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Then and Now: 1930s Shirley Temple to Freddie Highmore; Beloved child actors who still shine on the big screen

ETimes.in | Last updated on - Jun 10, 2025, 15:00 IST
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​Then and Now: 1930s Shirley Temple to Freddie Highmore; Beloved child actors who still shine on the big screen

When we see some Hollywood movies, we often forget that some might be a part of the industry from a very young age. All we do is recognize them and then forget the origins. The below-listed child actors were well known for their powerful performances. Now they have become an actual part of Hollywood and might be one of your favorite actors too. To know what your back-in-the-day movie actors look like and which roles they are doing, just scroll down.

2/8

​Shirley Temple

She is a true example of childhood stardom; Shirley Temple dominated the box office in the 1930s with her adoring performances in films like ‘Bright Eyes’ and ‘Curly Top.’ Her natural curls and contagious optimism made her prominent. Her way to bring joy in the times of the Great Depression made her a national treasure. Later she transitioned into politics and diplomacy, serving as a U.S. ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia.

3/8

​Macaulay Culkin

He gained fame with ‘Home Alone’; Culkin became one of the most recognizable child stars of the 1990s. His character of Kevin McCallister, a resourceful kid who is left to keep off burglars, remains an all-time favorite. He continued his success with ‘My Girl,’ ‘The Good Son,’ and ‘Richie Rich.’ After taking a break from Hollywood for a while, Culkin made a comeback with independent films and even explored his way into music and podcasting.

4/8

​Dakota Fanning

She dazzled the audiences with her emotional depth in ‘I Am Sam’ at just seven years old; Dakota quickly became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young talents. Later she continued to get the spotlight in films like ‘War of the Worlds’ and ‘The Secret Life of Bees.’ Her ability to take on complex roles makes her stand out from the crowd, and she smoothly transitioned into adult roles with films like ‘The Runaways’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.’

5/8

​Haley Joel Osment

He gave an unforgettable performance in ‘The Sixth Sense’ and got an Academy Award nomination. He is now known for his ability to convey deep emotions. Osment also delivered performances in ‘A.I. Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘Pay It Forward.’ Though he took a break from mainstream Hollywood, he later returned to acting in television and independent films.

6/8

​Kirsten Dunst

She made a strong impression in ‘Interview with the Vampire,’ as she held her ground with Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. Her character of Claudia, a child vampire with a disastrous fate, showed her top-notch talent. Later she went into adult roles such as in ‘Spider-Man,’ ‘Marie Antoinette,’ and ‘Melancholia.’

7/8

​Freddie Highmore

Highmore, known for movies like ‘Finding Neverland’ and ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’ showcased his incredible versatility as a child actor. He later played roles in ‘The Good Doctor,’ as Dr. Shaun Murphy, a brilliant surgeon with autism. His transition from child star to leading man has been utterly flawless, earning him critical appreciation.

8/8

​Jacob Tremblay

His breakout role in ‘Room’ at just nine years old made the audiences dumbfounded with its emotional intensity. He continued to show his talents in movies like ‘Wonder,’ where he played a boy with facial differences, and ‘Good Boys,’ showing his ability to take on a variety of roles. Tremblay has proved himself as one of the most talented young actors of his generation.

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