September 17, 2024
"Child Star" is the newest documentary that premieres today on Hulu. It explores the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world's best-known former child stars.
Directed by Demi Lovato, marking her directorial debut, and Nicola Marsh, the documentary is produced by OBB's Michael D Ratner, Scott Ratner, Miranda Sherman, Kfir Goldberg, and Demi Lovato. It is executive produced by Nicola B Marsh, SB's Scooter Braun, Scott Manson, Jen McDaniels, and James Shin. Glenn Stickley serves as co-executive producer.
Courtesy: Hulu
Featuring some of the world's famous celebrities through interviews and archival footage, Demi Lovato interviews iconic former child stars such as Drew Barrymore, Kenan Thompson, Christina Ricci, Raven-Symoné, JoJo Siwa, Alyson Stoner, and more to reflect on their personal experiences working in the entertainment industry in never-before-heard stories. With an inside look reflecting on their stages of earlier stardom and the entertainment system over the last century, together they look at the next generation of child actors and how to move forward in an ever-changing landscape.
"Everyone wanted to make it at a young age," says Raven-Symoné at the start of the trailer as the actors all relay the intense pressure, expectations, and pitfalls of stardom at a young age. Not fully realizing what comes with being a child celebrity and the world of superstardom, Hollywood is haunted by shadows of child stars depleted by fame, grueling work schedules, pressure, industry greed, substance abuse, mental health, and mismanagement of millions of dollars that they have earned, resulting in a cruel aftermath of reality. For many of those not featured in the documentary, it ended in fatality with others still dealing with the aftermath. Very few have successfully navigated the pitfalls of childhood stardom to lead successful careers without the scars of Hollywood.
Courtesy: Hulu Demi Lovato, Christina Ricci
Lovato shared on Instagram how deeply she was impacted by working on the documentary, as she felt catharsis, "Working on "Child Star" was a deeply reflective experience for me. It allowed me to deep-dive into emotions from my childhood while also connecting with others with so many shared experiences."
Having experienced some of the same traumas that she herself experienced, Lovato brings a level of authenticity and vulnerability that would otherwise be lacking in a similar documentary. The media has vastly publicized and exploited some of her troubles and the film highlights the psychological effects fame has on these actors.
Demi Lovato's insightful documentary provides viewers with an up-close and personal look at those who have traveled the same path, including the one she once took. It is a documentary worth watching as we remember that child actors, regardless of their fame and wealth, are subjected to the predatory behavior of Hollywood that they all too easily can find themselves in. This documentary inspires us to hope for a safer and more supportive entertainment industry.
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Child Actor is currently streaming on Hulu.
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