These '80s Child Stars Are Practically Unrecognizable Now

Every decade has its own successful child stars, and as the '80s were particularly fond of sitcoms, a majority of '80s child stars had their big breakthrough in comedy. Some child stars from the decade went on to become even bigger stars in the years to come (such as Drew Barrymore and Alyssa Milano), while the careers of others peaked at the time of their breakthrough.

Nevertheless, one thing that all of these child stars from the '80s have in common is that they have changed a lot over the recent decades. Of course, considering that they were so young back then, it's not surprising that they look completely different today, four decades later. Some of them have grown to accept their mature look and even embrace their natural hair, while others have decided to get some professional beauty procedures done in order to preserve some of their youthfulness. Regardless of which direction they opted for, they have yet another thing in common — all of these '80s child stars look beautiful today, showcasing that aging is truly a privilege.

Brooke Shields had her big breakthrough as a teenager in the drama film "The Blue Lagoon," and she's been in the spotlight ever since. Looking back, it's undeniable just how oversexualized the then-15-year-old actor was, and speaking of the project that put her on the map in the 2023 documentary "Pretty Baby," Shields noted that the director wanted "to sell my sexual awakening" (via Yahoo! News).

Decades later, Shields is all about empowerment and owning your power. With that also comes aging, and Shields believes in just being true to yourself. "People will say, 'Oh, you're still beautiful!' What do you mean still? Or, to my kids, 'Your mother used to be so beautiful,'" she told Allure in 2024. "Excuse me?" The actor also acknowledged that those comments say more about the people giving them than her. "It's about them," the actor added. "It's about when they were younger and they experienced me. It's a very interesting psychological thing that happens to people. I'm not allowed to age, because what does that do to them? It makes them exponentially that much older." Shields' impact on the beauty industry remains strong, but we wouldn't expect any less from the star whose bushy brows redefined beauty standards in the '80s. In fact, in the last 100 years of eyebrows, the actor's rise to fame was a major turning point. 

In 1984, five-year-old Keshia Knight Pulliam got cast as Rudy Huxtable on the sitcom "The Cosby Show." While the show's legacy has since been plagued by sexual assault cases involving its star Bill Cosby, Pulliam stressed that "The Cosby Show" was a collective project. "You can't take away the work that we all collectively did," she told People in 2023. "A lot of actors wait their entire lifetime for an opportunity like that. I'm grateful I have been a part of a piece of work that has really transcended generations and that's still teaching lessons that are relevant today."

Over the years, Pulliam has continued acting, and those who have kept up with her know that the star loves fashion. In fact, she was fond of clothing and accessories from a very young age. When she was six, she got her first Louis Vuitton bag. "It is the smallest, cutest classic little kid-sized bag," she told Fashion Bomb Daily in 2011. "I've kept it all these years and it started my love and appreciation for handbags." Speaking of her style, Pulliam said, "I like classic pieces and I like to accessorize with more trendy unexpected items. I absolutely love shoes and handbags." While the actor has undeniably changed since her breakthrough, her contagious positivity remained the same — and so did her adorable smile.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

When it comes to '80s child stars, Drew Barrymore is perhaps the most well-known name. With a successful career spanning over four decades, Barrymore has kept us entertained for years, and she isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The star had her breakthrough at the age of seven in Steven Spielberg's 1982 cult classic "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," and she hasn't looked back since.

Today, Drew Barrymore looks flawless without makeup, as the actor has embraced a very natural look. Speaking to People in 2025, the Hollywood star admitted that confidence doesn't always come easy to her, no matter how many years she spent in the spotlight. "My therapist and mentor Dr. Barry Michels helped me write out a list of seven healthy habits for me that work, and I just get back to that list. It's actually faded over time, and I retrace it with a black pen so I can still read it perfectly because it helps," she admitted. "It's not good to stay stuck and not feeling confident or attractive or good about yourself. So these are just little steps you can take." Just like with most stars on this list, time has left a subtle mark on Barrymore, but in no way does that mean she isn't stunning. The star has managed to retain her childlike wonder, which undeniably keeps her youthful.

Tracey Gold got the role of Carol Seaver on the popular sitcom "Growing Pains" in 1985. She was 16 at the time, and the show heavily impacted her body image. On the podcast "Let's Be Clear with Shannen Doherty," Gold revealed, "One thing you have to know about being a child actor... you have to be the best person on that set," she shared. "You shut your mouth, and you do your job." Her body image problems began when Gold gained weight, and writers of the sitcom began incorporating jokes about it. "You're not talking just about Carol anymore. You're talking about me, Tracey Gold. And now I have to be in front of an audience that's laughing at me and my body and my weight, and it became tough," the actor shared.

After she was put on a drastic and unhealthy diet, Gold lost the weight. "All of a sudden, everybody's coming up to me on the set, going, 'Oh my God, you look so good, you look so beautiful, you look so amazing,'" the actor said. In the '90s, Gold became anorexic, and her weight became a major concern for the producers. In 1992, she publicly opened up about her battle with the eating disorder. She later became an advocate for eating disorder awareness, as myths about disordered eating can hold people back from healing. Today, the actor looks happy and healthy, but it's undeniably been a long journey for her to get there.

If you need help with an eating disorder, or know someone who does, help is available. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association website or contact NEDA's Live Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. You can also receive 24/7 Crisis Support via text (send NEDA to 741-741).

Getting cast as Samantha Micelli on the sitcom "Who's the Boss?" in 1984 opened numerous doors for Alyssa Milano. The actor had her breakthrough at the age of 12, and after the sitcom, she went on to star in the shows "Melrose Place" and "Charmed."

In recent years, Alyssa Milano has been very open about her physique, including any beauty procedures she has had. When a fan asked her on TikTok what her beauty secret was, she replied, "Botox!" Similarly, in 2025, she revealed that she had removed her breast implants. Posting an image of herself on Instagram, she explained what prompted her to make the decision. "Today I'm releasing those false narratives, the parts of me that were never actually parts of me. I'm letting go of the body that was sexualized, that was abused, that I believed was necessary for me to be attractive; to be loved; to be successful; to be happy," she wrote. Milano may have changed (naturally and with some professional help), but the actor's transparency is the most crucial part of her transformation.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Sara Gilbert rose to fame at the age of 13 when she first portrayed Darlene Conner on the sitcom "Roseanne." Gilbert went on to play the character until 1997, after which she moved on to other projects. With time, Gilbert's appearance changed naturally, and even though she was never someone to talk about looks, she did tell New Beauty in 2024 her biggest beauty tip. 

"I think the thing that works the best is being hydrated, honestly. You can put a million things on topically, but I'm not sure that does much," the actor said. "I'm not great about drinking water. Sometimes, I drink herbal tea, and that helps me, but I've added electrolytes recently, and it also helps with headaches." However, Gilbert admitted that she isn't an expert on the topic. "Look, I'm not sure anybody should be coming to me for beauty tips, but that's what I got," she added.

Child star Danielle Brisebois actually had her breakthrough in 1975 through the film "The Premonition." At the time, she was six years old. The late '70s and early '80s brought her numerous other projects, the most memorable one being her portrayal of Stephanie Mills on the sitcoms "All in the Family" and "Archie Bunker's Place."

Since then, Brisebois' acting career has slowed down as she has focused more on music. Simultaneously, her appearance has noticeably changed, as Brisebois is now a grown woman exploring everything that fashion and beauty have to offer. Even though she hasn't really talked about any beauty procedures, we can't deny that her skin looks a tad too dewy and fresh for someone who has been in the industry since the '70s. But then again, maybe Sara Gilbert was right, and it's all about proper hydration.

In 1982, 11-year-old Aileen Quinn gave us a jaw-dropping perfomance as the title character in the cult musical film "Annie." Since then, Quinn has starred and appeared in numerous projects, but Annie remains her most well-known character. Quinn continued following her passion, and Broadway became her second home. "I've done a lot of Broadway work," she told Celebrity Parents Magazine in 2023. "I was in 'Fiddler on the Roof,' 'Peter Pan,' and I also played Annette in 'Saturday Night Fever.'"

Naturally, Quinn's appearance has changed since we first got to know her in 1982. The actor mostly embraces her bright-red hair color today, and her makeup is often dramatic and stage-like. Of course, this makes perfect sense considering that the stage has always played such a major role in her life.

When Tiffani Thiessen had her breakthrough as Kelly Kapowski on the 1989 sitcom "Saved by the Bell," she was 15 years old. While her career kicked off in the late '80s, it was in the '90s that Thiessen peaked, primarily thanks to her role in the teen drama "Beverly Hills, 90210," which she got cast on soon after "Saved by the Bell" wrapped up.

Over the years, Thiessen has changed, even though she has managed to retain a youthful look. In 2021, she spoke to Glamour about her sinkcare routine. "How I treat my skin depends on the stages I've been in. As a teenager, I would get a breakout, and I'd be self-conscious," she explained. "In my 20s I didn't have to worry about wrinkle cream and all the things I use now at 47, so there's been different ways of looking at skin care." The star went on to admit that sunscreen wasn't always a priority for her. "I grew up in California, and we were at the beach almost every weekend," she shared. "I was the girl whose mother and grandmother were using baby oil to suntan. Now I've become very strict about sunscreen, making sure I use it all the time and wearing hats when I go hiking because I always try to protect my face." Even though Thiessen's appearance has changed with time, the actor still looks happy and healthy, and no amount of makeup can fake that.

Candace Cameron Bure had her big breakthrough in 1987 at the age of 11 thanks to her role as D.J. Tanner on the sitcom "Full House." Even though Bure had some acting experience prior to that, the role put her on the map, and her life has changed ever since. Over the years, we have witnessed the stunning style transformation of Candace Cameron Bure, but there is no denying that the actor has evolved a lot since the late '80s.

Speaking to People in 2016, Bure admitted that she tries to keep up with the times, and her biggest fashion and beauty teacher is her daughter Natasha. "I work with makeup artists every day so I get so many tips from them, but I get just as many from Natasha because she's always doing what's new, what's young, what's fresh," the actor admitted. "I love learning from her because she's 17 and will always look at me and be like, 'Mom you've got to do this,' so I love that I have my little girl watching over me."

Soleil Moon Frye entered the spotlight in 1984, thanks to her role as Penelope "Punky" Brewster in the sitcom "Punky Brewster" when she was only eight years old. After the sitcom ended, Frye went on to appear in quite a few popular television projects such as "Saved by the Bell," "Friends," and "Sabrina the Teenage Witch." However, just like many of the ladies on the list, Frye's breakout role remains her most well-known one to date.

Over the decades, Frye has changed and grown, and today she is all about passing on what she has learned to her daughters. Speaking of, Soleil Moon Frye's daughters look so much like their famous mom. Chatting to People about fashion in 2020, Frye shared, "I have friends that are much more conscious and so amazingly stylish, and their kids literally have design to the T. My girls are much more like anything goes. And I just let them go for it."

Kim Fields had her breakthrough at the age of nine in 1978 when she got cast on the sitcom "Good Times." However, most remember her as the iconic Dorothy "Tootie" Ramsey from the sitcoms "Diff'rent Strokes" and "The Facts of Life," which were very popular in the '80s. A younger generation was introduced to the '80s child star thanks to her time on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" and "Dancing with the Stars" in the mid-2010s.

While Fields hasn't really shared much about her beauty and skincare routines over the years, it's undeniable that her skin remained radiant and tight, which is not something we often see without the help of professionals. Fields' makeup and hair also changed a lot since her '80s fame, as the star is now embracing her natural curls and rocking much more toned-down makeup. Speaking to Essence in 2020, Fields revealed that staying busy was always a priority of hers. "I didn't want to be a has-been at 18. I looked at my peers and took my mother's advice of having a back up plan ... I didn't want to sit by the phone after 'Facts (of Life)' waiting on someone to call me. I didn't want to be a statistic."

Molly Ringwald appeared alongside Kim Fields during some guest appearances on "The Facts of Life," but it wasn't until the 1982 film "Tempest" that Ringwald became a known name. At the time, she was 14 years old and just about to become a major part of the '80s Brat Pack. Her roles in John Hughes' iconic films like "Sixteen Candles," "The Breakfast Club," and "Pretty in Pink" helped establish the young actor as one of the decade's most well-known teen stars.

Speaking to Town & Country in 2024, Ringwald revealed that her secret to youthful skin today is retinol. "I try lots of different things, but the thing that I use no matter what is retinol," she shared. "My sister was trained as an aesthetician and she has always said it's important, but my skin is very sensitive so it took a while to find one that isn't irritating." While Ringwald has changed over the four decades in the industry, she still looks stunning today. In fact, the actor shows just how beneficial incorporating retinol in your skincare routine can be.

Now, if you care for more '80s pop culture, be sure to also check out some other '80s actors who are practically unrecognizable now!