Source: Todayonline
LIFELONG ICONS OR ADULT RELICS?
Love them or hate them, Tinseltown tykes are here to stay
by Kenneth Tan
CAN you think of a movie star who’s had the privilege of acting beside Tom Cruise, Robert De Niro, Sean Penn, Julia Roberts and Michelle Pfeiffer, and won 13 awards in 13 years?
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Her name is Dakota Fanning — and she is just 13 years old. Child stars have long captured the imaginations of everyone from industry moguls to wide-eyed movie fans. They are cute and charming. More often than not, they are precocious and newsworthy.
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But they don’t always last.
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Some succeed well into adulthood, even becoming lifelong icons, while others are one-hit wonders who rapidly fade into obscurity, or, worse still, ruin (or lose) their lives.
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Are there patterns in show business history that can help explain this?
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Ms Fanning is riding high right now. Some criticise her for being a childish pixie with a grown-up face. But love her or hate her, there’s no denying the kid can act. From I Am Sam through War of the Worlds and Charlotte’s Web, “got talent” is the phrase to describe her.
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Emma Watson shot to fame as Hermione in the Harry Potter movies — and then aced her O-levels. With Emma’s looks, abilities and track record, I believe the sky’s the limit for her. Read full article here.
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December 23rd, 2007 at 6:33 pm
I am really glad you posted this article. I hope some of the kids from your school read it.
Reality is very important to children who want a life as a child actor, at least I think so. And, no parent wants to think their child will end-up like Brittany Spears or her younger sister, now pregnant at age 16.
This article keeps reality in check. Kids can succeed well into adulthood in show business! They can become lifelong icons like Ron Howard.
Great read! Thanks.