Top 10 Child Stars Who Opened Up About Addiction
#10: Tatum O'Neal
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A huge star in the 1970s, Tatum O'Neal made history at the age of 10 as the youngest person ever to win an Academy Award for her role in "Paper Moon.” Her early success marked the beginning of a tumultuous journey marked by substance use disorder. In addition to her iconic roles, such as in "The Bad News Bears,”, O'Neal faced difficulties that later became publicized, including a 2009 arrest for purchasing illegal stimulants. Despite her challenges, Tatum O'Neal has been candid about her efforts to overcome her issues, becoming an advocate for recovery and sharing her story to reduce stigma.
#9: Haley Joel Osment
Born in 1988, Osment gained widespread acclaim for his remarkable and iconic performance in M. Night Shyamalan’s "The Sixth Sense,” earning an Academy Award nomination as a child actor. His early success led to big challenges as he navigated the transition from a young star to adulthood. In 2006, Osment was involved in a car accident, bringing public attention to his plight. Since then, he has been committed to sobriety, using his experiences to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by young actors in the entertainment industry. Despite the setbacks, Osment continued his acting career with roles in various films and TV shows.
#8: Mackenzie Phillips
The daughter of famed musician John Phillips of The Mamas and the Papas, Phillips gained fame for her role as Julie Cooper on the sitcom "One Day at a Time.” But Mackenzie tragically was subjected to very disturbing family dynamics that contributed to her prolonged battle with substance use. In 2008, she made headlines by disclosing on national television that she had engaged in an inappropriate long-term relationship with her father, adding a layer of unsettling complexity to her story. Phillips has since become an outspoken advocate for substance use disorder awareness, using her platform to encourage understanding and compassion for those facing similar challenges.
#7: Jodie Sweetin
This former young star is best known for her role as Stephanie Tanner on the beloved sitcom "Full House.” After the show's conclusion, Sweetin faced well-publicized struggles with illegal substances, leading to periods of rehabilitation and recovery. Despite these challenges, Sweetin emerged with resilience and determination. Beyond her acting career, she has become an advocate for recovery, sharing her experiences to destigmatize the issue and inspire others on their paths to healing. Sweetin has continued to work in the entertainment industry, participating in various projects.
#6: Amanda Bynes
Bynes, born in 1986, rose to prominence as a star on Nickelodeon's "All That" and "The Amanda Show." Known for her comedic talents, Bynes faced highly publicized mental health and substance use issues in the late 2000s and 2010s. Her erratic behavior and legal troubles became a focal point of media attention, prompting concerns about her well-being. In 2013, Bynes underwent psychiatric treatment, acknowledging her challenges and embarking on a journey towards recovery. Bynes has used her experiences to raise awareness about and contribute to efforts aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
#5: Justin Bieber
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Still a musical A-lister in 2024, the Canadian superstar catapulted to international fame as a teenager with hits like "Baby" and "Sorry." His meteoric rise to the heights of fame was accompanied by intense scrutiny and pressure, contributing to his battle with substance use. In 2014, Bieber faced legal issues and was arrested for DUI, marking a turning point in his public image. Bieber has since been transparent about his journey to sobriety, using his platform to advocate for wellness. His openness about the pressures of fame has contributed to a broader conversation about the well-being of young celebrities and the importance of prioritizing mental health.
#4: Lindsay Lohan
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Born in 1986, the iconically redheaded Lohan began her career as a model before eventually gaining widespread recognition for her roles in films such as "The Parent Trap" and "Mean Girls." Lohan's well-documented struggles became apparent in the mid-2000s, leading to publicized legal issues and rehab stints. Despite setbacks, she expressed a desire for personal growth and a return to acting. Lohan's journey serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of early stardom and the ongoing process of self-discovery and recovery. In recent years, Lohan has explored various ventures, including a return to stardom in the hit Netflix movie, “Falling for Christmas.”
#3: Drew Barrymore
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Barrymore became a Hollywood icon with her breakout role in "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial'' at the age of seven. Her early success was accompanied by a turbulent childhood marked by substance use. Barrymore's journey to sobriety began in her teenage years, and she has since become an advocate for recovery. Beyond overcoming her demons, she has successfully rebuilt her career, starring in numerous films and establishing herself as a producer and TV host. Barrymore's resilience stands as a testament to the possibility of redemption and personal growth in the face of early difficulties.
#2: Macaulay Culkin
The cherub-faced Culkin, born in 1980, achieved worldwide fame for his role as Kevin McCallister in "Home Alone.” Culkin's later struggles were intertwined with the pitfalls of child stardom, leading to publicized incidents and arrests. Despite the challenges, he has undergone a transformation, distancing himself from past troubles and focusing on a healthier lifestyle. Culkin's experiences highlight the importance of addressing mental health in the entertainment industry and serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of early fame. In recent years, Culkin has made occasional appearances in films and television projects and was honored in 2023 with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
#1: Demi Lovato
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One of the biggest young stars of her generation, Lovato gained fame on "Barney & Friends" before rising to prominence with Disney Channel's "Camp Rock" and her own series, "Sonny with a Chance.” Lovato's battles with substance use and health issues have been well-documented, including a highly publicized medical emergency in 2018. Her commitment to sobriety and openness about her battles have positioned her as a powerful voice for mental health awareness. Lovato actively uses her platform to break through stigma, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and fostering empathy for those facing similar challenges. Beyond her acting career, Lovato is celebrated for her successful music career, activism, and advocacy.
What do you think must be the hardest aspect of being a child star? Let us know in the comments.
