59 ‘Then And Now’ Photos Of Celebrities That Prove Time Really Does Wait For No One

Being thrust into the bright lights of Tinseltown is automatically a life-changing experience for a child. And while many can avoid the trappings of fame, others struggle with them. Popstar Justin Bieber, for example, desired normalcy so badly that he had to take matters into his own hands.

In a 2021 interview with GQ, Bieber revealed that he had hidden his passport to evade his obligations and hang out with his friends like a typical youngster. 

Actress and talk show host Drew Barrymore has been in the spotlight since she was 11 months old. Born into a family of actors, she went through a tumultuous childhood that landed her in rehab for substance abuse at age 13. 

In a 2024 interview with People, she looked back on this dark time in her life in a positive light, knowing she was a “walking cautionary tale” for others. 

“I may feel lost again at different moments, because you never figure it all out, and it never all comes together. You just keep finding things,” she said.

Child star Mara Wilson is among the many names on this list. Known for her starring role in the 1996 hit film Matilda, the 37-year-old wrote an opinion piece for the New York Times in 2021, titled The Lies Hollywood Tells About Little Girls.

As the title suggests, Wilson spoke about how the industry treated women, along with disturbing details of her experiences being objectified as a 12-year-old. 

“Our culture builds these girls up just to destroy them,” she wrote.

However, not all child stars have unpleasant experiences, and Christina Ricci is an example. She gained recognition for her role as Wednesday Addams in the 1993 film adaptation of the cartoon Addams Family Values. 

In a 2018 interview with People, she referred to that period in her career as her “glory days.” 

"I loved working. I loved being a kid who had a talent. I loved being good at something,” she said. “It was incredible to be able to do that so young,” she said.

Readers, we’d like to hear from you. Which of these then-and-now photos grabbed your attention the most? What fascinated you about them? Share your insights in the comments!