Mara Wilson was an international superstar before her sixth birthday but like many child stars, her fame didn’t last.
Now, the Mrs Doubtfire star has listed seven reasons so many child stars go off the rails in a blog post on cracked.com.
“Not many child stars make it out of Hollywood alive or sane,” she wrote. “Why does this happen?
“1. Their parents won’t help them; 2. Their parents can’t help them; 3. They get used to all the love and attention and then lose it; 4. They have been sexually exploited; 5. The need to rebel but can’t; 6. They don’t know what else to do; 7. They can’t escape it.”
Troubled former child stars Lindsay Lohan, Macaulay Culkin and Amanda Bynes.
Mara Wilson at the height of her fame in 1996 and in 2003.
Lindsay Lohan has had numerous stints in jail and rehab.
Amanda Bynes is in and out of rehab and the headlines.
Britney Spears has battled with mental health and substance abuse issues.
*Malcolm in the Middle* star Frankie Muniz.
Malcolm in the Middle star Frankie Muniz.
Edward Furlong is currently in prison for domestic abuse.
Drew Barrymore struggled with substance abuse issues.
*Home Alone* star Macaulay Culkin has had drug and alcohol problems.
Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin has had drug and alcohol problems.
Dakota and Elle Fanning haven’t encountered any problems.
Abigail Breslin has also had an easy ride.
Chloe Moretz has made the transition from child star to adult star well.
Scarlett Johansson is another child star who hasn’t gone off the rails.
Natalie Portman says she struggled with her identity growing up.
Emma Watson took a break from acting because it was too intense.
Kirsten Dunst has spoken of her troubled youth.
Christina Applegate in 1987 and 2011.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in 1980, and at a fashion show in 2011.
*Doogie Howser MD* star Neil Patrick Harris in 1988 and in 2011.
Doogie Howser MD star Neil Patrick Harris in 1988 and in 2011.
Anna Paquin with her Oscar in 1994 and 2011.
Christina Ricci in 1990, and in August 2011.
Jodie Foster in 1980 and at an awards show in September 2011.
Legendary child star Shirley Temple in 1935 and 2006.
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