Forgotten Child Stars From the 2000s – Where Are They Now?

Can you recall any of the popular kid actors and actresses from the movies and TV series of the 2000s? Those who won you over with their charming shows and excellent acting skills? Some have easily made the leap to adult roles, while others have mysteriously faded from public view, leaving us to wonder what became them. Let’s learn in this post about the whereabouts and activities of these former child stars. It’s a trip down memory lane to learn the truth about these legendary kid stars.

1. Bobb’e J. Thompson

Bobb’e J. Thompson, the child star who wowed audiences with his remarkable comic timing, has gone far from his early days in show business. While he had a regular role in That’s So Raven, his scene-stealing performance in the film Role Models catapulted him to stardom. Thompson’s performance as the foul-mouthed and quick-witted Ronnie Shields had audiences in stitches and demonstrated his natural knack for comedy.

Despite his popularity as a child star, Thompson has continued to refine his craft and played various parts throughout the years. He’s had minor appearances in cinema and television and dabbled in music, hoping to begin a career as a rapper. In addition to performing, Thompson has hosted his own television show, Bobb’e Says, on the Cartoon Network block CN Real.

Thompson’s career has been highlighted by various appearances, including his depiction of Tracy Jr. on 30 Rock, his appearance as Marcus Rivers in PlayStation Portable commercials, and his regular part on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. He was also on MTV’s Wild ‘n Out, and in 2011, he played M.J. Williams in Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pops & Entertainment (@popsandent)

2. Alyson Stoner

Alyson Stoner is a multi-talented artist who has established herself in the entertainment and music industry. She initially rose to prominence as a child star, exhibiting her amazing dance abilities in several music videos and films, including the popular Cheaper by the Dozen series and the successful film Step Up.

Stoner has switched to voice acting in recent years, contributing her voice to a variety of animated characters in famous video games and TV series. She also started a music career, releasing her first song, “Flying Forward,” in 2010 and her first EP, Beat the System, in 2011.

Stoner has had her share of personal challenges despite her success in the field, notably with her sexuality. She confessed in an online article that she had fallen in love with a woman and had chosen not to define her sexuality. Stoner has become a key role model for young people struggling to come to terms with their own identities due to her bold decision to share her own path.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Baker Fam (@cheaperbythedozenfan)

3. Jonathan Lipnicki

Jonathan Lipnicki’s Hollywood career began with a bang when he got the role as Renee Zellweger’s son in the 1996 film Jerry Maguire. He was just six years old at the time, but his gorgeous appearance and natural acting talent made a big impression. Lipnicki continued to feature on TV series such as The Jeff Foxworthy Show and Meego throughout the 1990s.

However, it was his performance in the 2002 film Like Mike that cemented his reputation as a rising Hollywood star. The film, which also starred Bow Wow, was a box office success, and Lipnicki was praised for his performance as a youthful basketball player.

Lipnicki took a break from acting in the middle of the 2000s to concentrate on his personal life and education. He has guest starred in a number of movies and TV episodes, such as the comedic Interns of F.I.E.L.D. and the dramatic The Resident.

Lipnicki is still acting and has just finished starring parts in the horror-thriller film Broil and the comedy-drama film Pooling To Paradise. He has also starred on the reality show Battle of the Network Stars and will act in the forthcoming horror flick Camp Pleasant Lake.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Carlitos Wta (@carlitoscines)

4. Dakota Blue Richards

Dakota Blue Richards made a reputation for herself as the protagonist in The Golden Compass, a fantasy-adventure film based on Philip Pullman’s novel of the same name. Despite the film’s popularity, the ensuing sequels did not materialize. Despite this, Richards went on to have a successful career as a character actress, acting in films and television episodes such as The Secret of Moonacre, Dustbin Baby, and Endeavour.

Richards is well-known for her advocacy efforts in addition to her performances. She has spoken out about being tormented at school because of her red hair and has utilized her platform to spread awareness about bullying and prejudice. She attended the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s “Our Space” camp in 2008, where she met with other kids from all backgrounds to discuss human rights and prejudice.

Richards has served as a solid supporter of the UK charity Action for Children, which has offered support and care to vulnerable young people since 2010. She has actively participated in the organization’s projects and events and headlined an advertising campaign to promote a new charitable initiative in 2011. Her services to the organization were honored in 2015 when she received the Inspiration Award at the charity’s annual gala.

Richards most recently appeared in the short-lived British historical drama series Beecham House (2019), where she portrayed Henrietta Beecham.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tasha (@corsets_and_cravats)

5. Jake Thomas

Jake Thomas is an American actor and photographer best known for his appearances as Matt McGuire in Lizzie McGuire and Cory Baxter’s buddy Jason Stickler in Cory in the House on the Disney Channel. Thomas continued to perform in many TV shows and movies after the popularity of Lizzie McGuire, including a cameo appearance on the blockbuster series Criminal Minds.

In addition to performing, Thomas has dabbled with photography. He has a strong portfolio and has had his work shown in exhibitions. He has also utilized his photography to collect funds for many charity organizations, including disaster assistance in Haiti.

Thomas has also maintained his study, and he graduated from college in 2018. He has shared his story with his social media followers, urging people to pursue their educational aspirations even if they are currently employed. Thomas is an education champion who has pushed his followers to continue their education, whether they are presently enrolled or considering returning.

Jake Thomas in 2014

6. Jake Austin

Jake T. Austin is an American actor best known for his role as Wizards of Waverly Place on the Disney Channel. Austin had a few vocal gigs before securing his big role, notably in the 2006 film The Ant Bully and as Diego on the hit animated series Dora the Explorer and its sequel, Go, Diego, Go!

Austin maintained his acting career when Wizards of Waverly Place ended, and he starred in the TV series The Fosters. He has maintained his voice acting career, portraying Alex in the 2017 cartoon feature The Emoji Movie.

Austin, in addition to performing, is a fitness fanatic who has shared his journey with his admirers on social media. He has also utilized his platform to raise funds for humanitarian organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Austin has also maintained a strong relationship with his Wizards of Waverly Place co-stars, speaking about the closeness they have both on and off-screen.

Austin in 2011

7. Haley Joel Osment

As a young actor, Haley Joel Osment shot to stardom in the 1990s thanks to his performance in the film “The Sixth Sense.” The 10th of April, 1988, found him entering the world in Los Angeles. Osment debuted in the acting world in the 1990s with roles in series including “Forrest Gump,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” and “The Jeff Foxworthy Show.”

But it was his part in the 1999 movie “The Sixth Sense” that really propelled him to stardom. He portrayed Cole Sear, a young man with the ability to converse with the dead. For this performance, he became the youngest nominee for Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars.

Osment kept acting after “The Sixth Sense,” appearing in movies like “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” and “Pay It Forward,” but he also took time away from Hollywood to finish his education. From 2006 to 2011, he attended New York University to study experimental theatre, and in 2008, he had a Broadway debut. He also directed two student films during his time at the university.

Osment’s acting career didn’t end with graduation from college; he went on to appear in films and TV programs, including “The Spoils of Babylon,” “Silicon Valley,” and “The Boys.” He also provided his voice for Sora in the “Kingdom Hearts” video game series. Osment’s acting career has also been met with widespread appreciation from critics, who praised his work in the films “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” and “Tusk.”

Osment in 2001

The child stars of the 2000s may have won our hearts on the big and small screens, but now that they’re adults, they’re pursuing other interests. Others, however, have continued to adorn our screens and stages, bringing their talents to new ventures even after leaving Hollywood to pursue other hobbies. However, their performances will forever be remembered, and their impact on culture will never be forgotten. Seeing how they’ve developed and grown throughout the years is quite interesting. There’s little doubt that the contributions of these young performers will be remembered for years to come.