The 1960s were a golden era for television, with classic shows like The Addams Family, Bewitched, The Brady Bunch, and Lost in Space becoming timeless favorites (just to name a few). The decade was also remarkable for its child stars, who were beloved by generations. These bright-eyed tykes have stood the test of time and are more iconic than ever. Here are some of the most memorable Child Stars of the ‘60s, who continue to hold a special place in our hearts and pop culture.
Dakota Fanning
Dakota Fanning is one of the most recognized child stars of the ‘60s. Although she was born in 1994, Fanning made her acting debut in 1993’s feature film Father of the Bride. Fanning’s versatile performances in both independent films and major motion pictures, such as I Am Sam, War of the Worlds, and The Secret Life of Bees, have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards. Her iconic roles in the 2000s, such as Charlotte’s Web, Twilight, and The Runaways, cemented her status as an icon of the ‘60s.
Ron Howard
Ron Howard had a prolific career before he made his acting breakthrough. Howard first appeared on the 1960s hit western The Andy Griffith Show. He quickly rose to stardom and became a beloved child actor. Howard went on to star in several classic films, such as The Music Man, Splash, The Da Vinci Code, and Inferno, among many others. His continued success in film, directing, and producing make him one of the most successful stars of the ‘60s.
Timothy Bottoms
Timothy Bottoms is widely considered to be one of the boldest and most inventive child stars of the ‘60s. He made his acting debut in 1962’s The Miracle Worker. Bottoms went on to appear in a series of iconic films and television shows, including The Cowboys, My Three Sons, and Apocalypse Now. Bottoms has since continued to act in films such as The Undiscovered Country and Space Cowboys. He is also a published author and an in-demand voiceover artist.
Hayley Mills
Hayley Mills first made her mark in the 1960 film Pollyanna, which earned her both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination. Mills was one of the most beloved child stars of the ‘60s, appearing in films like The Parent Trap, The Trouble With Angels, and The Truth About Spring. Mills has since appeared in films such as Freaky Friday and The Parent Trap: The Summer Vacation.
Macaulay Culkin
Macaulay Culkin rose to stardom after appearing in the beloved Christmas classic Home Alone. He quickly became known as one of the most beloved child stars of the ‘60s. He went on to appear in films such as My Girl, Rich Man, Poor Man, The Pagemaster, and Getting Even With Dad. His career has continued successfully into adulthood, with appearances in films such as Party Monster, Saved!, and Changeland.
Other Notable Child Stars of the 60s
There were many other notable child stars of the ‘60s who are equally deserving of recognition. Here are a few of them:
• Scott Baio: Baio made his acting debut on the 1970s show Happy Days and earned his fame with his iconic role as Chachi Arcola. He went on to appear in films such as Bugsy Malone and Joanie Loves Chachi (both of which earned him Golden Globe nominations) and has since appeared in films such as Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2, Dwyane Johnson’s Be Cool, and ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.
• Tatum O’Neal: O’Neal was an immediate success when she appeared in the 1973 classic Paper Moon. She went on to become the youngest person to win an Academy Award for her performance. O’Neal has since appeared in films such as The Bad News Bears and Little Darlings.
• Jodie Foster: Foster’s first major role was in the 1976 film Taxi Driver, for which she earned her first Oscar nomination at age 14. She went on to appear in films such as Freaky Friday, Bugsy Malone, Sleepless in Seattle, The Silence of the Lambs, Panic Room, and Contact.
• Robby Benson: Benson was an instant hit when he appeared in the 1972 musical film Jesus Christ Superstar. He went on to star in films such as Ode to Billy Joe, Ice Castles, and the cult classic One on One. Benson has since appeared in films such as Beauty and the Beast and The Princess Diaries.
• Barry Williams: Williams rose to fame as Greg Brady on the classic show The Brady Bunch. He then went on to appear in films such as Bald Solvers, Letters from Three Lovers, and Do You Remember Love. Williams has since appeared in films such as Gosford Park, Surviving Christmas, and Revenge of the Nerds.
These are just a few of the iconic child stars of the ‘60s who continue to be beloved by generation after generation. These stars have all gone on to amazing careers in film, television, and other aspects of entertainment. We can only hope to keep seeing their faces and remembering the fabulous stories and performances they brought us in the ’60s.
