MomSkoop
Growing up in the spotlight can be a double-edged sword. Some child actors transition smoothly into adulthood, while others struggle with the pressures of fame and fortune. Unfortunately, a number of former child stars have found themselves entangled in serious legal issues or facing troubling allegations as adults. Their stories serve as cautionary tales about the challenges that come with early stardom.
1. Jared Fogle – Subway Commercials
Before becoming infamous, Jared appeared in Subway commercials as a teenager and young adult, promoting weight loss success.
His wholesome image made him a household name for over a decade.
However, in 2015, federal investigators uncovered disturbing evidence that shattered his public persona.
He pleaded guilty to charges involving illegal activities with minors and possession of inappropriate materials.
The case shocked millions who had trusted his family-friendly brand.
Jared received a lengthy prison sentence and became one of the most notorious examples of hidden criminal behavior.
His fall from grace remains a stark reminder that fame can mask terrible secrets.
The Subway company immediately severed all ties and distanced itself from the scandal.
2. Amanda Bynes – Nickelodeon Star
Amanda charmed audiences on shows like All That and The Amanda Show during her childhood years.
She seemed destined for continued success with movies like She’s the Man and Hairspray.
But around 2012, her behavior became increasingly erratic and concerning to fans and family alike.
Multiple arrests for DUI, hit-and-run incidents, and setting a small fire in a driveway made headlines.
She posted bizarre messages on social media that worried her supporters.
Mental health struggles became evident as she faced a conservatorship similar to other troubled stars.
Amanda has since sought treatment and worked toward recovery with family support.
Her story highlights how child stardom can contribute to serious mental health challenges later in life.
3. Dustin Diamond – Screech from Saved by the Bell
Dustin played the lovable nerd Screech for over a decade on the hit show Saved by the Bell.
His character became iconic among 90s kids everywhere.
Unfortunately, his adult life took several dark turns that contrasted sharply with his goofy television persona.
He released a controversial tell-all book that damaged relationships with former castmates.
In 2014, he was involved in a bar stabbing incident that led to criminal charges and jail time.
He also faced accusations of creating inappropriate content to make money during financial struggles.
Dustin passed away in 2021 after battling cancer, leaving behind a complicated legacy.
Many remember both his comedic talent and his troubled path after childhood fame ended.
4. Edward Furlong – Terminator 2 Star
Edward became an instant sensation playing John Connor in Terminator 2: Judgment Day at age thirteen.
His breakthrough performance earned critical praise and launched what seemed like a promising career.
However, substance abuse issues began affecting his work and personal relationships throughout his twenties and thirties.
He faced multiple arrests for domestic violence incidents involving different partners over the years.
Restraining orders and probation violations became regular occurrences in tabloid reports about the former child star.
Edward struggled with addiction publicly, entering rehab facilities several times with mixed results.
Despite attempts at comebacks, his legal troubles continued to overshadow his acting talent.
His story illustrates how early success can spiral into destructive patterns without proper support systems.
5. Macaulay Culkin – Home Alone Icon
Macaulay became the most famous child actor of the early 90s thanks to Home Alone’s massive success.
His cherubic face and comedic timing made him a global superstar before age twelve.
While not facing criminal charges like others, he dealt with serious substance abuse allegations and concerning public appearances.
In 2004, police arrested him for possession of controlled substances during a traffic stop.
Photos from that period showed dramatic physical changes that worried longtime fans deeply.
He also endured a messy legal battle between his parents over management of his earnings.
Macaulay has since recovered and rebuilt his life away from mainstream Hollywood spotlight.
His experience shows that even without major crimes, child stars face unique pressures and struggles.
6. Lindsay Lohan – Parent Trap Actress
Lindsay captured hearts in The Parent Trap and Mean Girls as a talented young actress.
Her career trajectory seemed unstoppable during her teenage years with hit after hit.
Then came a highly publicized downward spiral involving multiple DUI arrests, probation violations, and rehab stints.
She faced accusations of theft, including a necklace incident that made international headlines.
Court appearances became so frequent that they overshadowed her acting work entirely for several years.
Substance abuse struggles played out in tabloids while she cycled through treatment facilities repeatedly.
Lindsay has worked to rebuild her reputation and career in recent years with varying success.
Her case became the textbook example of child star burnout and legal troubles in modern Hollywood.
7. Shia LaBeouf – Even Stevens and Transformers
Shia rose to fame on the Disney Channel show Even Stevens before transitioning to blockbuster films.
His quirky personality and talent made him a sought-after young actor in Hollywood.
But a pattern of bizarre behavior and legal incidents began emerging during his twenties that puzzled fans.
He was arrested for disorderly conduct at a Broadway show and faced DUI charges multiple times.
Accusations of plagiarism in his art projects and aggressive behavior toward strangers made regular news.
In 2020, his ex-girlfriend filed a lawsuit alleging abuse and disturbing behavior during their relationship.
Shia has publicly discussed his struggles with alcoholism and PTSD from childhood trauma.
His ongoing battles reveal the complex intersection of mental health, addiction, and fame.
8. Drake Bell – Drake and Josh Star
Drake became a teen idol through the popular Nickelodeon sitcom Drake and Josh in the mid-2000s.
His musical talent and comedic skills earned him a devoted young fanbase worldwide.
However, in 2021, he pleaded guilty to serious charges involving inappropriate communication with a minor.
The case involved online messages and an incident at a concert that violated laws protecting children.
Fans who grew up watching his wholesome show expressed shock and betrayal at the revelations.
He received probation and community service as part of his sentence in the case.
Drake had previously faced a DUI charge and filed for bankruptcy years earlier.
His fall from grace particularly stung given his role as a children’s entertainer and positive role model.
9. Todd Bridges – Diff’rent Strokes Actor
Todd played Willis Jackson on the beloved 80s sitcom Diff’rent Strokes for eight seasons.
The show tackled serious issues while entertaining millions of families weekly.
After the series ended, Todd struggled with substance abuse that led to multiple arrests and legal problems.
He faced charges for attempted murder, assault, and drug possession during the late 80s and early 90s.
Though acquitted of the most serious charges, his addiction battles were well-documented and painful to witness.
Todd has been remarkably open about his recovery journey and the factors that led to his troubles.
He now works as an advocate for others struggling with addiction and childhood trauma.
His redemption story offers hope that recovery is possible even after hitting rock bottom repeatedly.
10. Corey Feldman and Corey Haim – The Two Coreys
Both Coreys dominated 80s teen movies like The Lost Boys, Stand by Me, and License to Drive.
Their friendship and frequent collaborations made them inseparable in Hollywood’s eyes.
Both battled serious substance abuse issues that derailed their careers and led to legal troubles throughout their adult lives.
Corey Haim faced numerous arrests and overdoses before his tragic death in 2010 at age thirty-eight.
Feldman has spoken extensively about abuse they both suffered as child actors in Hollywood.
He has faced legal issues including restraining orders and allegations from his own past relationships.
Their story represents the darker side of child stardom that often goes unaddressed.
Feldman continues advocating for protecting young performers from exploitation and abuse in the entertainment industry.
11. Danny Bonaduce – The Partridge Family
Danny played wisecracking Danny Partridge on the hit 70s musical sitcom The Partridge Family.
His red hair and comedic delivery made him memorable to television audiences everywhere.
As an adult, he struggled with homelessness, addiction, and multiple arrests that shocked fans of the wholesome show.
He faced charges for assault, drug possession, and other incidents throughout the 80s and 90s.
Danny has been remarkably candid about hitting rock bottom and living on the streets despite childhood fame.
He eventually found recovery and reinvented himself as a radio personality and reality TV participant.
His willingness to discuss his struggles openly has helped reduce stigma around addiction.
Danny’s journey shows that recovery and second chances are possible with determination and support.
12. Brian Bonsall – Family Ties Youngest Son
Brian joined Family Ties as Andy Keaton, the adorable youngest child in the final seasons.
His cute factor helped extend the popular show’s successful run in the late 80s.
Unfortunately, his adult years brought multiple arrests for assault, including incidents involving former girlfriends.
He faced charges for throwing a bar stool at someone during an altercation in Colorado.
Substance abuse issues reportedly contributed to his violent outbursts and legal troubles over the years.
Brian largely stepped away from acting to pursue music but continued facing personal demons privately.
His case received less media attention than some others but remains equally troubling.
Former castmates have expressed sadness about his struggles after such a promising start in Hollywood.
13. Josh Brolin – Goonies Star Turned Serious Actor
Josh appeared in The Goonies as Brand Walsh, one of the beloved adventure film’s main characters.
Unlike many on this list, he successfully transitioned to serious adult roles and critical acclaim.
However, he has faced legal issues including a domestic battery arrest on New Year’s Day in 2004.
Though charges were eventually dropped, the incident revealed personal struggles beneath his professional success.
He has spoken openly about battles with alcohol and periods of destructive behavior in his past.
Josh credits his wife and commitment to sobriety for turning his life around permanently.
His career flourished with roles in No Country for Old Men, Milk, and as Thanos in Marvel films.
His story proves that addressing problems early can prevent complete career destruction and personal ruin.
14. Skylar Deleon – Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Extra
Skylar had a minor role as an extra on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in the 90s.
Though not a major star, his connection to the beloved children’s show makes his crimes particularly shocking.
He was convicted of murdering a couple during a yacht robbery scheme in 2004.
The brutal nature of the crimes horrified communities and made national headlines when his entertainment background emerged.
He received the death penalty for the murders and remains on death row in California.
Skylar’s case represents the most extreme example of a child performer turning to serious criminal activity.
His minimal screen time makes the contrast between his innocent appearance and heinous actions even more disturbing.
This case reminds us that early exposure to entertainment doesn’t predict future behavior in any direction.
15. Mitchel Musso – Hannah Montana and Disney Channel
Mitchel starred alongside Miley Cyrus in Hannah Montana as Oliver Oken, her loyal best friend.
He also led his own Disney Channel show, Pair of Kings, during the network’s golden era.
In 2023, he was arrested for public intoxication and theft at a Texas hotel convenience store.
Reports indicated he appeared intoxicated, took food without paying, and became verbally abusive toward staff.
The incident surprised fans who remembered his wholesome Disney image from years earlier.
Mitchel had largely stepped away from acting before the arrest made headlines across entertainment news outlets.
The case is still relatively recent compared to others on this list with longer troubled histories.
His situation shows that legal troubles can emerge even years after childhood fame has faded away.