Latest news with #ChildStar
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE My disturbing meeting with fragile Amanda Bynes makes me fear for her life. Her haunting request brought tears to my eyes... it explains so much. I can't believe what I witnessed, says KATIE HIND
Little would shock the fans of Amanda Bynes, the child star of the Nickelodeon TV network in the late Nineties and early Noughties. After all, the promising Hollywood career of the once 'normal, kind and funny' young woman has long been derailed by a series of public meltdowns. But a recent video Amanda, now 39, posted on Instagram will leave fans fearing the worst is yet to come for the former starlet.
IOL News
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
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'."
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Betsy Gay, 'Little Rascals' Star, Dies at 96: 'She Will Be Deeply Missed'
Betsy Gay died on June 13 at the age of 96 Gay, also a yodeler, starred in the Our Gang comedy series, which was later renamed The Little Rascals 'She will be deeply missed,' her friend Robert Satterfield wrote on Facebook, noting that Gay attended the 'very last' Little Rascals reunion in 2014Betsy Gay, a former child star known for her work in the Our Gang comedy films, has died. She was 96. Gay, who appeared in the series in the 1930s before it was renamed The Little Rascals, died in Bakersfield, Calif., on Friday, June 13, her friend Robert Satterfield announced on Facebook. The news has since been shared by Variety, which also cited Satterfield. Gay joined the Our Gang series in the 1930s, eventually appearing in the shorts as Effie, the girlfriend of Alfalfa, until 1938. She made appearances in projects including Our Gang Follies of 1938 and Came the Brawn as part of the group, per IMDB. Her other notable appearances included The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, At the Circus and Mystery Plane, as she acted in more than 40 films until she turned 13, according to a Hillbilly Music biography shared by her friend. The Our Gang shorts, released between 1922 and 1944 and created by producer Hal Roach, spawned later iterations including the 1994 film, The Little Rascals. In a 2011 interview with Darwin Lee Hill, shared by the Southern Music Research Center, Gay reflected on getting her start in the film business. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "Those days, there was a lot of kids who worked in movies," she said. "One mother told my mother, 'You ought to take Betsy to [the studio], they come there all the time looking for kids to be in Our Gang comedies.' So she took me over there and sure enough, a month later, a man came over... he took us in and we were in Our Gang movies." In 1941, Gay launched a career in Western music when she practiced yodeling after being asked to appear in an Andy Clyde short for Columbia Pictures, per her biography. She continued to act into her teens at the Pasadena Playhouse in productions of Quality Street, A Kiss For Cinderella and Heroes Unlimited and appeared in the 1943 film What's Buzzin', Cousin? Her other accomplishments in music include performing alongside Stuart Hamblen and his Lucky Stars in the '40s, winning the California State Yodeling Championship in both 1945 and 1946, appearing on radio and recording music under both Capitol Records and Decca Records, with the latter alongside Russ Morgan's band. She also was a regular cast member on Country America on KABC TV alongside Johnny Cash, Faron Young, The Everly Brothers and more from 1957 to 1959. Gay shared five children — Mimi, Gigi, Tommy, Suzy and Cathy —with her husband Thomas Cashen, who she wed in 1954, per her biography. "She will be deeply missed," Satterfield wrote on Facebook, noting that Gay was in attendance at the "very last" Little Rascals reunion in 2014. Read the original article on People
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Farmer Wants A Wife fans spot star's 'uncanny' resemblance to iconic Hollywood celebrity
Eagle-eyed Farmer Wants A Wife fans have noticed a striking resemblance between a woman appearing on this year's series and an iconic Hollywood star. Fans have taken to social media to point out that Farmer Jack's potential match Olivia looks remarkably like former Hollywood child star Mara Wilson. Wilson, 37, had an incredible career as a child star in the early '90s, appearing in Mrs Doubtfire with Robin Williams and Matilda with Danny DeVito. 'Olivia is the adult version of Matilda,' commented one fan. 'For sure! How uncanny,' wrote another before a third added: 'I see this every time she talks.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. It comes after one of the country boys faced a major life decision on Tuesday night. The question of whether or not Farmer Jack's love interest Olivia wants children became an important discussion for the pair and their budding romance. Olivia took the opportunity to clarify the conversation she'd previously had with Jack, 26, saying having a family was all about timing. 'I don't want kids right now, but I have seen the possibility of kids in the past with a previous partner, so I know that's possible for me if I'm with someone,' Olivia said. The 27-year-old added that she didn't want to be defined solely as a mother. Jack was pleased to hear Olivia speak about family still being on her radar and asked her outside. The pair shared a one-on-one chat which led to their first kiss. Knowing that Sarah and Olivia were now his top two contenders, Jack asked Hayley outside to break the sad news to her – she would be going home at the end of the night. Hayley was disappointed but understood Jack's decision. FWAW is the romance show known for its slow-burn love stories and genuine connections - but this year's season has taken a dramatic turn. While past seasons have ended with heartwarming updates and countryside lovebirds riding off into the sunset, this year's reunion promises fireworks, behind-the-scenes truths, and a few very awkward catch-ups. In a major spoiler for fans, Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Farmer Jack ends up choosing Sarah – and the couple are already making big plans for their future. An insider close to production spills: 'Jack and Sarah were inseparable by the end. She's planning to move down to Tasmania to live on his farm full time. They're the real deal.' While their romance flew under the radar for much of the season, sources say their chemistry became undeniable behind the scenes.
Vogue Singapore
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Inside Demi Lovato and Jordan 'Jutes' Lutes's wedding at a historic estate in Santa Barbara
It's official: Musician and actor Demi Lovato and artist and songwriter Jordan 'Jutes' Lutes are married. The couple said their vows in front of 135 friends and family at the Bellosguardo Estate in Santa Barbara on Sunday, May 25. 'Once we saw the venue, we both knew without any doubt this was where we wanted to get married,' the Disney alum and director of Child Star shares. 'The location is just so beautiful, from the rolling green grass to the view of the ocean. It was calming, serene, and felt right.' The two met in January 2022 during a studio writing session for Demi's most recent album, and Jordan proposed just under two years later in December 2023. For the proposal, Jordan surprised Demi, bringing her to a room in the house that he'd filled with roses, candles, and butterflies suspended from the ceiling. He then performed a song he'd written, showcasing the fact that he'd taught himself how to play the guitar in the lead up to the proposal just so he could sing the song for Demi. The couple worked with celebrity event planner extraordinaire Mindy Weiss to orchestrate every element of their wedding weekend. 'Planning the wedding has been a lot of fun,' Demi admits. 'It feels like we were waiting for Christmas morning each and every day leading up to the main event.' The festivities kicked off on Saturday night with a rehearsal and dinner at Arnoldi's Cafe in Santa Barbara. At this event, the bride-to-be wore a strapless Monique Lhuillier dress with a slit. Weiss directed the bridal party throughout the service, and after the run-through, the group enjoyed an intimate dinner before calling it an early evening. The next day the weather was uncharacteristically overcast for southern California, but about 30 minutes before the bride and groom were set to walk down the aisle at 4 p.m., the sun came out and lit up the sky. For the ceremony, the bride wore a pearl white Vivienne Westwood dress with a corset and dramatic draped neckline. 'I've been a fan of Vivienne Westwood for so long,' Demi says. 'I love the way that they designed the dress, it feels perfect and makes me feel so confident in my body.' The design process began with an inspiration image of a Westwood gown that Demi found online, and then the Vivienne Westwood couture team traveled from London to LA to create the dress over the course of five fittings. Stylist Jill Jacobs collaborated with the bride on her entire wedding weekend wardrobe. 'Demi was a vision—and each look perfectly reflected different aspects of her beauty and personality,' Jill explains. 'There's something uniquely special about styling someone's forever moment.' Meanwhile, Jordan wore Saint Laurent for the ceremony. 'He fit a bunch of other suits, but we both really loved the way the YSL suit fit and looked, it was the clear choice,' Demi notes. The bridesmaids wore dresses by Birdy Grey, while the groomsmen were in suits by Hugo Boss. 'The ceremony was full of love,' Demi remembers. 'We were married by our good friend Dave Osokow, and he made it so personal. It was as if each and every person at the wedding was a part of a big family all celebrating with us. Looking into each other's eyes, all I was thinking was how lucky we are to spend this lifetime with each other.' Up at the altar, the couple couldn't decide who should go first when it came time to recite their vows, so they played a quick game of Rock Paper Scissors. 'We tied at first, and then Jordan won, so I went first,' Demi says. For Demi, the ceremony was the culmination of so much. 'I just felt loved,' she says. 'All that life has brought me to this moment, and it was more than worth it. It was so special being able to marry my best friend, my soulmate, and the love of my life. It's hard to put into words what Jordan means to me. To find a love like this has completed my life in so many ways. We both put the work into ourselves first to be ready and open to share a life together, and I think that is a really important part of our relationship. We don't complete each other as we did the work to complete ourselves first—and I think that's a really important thing to do.' After the ceremony, the newlyweds took a moment to just be together. 'We wanted to soak in that we were officially husband and wife and then joined our guests for dinner and lots of dancing,' Demi says. 'I feel ready to start our lives together. And I have to say that there is not one single thing I would have changed about the wedding.' 'I'm so excited to start this life with my soulmate,' Jordan adds. 'It feels like we've been married forever and now we officially are. I'm excited to do life with my best friend. To be able to wake up with Demi, to be surrounded by her infectious laugh, her playful spirit, and her loving heart is a true gift and one that I don't take for granted.' The newlyweds posed for post-ceremony portraits with their photographer Jose Villa, while guests made their way into the extravagant reception tent created by Town & Country. For the reception, Demi changed into an ivory silk satin column dress with a draped corset top, also by Vivienne Westwood. 'There was so much attention to detail on the reception dress beading,' Demi says. Inside the tent, florals were by Celio's Designs and there was a one-of-a-kind custom mocktail bar created by Mixology by Melissa. 'We loved the floral details in the ice cubes as well as the photo of us atop the espresso mocktail martinis,' Demi says. 'They were so creative!' For the couple's first dance, Johnny Rzeznik from the Goo Goo Dolls performed 'Iris.' 'It was surreal,' Demi remembers. 'This was a pinch-us moment. It's our favourite song and has so much meaning to both of us.' After thanking guests for attending, the newlyweds cut into their four-tiered wedding cake by Room for Cake in Santa Barbara. 'We chose lemon cake as it's Jordan's and my favorite,' Demi shares. Then, for the after-party, the bride changed into a custom Lapointe suit and Jimmy Choo heels, followed by a short off-the-shoulder send-off look custom-made by Idan Cohen with Gianvito Rossi heels. (All of Demi's jewellery over the weekend was by XIV Karats.) Later in the night, when the couple's close friend Paris Hilton took over the DJ booth, the party really got started. 'Paris literally shook the dance floor with her DJ skills,' Demi says. 'And I mean the entire floor moved with her beats.' (Guests also took their pictures in a photo booth by MirMir.) At the end of the night, the newlyweds ran through a sparkler tunnel formed by their guests and hopped into a vintage white Cadillac before speeding off into the Santa Barbara night. Jose Villa 1 / 100 That moment before we rehearsed for the real thing Jose Villa 2 / 100 Looking back before we look forward Jose Villa 3 / 100 Love this tablescape: the colours, the flowers, and more Jose Villa 4 / 100 My love, for always and forever Jose Villa 5 / 100 The bridal party Jose Villa 6 / 100 Filled with joy at the rehearsal dinner listening to speeches. This was me crying when Matthew Scott Montgomery spoke. Jose Villa 7 / 100 Dessert—our cake was by Room for Cake in Santa Barbara Jose Villa 8 / 100 Mi famiglia Jose Villa 9 / 100 We all got crayons to write notes on the table Jose Villa 10 / 100 Picture-perfect night under the stars Jose Villa 11 / 100 Our first dance practice—by the way, we nailed it at the wedding Jose Villa 12 / 100 Leaving Arnoldi's Cafe on the eve before we became husband and wife Jose Villa 13 / 100 Our rings Jose Villa 14 / 100 I loved my Vivienne Westwood dresses for the wedding and reception. I have been a fan of her designs for so long. Jose Villa 15 / 100 It's the little details Jose Villa 16 / 100 One of the first moments I saw the dress come to life Jose Villa 17 / 100 The draping and corset work is exceptional, which is why Vivienne Westwood was the perfect choice. Jose Villa 18 / 100 The dress was created over the course of five fittings in Los Angeles, with the Vivienne Westwood couture team flying in from London. Jose Villa 19 / 100 We were not only able to work off of an initial inspiration image I found, but we also added touches that really make this dress so special to me. Jose Villa 20 / 100 When I was thinking about the style of dress I wanted, I often found myself coming back to Vivienne's designs—specifically how the silhouettes really compliment the curves in your body, and her use of corsets. Jose Villa 21 / 100 I finished off the look with a cathedral-style veil made with ivory tulle. Jose Villa 22 / 100 The venue was so surreal and had so much mystery. I love this shot. Jose Villa 23 / 100 This was the moment right before I walked down the aisle. I am so thankful for everyone on my team that helped make this moment happen. My makeup was by Etienne Ortega and my hair was by Cesar Ramirez. Jose Villa 24 / 100 Walking to the ceremony Jose Villa 25 / 100 A final bridal portrait moment before the service began Jose Villa 26 / 100 Last looks Jose Villa 27 / 100 Ready to walk down the aisle Jose Villa 28 / 100 My friends that are family—they mean the world to me Jose Villa 29 / 100 All the finishing touches Jose Villa 30 / 100 My entire bridal party—these are the amazing souls that have always stood by me. It was an honour having them stand with me on this special day. Jose Villa 31 / 100 Wow. This shot by Jose Villa took my breath away. Thank you, Vivienne Westwood, for the most beautiful dress. Jose Villa 32 / 100 Jordan's look by YSL, waiting to be worn Jose Villa 33 / 100 The love of my life. My soul mate Jose Villa 34 / 100 Event planner Mindy Weiss and her team oversaw all of the weekend's festivities. Jose Villa 35 / 100 Friends arriving for the ceremony Jose Villa 36 / 100 Natalie Minerva Jose Villa 37 / 100 Guests gathering before the ceremony Jose Villa 38 / 100 Rayvon Owen Jose Villa 39 / 100 Capturing a true moment filled with emotion and love Jose Villa 40 / 100 'Waiting for the future to begin, although she has felt like my wife from the moment I met her.' —Jordan Jose Villa 41 / 100 On the way to becoming Mrs. Lutes Jose Villa 42 / 100 We were married by our good friend Dave Osokow, and he made it so personal. Jose Villa 43 / 100 A game of Rock Paper Scissors was the only way to determine who got to say their vows first. We tied and then Jordan won. Jose Villa 44 / 100 Logan loving us as she always has Jose Villa 45 / 100 My vows Jose Villa 46 / 100 And we are officially Mr. and Mrs Jose Villa 47 / 100 It was as if each and every person at the wedding was part of a big family all celebrating with us. Jose Villa 48 / 100 A moment alone post-ceremony Jose Villa 49 / 100 Making our exit Jose Villa 50 / 100 It was all so surreal, but this was the moment when we both knew we had married our best friend. Jose Villa 51 / 100 A shot from above Jose Villa 52 / 100 Our seating card setup Jose Villa 53 / 100 Paris in the house—a great friend who literally shook the dance floor later that night. Jose Villa 54 / 100 Cocktail hour begins Jose Villa 55 / 100 Vas Morgan Jose Villa 56 / 100 Once we saw the Bellosguardo Estate in Santa Barbara, we both knew without any doubt this was where we wanted to get married. Jose Villa 57 / 100 Our entire bridal party. We had our spray tans done by Isabel Alysa, the founder and CEO of Dolce Glow. I've worked with Isabel for a long time. She gave all of us a custom Dolce Glow hydrating blend spray tan that was literally made for each one of us individually. Jose Villa 58 / 100 A bridal-party portrait Jose Villa 59 / 100 Having fun post-ceremony Jose Villa 60 / 100 The tribe Jose Villa 61 / 100 Me and Paris Jose Villa 62 / 100 Making our way to the reception Jose Villa 63 / 100 Pre-reception portraits Jose Villa 64 / 100 Walking through the Bellosguardo Estate gardens Jose Villa 65 / 100 Just married Jose Villa 66 / 100 The tablescape design inside the tent Jose Villa 67 / 100 Florals were by Celio's Designs Jose Villa 68 / 100 All of our paper products were by Lehr and Black Jose Villa 69 / 100 Celebrating with my bandmates: Nita Strauss, Constance Day, Brittany Bowman, and Leanne Bowes Jose Villa 70 / 100 Guests mingling outside of our tent by Town & Country Jose Villa 71 / 100 An aerial view of the Bellosguardo Estate Jose Villa 72 / 100 For the reception, I changed into an ivory silk satin column dress, with a draped corset top, also by Vivienne Westwood. Jose Villa 73 / 100 There was so much attention to detail on the reception dress beading. Jose Villa 74 / 100 Johnny Rzeznik performing 'Iris' was a surreal moment. It's our favorite song and has so much meaning to both of us. This was a pinch-us moment. Thank you, Johnny! Jose Villa 75 / 100 Our first dance Jose Villa 76 / 100 Ending our first dance with a bang Jose Villa 77 / 100 Demi Sims and Chloe Nakhjavanpourtalebi Jose Villa 78 / 100 Thanking our guests for being such a special part of our day. Jose Villa 79 / 100 Soaking in the speeches and the night with a quiet moment for just us. Jose Villa 80 / 100 Our four-tiered wedding cake was by Room for Cake in Santa Barbara Jose Villa 81 / 100 The drinks were by Mixology by Melissa Jose Villa 82 / 100 The glam fam: Alyx Liu, Jill Powell, Natalie Minerva, Etienne Ortega, and Cesar Ramirez Jose Villa 83 / 100 Town & Country created the most extraordinary tent Jose Villa 84 / 100 Our checkerboard dance floor was the work of Trejo Dance Floors Jose Villa 85 / 100 A closer look at the beadwork on my Vivienne Westwood reception dress. Jose Villa 86 / 100 Cutting our cake Jose Villa 87 / 100 Sharing first bites Jose Villa 88 / 100 Ready to party Jose Villa 89 / 100 The lighting was by Lighten Up. As a performing artist, I know just how important setting a mood or vibe is, believe it or not it's often the things that aren't as obvious or noticeable that make or break a moment, and that is why lighting was a key part of this night, especially as we moved further into the evening and hit the dance floor. Jose Villa 90 / 100 A happy moment on the dance floor Jose Villa 91 / 100 Vas on the dance floor Jose Villa 92 / 100 Paris literally shook the dance floor with her DJ skills, and I mean the entire floor moved with her beats. Jose Villa 93 / 100 Dancing as husband and wife Jose Villa 94 / 100 My second after-party look Jose Villa 95 / 100 Back on the dance floor! Jose Villa 96 / 100 Surrounded by loved ones Jose Villa 97 / 100 A kiss among the sparklers Jose Villa 98 / 100 Making our way towards a final surprise Jose Villa 99 / 100 A vintage moment Jose Villa 100 / 100 The end of the most magical day of our lives This story was originally published on
