7 Child Stars Who Were Ruined by the Dark Side of Hollywood

The captivating allure of fame in Hollywood often seems like a dream come true, particularly for young, talented individuals with aspirations of stardom. However, behind the dazzling façade of the entertainment industry lies a dark underbelly that has left a trail of heartbreak and tragedy for many child stars. In this exploration of "7 Child Stars Who Were Ruined by the Dark Side of Hollywood," we embark on a sobering journey through the lives of these once-promising talents, whose early fame ultimately led to personal struggles and, in some cases, tragic endings.
▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:32 - Anissa Jones: A Tragic Tale of Hollywood's Dark Side
02:28 - Life After Stardom
03:55 - Leif Garrett: A Troubled Odyssey through Hollywood's Maze
05:09 - Struggles in Hollywood
06:24 - A Persevering Spirit
07:16 - The Early Years and Stardom
12:08 - Shirley Temple: America's Sweetheart and Child Star Extraordinaire
14:36 - Bobby Driscoll: A Forgotten Child Star's Tragic Journey
15:04 - The Early Years and Stardom
17:49 - Her Early Years Struggles in Hollywood
18:58 - Life After Stardom
19:39 - Outro
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Anissa Jones, known for her role as "Buffy" in the beloved series "Family Affair," represents a poignant example of the toll child stardom can exact. Despite her endearing performance, she faced the pressures of the industry and personal loss after her father's death, leading to struggles that persisted long after her time in the limelight. Leif Garrett, the teenage heartthrob of the 1970s, charmed fans with his looks and music, but the transition to adulthood proved challenging. Substance abuse issues and legal troubles overshadowed his promising career, casting a shadow on his journey.
Judy Garland, the timeless icon of Hollywood's Golden Age, faced the demands of fame from an early age, leading to mental health issues and addiction struggles that left her tragically vulnerable. Gary Coleman, the endearing child star known for "Diff'rent Strokes," grappled with financial exploitation and personal difficulties, ultimately facing a challenging path to adulthood that left a mark on his life. Bobby Driscoll, the talented actor of Disney's "Treasure Island," experienced an early ascent followed by a decline marked by substance abuse and legal issues, leading to obscurity and tragedy.
Dana Plato, remembered for her role as Kimberly on "Diff'rent Strokes," endured personal struggles, addiction battles, and a tragic end that highlighted the difficulties of transitioning from child star to adult. And finally, Shirley Temple, America's sweetheart, whose dazzling smile and undeniable talent made her an icon, faced the pressure of maintaining a pristine image and navigating life beyond childhood fame, ultimately transitioning into diplomacy as a U.S. ambassador.
These stories of child stars remind us that the price of fame can be steep, and the dark side of Hollywood can cast a shadow that lingers long after the spotlight has dimmed. As we delve into their journeys, we gain a sobering perspective on the complexities and challenges faced by young talents in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of support and protection for those who find themselves thrust into the world of fame at a tender age.
7 Child Stars Who Were Ruined by the Dark Side of Hollywood

[@kevinmiller6380]

Makes me wonder why anybody would want to get into show biz anyway? Once you're in the public eye life is never the same. You've got people hounding you for autographs, interviews, and whatever else comes with being a celebrity. If you're out in public, especially with your family, then you've got to be courteous, cordial, and friendly when dealing with the public. To me I'd rather live the life of the poor and the unknown.

[@lindamadden789]

So many sad stories. Add in Jackie Coogan, Robert Blake, Patty Duke, Drew Barrymore, Lindsey Lohan, Amanda Bines….Too many to count!

[@jayschoenhaaar5369]

If you ever see the rider that Judy Garland and the Rat Pack had when they were touring it’s amazing that any of them lived. The amount of alcohol and cigarettes among other things were insane.

[@TerryCloth]

That generation ( my parent's ) sure drank and smoked a lot. Even in the movies. Seems like every time someone would visit, " Would you like a drink?"( referring to alcohol, NOT coffee, soda, or water )

[@gllenpappaachan8055]

Different Strokes used to be our favourite TV show during our childhood years. We eagerly looked forward to this show every week. May his soul rest in peace. His dialogue delivery was unique in this series. ❤❤❤

[@noelht1]

What you talking about Willis?

[@TerryCloth]

It's on RewindTv. I watch it almost everyday. I especially like the episodes with Arnold and Dudley and Robbie and Kathy. Kathy was a crackup😄. " All gobblers." lol

[@thisisme3238]

The most heartbreaking story for me to hear was Gary Coleman. I do believe Gary could have escaped death if his "significant other," would have acted sooner to save his life. Gary gave so much to his TV audience... without the love that should have been given to him by his spouse. 🙏 RIP GARY COLEMAN 🙏 You Are Missed By Us

[@cadillacdeville5828]

Good afternoon from Maryland. Thanks for the video. I'm pretty sure that you won't have enough time to go through all the child ⭐ ✨ that ruined their lives

[@FactsVerse]

Thanks for watching! We're glad to know that you love our video. What other types of video would you like to see on Facts Verse?

[@beekind466]

My childhood scars include these people's tragic deaths. Hollywood is not for the weak. As a kid I recall thinking about never wanting to be famous because this is what happens to famous people.😕

[@ronaldmiller2740]

FV,, THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO,, IT TEACHES THAT THERE IS HELP OUT THERE !!! GROWING UP IN THE 60S I REMEMBER ALL THESE GREAT STARS AND SOME I DID MEET THINKING THEY WERE HAPPY IN THERE LIFE WHILE TALKING TO THEM AND SHAKING THERE HANDS ,BUT I GUESS THERE WAS MAYBE I HOPE NOT A FAKE MEET..... REST IN PEACE ,, TO ALL THESE GREAT TRUE STARS ,,YOU DID DO WELL ITS JUST BEING PUSHED AND OVER WORKED THAT TAKES A TOLL ON A HUMAN BODY AND MIND .. G D BLESS!!!

[@bruce8808]

The 2 most tragic loss'es are Judy Garland and Anissa Jones. Both died much too young from drug overdoses.

[@TerryCloth]

Family Affair was probably the best sitcom of the 1960s. I was pretty young when it aired but I remember my dad was upset when Anissa died ( at only 18 ) Sad.

[@FactsVerse]

We absolutely agree! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Be safe and enjoy the rest of your evening!

[@cliffcorson4000]

On Dana Plato You forgot to mention how her money that was supposed to be protected by the Coogan Act was stolen by her mother who found a loophole that allowed her to act as the financial advisor. That added a lot of stress on Plato and eventually caused the "Plato amendment" to be added to the Coogan Act to prevent this from occurring again

[@jons.6216]

Aside from Patty Duke that was mentioned in the comments; Jay North of Dennis the Menace fame also had unnecessary abuse from caregivers during time on the set of his TV show, unfortunately!

[@davidl9232]

Yea, Jackie Coogan..anyone who worked in pre-hollywood child labor laws. Yet it's still happening, ex: Will Wheaten of StarTrek- NG series. Entertaining world is crazy in an already crazy world.

[@catherinekerr2160]

The parents [especially the morhers] forced their child children into this. Then when they became an adult they did not have a trade to rely on.

[@adrianjohnstone5145]

Absolutely. Check out a great movie from 1975 called Day of the Locust where there's a great example of the so called "stage mother" Horror story😮

[@horselightning]

Anissa didnt want to act after family fair. She wanted to be a regular kid/ Her drug issues had to do with her family problem not acting/.

[@maestromike91971]

I thought Leif Garrett was in the movie the outsiders in the early 80s? He played a high school kid who was a boy. He was one of the socials or the rich kids and figure this character was taken out earlier movie ?

[@cheikhna1947]

Very strange, after all this dezth that no one understood that drugs should not be allowed in hollywood

[@janismonserrat1970]

Oh how amazing 😢Poor little fellow 😮 I hope he finds a good loving home

[@justicejones5025]

I don't think Shirley Temple was ruined by the dark side of Hollywood. As for the most tragic? Probably Bobby Driscoll, as he truly was abandoned by Hollywood and died completely alone. His body was not recognized or claimed by anyone and he was buried in an unmarked paupers grave in New York..

[@adrianjohnstone5145]

True and when he became a teenager he apparently developed a pretty severe case of acne which didn't exactly inspire Disney to continue to keep him under contract. But in later years when his mother tried to locate him after not having heard from him for some time she contacted the Disney studio for their help and they did manage to track him down to NYC as you said. Very sad.

[@nancysmith6685]

Stardom didnt ruin these young actors. They did ot to themselves with pills and alcohol. Another thing is the parents pushing their kids into this hoping to get rich.

[@David-yw2lv]

Sebastian Cabot died about a year after Anissa Jones Coincidence?

[@adrianjohnstone5145]

Brian Keith who played the father in Family Affair tragically took his own life several years later in an extremely confronting way. Sadly missed 😢

[@jackriley7772]

I ❤ Classic 📺 SHOW, s i.grow up/with ... (! Even though Hollywood takes Things to far to mutch 😮☝️💨⤴️ & take a huge 💀 / crp Hollywood Will disappear Then (+ They will Now how It fells After 1800,s, to know . Ps It's just 😔 Thanks again fact verse .

[@FactsVerse]

Fun stuff, thanks for sharing! What other types of video would you like to see on our channel?

[@kevinthompson2111]

i watch her growing up😅

[@FactsVerse]

Fun stuff, thanks for sharing! What other types of video would you like to see?

[@carolmartin6719]

Shirley Temple

[@maestromike91971]

Kid actors today are too PC. They have to ave so many LGBTQA or black actors, the film is racist. The new little mermaid is a black girl and she said she was going to put black life in it. They make to many movies that are already made! If they want to have movies with LGBTQA and non white actors, or women playing male characters who were in the original movie . Why can’t some writers write movies which these actors . There’s not any big actors who are part of these fr groups. Blacks, yes.