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The Impact of Stardom on Children
Case studies, documentaries, and television specials abound concerning the success and failures of child stars. Many young celebrities, include several pop stars who survived a stint with mouse ears only to land as full-scale celebrities, find absolute adult success. Others were not so fortunate, however. It does make one wonder about the overall impact of stardom on children. Research shows that there are no clear answers to this question, and that it is best answered by individualized personal experience. This, of course, can be said of any member of society, celebrity or not. For categorical purposes, however, various child star experiences can be classified.
The Good
Quite a few stars use childhood as a stepping stone to bigger and better things as adults. Many award-winning actors, directors, producers, and singing artists began as child stars. For these individuals, the experiences and connections made as children in the industry served as a catapult to greater things as adults. Occasionally a child star might fade for a time, usually to pursue advanced education or rediscover himself, only to reappear in grand form. Others never leave the industry, but smoothly transition from child star to adult celebrity.
Many of these children who have found great success are now house-hold names. Talent programs or children’s shows may have been a starting place for popular singers, but they were certainly not the end of the road. Young actors played major roles in motion pictures or television series, and the world watched as they grew and matured. Twin sisters went from adorable to formidable in the world of onscreen entertainment, and the same can be said for many others.
The Bad
Some young stars take decidedly different roads. After the success begins to wane, these children struggle to find work in the industry that once loved them. Accolades fade, paychecks disappear, and suddenly reality is back in full perspective. Many of these children attempt to live a relatively normal life, perhaps in a related field or in a new area all together. With the exception of an occasional blurb in a tabloid, they simply fade away, out of the spotlight. Their time of fanfare was brief, but one would hope, fulfilling.
Others don’t disappear completely, but take a much smaller role in the entertainment industry, perhaps an occasional commercial or guest spot on a sitcom. These entertainers try to sate their appetite for performing in the industry with small bites, and many game shows and or tribute programs to various decades would not be the same without them.
The Ugly
Unfortunately, child stardom does not sit well for some. The short time spent in the limelight skews the perception of these young people, and they end up on the wrong track as adults. Addiction to drugs, alcohol, and wild lifestyles are common remnants of stardom. Some go on to overcome these obstacles, while others succumb to their own demons. Some former child stars have even taken their lives.
Summary
Obtaining celebrity status as a child can work either for or against a young person. Some children go on to find greater fame and fortune as adults, while others leave the spotlight to live more contained lives. It is unfortunate for some, however, that the experience taints their adulthood, and perhaps is even instrumental in that individual committing suicide.
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