10 Movie Roles That Ruined Child Actor's Lives
child actors, Hollywood trauma, child star abuse, Corey Haim, Judy Garland, Drake Bell, Jake Lloyd, Taylor Momsen, Jennette McCurdy, child actor struggles, entertainment industry, child actor mental health, child actor exploitation, child actor addiction, child actor trauma, child star stories, Hollywood dark side, child actor experiences, child actor careers,
10 Times Hollywood Cast Children in Roles That Ruined Their Lives
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at roles that negatively impacted the lives of child stars.
Corey Haim was among the most prominent young stars of the 1980s. From early in his career, though, Haim struggled with substance use. While filming “The Lost Boys,” Haim smoked a joint for the first time. Yet, he cited next year’s “License to Drive” as his “breaking point.” Haim led this teen comedy as Les Anderson, a kid with a car… but no license. Co-star Corey Feldman recalled being high throughout the shoot. Haim also remembered hitting a low point as one drug provided a gateway to an even worse one. The experience marked a turning point for Haim, who checked into rehab. Unfortunately, substance use continued to follow Haim throughout his life, which was cut short when he died from pneumonia in 2010.
This former actress-turned-singer won the role of Cindy Lou Who in Ron Howard’s live-action adaptation of “The Grinch.” Although it might’ve seemed like an early Christmas present at the time, the role was far from the gift that keeps giving. In 2023, Momsen revealed that she was “made fun of relentlessly” growing up because of her involvement in the film. She struggled to make friends at schools where the other kids generally knew her as Cindy Lou Who. Even after she landed a role on “Gossip Girl” as Jenny Humphrey, Momsen still felt alienated. In addition to being the new girl, she was still the “Grinch Girl.” She would find friendship through her middle school garage band, allowing Momsen to be herself.
Jennette McCurdy was pushed into the spotlight by her abusive mother, landing the role of Sam Puckett on “iCarly.” Although McCury developed a “hugely healing” friendship with co-star Miranda Cosgrove, her dynamic with the show’s “Creator” contributed to her childhood trauma. In her memoir, McCurdy recounted how “the Creator” pressured her into underage drinking and gave her an unwanted shoulder massage. The role of Sam also proved difficult for McCurdy, who was coping with anorexia and bulimia while playing a character who’s constantly eating. A few years after her mom died, McCurdy left acting in favor of writing and directing. When offered a chance to reprise her role in the “iCarly” reboot, McCurdy made it clear that she had left Sam Puckett in the past.
It’s a beloved classic, but “The Wizard of Oz” was also a production nightmare with Dorothy herself enduring much of the distress. While it’s been debated whether the Munchkin actors harassed Garland, there’s no denying that the studio put her through hell. In addition to working unreasonably long hours, Garland underwent breast binding to appear younger and was essentially starved to keep her weight down. Although this exhausting shoot wasn’t her introduction to drugs, Garland became increasingly reliant on amphetamines and barbiturates. Her substance use didn’t end on the Yellow Brick Road. Reflecting on her time at MGM, Garland felt her childhood had been taken away. Her struggles lasted into adulthood, resulting in her premature death from an accidental barbiturate overdose.
Gary Coleman was around ten when he was cast as Arnold Jackson, a role he’d play until age 18. Arnold appeared ageless due to a kidney disease that restricted Coleman’s growth. Although “Diff’rent Strokes” made him TV’s highest-paid child star for a period, Coleman’s medical struggles and long working hours often left him depressed. Coleman’s money wasn’t in the best hands either, culminating in him suing his adoptive parents and former manager for misusing his trust fund. He received a little over $1 million, only a fraction of the $3.8 million that Coleman felt he was owed. Even after returning to acting, Coleman could never shake his former child star status. Coleman’s financial and health issues persisted until he died in 2010.
Drake Bell’s rise as a Nickelodeon star began on “The Amanda Show,” playing characters like Totally Kyle and Tony Pajamas. The sketch comedy series launched him into fame, but it led to possibly the darkest period of Bell’s life. Working on the show, he regularly interacted with dialogue coach Brian Peck. While Bell’s father had suspicions about Peck, others assumed he was just being friendly. Before moving on to “Drake & Josh,” Bell was sexually abused at the hands of Peck, who’d only be sentenced to 16 months. Bell’s career proceeded, although the trauma stuck with him as he faced other personal demons. After keeping his pain buried for years, Bell spoke publicly about the abuse for the first time in 2024, beginning the healing process.
Jake Lloyd beat out more than 3,000 actors in the running for Anakin Skywalker. Although it seemed like the role of a lifetime, there was a darker side to playing such an iconic character. As an adult, Lloyd claimed that he left acting due in part to the press’ negative reception and mistreatment from his peers. There was more to the story, as Lloyd was also dealing with personal and mental health struggles, eventually receiving a paranoid schizophrenia diagnosis. The retired actor has learned to cope with his condition and has even embraced “Star Wars” again. Lloyd’s mother feels her son was shielded from the worst of the “Phantom Menace” backlash growing up. Even so, Lloyd’s upbringing might’ve been easier without Anakin.
There’s an urban legend that “Family Affair” is cursed, misfortune befalling several cast members. Anissa Jones, who played the pigtailed Buffy, was the first to suffer tragedy. To maintain a youthful appearance throughout the show’s five-season run, Jones had her chest bound and was obligated to carry a Mrs. Beasley doll around. By age nine, Jones started to feel embarrassed and repressed pretending to be a six-year-old. Jones couldn’t find work after the show ended while also finding herself at the center of a custody battle. Co-star Kathy Garver feels that Jones fell into drugs as a form of rebellion, having been forced to play a little girl for so long. Jones was just entering adulthood when an accidental overdose claimed her life in 1976.
For several years, Bobby Driscoll was Disney’s go-to child star, leading films like “Song of the South” and “Treasure Island.” His most famous role was arguably the voice of Peter Pan. Despite playing the Boy Who Never Grows Up, Driscoll was going through puberty. No longer sure what to do with him, Disney ended Driscoll’s contract. He was subsequently enrolled in a public high school where Driscoll was mocked for his child star days. While Driscoll later switched schools, his future was riddled with substance use and legal troubles. Driscoll still found occasional acting work, although nobody recognized him when his body was discovered in 1968. Succumbing to heart failure, Driscoll was buried in an unmarked grave before the authorities connected the dots.
“Twilight Zone: The Movie” would go down as one of the most notorious productions in Hollywood history, costing three actors their lives. Renee Shin-Yi Chen and Myca Dinh Le were cast in director John Landis’ segment as two Vietnamese orphans. In the intended scene, Vic Morrow’s bigoted character was supposed to find redemption by rescuing the children as a helicopter attacked their village. This scene didn’t make the final cast, as the helicopter crashed, killing Morrow and his two co-stars. The shoot broke multiple child labor laws, making the young actors work after hours and around explosives, no less. While Landis and his associates were found not guilty, many still accused the director of putting his cast in harm’s way.
Which child star story shocked you the most? Let us know in the comments.
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at roles that negatively impacted the lives of child stars.
Corey Haim
“License to Drive” (1988)Corey Haim was among the most prominent young stars of the 1980s. From early in his career, though, Haim struggled with substance use. While filming “The Lost Boys,” Haim smoked a joint for the first time. Yet, he cited next year’s “License to Drive” as his “breaking point.” Haim led this teen comedy as Les Anderson, a kid with a car… but no license. Co-star Corey Feldman recalled being high throughout the shoot. Haim also remembered hitting a low point as one drug provided a gateway to an even worse one. The experience marked a turning point for Haim, who checked into rehab. Unfortunately, substance use continued to follow Haim throughout his life, which was cut short when he died from pneumonia in 2010.
Taylor Momsen
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000)This former actress-turned-singer won the role of Cindy Lou Who in Ron Howard’s live-action adaptation of “The Grinch.” Although it might’ve seemed like an early Christmas present at the time, the role was far from the gift that keeps giving. In 2023, Momsen revealed that she was “made fun of relentlessly” growing up because of her involvement in the film. She struggled to make friends at schools where the other kids generally knew her as Cindy Lou Who. Even after she landed a role on “Gossip Girl” as Jenny Humphrey, Momsen still felt alienated. In addition to being the new girl, she was still the “Grinch Girl.” She would find friendship through her middle school garage band, allowing Momsen to be herself.
Jennette McCurdy
“iCarly” (2007-12)Jennette McCurdy was pushed into the spotlight by her abusive mother, landing the role of Sam Puckett on “iCarly.” Although McCury developed a “hugely healing” friendship with co-star Miranda Cosgrove, her dynamic with the show’s “Creator” contributed to her childhood trauma. In her memoir, McCurdy recounted how “the Creator” pressured her into underage drinking and gave her an unwanted shoulder massage. The role of Sam also proved difficult for McCurdy, who was coping with anorexia and bulimia while playing a character who’s constantly eating. A few years after her mom died, McCurdy left acting in favor of writing and directing. When offered a chance to reprise her role in the “iCarly” reboot, McCurdy made it clear that she had left Sam Puckett in the past.
Judy Garland
“The Wizard of Oz” (1939)It’s a beloved classic, but “The Wizard of Oz” was also a production nightmare with Dorothy herself enduring much of the distress. While it’s been debated whether the Munchkin actors harassed Garland, there’s no denying that the studio put her through hell. In addition to working unreasonably long hours, Garland underwent breast binding to appear younger and was essentially starved to keep her weight down. Although this exhausting shoot wasn’t her introduction to drugs, Garland became increasingly reliant on amphetamines and barbiturates. Her substance use didn’t end on the Yellow Brick Road. Reflecting on her time at MGM, Garland felt her childhood had been taken away. Her struggles lasted into adulthood, resulting in her premature death from an accidental barbiturate overdose.
Gary Coleman
“Diff'rent Strokes” (1978-86)Gary Coleman was around ten when he was cast as Arnold Jackson, a role he’d play until age 18. Arnold appeared ageless due to a kidney disease that restricted Coleman’s growth. Although “Diff’rent Strokes” made him TV’s highest-paid child star for a period, Coleman’s medical struggles and long working hours often left him depressed. Coleman’s money wasn’t in the best hands either, culminating in him suing his adoptive parents and former manager for misusing his trust fund. He received a little over $1 million, only a fraction of the $3.8 million that Coleman felt he was owed. Even after returning to acting, Coleman could never shake his former child star status. Coleman’s financial and health issues persisted until he died in 2010.
Drake Bell
“The Amanda Show” (1999-2002)Drake Bell’s rise as a Nickelodeon star began on “The Amanda Show,” playing characters like Totally Kyle and Tony Pajamas. The sketch comedy series launched him into fame, but it led to possibly the darkest period of Bell’s life. Working on the show, he regularly interacted with dialogue coach Brian Peck. While Bell’s father had suspicions about Peck, others assumed he was just being friendly. Before moving on to “Drake & Josh,” Bell was sexually abused at the hands of Peck, who’d only be sentenced to 16 months. Bell’s career proceeded, although the trauma stuck with him as he faced other personal demons. After keeping his pain buried for years, Bell spoke publicly about the abuse for the first time in 2024, beginning the healing process.
Jake Lloyd
“Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” (1999)Jake Lloyd beat out more than 3,000 actors in the running for Anakin Skywalker. Although it seemed like the role of a lifetime, there was a darker side to playing such an iconic character. As an adult, Lloyd claimed that he left acting due in part to the press’ negative reception and mistreatment from his peers. There was more to the story, as Lloyd was also dealing with personal and mental health struggles, eventually receiving a paranoid schizophrenia diagnosis. The retired actor has learned to cope with his condition and has even embraced “Star Wars” again. Lloyd’s mother feels her son was shielded from the worst of the “Phantom Menace” backlash growing up. Even so, Lloyd’s upbringing might’ve been easier without Anakin.
Anissa Jones
“Family Affair” (1966-71)There’s an urban legend that “Family Affair” is cursed, misfortune befalling several cast members. Anissa Jones, who played the pigtailed Buffy, was the first to suffer tragedy. To maintain a youthful appearance throughout the show’s five-season run, Jones had her chest bound and was obligated to carry a Mrs. Beasley doll around. By age nine, Jones started to feel embarrassed and repressed pretending to be a six-year-old. Jones couldn’t find work after the show ended while also finding herself at the center of a custody battle. Co-star Kathy Garver feels that Jones fell into drugs as a form of rebellion, having been forced to play a little girl for so long. Jones was just entering adulthood when an accidental overdose claimed her life in 1976.
Bobby Driscoll
“Peter Pan” (1953)For several years, Bobby Driscoll was Disney’s go-to child star, leading films like “Song of the South” and “Treasure Island.” His most famous role was arguably the voice of Peter Pan. Despite playing the Boy Who Never Grows Up, Driscoll was going through puberty. No longer sure what to do with him, Disney ended Driscoll’s contract. He was subsequently enrolled in a public high school where Driscoll was mocked for his child star days. While Driscoll later switched schools, his future was riddled with substance use and legal troubles. Driscoll still found occasional acting work, although nobody recognized him when his body was discovered in 1968. Succumbing to heart failure, Driscoll was buried in an unmarked grave before the authorities connected the dots.
Myca Dinh Le & Renee Shin-Yi Chen
“Twilight Zone: The Movie” (1983)“Twilight Zone: The Movie” would go down as one of the most notorious productions in Hollywood history, costing three actors their lives. Renee Shin-Yi Chen and Myca Dinh Le were cast in director John Landis’ segment as two Vietnamese orphans. In the intended scene, Vic Morrow’s bigoted character was supposed to find redemption by rescuing the children as a helicopter attacked their village. This scene didn’t make the final cast, as the helicopter crashed, killing Morrow and his two co-stars. The shoot broke multiple child labor laws, making the young actors work after hours and around explosives, no less. While Landis and his associates were found not guilty, many still accused the director of putting his cast in harm’s way.
Which child star story shocked you the most? Let us know in the comments.
Have an idea you want to see made into a WatchMojo video? Check out our suggest page and submit your idea.
Step up your quiz game by answering fun trivia questions! Love games with friends? Challenge friends and family in our leaderboard! Play Now!