Demi Lovato's 'Child Star' documentary exposes the harsh realities of fame for young actors
Former Disney child actresses, Alyson Stoner, JoJo Siwa, Demi Lavato and Raven-Symoné open up about their trials and tribulations in "Child Star".
Image: Instagram
Demi Lovato's documentary, "Child Star" digs deep into the often turbulent lives of former child actors and the challenges they face while growing up in the unforgiving spotlight of fame.
This raw and revealing film features candid interviews with a cast of well-known actors from the industry, including Christina Ricci ("Camp Rock"), Kenan Rockmore ("Kenan and Kel"), Raven-Symoné ("That's So Raven"), JoJo Siwa ("School of Rock") and the iconic Drew Barrymore who broke into the industry with movies like "E.T." and "Charlie's Angels".
These popular stars examines the psychological complexities and repercussions that accompany early success.
The documentary sets the scene with anonymous children candidly answering simple questions about fame, such as "What do you want to do when you grow up?" and "How do you feel about being on camera?"
Their answers set an important tone, suggesting that while children may dream of fame, they are also woefully unprepared for it.
As one young girl notes: "It's kinda like being popular at school but times a thousand."
The documentary quickly shows that a child's understanding is extremely limited in such a high-stakes world.
As a former Disney star and a teenage pop sensation, Lovato brings her own experiences to the forefront, drawing parallels between her personal journey and those of her fellow interviewees.
The documentary doesn't shy away from addressing the darker implications of fame, including testimonies of eating disorders, addiction and mental health crises that often plague young entertainers.
Throughout the film, Lovato and her fellow interviewees reveal the mixed blessings that accompany stardom.
Lovato reflects on her well-documented struggles, while Barrymore and Ricci provide insights into their own turbulent histories, raising questions about the ethics and responsibility of an industry fraught with exploitation.
Drew Barrymore and Demi Lavato in the documentary "Child Star".
Image: Instagram
At some point in the documentary, Stoner discusses her personal journey grappling with eating disorders alongside Lovato during the filming of "Camp Rock", while Thompson shares a harrowing story of being defrauded of his childhood earnings.
The documentary subsequently champions the need for systemic change, advocating for laws akin to the Coogan Laws, which protect a portion of a child star's earnings.
Kenan Thompson and Demi Lavato.
Image: Instagram
Lovato points out that current measures are not enough, especially for non-traditional content creators flourishing in the digital age.
The documentary also places child stardom within a broader historical context, tracing its roots back to iconic figures like Jackie Coogan and Shirley Temple, while detailing how the entertainment industry has flourished over the decades.
As the documentary unveils the repercussions of fame on mental health, the subject becomes complex and layered.
Stoner notes that the stress associated with child stardom can cut a decade off an individual's life, while Lovato reflects on how constant performance pressure affects personal self-worth, sharing: "I still think about what's 'on-brand'."
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