Iconic Christmas film child stars now from Taylor Momsen to Macaulay Culkin
The lead up to Christmas means two things: drinking copious amounts of hot chocolate covered in marshmallows while snuggled up on the sofa watching a marathon of all our favourite festive films. For many of us, we've been watching the same classic ones on repeat for as long as we can remember, from the Home Alone franchise to Love Actually to The Grinch. Which means these films hold a special place in our hearts, simply because we grew up with them.
But just as we have grown up, so have the many child stars who have graced our screens every December. Including the likes of Taylor Momsen, Macaulay Culkin, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster, just to name a few, let's take a look at where some of the iconic Christmas film child stars are now...
Taylor Momsen
Back in the day, Taylor Momsen was known for playing the cutesy character Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Just seven years old at the time, Taylor's statement milk maid hairstyle was just as iconic as the film itself, with many people - young and old - still attempting the do at fancy dress parties.
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Following her success as a child star, Taylor then bagged the second iconic role of her career as Jenny Humphrey in the teen drama Gossip Girl. She played the character from 2007 to 2012, until she decided to quit acting and focus on her music full time.
Which brings us to 2023 Taylor. These days, the 30 year old heads the American rock band, The Pretty Reckless, where she sings lead vocals and plays rhythm guitar. Taylor has often spoken about how music is her real passion, telling Digital Spy in 2010 that "music is where I can be me."
Macaulay Culkin
Macaulay Culkin is probably the most iconic child star of the 1990s. Finding fame as Kevin McCallister in the hugely successful holiday franchise, Home Alone, the now 43 year old will always be synonymous with Christmas.
Macaulay played the role of Kevin so well that he was even nominated for a Golden Globe Award. At the time of filming the movie, he was only 10 years old.
However, Macaulay decided to ditch acting for a while and took an almost decade long hiatus from the film industry.
The 2010s saw him lean into experimental films, before he landed a major role in the 10th season of American Horror Story, where his performance was widely praised. In terms of his personal life, Macaulay is loved up with his Changeland co star Brenda Song. The couple have two children together.
Mara Wilson
Mara Wilson was another incredibly famous child star. From her iconic roles in Matilda, Mrs. Doubtfire and A Simple Wish, Mara also starred as Susan Walker in the festive Miracle on 34th Street.
While still only young, Mara retired from film acting and pursued the stage instead. Her theatre credits include Cinderella and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Mara also penned her successful memoir, Where Am I Now? True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame, a collection of essays that documented her journey from child star to where she is today.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster
When Love Actually was released in 2003, the world fell in love with Thomas Brodie-Sangster's character Sam. The role was his first major film and catapulted him to global stardom, where he still remains to this day. Thanks to Love Actually, 33 year old has bagged some pretty huge jobs over the years, from Nanny McPhee, Game of Thrones, the Maze Runner series and The Queen's Gambit.
When it comes to his personal life, it's been reported that Thomas has been in a relationship with St. Trinian's star Talulah Riley since July 2022. The couple are now engaged to be married.
Eric Lloyd
Eric Lloyd began his acting career as a child, appearing in The Santa Clause film trilogy as Charlie Calvin. He starred alongside Tim Allen as his on screen father, who turned out to be the real Santa Claus. The 37 year old also has other film credits, including Batman & Robin and Dunston Checks In.
In 2014, he started his own production company, Lloyd Production Studios, which is production and post-production music and film space in California.
Karolyn Grimes
It's A Wonderful Life is probably the most famous Christmas film of all time. When she was just six years old, Karolyn starred in the movie as Zuzu Bailey, where she stole the nation's hearts.
While Karolyn starred in 16 motion pictures as a child, naturally, Zuzu is her most known role.
Tragically, Karolyn became an orphan at 15, which meant she was unable to continue acting. She ended up studying at the University of Central Missouri where she trained to be a medical technologist.
However, It's A Wonderful Life still remains a huge part of her life. Karolyn is now 83 and has four children.
