From Child Stars to Gorgeous Adult Celebs – 40 Photos That Show the Passage of Time

In 2002, Bledel looked every bit the fresh-faced star as she posed in a sheer lace top and minimal makeup. She had a youthful glow with rosy cheeks, natural brows, and her signature crystal-blue eyes framed by a neat updo. At the time, she was in the early seasons of "Gilmore Girls," quickly becoming a fan favorite as the studious and soft-spoken Rory Gilmore.

By 2018, Bledel had fully transformed into a red carpet regular, turning heads at the Golden Globe Awards. Wearing a structured black-and-white gown with leaf appliqués and sleek, straight hair, she exuded sophistication. The Emmy-winning actress had recently gained critical acclaim for her role in "The Handmaid's Tale," marking a major shift from her early teen drama roots.

In 1994, Gordon-Levitt was all charm and boyish energy with his signature long hair, striped tee, and oversized utility vest. Just 13 at the time, he was beginning to land steady acting work, including his role in "Angels in the Outfield," which introduced him to a wider audience and showcased his early talent.

Three decades later, Gordon-Levitt stepped onto the red carpet in a sharp, pinstriped three-piece suit at the premiere of Netflix’s "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F." Sporting a trimmed beard and tousled waves, he looked every bit the seasoned Hollywood veteran. Now known for critically acclaimed roles and his work as a filmmaker and entrepreneur, his evolution from child star to multifaceted creator has been seamless.

At just 11 years old, Watson made her red carpet debut in 2001 at the premiere of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." Dressed in a long gray gown with purple accents and matching boots, she wore her hair in curled pigtails with wispy bangs, radiating the charm of a young newcomer stepping into global fame as Hermione Granger.

Over two decades later, Watson stunned at the Prada Spring/Summer 2024 Show in Milan, wearing a sleek black halter dress paired with pointed heels and a matching handbag. Her polished bob and confident pose reflected her evolution from child star to fashion icon, activist, and acclaimed actress with a career far beyond Hogwarts.

In 2003, Brody embraced his early 2000s teen heartthrob status with tousled curls, a plaid button-down, and a laid-back smile at the Teen Choice Awards. That same year, he debuted as Seth Cohen on "The O.C.," a role that launched him into stardom and helped define a generation of TV fans.

By 2025, Brody had traded his surfer-kid aesthetic for red carpet sophistication, appearing at the Emmys in a powder blue tuxedo with a ruffled shirt and bow tie. With a touch of scruff and salt-and-pepper curls, he exuded grown-up charm while continuing to earn praise for roles in projects like "Fleishman Is in Trouble" and the "Shazam!" films.

At just 13 years old, Roberts walked the red carpet in 2004 with long blonde hair, a coral smocked top, and flared jeans — a picture-perfect early-2000s teen star. Known then for her lead role in Nickelodeon’s "Unfabulous," she was carving out her space in Hollywood while still growing up in it.

Nearly two decades later, Roberts brought refined glamour to the Swarovski event in 2023. Wearing a sleek black embellished jumpsuit layered under a tailored blazer, she accessorized with dazzling statement diamonds and beachy waves. Now known for her work in "American Horror Story" and as a producer, she’s embraced both fashion and film with polished ease.

In 2008, Patel was an 18-year-old newcomer promoting "Slumdog Millionaire," the breakout film that would go on to win Best Picture. He wore a simple plum sweater layered over a collared shirt, with a shy grin that captured his fresh-faced innocence as he stepped into international fame almost overnight.

Fast-forward to 2025, and Patel has fully evolved into a seasoned leading man. At a high-profile fashion event in Paris, he wore a tailored slate-gray suit with an open collar, paired with a salt-and-pepper beard and confident stance. Following roles in "Lion" and "The Green Knight," the "Monkey Man" director now commands both screen and spotlight with quiet charisma.

In 2010, Zendaya made early red carpet appearances as a Disney Channel star on "Shake It Up." With voluminous curls, a soft pink dress, and a denim jacket, she looked every bit the tween style icon. Her bright smile and playful accessories reflected her rising fame and bubbly personality at just 14 years old.

By 2024, Zendaya had cemented her status as a fashion and film powerhouse. At the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, she turned heads in a daring, crystal-studded two-piece gown with sheer panels and bold cutouts. With sleek, center-parted hair and glowing skin, the Emmy-winning "Euphoria" star radiated confidence and star power.

At 16, Peck was best known for his role as the lovable, goofy co-lead on Nickelodeon’s "Drake & Josh." On the red carpet in 2003, he wore a thick windbreaker over a red tee, with a round face and boyish grin that reflected his early career as a teen comedy star.

In 2016, Peck reemerged with a dramatically slimmed-down frame and a clean-cut look at a Netflix premiere. Wearing a fitted black polo and dark denim, he smiled with ease and maturity. No longer just a sitcom favorite, he had moved into more adult roles and garnered attention for his personal transformation.

With shaggy blond-brown hair, bright blue eyes, and a white embroidered shirt, Efron was the definition of early 2000s teen charm in 2004. Just before his breakout in "High School Musical," he was already making waves as a rising Disney star with matinee idol potential.

Two decades later, Efron cut a striking figure on the red carpet in 2024. Wearing a sharp black tuxedo and sporting a rugged mustache, he looked every bit the mature leading man. With recent roles in dramatic films like "The Iron Claw," he’s shed his teen idol image and stepped fully into serious Hollywood territory.

In 2004, Lewis appeared wide-eyed and gap-toothed as Neville Longbottom in the early days of the "Harry Potter" franchise. Clad in full Gryffindor robes and clutching his pet toad Trevor, the young actor was still finding his footing in Hollywood while playing the shy, awkward classmate to Harry and friends.

By 2015, Lewis had completed one of the most talked-about glow-ups in Hollywood. On the red carpet in a slim-cut electric blue suit and matching tie, he looked nearly unrecognizable from his Hogwarts days. With a chiseled jawline and confident gaze, he had since taken on new acting roles and stepped into heartthrob territory.

In 2003, Dakota and Elle were pint-sized red carpet darlings, dressed in pastel gowns and sweet smiles. Dakota, already a star in films like “I Am Sam,” proudly held her little sister Elle close, who was just beginning her own career in front of the camera.

By 2025, the Fanning sisters had grown into polished powerhouses of fashion and film. Posing together at an industry event, Elle wore a shimmering navy cape dress while Dakota stunned in a powder-blue brocade ensemble with a matching satin cape. Both actresses have built impressive résumés while remaining close and consistently stylish.

Back in 1999, Bell was a fresh-faced teen actor making early appearances in roles that would lead to his big break on Nickelodeon’s “Drake & Josh.” With a brushed-back haircut, collared sweater, and boyish grin, he looked every bit the rising star of family-friendly TV.

In 2000, Muniz was all smiles and spiky hair as the breakout star of “Malcolm in the Middle.” Rocking a color-block sweater and silver pants on the red carpet, he had just become one of the most recognizable child actors on television, with a sharp wit that defined the early 2000s sitcom era.

Just seven years old in 2000, Momsen captured hearts as Cindy Lou Who in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” On the red carpet, she looked angelic in a long red coat with velvet-trimmed sleeves, her platinum-blonde hair worn loose and straight over her shoulders.

In 2023, Momsen made a striking statement at a fashion event in New York. Dressed in a textured black mini dress with knee-high boots and dramatic smokey eye makeup, she embodied her current persona as frontwoman of the rock band The Pretty Reckless. Her goth-glam aesthetic was a far cry from her child star beginnings and entirely by design.

In 1999, Osment became a household name with his haunting performance in "The Sixth Sense." At just 11 years old, he wore a tan button-down shirt and had a sweet, gap-toothed smile that contrasted with the depth of his on-screen work — earning him an Oscar nomination that year.

By 2025, Osment had fully embraced a low-key Hollywood presence, stepping onto the green carpet in white trousers, a floral shirt, and an open tan jacket. With a full beard and long hair, the former child star had traded intense drama for quirky roles and indie comedies — and looked totally at ease doing so.

In 2004, McCurdy was a pre-teen newcomer with long curls, butterfly clips, and a bright smile as she made early red carpet appearances. Best known for her roles on Nickelodeon, she was just beginning her rise to fame with small parts in family-friendly films and TV shows.

At the 2022 TIME100 Next Gala, McCurdy made a bold return to the spotlight wearing a dramatic two-toned gown with a voluminous skirt and ruffled lavender bodice. With her hair swept back and a confident stance, she had redefined her public image following the release of her best-selling memoir, "I'm Glad My Mom Died."

At just 12 years old, Keke Palmer was already turning heads on red carpets. In 2005, she radiated youthful energy in a pink satin gown with a velvet bolero and matching headband, her bright smile and natural charisma signaling a star on the rise. That same year, she starred in “Akeelah and the Bee,” earning critical acclaim for her heartfelt performance and cementing her status as a breakout talent.

Fast forward to 2025, and Palmer has become a multi-hyphenate force in Hollywood — actress, singer, producer, and fashion icon. At a recent event, she wowed in a rich sapphire-blue gown with elaborate sequin detailing, topped with a dramatic faux-fur coat. Her red-toned waves, bold lashes, and polished glam gave her a commanding presence, the look of someone fully in charge of her narrative and career.

In 2006, a teenaged Miranda Cosgrove glowed on the Nickelodeon orange carpet in a ruffled rose-pink dress and matching satin belt. Still best known for her role in “Drake & Josh” and about to launch “iCarly,” she had an effortlessly sweet charm, with natural waves, a glossy smile, and youthful energy.

By 2024, Cosgrove had grown into a sophisticated, camera-ready star. At a premiere for "Despicable Me 4," she stunned in a vibrant floral mini dress with bold pink and yellow tones, exuding confidence and grown-up poise. Her glossy dark waves, soft glam makeup, and radiant presence reflected a graceful transition from child star to seasoned actress and producer.