Famous American Child Actors

Aubrey Anderson-Emmons is an American actress known for portraying Lily Tucker-Pritchett in the television mockumentary family sitcom, Modern Family. Her role, which was praised for creating awareness about cultural diversity, earned her the Screen Actors Guild Award at the age of four, making her the youngest person ever to win the award. She is also known for her charity work.

American actor, Jussie Smollett is known for his work in television series, Empire, and science fiction film Alien: Covenant. He debuted as a child artist and worked in commercials, television shows like On Our Own and films like The Mighty Ducks before taking a break. He returned after years and proved his talent as an actor and also a singer.

Amanda Fuller is an American actress best known for her portrayal of Kristin Baxter in the popular sitcom, Last Man Standing. Also known for her skills as a director, Amanda Fuller is credited with helming the Los Angeles production of This is our Youth, a theatrical play written by Kenneth Lonergan.

Ethan Embry is an American actor known for playing important roles in TV series like Sneaky Pete, Once Upon a Time, and Brotherhood. After starting his acting career at the age of 12, Ethan Embry went on to establish himself as a successful adult actor, appearing in films like Sweet Home Alabama and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.

Emily Alyn Lind, daughter of producer John Lind and actor Barbara Alyn Woods, started off as a child actor, with The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia. She won a Young Artist Award for her role in the series Revenge and also appeared as Snakebite Andi in Doctor Sleep.

Peter Billingsley was a popular child actor, famous for his portrayal of Messy Marvin in Hershey's chocolate syrup ads. He also delivered a Young Artist Award-winning performance as Jack Simmons in The Dirt Bike Kid. He later directed and produced shows such as Sullivan & Son and played minor roles.

Russ Tamblyn is an American actor and dancer who received an Academy Award nomination for his work in the 1957 drama film, Peyton Place. Trained as a gymnast, Tamblyn's acrobatic skills were put to use in films, such as West Side Story. Apart from acting in films and TV series, Russ Tamblyn also worked as a choreographer during the 1980s.

Kristy McNichol is a retired American comedian, singer, and actress. After being born into a middle-class family, McNichol started acting at a young age and went on to become one of the most popular teen stars of her generation. After her retirement, Kristy McNichol devoted her time to charity work and taught acting in Los Angeles.

Sawyer Sweeten gained prominence with his performance in Everybody Loves Raymond. He took his own life from a self-inflicted gunshot a fortnight before his 20th birthday. The news of his death left his fans and co-stars shocked.

Robby Benson is an American actor, filmmaker, composer, singer, and teacher. He gained popularity in the late-1970s when he established himself as a teen idol, appearing in films like Ice Castles and One on One. Apart from being an entertainer, Robby Benson is also a fundraiser and activist for heart research.

Actress and singer, Shawnee Smith, is best known for her role of Amanda Young in the Saw horror franchise. She began acting as a child and joined the Screen Actors Guild when she was just nine. Making her feature film debut as a young teenager, she went on to establish herself as a popular character actress in the ensuing years. 

Jill St. John is an American actress best known for portraying the first American Bond girl Tiffany Case in the 1971 film Diamonds Are Forever. Jill St. John is also credited with founding the Aunts Club, a group of women who provide financial support for children.

Former child actor and teen idol Philip McKeon is best known as Tommy Hyatt from the long-running sitcom Alice. He has also appeared in film such as Ghoulies 4 and in series such as The Love Boat. He is the older brother of actor Nancy McKeon.

Jaimee Foxworth is an American model, actress, and former pornographic actress. Foxworth is best known for playing Judy Winslow in the popular TV series, Family Matters. Also a musician, Foxworth is credited with forming S.H.E., an R&B musical group, with her two sisters. Over the years, Jaimee Foxworth has also battled depression and substance abuse.

Spencer Breslin is an American actor who started his career as a child artist. At the age of nine, he received the Young Artist Award for his portrayal of young Rusty Duritz in the 2000 fantasy comedy-drama film, The Kid. Also a musician, Breslin plays in a band named Broken Machine.

Michael Fishman is an American actor, producer, and writer. He is best known for portraying the main role of D.J. Conner in the popular TV series, Roseanne, for which he won the 1995 Young Artist Award under the Best Performance: Young Actor in a TV Comedy Series category.