Not every child star goes off the rails.
Sure, we know the stories of Amanda Bynes and Lindsay Lohan, and Miley Cyrus has certainly turned some heads.
But many child stars manage to maintain solid careers, become role models, and do some great work for charity. Here are a few who turned out to be pretty respectable — and pretty normal.
1. Mayim Bialik
Once her role as Blossom Russo ended, Mayim Bialik went on to live a pretty normal life. She went to college and did well, earning a PhD in neuroscience before returning to television to play a scientist on TV. Now, she’s Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory, and she’s also known for being an awesome role model.
2. Daniel Radcliffe
Harry Potter grew up well, you guys. Daniel Radcliffe has gone on to be a part of a long list of projects since the final Harry Potter film, including his role in the BBC series, A Young Doctor’s Notebook, where he starred opposite Jon Hamm. He’s also managed to remain a level-headed and respectable guy.
3. Anna Chlumsky
We’ll never forget Anna Chlumsky as Veda on My Girl. She took a break from acting after that and focused on school. She earned a degree from the University of Chicago, and later worked as an editorial assistant for a HarperCollins science fiction-fantasy imprint before making the decision to return to acting. Now, she can be seen on HBO’s Veep.
4. Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris was adorable as Doogie Howser, and he went on to become a successful actor known for roles such as Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother. More than that, he’s supported a long list of charities and organizations.
5. Hilary Duff
Hillary Duff has remained both successful and respectable as an actress and musician since her early days as Lizzie McGuire. Now, she stars as Kelsey Peters on TV Land’s Younger.
6. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who was best known for his role on 3rd Rock from the Sun, went on to have a respectable acting career with no major scandals along the way.