Top 10 Forgotten Young Stars

Kicking off our list is the child star of 1971's film adaptation “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Kinda like the hunt for the golden ticket, Ostrum was discovered during a nationwide search for an actor to portray Charlie Bucket. He was then offered a three film contract, but since he didn't see the glamor in acting, he did the unthinkable: he refused, and became a veterinarian and farm owner.

After appearing in classics like “Mrs. Doubtfire,” Miracle on 34th Street” and “Matilda” something happened to this child star: she abruptly quit the business in 2000 citing a loss of interest and lack of enjoyment. Today, she is a playwright who prefers the quiet dignity of stage performances to the cameras, crews and crazed fans.

This adorable young actor made it big in “Jerry Maguire” as the son of Renée Zellweger's character, and went on to appear in “Doctor Dolittle” and “Stuart Little.” He does still work in the biz, but hasn't been on the radar much, you know, since he grew up. He sticks to independent films, is involved with several charities, and is the international spokesperson for Pediatric Chiropractic and Kids Day International.

Next up is the Karate Kid himself. Macchio rose to international stardom in his early 20s by playing 14-year-old Daniel LaRusso in not one, but three “Karate Kid” films. He also starred in “My Cousin Vinny” and “The Outsiders,” plus he made the covers of several teen magazines. But things abruptly slowed down and decades later he appeared on the twelfth season of “Dancing with the Stars.” cough Washed up cough.

Haim and Feldman were “The Two Coreys,” and they were huge in the '80s. These teen idols were pals who starred in several flicks individually, before the united on-screen in “The Lost Boys.” Sadly, Corey fever ran cold as drug addiction took over. The pair briefly rekindled their past popularity with a reality show about their lives, before an overdose claimed Haim's life in 2010.

If you were a teenage girl in the '90s, chances are you remember when JTT was the hottest thing ever: this hunk played Randy Taylor on the hit sitcom “Home Improvement,” and voiced Simba in “The Lion King.” He washed out late in the decade when fame went to his head and he skipped the final season of his show to become a movie star. The result was the flop, “I'll Be Home for Christmas.”

The only star more popular with the ladies than JTT was this “T2” bad-boy. As John Connor, Furlong became an overnight sensation. Unfortunately, after filming “American History X,” he developed a nasty drug addition that caused a downward spiral. He blamed showbiz for giving his easy access to drugs, got stopped for a DUI and stole lobsters from a grocery store. We're still waiting for his big comeback...

This young star was nominated for an Oscar at just 11-years-old! Osmet was the hottest child actor of his day, which earned him spots in films like “Forrest Gump,” “A.I. Artificial Intelligence,” “Pay It Forward” and – of course –“The Sixth Sense.” Sadly, he was out of a job the moment his voice broke. His sudden fall from grace culminated with a 2006 car accident and DUI.

Lloyd's rise and fall was the quickest of any on this list. He starred as Anakin Skywalker in the long-awaited and overly-hyped “Star Wars” prequel “The Phantom Menace.” The film was horribly received, and in the backlash Lloyd was tormented and bullied for helping tarnish the beloved franchise. Under much pressure and distress, he quit show business in 2001, but not before he destroyed all his “Star Wars” memorabilia.

Taking the top spot on our list is the king of forgotten child stars. From “Home Alone,” “Richie Rich,” and “Uncle Buck,” to “My Girl,” “The Pagemaster,” and “The Good Son,” he was considered the most successful child star since Shirley Temple. However due to personal problems, he retired from acting at age 14. Unfortunately, many fans remember him for his involvement in the Michael Jackson sex scandal, and for his drug possession.

Do you agree with our list? Think any of these stars are destined to make a comeback? For more entertaining lists, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.