20 Fun Facts about child stars from the ’80s that none knows about

The 1980s were full of bright colors, big hair, and catchy music, but they also gave us child stars who became famous on TV and in movies. These young actors made people laugh, cry, and cheer, but many of their real-life stories stayed hidden. From funny habits to surprising talents, there are lots of little secrets fans never knew. Before we jump into 20 fun facts, let’s take a step back in time and discover what life was really like for these kids in the spotlight.

1. Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore was only 7 when she starred in E.T. She impressed Steven Spielberg by pretending to cry so well during auditions that he thought she had real-life heartbreak.She later became the youngest host ever on Saturday Night Live at just 7 years old.

2. Macaulay Culkin

Before Home Alone, Macaulay Culkin appeared in Uncle Buck. He became the highest-paid child actor of his time, earning millions before he was even a teenager. He was so popular that he even had a doll made in his likeness.

3. Corey Feldman

Corey Feldman loved Michael Jackson’s dance moves so much that he practiced them daily. His dedication paid off when he later performed on stage with Jackson. He also voiced Donatello in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie.

4. Alyssa Milano

Alyssa Milano toured with Annie before starring in Who’s the Boss?. She was only 8 years old but already confident enough to sing and act in front of big crowds. She later became a teen idol, with her own line of workout videos.

5. Fred Savage

Fred Savage was just 12 when The Wonder Years began. He had to act older than he really was, playing a teenager dealing with middle school drama. He later became one of the youngest actors ever nominated for an Emmy.

6. Soleil Moon Frye

Soleil Moon Frye, who played Punky Brewster, loved designing her own clothes. Her homemade fashion often inspired her character’s colorful outfits. She even started her own boutique clothing line as an adult.

7. Ricky Schroder

Ricky Schroder became famous in Silver Spoons. Off screen, he was shy and preferred spending time with his animals on his family’s ranch. He later won a Golden Globe at just 9 years old.

8. Kirk Cameron

Kirk Cameron starred in Growing Pains. Few knew he originally wanted to be a doctor before acting changed his path. By 17, he was one of the most recognizable teen heartthrobs in America.

9. Candace Cameron

Candace Cameron, Kirk’s younger sister, became famous in Full House. She was only 10 when she landed the role of D.J. Tanner. She later returned to the role in Fuller House decades later.

10. Jason Bateman (on the right)

Jason Bateman was a teen star in Silver Spoons. He later admitted he directed episodes of the show while still a teenager, showing early talent behind the camera. He eventually won both Golden Globe and Emmy awards for his directing.

11. Corey Haim

Corey Haim, Feldman’s best friend, starred in The Lost Boys. He was known for being playful on set, often pulling pranks on the crew. He was once nicknamed “The Canadian Tom Cruise” by fans.

12. Emmanuel Lewis

Emmanuel Lewis, star of Webster, was much smaller than kids his age. At 12, he was only 4 feet tall, which made him look younger than he really was. He became close friends with Michael Jackson, who admired his talent.

13. Gary Coleman

Gary Coleman from Diff’rent Strokes was famous for saying “Whatchu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” He actually improvised the line during rehearsals, and it stuck forever. He was once the highest-paid child actor on television.

14. Jodie Sweetin

Jodie Sweetin was just 5 when she joined Full House. She was so young that she didn’t fully understand she was acting, she thought it was just playtime. She later became a professional dancer and competed on Dancing with the Stars.

15. Henry Thomas

Henry Thomas, who played Elliott in E.T., won his role by crying so convincingly in auditions that Spielberg was moved to tears. He later appeared in Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House.

16. Wil Wheaton

Wil Wheaton starred in Stand by Me. Off screen, he was a huge fan of video games and later became a voice actor for them. He also became a beloved figure in geek culture through Star Trek: The Next Generation.

17. Tiffani Thiessen

Tiffani Thiessen started modeling before acting. She won Teen Magazine’s “Great Model Search” at 13, which led to her role in Saved by the Bell. She later hosted her own cooking show, Dinner at Tiffani’s.

18. Mayim Bialik

Mayim Bialik starred in Beaches as a young Bette Midler. She later chose science over acting, earning a Ph.D. in neuroscience. She eventually returned to acting in The Big Bang Theory.

19. Joey Lawrence

Joey Lawrence was only 5 when he appeared on Gimme a Break!. He became known for his catchphrase “Whoa!” years later on Blossom. He also released pop music albums during his teen years.

20. Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker started acting as a child in Broadway’s Annie. Few knew she grew up in a poor family with seven siblings before becoming a star.

More catchy retro content:

• 20 Child Stars Who Left Hollywood and Became Even Richer: Profiles child actors who quit showbiz and built wealth through business, writing, law or other careers.
• 15 Child Stars from the 1990s Who Actually Managed Their Wealth: Highlights 1990s child celebrities who avoided financial pitfalls and turned early fame into long-term stability.
• 17 Retro Photos of Stars Looking Almost Unrecognizably Young: A nostalgic gallery showing famous actors and musicians in their youthful, early-career days.