It feels just like yesterday when we saw these actresses and actors as teens and tweens. But those popular faces are grown now. From your fav Nickelodeon and Disney Channel stars to those childhood stars who you may have forgotten about, these celebrities have forged ahead since the time they starred as popular kids.
Although some have left the spotlight in order to pursue another career path, others have continued to star in various movies and shows. And they have become even more popular than when they first started. Well, irrespective of where they are today, you can barely recognize some of them. This is especially if you only knew them when they were just kids.
Now, this nostalgic throwback will make you feel like a granny. Let’s see what your favorite child stars look like right now.
1. Past: Cole and Dylan Sprouse
Do you remember the twin boys in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody? The American teen sitcom was aired on Disney Channel from 2005 to 2008. The boys started out quite young and you can actually spot Cole in Friends as Ben, the son of Ross Geller. The sitcom was a hit in the ‘90s.
1b. Present: Cole and Dylan Sprouse
The boys are still well-known in present times. Cole currently stars as Jones Jughead in Riverdale, a TV series for the CW. Dylan, on the other hand, is a co-founder of All-Wise, a meadery in New York. He will also star in an upcoming movie named After We Collided.
2. Past: Mara Wilson
Mara Wilson starred as Matilda in a family movie of 1996. It is quite difficult to believe that it’s been 24 years since our hearts were first captured by the cute little girl.
2b. Present: Mara Wilson
Mira left the stage in 2000 to give more attention to her writing career. She is the author of “Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood” and “Accidental Fame“. In 2012, Mira returned to acting, starring in Billie Bob Joe, a comedy-drama movie, and an episode of Broad City that was inspired by Mrs. Doubtfire.
3. Past: Jonathan Lipnicki
Jonathan starred as Ray in Jerry Maguire. He was a lovable and precocious kid. You may also recognize him as George Little in Stuart Little movies.
3b. Present: Jonathan Lipnicki
Johnathan has been busy with different television shows and movie roles. This includes Interns of F.I.E.L.D and Monk. He has also been practicing Jiu-Jitsu, Brazilian martial art, and losing rap battles like the one he lost to Fishel Danielle (sorry, kid).
4. Past: Dylan and Blake Tuomy-Wilhoit
These twins stole our hearts when they joined the cast of Full House in the sixth season of the show. They were truly adorable when they played the role of Aunt Becky and Uncle Jesse’s kids, Alex and Nicky.
4b. Present: Dylan and Blake Tuomy-Wilhoit
Whether you believe it, the Tuomy-Wilhoits are now 29 years old. They were born on November 29, 1990. However, you can find them appearing briefly on Netflix as Becky and Jesse’s twins in Fuller House, a revived version of Full House.
5. Past: Dante Basco
Do you remember Rufio? He starred in Hook as the most popular member of the Lost Boys. He is known for his red hair as well as the chant of “Ru-fi-ooooh!” that followed his arrival.
5b. Present: Dante Basco
Dante is now grown since his role in Hook and currently has a tamer haircut. He has been busy with various roles. He also voices Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender, a Nickelodeon series. He appears on shows like Community and Entourage.
6. Past: Anna Chlumsky
Anna starred in My Girl alongside Culkin Macaulay in 1991. It was a sad comedy in the ‘90s. Well, Anna is an adult now.
6b. Present: Anna Chlumsky
Anna took a break from acting for six years (1995 to 2005). But she is excelling in her career now than ever. Since 2012, she has been starring as Amy Brookheimer on Veep, a comedy series that turns out to be a hit on HBO. The role has earned her Emmy nominations for three consecutive times.
7. Past: Jerry Mathers
Jerry charmed audiences every week on Leave It to Beaver for six years (1957 to 1963). He starred as “Beaver” Theodore Cleaver, the cute little rascal of the Cleaver family.
7b. Present: Jerry Mathers
Jerry Mathers joined the US Air Force Reserve and later became a Sergeant. He has also featured in some films after Leave It to Beaver. Currently, he is the national spokesperson of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.
8. Past: Ron Howard
Ron had his first role as Opie Taylor, the adorable redhead, on The Andy Griffith Show. Afterward, he was seen as Richie Cunningham.
8b. Present: Ron Howard
Ron is currently a producer and director. He has won different awards for his projects like Arrested Development and A Beautiful Mind.
9: Past: Danica McKeller
Danica played Winnie Cooper in The Wonder Years and wooed a lot of teenage boys.
9b. Present: Danica McKeller
Danica surprised her audience in the 18th season of Dancing with the Stars, in 2014. She came 6th with her partner Chmerkovskiy Valentin.
10. Past: Macaulay Culkin
We can never forget this cute little guy. He starred in Richie Rich, Home Alone, and My Girl. Macaulay was a very famous child actor.
10b. Present: Macaulay Culkin
Macaulay has been seen in films such as Party Monster and Saved! He tried to stay away from the spotlight until his band, The Pizza Underground, briefly gained attention in 2013 when he was seen eating pizza in a video.
11. Past: Tamera and Tia Mowry
For 5 years, 1994 to 1999, the identical twins charmed their audiences in Sister, Sister.
11b. Present: Tamera and Tia Mowry
The adorable twins have been appearing on television. Tia has been starring in a sitcom, Family Reunion while Tamera is a co-host in The Real, a talk show. Also, Tamera is married to Adam Housley, a correspondent for Fox News and they have two children. Tia is married to Cory Hardrict, an actor, and they welcomed their second child in 2018.
12. Past: Jaleel White
Did you know that Urkel Steve was supposed to make a single appearance in Family Matters? Well, the hilarious portrayal of Jaleel earned Urkel a permanent role in the show.
12b. Present: Jaleel White
In 2012, he and his partner, Johnson Kym, appeared on Dancing with the Stars and impressed the judges.