“Behind the Bright Lights: The Hidden Struggles of Child Stars That Could Change Everything You Think About Fame”
Ever watched a movie and thought, “Wow, that kid is so talented!”? Well, what if I told you that behind that charming smile and captivating performance lies a world of strict rules and limitations? Yes, child actors often endure a reality that rivals the absurdity of their on-screen roles. From being coached on how to smile for the cameras, to adhering to a strict diet that would make most adults shudder, their lives are like a reality show you never signed up for. And let’s not even get started on the bizarre dictates—like no facial hair or mandatory singing careers! Curious about all the bizarre rules these young stars must follow to fit into the molded image of innocence and charm? Well, keep reading, because it’s a rollercoaster of unusual requirements that might just leave you shaking your head in disbelief! LEARN MORE.Moviegoers and television watchers see child actors and don’t think much beyond the character. But the truth of the matter is those young actors have to follow super strict rules and guidelines behind the cameras, such as media training and even dieting.
That’s not even the worst of it! From not being allowed to have facial hair to being pushed to have a singing career, here are some of the rules child actors have to follow.
Individuality Is Thrown Out The Window
Landing a role is probably a great experience for a child actor. Unfortunately, once they land that role, their individualism is thrown out the window. During an interview with Marie Claire, Miley Cyrus spoke of how hard it was playing Hannah Montana and how the producers had an image that she couldn’t skew from.
She said, “You’re a pop star! That means you have to be blonde, and you have to have long hair, and you have to put on some glittery tight thing. Meanwhile, I’m this fragile little girl playing a 16-year-old in a wig and a ton of makeup. It was like Toddlers and Tiaras.”
Keeping A High-Pitched Voice Is A Must
Some networks, such as Disney Channel, try their hardest to promote constant youth and the idea of children never growing up, à la Peter Pan. Unfortunately, that’s not exactly how the real world works. Child actors are going to grow up, and their voices are going to inevitably change.
Well, not if the Mouse has anything to say about it! During an interview with Harpers Bazaar, former Shake it Up! star Bella Thorne said Disney Channel made her mask her husky, mature voice, making her keep her high-pitched voice, so it didn’t look like she was growing up.
Wholesome Wardrobes Only
Even though they’re growing up, child stars are expecting to keep up appearances. This means wholesome attire at all times and showing any type of skin is a huge no-no. According to former Disney Channel star Bella Thorne, she once got in trouble for a very silly reason.
At the time, the young star was at the beach with her mom, wearing a bikini. A photograph was snapped of her “showing skin” and Disney got very angry. Sorry, was she supposed to wear sweats?
Facial Hair = A Big No No
Youth, innocence, and the sense of being young forever are typically what a lot of child actors are asked to strive for while working for networks such as the Disney Channel. And that “fountain of youth” appearance means no facial hair, something that can be annoying for many actors.
Joe Jonas, for example, admitted to having to shave every day while working with the Mouse because he was supposed to be playing a young 16-year-old when he was pushing 20.
Disney Stars Aren’t Allowed To Experiment With Nail Polish
As it turns out, Disney has a lot of rules it makes its young stars follow. One of those rules is having the “Disney look” at all times. This means child actors aren’t allowed to experiment with any weird or quirky styles and are never allowed to paint their nails bright colors.
The only way young stars are able to color their nails is if it’s for a part they’re playing or if they’re a neutral color. Otherwise, they’re expected to have their nails short, clean, and void of any color.
They’re Trained For The Media
Being a child star isn’t easy, especially when thrown into the spotlight at such a young age. With cameras following them around, waiting for the tiniest mistake, it’s a lot for a child to take in. That’s why a lot of networks have mandatory media training for their young stars.
