The 1980s pumped out some of Hollywood’s most unforgettable child stars — kids who carried hit movies, led sitcoms, and, in some cases, became millionaires before they were old enough to drive. Here are a dozen who defined the decade with their talent and charm.
1. Drew Barrymore
Sure, E.T. was adorable and his whole “Phone home” spiel was obviously iconic, but who didn’t fall in love with Gertie during that movie? Drew Barrymore’s debut role hurled her into Hollywood, where she has had a long-lasting career.
2. Macaulay Culkin
Before he made us look at after shave in a completely new light, Macaulay Culkin made his acting debut in 1989’s “Uncle Buck” alongside John Candy. We have to say, it’s a crying shame that dynamic duo didn’t share the screen much in the soon preceding “Home Alone.”
3. Fred Savage
From “The Wonder Years” to “The Princess Bride,” Fred Savage was one of the most charming kids that movies had to offer in the 1980s. For his role in “The Wonder Years,” he even snagged Emmy, Golden Globes, and People’s Choice awards and nominations.
4. Corey Feldman & Corey Haim
The “Two Coreys” were everywhere — Feldman shined in “The Goonies” and “Stand by Me,” while Haim broke hearts in “Lucas” and “The Lost Boys” (also starring Feldman). Their off-screen friendship made them teen icons as much as their movies did. Even after their falling out and Haim’s passing, Feldman continues to propel the memory of the dynamic duo in interviews and in his latest bout with “Dancing with the Stars.”
5. Kirk Cameron
As Mike Seaver on “Growing Pains,” Cameron became one of TV’s favorite mischievous teens. By the late ’80s, he was among the most well-known teen actors on TV.
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6. Keshia Knight Pulliam
Little Ruby Huxtable captured our hearts at the age of 5 on “The Cosby Show.” She did such a stellar job in her role that she was nominated for an Emmy by 6, making her one of the youngest people ever nominated for the award.
7. Neil Patrick Harris
Before he was Barney Stinson suiting up in “How I Met Your Mother,” NPH was America’s favorite teen prodigy doctor on “Doogie Howser, M.D.” Debuting in 1989, he set the bar for “precocious kid outsmarts the adults” roles and built a career that still hasn’t slowed down.
8. Emmanuel Lewis
At just 4 feet tall, Emmanuel Lewis made a big splash as Webster, the adorable, quick-witted foster kid who won hearts from 1983 to 1989 on “Webster.” His small stature, combined with his undeniable charm, made him a household name in the ’80s and beyond.
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9. Alyssa Milano
As Samantha Micelli on “Who’s the Boss?,” Alyssa Milano grew up on camera while becoming every teen magazine’s favorite cover girl. By the late ’80s, she was so popular that she even launched a successful singing career in Japan.
10. Danica McKellar
Danica stole our hearts as Winnie Cooper on “The Wonder Years,” playing opposite Fred Savage in one of TV’s most nostalgic romances. She sparked one of the first bouts of wanting an onscreen couple to transcend to real life — now an all-out frenzy.
11. Tina Yothers
Best known as Jennifer Keaton on “Family Ties,” Tina Yothers (bottom right) spent most of the ’80s trading quips with Michael J. Fox. After the show wrapped, she leaned into music, fronting a band.
12. Soleil Moon Frye
With her mismatched shoes and fearless spirit, Soleil Moon Frye became a household name as Punky Brewster. The show only ran a few years, but Punky’s colorful style and spunky attitude made her one of the most beloved characters of the decade.
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