenhaal might have been a huge child superstar.
According to The Guardian, he landed a big role in 1992's The Mighty Ducks, but his parents
decided not to allow him to take the part.
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