Hollywood Mom Blog » Then & Now

CHILD STARS: Dakota Fanning, 17, Named COSMO’s Fun Fearless Woman of the Year

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:54:26 +0000

Dakota Fanning, 17, is the latest celebrity to grace the cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine. Yes, that Cosmopolitan Magazine. She has also been given the honorary title of “Fun, Fearless Woman of the Year,” like slightly older recipients, Beyonce’ and Mila Kunis, have before her.

Many readers are crying foul that a young actress, known best for films like Charlotte’s Web and Dr. Suess’ The Cat in the Hat, is on this cover next to headlines reading “His Best Sex Ever,” “Too Naughty To Stay Here: But You Have to Try This Sex Trick,” and “Um, Vagina Are You Okay Down There?” But in all fairness, she looks beautiful if not entirely age appropriate in a mostly-cleavage-covering pink sequin gown. Reminder – Fanning will become a legal adult soon as she celebrates her 18th birthday at the end of February 2012.

Fanning is still legally a minor though which is why some outlets are raising issue with the placement of a 17 year old on the cover of a magazine well-known for pushing the limits of adult female sexuality. For those of you who recall Miley Cyrus’ Vanity Fair photo shoot a few years back – this seems tame in comparison to me. Living in Los Angeles, I’ve seen more provocative dresses at high school proms. I think it’s the not so much the photo people are struggling with as the Fanning-Cosmo affiliation.

Cosmo stands by their cover girl choice stating: “We’re thrilled to feature Dakota Fanning on the February cover of Cosmopolitan magazine and she looks stunning. Dakota, who turns 18 this month, is a mature, fearless young woman and we are proud to honor her as our Fun Fearless Female of the year. We applaud her unprecedented accomplishments which will continue in 2012 with her four upcoming movie roles.”

HMB Readers may recall that Fanning raised eyebrows in a perfume ad for Marc Jacobs’ perfume Oh, Lola! just a few months ago which was eventually banned in the UK for sexualizing a minor.

Click on the photo below to see Cosmo’s recap of Dakota’s red carpet looks throughout the years.

THEN & NOW: Former Child Star Hilary Duff Talks Growing Up Hollywood on PIERS TONIGHT

Hollywood Mom — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:58:12 +0000

Former Disney Child Star, Hilary Duff, is pregnant with her first child, a boy. In a recent interview with Piers Morgan on his show PIERS TONIGHT, Duff revealed she one reason she does not want her son to have a career in show business is because she felt isolated as a child star and lost many friends due to her demanding schedule. Duff quickly rose to fame at 14 on the hit Disney TV show Lizzie McGuire.

The now 24-year-old told CNN talk show host Piers Morgan: “My sister (Hailey Duff) and I really showed an interest in performing and dedication, and [my mother] was like, ‘How can I tell my kids no?’ It’s the same as kids that are going into sports. Parents support them and push them.”

But despite admitting she wouldn’t trade her younger years for a different upbringing, she isn’t keen on her child following in her footsteps.

“I missed out on stupid things like passing notes in school and having a locker and riding the bus, I mean, really stupid things. At the time I felt, once I started touring… my life… was very isolated, you know? I lost a lot of my friends. I was on a totally different playing field than anybody else. And I grew up a lot faster, and I think that it definitely put me in a different place. But I wouldn’t trade it.”

Even with her view that it was a positive experience for her, Hilary doesn’t want the same career path for her child, stating “I don’t think there’s a way to stop it – I think kids know what they want but I just pray to God that’s not what he wants.” When Piers inquires as to why that is, Hilary bluntly states that today media intrusiveness has peaked with child stars and that the potential lack privacy is a strong concern. Duff said, “There’s such an obsession with people’s private lives, that I really don’t think was there before.” She continues, “It’s so invasive. It’s just a different business than it used to be.”

THEN & NOW: Christina Ricci Thankful She Is Not A Child Star in Today’s World

Hollywood Mom — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 20:33:32 +0000

Christina Ricci (PAN AM) became a household name in the 1990′s at age nine working on film projects like The Addams Family, Now and Then, Sleepy Hollow, Mermaids, The Ice Storm, Casper, and quickly graduated to respected indie fare like Pumpkin, The Opposite of Sex and Monster.

Unlike today’s teen and child stars who are under constant media scrutiny, Christina reveals that she was not pursued by paparazzi in the 90′s and led a normal teen life.

“You know, I made all the mistakes a lot of young stars are making today. I partied, I drank. But during my time there weren’t that many photographers around. I had more freedom,” she said.

Christina further states that when pressures of fame overwhelm her she reacts by chilling out at her home.

“If I feel stressed, I take a personal day, which basically entails me being on my couch with a book and my puppy! I don’t leave the house. And I like to visit my friends, and just hang out with my family,” she said.

You can watch Christina on Sunday nights 10/9 pm on ABC. If you’d like to dress like Christina and the other Pan Am Stewardesses for Halloween this year, ABC has made posted the step by step instructional manual complete with print outs!

Zimbio Lists 25 Non-Tragic Former Child Stars; Hollywood Mom Blog Lists 35 More!

Hollywood Mom — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:53:01 +0000

Zimbio put together an impressive list of 25 former teen and child actors (some were stars, some not) who have all grown up to have accomplished entertainment careers and relatively unblemished personal lives.

We noticed a few film and telvision talents who got their start as kids or teens missing from the group: Evan Rachel Wood, Brooke Shields, Fred Savage, Christina Applegate, Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Shia LeBouf, Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Jordan Ladd, Scarlett Johanssson, Justin Timberlake, Sean Penn, Matt Dillon, Laura Dern, Nicole Kidman, Mila Kunis, Hayden Panattiere, Alyssa Milano, Juliette Lewis, Molly Ringwald, Robb Lowe, Demi Moore, Claire Danes, Sara and Melissa Gilbert, Katherine Heigl, Joaquin Phoenix, Cynthia Nixon, Diane Lane, Kristen Stewart, Jane Krakowski, Thora Birch, Helen Hunt and George Clooney to name a few.

Tell us who you think is missing from this extensive Hollywood roll call:

THEN & NOW: Former Child Actor LAURA DERN on Her Strict Upbringing

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:32:59 +0000

18 year old Laura Dern in SmoothTalk (1985)

Laura Dern’s parents’ are Academy Award nominated actor Bruce Dern and Academy Award nominated actress Diane Ladd, whom divorced when she was only 2. You could say she was born into the business and you’d be right. However, she made her own mark early in a series of heavy projects like “The Stains,” and “Foxes” at age 13, “Smooth Talk,” at age 18 and David Lynch’s “Blue Velvet” at 19. Dern then graduated to lead roles in “Citizen Ruth,” “Wild at Heart,” “Rambling Rose” and “Jurassic Park.” Laura earned her own Oscar nod for “Rambling Rose.”

But although Laura began performing professionally as a young girl, Mom Diane Ladd was strict with her teen.

“Luckily for me I had both – with my grandmother and my mother particularly – both my parents, but I was living with my mom most of the time. (They had) a real longing to make sure I was very involved in school,” she said. ”So I was lucky in that for me it worked that I was never home-schooled. I was always in school, had to be involved in two activities or I couldn’t do a job. It was like swim team and president of whatever club or something like that, and classes and play dates and over-nights,” she says.

Dern continues: “I was also lucky, frankly, to start young but my mom really balanced it. Where there were a few things that meant a lot to me that she let me audition for, but didn’t push me to go out there. And she asked my agent not to send me on everything. So I just didn’t work that much. I wasn’t doing a series for five years as a teenager. I didn’t have to deal with severe high-visibility celebrity, which is a whole other level that I feel fortunate to not have had to walk through.”

Dern’s latest project, HBO’s “Enlightened,” premiered Oct. 10, 2011. She stars in the series with Mom Diane. Last week Dern was served with divorce papers from husband Ben Harper. They share two children Ellery, 9, and Jaya, 5.

THE STAINS: Diane Lane (15) center with Laura Dern (13) far right

THEN & NOW: Child TV Star JASON BATEMAN Says Acting for Kids Not a Good Idea

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:47:54 +0000

Former Child Super Star Jason Bateman, 42, says it’s not a particularly “good idea” for children to work as actors. Bateman starred in his first major acting role at age 12, as James Cooper Ingalls in “The Little House on the Prairie.” Following that, he did the sitcom “Silver Spoons.” From there he went on to star in numerous television series including, “Valerie’s Family” easily becoming one of the busiest child actors of his generation.

Bateman with his daughter Francesca.

Although Jason is grateful for the opportunities he was given in his youth, he shares that there are negative efects resulting from being employed at such a young age.

He recently told Swiss newspaper Sonntags Zeitung:: “It’s not a good idea. For one an acting career is quite unstable and also because things in this business are very unfair. Most of all I think it’s highly questionable to put a child in front of a camera and ask that child to pretend to be someone else. Children need to find out who they really are first. When you’re growing up child acting isn’t very clever. I personally didn’t survive it completely undamaged.”

HMB previously reported on Jason, who is currently filming the movie version of the cult favorite television show “Arrested Development,” last year.

After overcoming an addiction to drugs in the 1990′s, In the 90s, Jason married to Amanda Anka, with whom he has a four-year-old daughter Francesca and is currently expecting another.

Former “Naked Brothers Band” Child Stars, Nat & Alex Wolff, Release Indie-Feel Album “Black Sheep”

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:30:09 +0000

Brothers, recording artists and actors Nat and Alex Wolff were destined to be stars from the start and they have the resumes to prove it. “Black Sheep,” their very first album as Nat & Alex Wolff, was produced by Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, Faith No More, O.A.R., The Replacements) and shows these two coming into their own with serious musical chops and the songwriting skills to back them.

The first single off “Black Sheep” and video for the track “Thump Thump Thump,” features Academy Award Nominee Abigail Breslin and Alex Wolff alongside a ton of puppy love, both literally and figuratively. The video for the second single, “Maybe” features Nat Wolff and a mannequin in a modern love triangle straight out of a movie (ala Lars and the Real Girl). Although the band would not be complete without the talents of the two brothers, it is each of their unique, yet complementing, personalities that sets this indie-rock duo head and shoulders above the rest.

“Black Sheep” was written entirely by Nat and Alex Wolff and is a step in a different, more sophisticated direction for the duo as evidenced by the release of the first two singles, “Thump Thump Thump” and “Maybe.” The two have cited their major influences for the album as Bob Dylan, Green Day, The Velvet Underground, and The Rolling Stones. It’s evident that these brothers have done much maturing in the years since their last album, allowing them to remain relevant without being forced to reinvent themselves.

Eldest brother Nat Wolff, 16, was only in pre-school when he formed his first band, The Silver Boulders, and younger brother Alex, now 13, learned to play the saxophone before the age of three. After begging their mother and father (actor and screenwriter Polly Draper and jazz pianist and composer Michael Wolff) repeatedly for the chance to be child stars, they finally agreed to let the boys record in the studio with their father. While in the studio, Polly came up with the idea for a mock documentary, treating the boys’ band as if they were huge like The Beatles, and The Naked Brothers Band was born. Originally the stars of Nickelodeon’s The Naked Brothers Band, the TV series went on to have an incredible run, garnering Nat and Alex many accolades including a 2007 BMI Cable Award for their work on the show (making them the youngest award recipients ever), a nomination for best band at the 2009 Australian Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards, and a performance at the Song Writers Hall of Fame at the request of John Sebastian.

After the successful multi-year run on Nickelodeon, two full-length albums, a DVD, cross-country touring and appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America and The View, the brothers were ready to shed their old moniker and graduate to the next level: Nat & Alex Wolff the recording duo was born. The talented brothers have since traversed the country, playing everywhere from Pop-Con 2010 alongside Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez to New York’s 2010 Earth Day concert. For the past two years, the brothers have been hard at work on their first album as Nat & Alex Wolff. Recorded in LA and New York over several weeks in 2009 and 2010, their album Black Sheep released today, October 11, 2011.

In addition to writing and recording “Black Sheep,” the brothers have kept busy with acting roles; most recently Nat filmed roles in the upcoming movies New Years Eve and Peace, Love and Misunderstanding, while Alex appeared on episodes of hit TV shows Monk and In Treatment, as well as in the Fall Out Boy video for “The Take Over, The Break’s Over.” Additionally, Alex wrote and both boys starred in the 2010 play What Would Woody Do? at New York’s Flea Theater.

Today’s release of Black Sheep represents an exciting step into new territory for Nat & Alex Wolff, and one the duo is ready to take by storm.

THEN AND NOW: Sarah Jessica Parker Thankful She Was A Child Actor

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:17:55 +0000

Former Square Pegs Child Star Sarah Jessica Parker (I Don’t Know How She Does It) recently told the Associated Press that she is glad she was a child actor.

SJP: ”I’m glad I did. I had great experiences. I worked in a different time when the emphasis was entirely different. Being a great actor and merit was everything. It wasn’t about being rich or famous, it was simply about hard work. I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.”

Sarah began her career with a TV movie at age 8 and now her son James Wilkie, 8, has indicated that he too wants a career in show biz.

Parker’s reaction to that news? “I hope he pursues it with seriousness, if it’s what he wants to do. The only rule is he has to go and finish a four-year college course – then he can do whatever he wants.”

Former Child Actor Elijah Woods Credits Mom With Keeping Him Grounded

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:18:13 +0000

Former Child Actor Elijah Wood ( The Lord of the Rings), now 30, recently told media outlet Nylon Guys that unlike many child actors’ parents, his mother Debbie Wood was more reserved when supporting him in the film industry. He can next be seen in the new FX comedy series, “Wilfred.”

Wood states, “This is a funny industry for a child, and I think there are a lot parents who put their kids in it for their own motivations. I was lucky – that was never my situation. In fact, my mother would threaten to take me out of it more frequently than support it. She knew I loved it and that it was a good motivator for keeping me in line.”

One pitfall of being a successful, professional actor according to Wood is become full of oneself. He directly attributes his “grounded” home and family life with keeping him from succumbing to that temptation.

“Life on a film set, the surreality can seep into your daily life. You can be treated in ways you’re not deserving of” says Wood, “and you can start to believe it. But I was always so grounded at home that it provided a sense of balance.”

CHILD STAR STYLE: Abigail Breslin Debuts a Blonde Bombshell Persona at the Hot Pink Party!

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:24:51 +0000

Hold onto your headbands! For those of you who remember her from “Little Miss Sunshine,” (picture right) 15 year old Actress Abigail Breslin‘s new look may take you by surprise. Miss Breslin debuted a decidedly more mature look replete with strawberry blonde locks and a fire engine red Marchesa gown at the 2011 Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Hot Pink Party held at The Waldorf Astoria on April 14, 2011 in New York City.

US Magazine reports that Breslin went Blonde for a movie role. Scott Peper, senior colorist at the Oscar Blandi Salon in NYC reveals the color change took almost four hours, commenting, “The color is a soft pale shade, not a bright gold shade like Lindsay Lohan. It looks natural and age-appropriate.” Breslin reportedly loves her new do.

Former Child Stars of “Stand By Me” Celebrate Films’ 25th Anniversary

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 20:38:48 +0000

Former child stars Jerry O’Connell, Corey Feldman and Wil Wheaton reunited in Los Angeles Wednesday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their 1986 coming-of-age classic Stand By Me and the release of the film on Blue Ray DVD. The film’s other child star, River Phoenix, older brother of Joaquin, famously died in 1993 outside of Johnny’s Depp’s bar, “The Viper Room.” He was only 23. Co-star Richard Dreyfus and director Rob Reiner were also on hand to partake in the celebration.

Based on a novella by Stephen King, Stand By Me was based around a writer, (played by Dreyfuss), who is reflecting on his childhood. Rejected by his father following the death of an older brother, Gordie, (Wheaton), finds comfort in the company of his pals Chris Chambers, (Phoenix), Teddy Duchamp, (Feldman) and Vern Tessio (O’Connell). Together they set off on a summer excursion to find the body of a boy killed by a train.

Stand by Me was the recipient of Golden Globe nominations for “best motion picture, drama” and “best director,” and an Academy Award nomination for best adapted screenplay.

The movie was Jerry O’Connell’s first at age 11. The now svelte star recalls being known then merely as the “fat kid.” Who would have thought in 86 that he’d grow up to marry super model/actress Rebecca Romijn?

Some Trivia from the film courtesy of www.breakfastclubquotes.com:

Corey Feldman and director Rob Reiner tested thirty different laughs before deciding upon the one for Teddy Duchamp. The laugh happens to be similar to that described in Stephen King’s original story.
While practicing his lines, Jerry O’Connell was incredibly impressed that, as an 11-year old, he was being allowed to swear.
At the insistence of director Rob Reiner (an avid non-smoker who campaigned for anti-smoking laws in California), the cigarettes smoked by the boys were made from cabbage leaves.
When they were filming the scene where Gordie and Vern are about to be run over by the train, Wil Wheaton and Jerry O’ Connell did not look scared enough; In frustration Rob Reiner yelled at them to the point where they started crying and that’s when they were able to film the scene.

Former Child Star Christina Applegate Says Baby Sadie Will Not Follow in Her Show Biz Foot Steps!

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 20:25:42 +0000

Following the recent trend of former child stars turned parents, Former “Married… with Children” child star Christina Applegate will not be introducing newborn daughter, Sadie Grace, to the world of show biz as she was in her babyhood. According to an adamant Christina, ”She’s allowed to study, and if she wants to take acting classes or dance classes, she’s allowed to, but I have a very strong ‘No’ when it comes to monetary exchange for your talents until she’s 18.”

Christina's TV Debut with Mom Nancy Lee Priddy

Christina got her start in acting at the tender age of 3 months old, making her TV debut opposite her mother, Nancy Lee Priddy, on the popular soap opera Days of Our Lives. The actress continued to work through childhood, taking her first movie role (Jaws of Satan) at age 7, and tackling guest-starring roles in ’80s sitcoms like Charles in Charge, Silver Spoons and Family Ties. At 16, Applegate got her big break, landing the role of ditzy Kelly Bundy on Married… With Children.

Former Child Actors Take Top Honors at the Academy Awards 2011

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:29:06 +0000

Former child star Natalie Portman made her big screen debut in “The Professional,” in 1994 at the age of 12. After winning the Academy Award for Best Actress (Black Swan) last night, the pregnant star paid tribute to her own Hollywood Mom and Pop for always encouraging her to act, saying: “I want to thank my parents. First and foremost for giving me my life and for the opportunity to work at such a young age and for showing me everyday how to be a good human being by example.”

Former child actor Christian Bale also took home the gold as Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “The Fighter.” In atypical fashion, Bale was teary-eyed as he emotionally thanked his wife Sibi and daughter Emmaline: “I didn’t think I was like this. [Thanks to] my wonderful wife and our little girl, who’s taught me so much more than I’ll ever be able to teach her.”

Former Child Star Haley Joel Osment Transitions to Adult Roles with “Sassy Pants”

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:46:57 +0000

The Osment Clan, Dad Michael, Emily Osment, Mom Theresa and Haley Joel Osment

Some people call it a comeback, but at HMB we call it the “transition,” the time when a child actor segues into more mature roles. Entertainment Weekly reports that actor Haley Joel Osment, 22, has reportedly joined the cast of Sassy Pants, a comedy about a home-schooled kid with an overbearing mother. The coming-of-age film also stars Ashley Rickards (“One Tree Hill“), Anna Gunn (“Red State,”), Jenny O’Hara (“Mystic River,”) and Diedrich Bader (“Napoleon Dynamite“). The movie is being produced by Adam Wilkins and Pavlina Hatoupis. Eyde Belasco and Paul Korver are Executive Producing. Coley Sohn wrote and is directing the feature, which is based on her award-winning short film “Boutonniere,” which premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

Osment was the go-to male child actor of his youth with lead roles in “The Sixth Sense,” “Pay It Forward,” and “A.I. Artificial Intelligence.” According to EW, recently Osment has been doing theater work, and voiceovers for video games and cartoons.

Readers may also be familiar with his younger sister, 18-year-old Emily Osment, who starred on Disney’s Hannah Montana and is now also pursuing a singing career.

Emily Osment at brother Haley's Theater Performance

Oscar Winner Helen Hunt Reflects on Early Days as a Pro Child Actor, But Doesn’t Want the Same for her Daughter

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:45:13 +0000

Helen Hunt

Helen Hunt, Academy Award-winning actress, film director and screenwriter, is starring in the film Every Day with talented teen actor Ezra Miller (hailed as one of the 55 faces of the future by Nylon Magazine’s Young Hollywood Issue). Hunt recently stated to New York Magazine that she refuses to let her 6-year-old daughter Makena Lei become a child actor although she herself began her own career as such. Her early roles include, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Bionic Woman,” and “The Swiss Family Robinson.”

About her own career she shares, “I don’t wish I started later, but I was never a child star,” Helen Hun said. “I was in school every year and had normal friends and I loved it and here I am, so I can’t say that I wish I hadn’t done it. I used to say, ‘No, I didn’t miss any of my childhood,’ but it is a very adult place to be, a movie set. Like, it’s a little weird. I think if my daughter was interested in acting, I would find ways for her to act in theater that has to do with her school or a kids’ improvisational thing.”

Hunt says that if Makena Lei were ever serious about acting she would look for her to appear in theatre productions, adding, “There are ways to do it where you’re not on a movie set with 60 adults (which I loved at the time), but as a parent, I don’t know that I’d be dying to put her in that spot”.

Every Day is the story of a crisis stricken New York couple, also starring British comedic actor EDDIE IZZARD and LIV SCHREIBER.

Former Child Star Christian Bale, Says “No Bl**dy Way” His Daughter Will Be a Child Actor

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:36:26 +0000

Former Child Star (and current SAG Awards and Golden Globe nominated Actor) Christian Bale, who recently indicated that being a “child star” bothered him immensely, further shares that he would never permit his 5 year old daughter Emmaline (with lovely wife Sibi Blazic) to emulate his career as a young performer. The reasoning? Bale believes children should have time to “get into trouble” and make mistakes without the world watching. Bale says, “It’s just too young. You need to be anonymous at that age, you need to go and get into all sorts of trouble and not have anyone know who you are. It’s ruined when everyone knows who you are.”

Young Christian Bale with Director Steven Spielberg on "Empire of the Sun."

Bale was only 13 when he was cast in Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun, and now wishes enjoyed more of his youth our of the spotlight.

According to Britain’s Empire Magazine Bale states, “(I) didn’t like that (being famous as a teen). That wasn’t for me at all. Some people can deal with it, but I found it to be a complete pain in the a**e and embarrassing. Also, there was the annoying notion of everyone going, ‘Ah, you should know better’ when I was done for shoplifting. But, no, I shouldn’t have known better. There was no reason I should. I could have done without that side of things. It was nice to go travelling and have those experiences (filming movies), but look, if anyone in my family – my nieces or my daughter – wanted to start at that age, I’d absolutely believe in and support their dreams, but I would tell them, ‘No b***dy way – not professionally.’

THEN & NOW: Former “FULL HOUSE” Child Star, Candace Cameron Bure, Shares Her Fitness Story in “Reshaping It All”

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 19:27:03 +0000

It’s that time of the new year when resolutions are made to lose weight and become more fit, and former Full House child star, Candace Cameron Bure has written “Reshaping it All,” to help motivate us in that regard. However, the svelte star is quick to point out that this is not some new or faddish diet plan, but a recounting of her personal discovery that physical and spiritual fitness go hand in hand.

In the 1980′s the Cameron Family was sitcom royalty. Candace starred for 8 seasons on the hit ABC television series Full House, still syndicated in more than 100 countries, while her older brother Kirk Cameron was the star of his own television series, Growing Pains (1985–1992). You may recall that Candace played the pretty, elder sister D.J. of the Tanner clan, spending most of those on-camera years with chubby cheeks and long, golden hair. Of all the child actors on the show, she was the one I believed would be the big break-out star. Below is an excerpt from her book which acknowledges her Hollywood Mom And Dad:

Candace Cameron during her "Full House" years.

In recent years, Candace’s healthy lifestyle has been featured in magazines and national talk shows including The View and NBC’s Today. In “Reshaping It All,” she continues the story, inspiring women to embrace a healthier lifestyle by moving faith to the forefront, making wise choices, and finding their worth in the eyes of God. Candace shares a candid account of her struggle with food, bout with bulimia and ultimately her healthy outlook on weight despite the toothpick-thin expectations of Hollywood.

More than a testimony, her account is a motivational tool that will put readers on the right track and keep them there. In addition to practical advice, Candace offers a biblical perspective on appetite and self control that provides encouragement to women, guiding them toward freedom.

Bure is now a featured cast member of ABC Family’s popular gymnastics-based drama, Make It or Break It. She speaks nationwide about her faith-based weight loss success story. Candace lives with her husband, National Hockey League star Valeri Bure, and their three children Natasha, Lev and Maksim, in Los Angeles, California.

Actor Elijah Wood on his Child Star Past, Credits Strict Mom With Keeping Him Balanced

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 02:44:10 +0000

The following is an excerpt of an interview actor Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings, Happy Feet, Sin City, The Ice Storm) did with MovieFone last year:

Having been a child star, do you ever go back and watch some of your earlier movies and go, “Wow, I can’t believe that was me”?
Sometimes. Yeah, I watched ‘Avalon’ not long ago. I watched it last year, and I hadn’t seen it in years. And I was 8 years old when I made that. There’s a sense of detachment now, which is interesting, so I can kind of watch it like I’m not watching myself because I’m so much older. That was 20 years ago. But it’s kind of great. It’s interesting now to look back because it’s like looking at a different person, in a way.

A lot of actors who get as famous as you did at such a young age basically just implode or fade away once they hit puberty — how have you managed to stay so levelheaded and keep your career on track?
I credit my mother [laughs]. Growing up doing what I do, she was always making it so important for me to maintain a sense of normalcy. Life outside of the work I was doing as an actor was very normal. I had strict rules that I had to abide by. I was always kept grounded. I was never allowed to believe that what I was doing was making me any more important than anybody else. It was ingrained at me at a young age.

What do you remember about your big-screen debut in ‘Back to the Future: Part II’?
Oh, actually the memories are pretty vivid. I was a huge fan of ‘Back to the Future,’ as so many people were. So, for me, getting to go on that set was such a head trip [laughs]. Because I was so familiar with that big huge square that you see in the future, but I was familiar with it from the context of it being in the past or the present. Walking onto that set, I knew that world, but I was seeing it in the future. Plus, I was so obsessed with anything futuristic, and I’d never really been on a movie set like that before. So I was totally blown away. I got to meet Michael J. Fox and [Robert] Zemeckis, and all of that just blew my mind. It was like the fantasy coming to life in front of my eyes. It was almost too much to handle. It was pretty awesome.

THEN & NOW: Former “A Christmas Story” Child Star, Peter Billingsley to Exec. Produce the Musical Adaptation

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:51:52 +0000

Former Child Star Peter Billingsly, 39, best known for his role as Ralphie Parker in 1983′s “A Christmas Story,” is bringing his star-vehicle to the stage as, “A Christmas Story: The Musical!” which will run in Seattle, WA at the 5th Avenue Theater from December 9, 2010 through December 30, 2010.

The musical version will remain loyal to the film adaptation of Jean Shepherd’s short stories and includes an original score from Broadway composing duo Benj Paske andJustin Paul.

“‘A Christmas Story’ has always meant a lot to me personally,” Billingsley told The Hollywood Reporter, “I’m excited to bring this film to the stage because the story and the characters lend themselves so well to the world of musicals.”

After his stint as a child actor, Billingsley graduated to executive producing such films as The Break Up, Four Christmases and Iron Man. He made his feature-length directorial debut on 2009’s Couples Retreat.

“I am honored to be a part of this project and look forward to bringing the play to more stages,” says Billingsley. “Just think about the idea of a leg-lamp kickline.”The film follows Ralphie on his quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, despite the fact that his mother, teacher and Santa Claus all shoot down his dream with the five immortal words: “You’ll shoot your eye out!”

NYC: Acting Workshop with NICK Star Alex Wolff of “The Naked Brothers Band!”

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 18:14:09 +0000

Get up close and personal with one of Nickelodeon’s biggest stars! Work with Alex Wolff of Nickelodeon’s, The Naked Brothers Band at the popular “A Class Act NY.” Alex will work with students on television scenes from the his show The Naked Brothers Band, lead a Q & A session and will even sign autographs!

Alex can currently be seen on HBO’s hit show, “In Treatment,” as Gabriel Byrne‘s son Max, and in the upcoming Jonah Hill feature film, “The Sitter,” as Clayton. Students will have the opportunity to learn so much from him as in addition to being an accomplished actor, Alex is also a composer, musician and an accomplished playwright!

When: Saturday, Jan. 22nd
Ages: 7 – 17
Time: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Ripley-Grier Studios – 520 8th Ave – 16th Fl. – between 36th and 37th Streets
Cost: $185.00

Excluded from our Gold & Silver Packages!

For more information please contact: (212) 479-8480, (917) 553-8593 or email jessica@aclassactny.com. You can also visit the website at www.AClassActNY.com

Former Teen Star Mandy Moore, Voice of Rapunzel in “TANGLED,” Says Success Boils Down to a Strong Support System

Editor Tracy Bobbitt — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 03:48:32 +0000

Mandy Moore plays Rapunzel in the updated fairytale, "Tangled."

Former Teen Actor Mandy Moore, the star of this weekend’s animated Disney release “Tangled,” managed to weather her adolescent years in the spotlight to become a lovely young woman. Although perhaps not as widely known as some of her teen songstress counterparts like Britney Spears and Christina Aguiliara, Moore, who began her career as a teen in Orlando, Florida, is the perfect expample of a teen star who remained successful and scandal-free well into her adulthood.

Mandy Moore during her Teen Star years.

She recently shared why she didn’t take the path of some of her contemporaries: “It makes me feel lucky to have a strong support system. I had Mom and Dad traveling with me at a young age, and they were concerned for my welfare. That’s why I’m able to do what I do.”

Moore originally broke into the business when an executive from Epic Records overhead her singing in a recording studio. She went on to record soundtracks for multiple films and starred in her own films, “A Walk to Remember” and “How to Deal,” among many others.

Disney’s “Rapunzel” adaptation “Tangled” debuted to $69 million over the five-day Thanksgiving-holiday weekend, according to studio estimates, earning the title of the second best Thanksgiving premiere ever. The biggest Turkey Day-weekend premiere came in 1999, with Pixar’s “Toy Story 2″ grossing $80.1 million over the five-day holiday frame. ”Tangled” additionally made $13.8 million internationally. Read a review by Cinema Blend here.

Mandy Moore today.