HBO documentary ‘Showbiz Kids’ depicts dark side of childhood fame, from abuse to self-doubt
The new documentary “Showbiz Kids” examines the effects of childhood stardom on young celebs.
HBO’s 90-minute film (Tuesday, 9 p.m. EDT/PDT) is directed by Alex Winter, known for his role of Bill in the “Bill & Ted” films. Subjects including Jada Pinkett Smith, “E.T.” star Henry Thomas, actress Evan Rachel Wood (“Westworld”), Todd Bridges of “Diff’rent Strokes” and “Matilda” star Mara Wilson offer their takes on fame at a young age.
Their motives for becoming an actor differ. “Stand By Me” actor Wil Wheaton says he was encouraged by his mother, reasoning “I don’t know a 7-year-old who’s like, ‘What I want to do is go to work!'”
But Bridges remembers he “always wanted to be in show business.”
For some, work nudged out traditional childhood experiences. Wilson says she “never really learned how to ride a bike,” and model/actress Milla Jovovich “hated” her early days in front of the camera. At 11, she was “really a little girl that wanted to play with dolls.”
“Showbiz Kids”, shot over the past two years, also follows two young actors as they chase their dreams of making it big.
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