Why child stars have meltdowns

By Tribute on May 30, 2013 | 11 Comments


Mara Wilson, a former child star who appeared in films like Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire, is speaking up about why child stars have meltdowns. Now 25 years old, Mara managed to avoid the meltdowns of other child celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Bynes.

She’s written an essay for cracked.com called “7 Reasons Child Stars Go Crazy (An Insider’s Perspective).”

In the essay, Mara outlines why she avoided the same fate, saying, “Combine the regular amount of free stuff celebrities get with all the presents people give kids just for being cute, and you’ve got a recipe for one spoiled-ass child.”

She added that her parents “made me share a room with my sister, kept me in public elementary school, and encouraged me to think of acting as just a hobby.” Mara calls herself a “reformed drama nerd.”

She left showbiz and got an education at NYU.  That move is something she credits for stopping her from ending up like Lohan — she learned to do something else besides acting.

For kids who want to act, she says, “Make sure it’s really your choice, get out of it when it stops being fun, and get an education.” Hopefully future child stars take note of her comments and former child stars accept the advice she offers. ~Cassie Jasinski



Comments & Discussion

  1. Good News • May 30, 2013 @ 10:15 AM

    smart advice for everyone

  2. Dory • May 30, 2013 @ 10:19 AM

    What a wise young lady.

  3. Checkit • May 30, 2013 @ 12:31 PM

    Very smartly said. I hope people take notice.

  4. Wendy • May 30, 2013 @ 1:42 PM

    I often wondered what becomes of child stars?

    Good on you Mara, that you rose above the problems most people like us would never know what it’s like for children who rise to fame. So many dear souls that get into drugs and alcohol. And many die so young. I am proud of you my dear for pursuing other ways and for making life more important than anything else.

    God bless

  5. Carla G • May 30, 2013 @ 3:57 PM

    Way to go gurl… JB … take note dude…. you could be on a better path…. jus sayin’…… I still love ya bro!

  6. JJ • May 30, 2013 @ 4:24 PM

    Mara Wilson aged pretty badly and is very ugly looking these days which is why she probably “left” showbiz, she no longer had the looks for it and no one wanted to hire her, I doubt she felt on her own free will

  7. JJ • May 30, 2013 @ 4:25 PM

    Mara Wilson aged pretty badly and is very ugly looking these days which is why she probably “left” showbiz, she no longer had the looks for it and no one wanted to hire her, I doubt she left on her own free will

  8. Dalyce • May 30, 2013 @ 6:41 PM

    @JJ
    You mean she stayed real and avoided pathetic rounds of plastic surgery to avoid aging, grotesque implants, drug overdoses and a revolving door of broken relationships based on superficial physical attributes? Way to go Mara!!!

  9. Zercia • May 30, 2013 @ 8:01 PM

    I say this Shirley Temple couldnt get a education will in her acting time. She always was upset by that back then the laws were different and she couldnt get one. Lucky child stars can now and good for her to be strong enough to do the right thing.

  10. Gus • May 31, 2013 @ 8:09 AM

    See what an education does? These entertainers/athletes (or people) who think hey why get an education if I am already rich because an education is just to get a job to make money right? WRONG. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

  11. Mitch • May 31, 2013 @ 1:50 PM

    JJ comments reminds me of that Taylor Swift song….”Mean.”


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