The Most Famous Child Actor of All Time, Ranked

Choose the child actor you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 8, 2024 07:05
Child actors have a unique impact on the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with performances that can be both impressively mature and refreshingly innocent. Determining who stands out as the most notable among them opens a fascinating window into how different generations connect with media. A favorite child star from one era can evoke nostalgia, while another might resonate more with current tastes. By participating in this ongoing ranking, users contribute their perspectives, refining a collective understanding of fame and influence in young actors. This interactive process does more than just compile a list; it engages community members in a dialogue about the qualities that make these performers memorable. Voting here allows one to be part of a larger conversation, potentially influencing how these actors are viewed by future fans.

Who Is the Most Famous Child Actor of All Time?

  1. 1
    46
    votes
    Shirley Temple
    Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
    Shirley Temple is widely regarded as one of the most famous child actors of all time. She began her career at the age of three and went on to star in numerous films, becoming a cultural icon of the 1930s.
    The Shirley Temple is a popular Mocktail that is sweet, refreshing, and non-alcoholic. It is known for its vibrant red color and delightful cherry garnish, making it visually appealing. The drink combines the flavors of ginger ale, grenadine syrup, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes. It is often served in a tall glass filled with ice and garnished with a cherry on top. The Shirley Temple is enjoyed by people of all ages and has become a classic choice for those looking for a delicious and alcohol-free beverage.
    • Color: Vibrant red
    • Flavor profile: Sweet and tangy
    • Main ingredients: Ginger ale, grenadine syrup, lime juice
    • Glass type: Tall glass
    • Garnish: Cherry
    Shirley Temple in other rankings
  2. 2
    36
    votes
    Macaulay Culkin rose to fame in the early 1990s with his role in Home Alone. He continued to act in films throughout his childhood and teenage years, becoming one of the most recognizable child actors of his time.
    Macaulay Culkin in other rankings
  3. 3
    23
    votes
    Jodie Foster
    FRZ · CC BY-SA 2.5
    Jodie Foster began her acting career at the age of three and went on to become one of the most respected actors of her generation. She won two Academy Awards and has been a successful director as well.
    Jodie Foster in other rankings
  4. 4
    27
    votes

    Drew Barrymore

    Drew Barrymore
    Drew Barrymore began acting at a young age and became a household name after her role in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. She has since gone on to have a successful career as an actress and producer.
    Drew Barrymore is an American actress, producer, director, and entrepreneur. She is known for her natural beauty, charming personality, and versatile acting skills. With her ethereal and dreamy appearance, she captivates people with her enchanting smile and expressive eyes.
    • Nationality: American
    • Profession: Actress, Producer, Director, Entrepreneur
    • Birthdate: February 22, 1975
    • Zodiac Sign: Pisces
    • Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
    Drew Barrymore in other rankings
  5. 5
    15
    votes
    Dakota Fanning
    Crislapi3 · CC0
    Dakota Fanning began acting at the age of five and quickly became a sought-after child actor. She has since gone on to star in numerous films and television shows, earning critical acclaim for her performances.
    Dakota Fanning in other rankings
  6. 6
    22
    votes
    Haley Joel Osment became famous for his role in The Sixth Sense, earning an Academy Award nomination for his performance. He continued to act in films throughout his childhood and teenage years.
  7. 7
    7
    votes
    Anna Paquin won an Academy Award for her role in The Piano at the age of 11, making her one of the youngest actors to win the award. She has since had a successful career as an actress, winning a Golden Globe for her role in True Blood.
    Anna Paquin in other rankings
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    Mara Wilson
    Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Mara Wilson starred in several popular films in the 1990s, including Mrs. Doubtfire and Matilda. She has since retired from acting and become a writer.
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    Ron Howard
    David Shankbone · CC BY 3.0
    Ron Howard began his acting career as a child, appearing in several popular television shows. He went on to become a successful director, winning two Academy Awards.
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Jackie Coogan
    CBS-TV · Public domain
    Jackie Coogan was one of the first child actors to achieve success in Hollywood. He starred in several popular films in the 1920s and 1930s, including The Kid with Charlie Chaplin.

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Ranking factors for famous child actor

  1. Talent
    The child actor's ability to perform and act convincingly. 2. Popularity: The extent to which the child actor was popular with audiences and fans. 3. Iconic roles: Roles that defined the child actor's career or showcased their range and ability. 4. Awards and nominations: Recognition received by the child actor in the form of prestigious awards and nominations. 5. Impact on the industry: The impact the child actor had on the entertainment industry and their contribution to film and television. 6. Longevity: The length of the child actor's career and their sustained success over time.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous child actor of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or child is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3739 views
  • 199 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each child once every 24 hours. The rank of each child is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous child actor of all time

Child actors have always been a popular feature in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with their talent and charm. Over the years, we have witnessed several child actors become household names, leaving a lasting impact on our memories. From Shirley Temple to Macaulay Culkin, the list of famous child actors is endless. However, when it comes to determining the most famous child actor of all time, the debate can get heated. Some may argue that it's the legendary Judy Garland, who stole our hearts as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz." Others may point to the likes of Elizabeth Taylor or Mickey Rooney, who also made a big name for themselves as child actors. In recent times, names like Dakota Fanning and Hailee Steinfeld have risen to fame as child actors, showcasing their impressive range and talent on the big screen. But who truly deserves the title of the most famous child actor of all time? Cast your vote on StrawPoll and let's find out!

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