The term child actor or child actress is generally applied to a child acting on stage, television, or in movies . An adult who began their acting career as a child may also be called a child actor, or a "former child actor". Closely associated terms include teenage actor or teen actor , an actor who gained popularity as a teenager .
39-418: Frankie Darro (born Frank Johnson, Jr. ; December 22, 1917 – December 25, 1976) was an American actor and later in his career a stuntman. He began his career as a child actor in silent films , progressed to lead roles and co-starring roles in adventure , western , dramatic, and comedy films, and later became a character actor and voice-over artist . He is perhaps best known for his role as Lampwick,
78-629: A Screen Actors Guild Award nomination at age 8 in 2002, making her the youngest nominee in SAG history. She later appeared in major Hollywood productions, in such acclaimed blockbuster films as Man on Fire (2004), War of the Worlds (2005), Charlotte's Web (2006), Hounddog (2007), The Secret Life of Bees (2008), Coraline (2009), The Twilight Saga film series (2009–2012), The Runaways (2010), and The Motel Life (2012). Fanning's younger sister, Elle Fanning also rose to prominence as
117-588: A Match (1932) and The Mayor of Hell (1933), in which he was the principal character. Director Wellman cast him as the lead in Darro's most important role during the 1930s, Wild Boys of the Road , an indictment of teens vagabonding across America during the Depression . From then on, Darro was usually cast as a pint-sized tough guy, although he also played wholesome leads in mysteries and comedies. Frankie Darro
156-524: A child actress, having appeared in many films since before she turned 3. Miranda Cosgrove , known mainly for her role as Megan on the Nickelodeon sitcom Drake & Josh as a child, gained more attention for her role as a teenager in the show iCarly . Since the end of the show she has been featured in other roles, including as the voice of Margo in the Despicable Me franchise. Once she
195-833: A child star in the early 1940s in productions like National Velvet before becoming a popular film star as an adult in movies. Many child actors find themselves struggling to adapt as they become adults, mainly due to typecasting . Macaulay Culkin and Lindsay Lohan are two particular famous child actors who eventually experienced much difficulty with the fame they acquired at a young age. Some child actors do go on to have successful acting careers as adults; notable actors who first gained fame as children include Mickey Rooney , Tim Matheson , Drew Barrymore , Shia LaBeouf , Jake Gyllenhaal , Mila Kunis , and Molly Ringwald . Other child actors have gone on to successful careers in other fields, including director Ron Howard , politicians Lech and Jarosław Kaczyński , and singer Jenny Lewis . In
234-703: A five-martini lunch prior to the scene being shot; he nearly fell over while attempting to walk while inside the expensive prop. Darro's last featured appearance in a motion picture was in Operation Petticoat (1959). He did continue to play small parts well into the 1960s, mostly on television : The Red Skelton Show , Bat Masterson , Have Gun—Will Travel , The Untouchables , Alfred Hitchcock Presents , The Addams Family , and Batman (episodes 9 and 10). He also did voice-over work for various projects. Child actor Famous earlier examples include Elizabeth Taylor , who started as
273-595: A full-time career in the fashion industry, which, to this day, is continuously successful with an estimated net worth of approximately $ 100,000,000. Drew Barrymore , a former child star, started acting at age 3. During her childhood she battled with drugs, but recovered and currently continues to act. Natalie Portman took a small break in acting to get a bachelor's degree in psychology from Harvard University before continuing her career as an actress. Rider Strong , known as "Shawn Hunter" in Boy Meets World ,
312-573: A licensed chaperone; a parent can only chaperone their own child, and a chaperone's duties include acting in loco parentis and recording arrivals and departure time from the work place, the time a child is working, their breaks, and the amount of tutoring. A child requires minimum of three hours of tutoring daily and a lesson must be a minimum of 30 minutes to count towards the total and with regards to 18 and 19-year-old in further education, considerations are made in regards to their studies. There are regulations and guidance to safeguard all actors under
351-591: A series of modestly budgeted action features through 1937. Darro's name gained recognition, but a limiting factor was his height. He stood only 5'3", limiting his potential as a leading man . His wiry, athletic frame and relatively short stature often typecast him as a jockey. Darro played a crooked rider in Charlie Chan at the Race Track and A Day at the Races . With the play and film Dead End creating
390-446: A use for a small child who could do his own stunts, and the young Johnson, renamed "Frankie Darro", appeared in his first film at the age of six. As a child actor, he appeared in many silent adventure , western , and serial pictures of the 1920s. In 1931, Darro was featured in director William A. Wellman 's major success The Public Enemy . This led to frequent assignments at Warner Bros. , including Mervyn LeRoy 's Three on
429-563: A vogue for "tough street kids" stories, Darro signed with Columbia Pictures for two action features, Reformatory and Juvenile Court ; he also played a sympathetic role in Columbia's popular serial The Great Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok . In 1938, Darro joined Monogram Pictures to star in a series of action melodramas. Darro's flair for comedy gradually increased the laugh content in these films. By 1940, Monogram hired Mantan Moreland to play his sidekick. The Frankie Darro series
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#1732780750129468-491: A week for Burn 'Em Up Barnes . Darro was reunited with western star Harry Carey in two of the serials; Carey and Darro had worked together in silent features. Darro might have continued as a serial star, but Levine's Mascot studio was bought out by Herbert J. Yates , who created Mascot's successor Republic Pictures . The cost-conscious Yates opted not to meet Darro's established salary. Darro signed instead with producer Maurice Conn of Ambassador Pictures, where he starred in
507-493: Is known for her role on Roseanne and later created and served as a co-host for CBS's The Talk . Also from Roseanne , Michael Fishman continued to work in film, but behind the scenes and has since been nominated for an Emmy for the work he did in Sports Science . Both Gilbert and Fishman returned for the later series based on Roseanne , The Conners , with Gilbert also serving as an executive producer and guiding
546-410: Is not actively monitored can also be problematic, however, as in the case of Gary Coleman , who after working from 1974, later sued his adoptive parents and former business advisor for $ 3.8 million over misappropriation of his trust fund. Some people also criticize the parents of child actors for allowing their children to work, believing that more "normal" activities should be the staple during
585-509: The ABC sitcom Full House , was treated for an eating disorder, deemed anorexia, but Ashley remained less troubled. In an article with the magazine Marie Claire , Mary-Kate expressed the bittersweet nature of the twins' childhood. "I look at old photos of me, and I don't feel connected to them at all," she said. "I would never wish my upbringing on anyone... but I wouldn't take it back for the world." The twins eventually retired from acting to pursue
624-543: The Sells Floto Circus ; it was a profession that his father attempted to train him in, and he cured Frankie's fear of heights by having him walk on a length of tightrope wire, gradually raising the height of it until his son had mastered the trick. In 1922, while the circus was in California , his parents divorced, and their circus act ended along with their marriage. The growing film industry, however, found
663-531: The education of the child actor not be disrupted while the child is working, whether the child actor is enrolled in public school , private school or even home school . The child does their schoolwork under the supervision of a studio teacher while on the set. In the United Kingdom, a child actor is defined as someone under school leaving age . Before a child can work, they require a performance license from their Local Education Authority as well as
702-462: The Lambs (1991), Nell (1994), Maverick (1994), Contact (1997), and The Brave One (2007), thus establishing herself as one of the most accomplished and sought-after actresses of her generation. She has also ventured into directing and her directing credits include films such as Little Man Tate (1991), Money Monster (2016) and television shows such as House of Cards , Orange Is
741-470: The Lane (1976), and Freaky Friday (1976). A child prodigy , Foster received her first Academy Award nomination at age 13 and later took a sabbatical from films to attend Yale University . She made a successful transition to adult roles, winning two Academy Awards for Best Actress before the age of 30, and starring in several successful and acclaimed films such as The Accused (1988), The Silence of
780-510: The New Black , and Black Mirror . Now adults, Daniel Radcliffe , Rupert Grint and Emma Watson , the three leads of the acclaimed Harry Potter film series (2001–2011), starred in every installment in the series, and have since continued to act in film, television, and theater in their early 30's. Dakota Fanning rose to prominence after her breakthrough performance at age 7 in the film I Am Sam (2001). Her performance earned her
819-547: The United States, the activities of child actors are regulated by the governing labor union , if any, and state laws. Some projects film in distant locations specifically to evade regulations intended to protect the child. Longer work hours or risky stunts prohibited by California , for example, might be permitted to a project filming in British Columbia . US federal law "specifically exempted minors working in
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#1732780750129858-401: The ability of the child to deliver an effective performance add to the pressure. Ethel Merman , who several times worked in long-running stage productions with child actors, disliked what she eventually saw as their over-professionalization—"acting more like midgets than children"—and disapproved of parents pushing adulthood on them. There are many instances of troubled adult lives due to
897-421: The age of 20; OFCOM guidance states a child's health and safety, well-being and welfare are paramount in television production and factors such as their age, maturity and life experiences can affect their performance. OFCOM also advises that broadcasters undertake risk assessments, consider seeking expert advice and follow best practices. In the United States before the 1930s, many child actors never got to see
936-408: The childhood years. Others observe that competition is present in all areas of a child's life—from sports to student newspaper to orchestra and band—and believe that the work ethic instilled or the talent developed accrues to the child's benefit. The child actor may experience unique and negative pressures when working under tight production schedules. Large projects which depend for their success on
975-496: The entertainment business from all provisions of the child labor Laws." Any regulation of child actors is governed by disparate state laws. Due to the large presence of the entertainment industry in Hollywood , the state of California has some of the most explicit laws protecting child actors. Being a minor, a child actor must secure an entertainment work permit before accepting any paid work. Compulsory education laws mandate that
1014-471: The mid-1950s, he had become too risky for producers to hire steadily. Darro is probably best known to modern audiences for two films in which he isn't even seen: Walt Disney 's Pinocchio (1940, as the voice of Lampwick), and Forbidden Planet (1956, as one of the actor/operators inside the now iconic 7-foot-tall " Robby the Robot "). He was fired shortly after an early scene because of his having consumed
1053-467: The money they earned because they were not in charge of this money. Jackie Coogan earned millions of dollars from working as a child actor only to see most of it squandered by his parents. In 1939, California weighed in on this controversy and enacted the Coogan Bill , which requires a portion of the earnings of a child to be preserved in a special savings account called a blocked trust. A trust that
1092-477: The perennially youthful Darro in its The Teen Agers campus comedies. When that series ended, the studio gave Darro four featured roles in its popular Bowery Boys comedies, including a co-starring role in Fighting Fools (1949). This was the last film in which he played a lead; thereafter he accepted smaller roles and did stunt work for other actors in various films. Darro's last assignment for Monogram
1131-544: The same careers as adults. Shirley Temple , for example, became a public figure and diplomat. Peter Ostrum , appearing in his only role, the lead character of Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory , became a large-scale veterinarian surgeon. While Jenny Lewis , formerly of film Troop Beverly Hills in 1989, is a well-known singer-songwriter indie rock musician. Renee Olstead became
1170-401: The series through its transition after Roseanne Barr was fired after the tenth season of the revived Roseanne . Kirsten Dunst and Lacey Chabert both made the transition from a child actress to an adult actress with a rough patch including depression. After a stay in a rehabilitation center, Dunst was able to recover and continue her career. She proves that the pressures of growing up under
1209-509: The spotlight may not come without repercussions. Roddy McDowall , who had a long and outstanding career including as the regular star of the Planet of the Apes series; Micky Dolenz , who started his career as a child star in the 1950s, grew up to be a musician of the successful 1960s pop group The Monkees , which had its own successful television show ; Ron Howard , who, in addition to being
Frankie Darro - Misplaced Pages Continue
1248-629: The star of both of the long running The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days television series, became an Academy Award-winning director in adulthood; Elijah Wood , who continued his career successfully into adulthood, starring as Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings film series and starring as Ryan Newman in the television series Wilfred . Many actors' and child actors' careers are often quite short. Many actors, out of personal choice, that start their careers as child actors decide not to pursue
1287-570: The stressful environment to which child actors are subjected. It is common to see a child actor grow up in front of the camera, whether in films, TV shows or both. However, it is not uncommon to see child actors continue their careers throughout as actors or in a different professional field. Jodie Foster started acting at age 3, becoming the quintessential child actor during the 1970s with roles in films such as Tom Sawyer (1973), Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), Taxi Driver (1976), Bugsy Malone (1976), The Little Girl Who Lives Down
1326-514: The unlucky boy who turns into a donkey in Walt Disney's second animated feature, Pinocchio (1940). In early credits, his last name was spelled Darrow . Frankie Darro was born on Saturday, December 22, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois , as Frank Johnson, Jr. His parents, Frank Johnson, Sr. and his wife Ada, were known as The Flying Johnsons , an acrobatics and tightrope walking act with
1365-499: Was arguably the best juvenile actor in Hollywood, as reflected by his constant employment in the 1930s. Producer Nat Levine of Mascot Pictures valued him: he starred in six adventure serials from 1931 to 1935, with his salary increasing with his popularity: he earned $ 1,000 a week for The Vanishing Legion , $ 2,000 a week for The Lightning Warrior , $ 3,000 a week for The Devil Horse , $ 4,000 for The Wolf Dog , and $ 5,000
1404-493: Was doubling for Leo Gorcey in Blues Busters in 1950. Darro's recurring malaria symptoms caused him to increase his alcohol intake for pain management, and this affected his career. As film and TV roles became fewer, Darro opened his own tavern, naming it "Try Later," after the response he most often received when he asked Central Casting for work. His new occupation proved unwise, however, given his heavy drinking. By
1443-587: Was educated at Columbia University and now runs a successful blog and has published a graphic novel. Neil Patrick Harris started his career as a child actor in Doogie Howser, M.D. He continues to act in television, films and theater. Harris is now a cult figure icon. Jonathan Lipnicki , known mostly for the Stuart Little films, now successfully competes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Sara Gilbert
1482-552: Was of age, she decided to pursue a college degree in film at the University of Southern California. Late actress Shirley Temple became a public figure and diplomat, beginning in the 1960s. Some of her duties included representing the United Nations, and becoming a U.S. ambassador in countries such as Ghana and Czechoslovakia. Mary-Kate Olsen , who shared the role of Michelle Tanner with her twin sister Ashley on
1521-482: Was so successful that Monogram used it as a haven for performers whose own series had been discontinued: Jackie Moran , Marcia Mae Jones , and Keye Luke joined Darro and Moreland in 1940, and Gale Storm was added in 1941. Darro served in the US Navy Hospital Corps during World War II . He contracted malaria while enlisted. Upon his return to civilian life, Monogram welcomed him back and cast
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