Hollywood Mom Blog

GIVING BACK: Former Child Star Kristy McNichol Outs Herself to Help Others

Posted on 08. Jan, 2012 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Child Stars Kristy McNichol and Tatum O'Neal in "Little Darlings"

Actress and former child star Kristy McNichol, 49, has come out as a lesbian in an effort to help kids who are troubled by their sexuality and who are being bullied for being different.

The former child star of 1980′s “Little Darlings,” and TV hits “Family” and “Empty Nest” dropped out of Hollywood and retired from acting in the 90′s after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Now she’s reaching out via her publicist to announce her own sexuality in hopes that it will help bullied teens.

McNichol’s has been living with her partner Martie Allen for two decades and according to her publicist Jeff Ballard,”[She] is sad about kids being bullied. She hopes that [her] coming out can help kids who need support. She would like to help others who feel different.”

Source: People.com

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

Posted on 05. Jan, 2012 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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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.

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

Posted on 25. Oct, 2011 by Hollywood Mom.

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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.”

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

Posted on 18. Oct, 2011 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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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.

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The Actors Fund’s Looking Ahead Program at Nickelodeon Studios’ Pic@NIC: A Day of Fun in the Sun for Our Child Actors!

Posted on 03. May, 2011 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Damoni Burkhardt & Phil Lewis

Written by HMB correspondent Danielle Burkhardt mother of rising star Damoni Burkhardt

My daughter (child actor Damoni Burkhardt) and I attended the pic@Nick event on Sunday, May 1, 2011 hosted by The Actors Fund’s Looking Ahead Program at Nickelodeon Studios. Looking Ahead is a program of The Actors Fund which is dedicated to helping professional young performers between the ages of 9-18 and their families manage the unique challenges associated with working in the entertainment industry.

It was a great event, with perfect weather. Everyone was so nice and everything was free, something you don’t find often in this business! There was unlimited cotton candy , candy, snacks and drinks; sandwiches and chips were provides by Corner Bakery and drinks by Coca Cola. Cartoon Sketch artists drew cartoons of each child, while others opted for the temporary tattoo table, rock wall, sumo wresting pit and carnival games. It was a day for kids to be kids and that is so very important for our young performers.

Child Actors enjoying the Pic@NIC!

Former “Wonder Years” Child Star and now television director Fred Savage (Former Young Performer and Advisory Chair of Looking Ahead) was the event moderator. There was a celebrity panel that included Sara Gilbert (Darlene from “Roseanne”), Patrick Labyorteaux (JAG), Phill Lewis (Mr.Moseby on “Suite Life On Deck”) and Jaleel White (Steve Urkel on “Family Matters”). They all had great advice for the young performers and their parents on the well known ups and downs of acting. The panel spoke about the “luck of the game,” and to not ignore the signs along the way that might take your career in a different direction. The panel also advised that kids get involved in other activities and develop other skills outside of their acting endeavors.

Jaleel White spoke about moving on to the next audition after not being chosen for a part that you really wanted. He told a wonderful story about going through the long and arduous process of the audition, the callbacks, the holds and was up for the coveted role of ”Rudy” on the iconic 80′s television series, “The Cosby Show.” He was very excited about the role, which was given to the girl right in front of him! White was devastated. Needless to say, he moved on and later nabbed the role of a lifetime as the character of Steve Urkel in “Family Matters.” When asked by Fred Savage if there was one piece of advice that you could give to the young performers and their families Jaleel said “Watch how you treat people.” Excellent advice we should all abide by and everyone on the celebrity panel agreed wholeheartedly. We are so happy to have attended Pic@NIC and excited about being involved in The Actors Fund‘s Looking Ahead program!

Child Actor Damoni Burkhardt at the Pic@NIC

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

Posted on 18. Mar, 2011 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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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.

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Search Warrant Issued for Former Child Star Lindsay Lohan’s Home

Posted on 02. Feb, 2011 by Hollywood Mom.

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I subscribe to a great service in Los Angeles called Nixle, which sends out alerts from the LAPD headquarters about breaking crimes relevant to the area. It’s a great tool for determining when a specific area might be backed up with traffic due to a lock down or a crime of some sort – an essential tool for a Los Angeles momager who’s always on the road carting her kid from one audition to the next. Well, imagine my surprise when this Nixle message was sent to my phone this morning:

“A community message has been issued by the LAPD Headquarters, Wednesday February 2, 2011 7:46 AM PST

LAPD Detectives Investigate Theft of Necklace

Los Angeles: On January 22, 2011, a one of a kind necklace, valued at 2,500 dollars, was taken from a jewelry store in the Venice area of Los Angeles.

As part of the Grand Theft investigation, Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Pacific Area obtained a search warrant on February 1, 2011, for
actress Lindsay Lohan’s Venice residence, to search for the necklace. Prior to service of the warrant, the necklace was returned to Pacific Detectives.

The case is currently under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). For full details, go to https://local.nixle.com/alert/4646780/?sub_id=454219″

People Magazine online further reports that Lohan continues to be on probation and remains under random drug testing in her ongoing DUI case. She faces a Feb. 25 progress review hearing and is also currently under investigation by Riverside County prosecutors for allegedly battering a Betty Ford employee.

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2011 SAG Awards Nominate Many Current & Former Child Actors!

Posted on 11. Jan, 2011 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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As a SAG household, it’s that time of year when DVDs of all the years’ best films begin to arrive at our house along with SAG’s voting ballot via postcard. One thing struck me as I was reviewing all of the nominees. Not only are many are current child actors like Hailee Steinfeldformer nominated but many former child and teen actors like Natalie Portman and Winona Ryder nominated, as well as former young musicians like Mark Wahlberg and Justin Timberlake, are nominated as well. Moral: Don’t let anyone tell you that young performers can’t grow up to succeed in this industry. For every tale of whoa, there are more stories of triumph. Congratulations to all the Child Actor SAG Award nominees, both past and present:

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: Josh Hutcherson (Kids are Alright)

Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role: Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series: Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould, Rico Rodriguez (Modern Family)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: Graham Philips, MacKenzie Vega (Good Wife)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: Kiernan Shipka (Mad Men)

And in addition to these current teen and child actors, a number of former teen and child actors are also nominated for their brilliant performances:

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role: James Franco (127 Hours)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role: Natalie Portman (Black Swan)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role: Hilary Swank (Conviction)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: Christian Bale (The Fighter)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role: Mila Kunis (Black Swan)

Natalie Portman (Black Swan)

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture:

BLACK SWAN (Fox Searchlight Pictures): WINONA RYDER / Beth Macintyre, MILA KUNIS / Lily,
NATALIE PORTMAN / Nina Sayers

THE FIGHTER (Paramount Pictures and Relativity Media)
CHRISTIAN BALE / Dicky Eklund, MARK WAHLBERG / Micky Ward

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT (Focus Features)
JOSH HUTCHERSON / Laser, MIA WASIKOWSKA / Joni

THE SOCIAL NETWORK (Columbia Pictures)
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE / Sean Parker

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries

CLAIRE DANES / Temple Grandin – “TEMPLE GRANDIN” (HBO)

WINONA RYDER / Lois Wilson – “WHEN LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH: THE LOIS WILSON STORY” (CBS)

Jane Krakowski (30 Rock)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

30 ROCK (NBC): JANE KRAKOWSKI /Jenna Maroney

MODERN FAMILY (ABC): SARAH HYLAND / Haley Dunphy

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MOMAGERS: Life is No Ice Cream Cake Walk for Dina Lohan

Posted on 17. Jun, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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In trivial and unbelievable Momager/Child Star news today, the latest “scoop” at Carvel Ice Cream is that the Lohan Family’s Carvel Black Card has been Black-listed. For those unfamiliar, a “Black Card” grants the holder free Carvel ice cream for 75 years.

RadarOnline reports that Dina Lohan, the momager of tabloid staple and former child star Lindsay Lohan, claims that a Carvel ice cream shop employee reported her to the police after she used daughter Ali Lohan‘s free ice cream card. (Carvel states that the card was issued to Lindsay Lohan.) Dina went to a Carvel ice cream store in East Meadow, New York, to pick up a birthday ice cream cake for her son Cody’s 14th birthday party and wanted to use a special Carvel “Black” card which she believed guarantees her and her family “free ice cream for 75 years.” However, when Dina went to the ice cream store, she didn’t have her own card and instead used her daughter Ali’s card. “I didn’t think it be [sic] a problem,” Dina told RadarOnline.

Dina alleges that the Carvel employee grabbed her arm, took her Black Card and “held it hostage.” She further claims that the employee called the police who then sent over a police helicopter.

If this is true, about the police helicopter, all I can say is that people in Long Island take their ice cream very seriously. Very. Seriously. Or maybe they just hate the Lohan family.

The employee eventually returned the card, but refused to give Dina Lohan a free cake. Dina states that “it just shows how we get treated so much worse than regular people.” She says, “Just wait until Lindsay and Ali hear about this [...] when Ali gets back, I’m going to bring her in everyday to this store–and you can print that!”

CARVEL’S VERSION OF EVENTS:

In their own statement to the press today, Carvel Ice Cream said the following:

“As part of Carvel’s 75^th Anniversary celebration last year, we issued 75 Black Cards to celebrities. These cards were issued in the celebrity’s name and require the card holder to be present at the time of use. Many celebrities have enjoyed their cards at our Carvel Ice Cream shoppes and have shared their excitement with being included in the celebration.”

(Editor: Please note that the following verbiage is clearly printed on the Black Card in question:)

Carvel's Chocolate Mascot, Fudgie the Whale

“Unfortunately, the Lohan family has been abusing the card. While the card was issued in Lindsay’s name only, her extended family has repeatedly used the card without her present. At first, we graciously honored their requests while explaining that the Black Card was not a carte blanc for unlimited Carvel Ice Cream for the extended Lohan family and friends. After more than six months of numerous and large orders for ice cream, we finally had to cut off the card and take it back. Dina Lohan reacted badly and called the police to have her card returned. The police responded and did return the card to Dina with instructions not to use it again. This is an unfortunate situation where certain people feel entitled to use a celebrity’s name for their own purposes. We regret that the Lohan family is upset and hope this matter is put behind us quickly.”

Rest assured, it will only be a matter of minutes before we spy “Team Carvel” and “Team Lohan” t-shirts adorning teens at the local mall, although my money is on the former boasting better sales. Let’s just hope we can forgo the obligatory rubber bracelets emblazoned with “What Would Tom Carvel Do?” or worse yet, “What Would Fudgie Do?”

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Former “That’s So Raven” Teen Star Orlando Brown Gives Back with “Soles Of Our Children”

Posted on 24. Mar, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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Former Disney actor, Orlando Brown, best known for his role as the spunky best friend to the “sometimes” clairvoyant, Raven Baxter on Disney’s “That’s So Raven!” (played by Raven-Symone) has temporarily traded in his acting shoes to lend a helping hand for a wonderful cause. Brown is working with the Kids On the Porch Foundation, a new interactive web series that brings kids together from all walks of life, for a fascinating look at how our porches and backyards have been replaced with technology. Kids on the Porch Foundation and Orlando Brown are currently involved in a mission for Haiti called, Soles of Our Children, which will collect used shoes that are in good condition to send to the kids affected by the earthquake in Haiti.

Orlando Brown, who also starred in the 1995 film “Major Payne” alongside Damon Wayans, has offered his time and fame to bring awareness to Kids on the Porch Foundation and their purpose driven web series show that sends a message to our youth about peer pressure, gangs, bulling, racism, and all the challenges they face today. As a child star himself, Brown understands the pressure of growing up in a pressure filled society, falling into a few bad traps himself; he’s picked himself up and is now looking to become an advocate for young kids in hopes to keep them from making the same mistakes.

“We feel Orlando is on track to becoming the next Jamie Foxx or Martin Lawrence. His body of work speaks for itself. We are proud to be on this journey with him and are excited to watch him continue to grow as an actor,” comment Reno Rankin and Andrew Rowe, President and Vice President of Titus Production & Management.
Along with his work with children, Orlando Brown has signed up to host the Jerkin’ Documentary “Cocky Wit It” Directed by celebrated Director, Tyrone Dixon, who has worked on films such as Roll Bounce starring Bow-Wow and Nick Cannon and the film, Tupac: Resurrection. The Documentary will identify and explore the jerkin’ dance movement, and the characters that are on the forefront of one of the hottest new dance craze to hit the country. Orlando Brown will host contests across the country featuring the best jerker’s the country has to offer. He will find 7 teams that will represent their school and or communities and they will join in the big finale show down which will award the winner $10,000 in cash and prizes.

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90′s Child Stars Melissa Joan Hart & Joey Lawrence, Grown Up & Teamed Up

Posted on 02. Feb, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

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A new television comedy aptly titled “Melissa & Joey,” starring former child stars Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence, received a 10-episode order from ABC Family. It will premiere in 2010. Hart originally gained fame starring in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” from 1996 to 2003. More recently she’s better known as a photo staple “Hollywood Mom” in tabloids like People Magazine and Celebrity Baby Blog. Joey Lawrence stole America’s heart on “Brotherly Love” and “Half & Half,” before graduating to teen heart throb on “Blossom.”

Hart and Lawrence co-starred in the 2009 ABC Family movie “My Fake Fiancé,” (pictured) and network President Paul Lee said the new series was developed with them in mind. Both actors serve as executive producers on the project.

Hart will portray the grown-up former wild child of a political family who is now a local politician forced to care for her teenage niece and pre-adolescent nephew after her sister is jailed, while Lawrence portrays the family’s nanny. Good news for hopeful child actors this pilot season – children will soon be cast in the roles of Hart’s niece and nephew.