On June 12th, the world observes the International Labour Organization's World Day Against Child Labor. It serves as a somber reminder that child labor is a violation of the fundamental rights of children worldwide. In the realm of Hollywood, there are instances where child actors have faced their own set of challenges and exploitation.
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan, once Disney's rising star, entered the spotlight at the age of 10 with her role in "The Parent Trap" (1998). She went on to achieve popularity with teen hits like "Freaky Friday" (2003) and "Mean Girls" (2004). However, her career took a turbulent turn in the late 2000s as she ventured into music and faced intense familial pressures.
Lohan was caught between her parents' conflicts, a situation she described as trying to maintain peace between them. The pressure took a toll on her career, leading to addiction, media sc--dals, legal troubles, and rehab stints. Amid this, she entered an abusive relationship with Egor Tarabasov, a Russian millionaire.
In 2016, Lohan decided to leave the United States for the United Arab Emirates, where she embarked on new ventures, including running a beach club in Greece. Gradually, she reemerged in the public eye, serving as a judge on an Australian talent reality show in 2019. In early 2020, she made a return to film, which was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lindsay Lohan, at 34, declared herself to be in a "calm place" in her life and announced her engagement to Arab businessman Bader Shammas in 2021.
Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman, an Oscar-winning actress renowned for her role in "Black Swan" (2010), embarked on her acting journey with a far-from-conventional start. At the tender age of 11, she catapulted to fame through "Léon: The Professional" (Luc Besson, 1994). In the film, she portrayed Matilda, a young girl thrust into the world of a hitman after her family's tragic murder. Matilda's complex relationship with her mentor was at the heart of the narrative. However, Portman faced inappropriate objectification and harassment as she grew up in the industry.
During her early career, she was subjected to disturbing incidents, including a radio station countdown to her eighteenth birthday and film critics commenting on her body. The ultimate shock came when she was offered the leading role in the 1997 adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita." This book explored a middle-aged man's relationship with a 12-year-old girl. She chose to decline this role, marking a turning point in her career.
Subsequently, Portman ventured into more age-appropriate roles and even pursued higher education while acting. She attended Harvard University to major in psychology, achieving a bachelor's degree in 2003. Throughout her career, she won acclaim for her performances in a range of genres, securing a Golden Globe for "Closer" (2004) and an Oscar for "Black Swan." Natalie Portman continues to be a multifaceted talent and has returned to the Marvel Universe in "Thor: Love and Thunder" (2021).
Macaulay Culkin
Macaulay Culkin is best known for his iconic role as Kevin McCallister in the "Home Alone" film series. However, his life as a child actor was far from ordinary. His journey to fame began at an early age, and he became a superstar after the astounding success of "Home Alone." At just ten years old, his daily life revolved around makeup, interviews, red carpets, and memorizing scripts. Macaulay's father and manager, Kit Culkin, played a significant role in pushing him into project after project, leading to a relentless work schedule from 1990 to 1994, including sequels, such as "Home Alone 2."
Culkin's popularity began to wane following the release of "Ri¢hie Ri¢h" (1994), while his parents engaged in a highly publicized divorce battle over his earnings. At the age of 14, he found himself fighting in court to protect the $20 million he had earned during his brief film career. His tumultuous life didn't escape tabloid headlines, including unfounded rumors of a $6,000-a-day heroin habit, which he later refuted.
Now, 28 years after his last significant film, Macaulay Culkin has distanced himself from the Hollywood spotlight. He lives with his wife, Brenda Song, and maintains a presence on social media through humor. At 41 years old, he seems to have found some peace in a life once marked by turmoil.
