We could name dozens of former child stars who have passed away much too soon or were plagued by alcohol, drugs and criminal activity after they grew up -- turning into lifestyle meltdowns and unflattering tabloid headlines. When going over that list, it never seems like a good idea to get our off-spring involved in a high-profile entertainment profession considering the scandals and tragic failures that often curse child stars after their careers take a left turn or come tumbling down altogether.
Let's take a look at 33 former child stars who grew up managing to beat the odds by leading a normal, scandal-free lifestyle while continuing with their thespian duties or jumping into other reputable professions. We'll begin with baby boomer actors and continue with the younger generation of former child actors who are leading respectable lives -- staying clear of drugs, humiliating headlines and ugly photo shoots (aka mug shots) inside their local jailhouse. We begin with one of the most famous child actors of all time -- 84-year-old Shirley Temple -- ending with 31-year-old Natalie Portman.
