Remember the days before reality TV, court programs, and trash talk shows? All of those wonderful (and wonderfully cheesy) sitcoms and programs of the past are nestled firmly in the bosom of America’s pop culture. People are always curious about yesteryear’s child actors. So, here are a few of Hollywood’s more obscure child actors and actresses. See how many you can remember, and see what they’re doing now…
Former Child Star#1: Denise Nickerson
Popular Role: Violet Beauregarde – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (film)
“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”, the 1971 film that inspired Johnny Depp to step into Gene Wilder’s shoes, was a magical feast for the eyes. Lacking a magical personality, however, was the film’s character Violet Beauregarde, a spoiled brat of a girl. But after a few TV stints, this spoiled tyke grew up and became a procurement agent for an engineering company.
Former Child Star#2: Mindy Cohn
Popular Role: Natalie — “Facts of Life” (TV sitcom)
The chunky do-gooder from the hit 1980’s show was one of Tootie’s close friends. But the actress hasn’t completely faded from the spotlight. She voiced the “Velma” character in 2003’s “What’s New Scooby Doo?”. And what many people also don’t know is that she holds a cultural anthropology degree from Loyola Marymount University.
Former Child Star#3: Benji Gregory
Popular Role: Brian Tanner – “ALF” (TV sitcom)
Children of the 80’s will certainly remember a cuddly alien creature named ALF. Keeping ALF company on the show however, was his buddy Brian, portrayed by actor Benji Gregory. After his run on the hit alien show, Gregory made a few appearances on other TV shows like “Punky Brewster.” But his career path ultimately lead him to the United States Navy. But he was discharged in 2005, and now lives in Arizona with his wife.
Former Child Star#4: Marc Copage
Popular Role: Corey Baker – “Julia” (TV sitcom circa 1962)
This cute-as-a-button little tyke was one of the first African-American child actors to be seen on a mainstream television sitcom. On 1960’s sitcom “Julia” (which starred Diahann Carroll), the little boy was known as Corey was known for his bubbly, optimistic personality. Today, “little Corey” (now 45 years old) can be seen on YouTube, and on MySpace.com under the name Soul Revival.
Former Child Star#5: Mayim Bialik
Popular Role: Blossom Russo – “Blossom” (TV sitcom)
Viewers first had the opportunity to see Mayim Bialik portraying a younger version of Bette Midler in the 1998 movie, “Beaches.” But this young star is best recognized as the funkily-dressed, independent teen, Blossom on the sitcom of the same name. After the show wrapped, Bialik opted for an education at UCLA. And it appears that she is just as brainy in real life as she was on the hit 80’s show, for she has earned degrees in both Hebrew studies and neuroscience.
Former Child Star#6: Kenneth Osmond
Popular Role: Eddie Haskell – “Leave it to Beaver” (TV sitcom circa 1957)
Leave it to Beaver” was one of the most popular situation comedies on television (both CBS and ABC) in the late 1950’s and 1960’s. Just as popular as “The Beav” was Eddie Haskell, Wally’s sly and conniving best friend. His on screen antics earned him a firm position in television’s pop culture history. But his days after “leaving Beaver” were spent as a narcotics, vice, and motorcycle police officer. He retired after being shot three times in pursuit of a criminal, but still continued to make various TV and film appearances over the years.
Honorable Mentions: Hollywood Veterinarians Club
It appears that Hollywood has prompted more than one former child actor to go into the field of veterinary medicine. Danielle Spencer, also known as big-mouthed little Dee from 1970’s sitcom “What’s Happening”, decided to direct her career towards puppies and kittens in 1996, and even portrayed a vet in the 1997 film, “As Good as it Gets.
Also dedicating his career to helping animals is Peter Ostrum. This former child star was featured in the lead role of Charlie in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” Ironically, this film was the only one he ever acted in. Realizing that he was not bitten by the acting bug, he turned down three subsequent movie deals and eventually went on to graduate from Cornell College of Veterinary medicine in 1984. His specialty resides with dairy cows in an upstate New York community.
“Dishonorable” Mentions: Hollywood Adult Film Star Club
If you don’t remember the character of Judy Winslow from the quirky 90’s sitcom, “Family Matters” then join millions of others who also do not. This is because little Judy Winslow, played by Jaimee Foxworth, was eventually phased out of the show once the character, Steve Urkel became extremely popular. After her “quiet” exit from the program things got a little rocky for Foxworth, who had trouble finding acting work. By age 20 she found decided to shed both her little girl image and her clothes, making money as a star in a few pornographic films. In 2006, she even made an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show, to discuss her wayward career choice.
‘Tis the season to be jolly. This Christmas 2007, many people will probably be treated to a few runs of the classic holiday film, “A Christmas Story.” Those familiar with this comical tale are sure to remember the “pole-licking” scene, in which Flick, played by Scott Schwartz accepts a dare and places (and adheres) his tongue on an icy flag pole. This is perhaps one of the most famous scenes in the film. But years later, after puberty came and went, Schwartz found his way onto the set of a few adult films. Ironically, the acting he did in these movies was non-sexual, and did not require any hanky panky. Most recent reports reveal that he is the proud owner of a collectibles store.
