As a former lawyer who has witnessed the metamorphosis of child stars from preschool to stardom, I can attest that the journey is often as enchanting as it is perplexing. The transformation from an innocent toddler like Mia to a global sensation is nothing short of magical. However, it’s the resilience and normality these child stars exhibit post-stardom that truly captivates me.
At primary school entrances throughout the U.K., a topic of lively discussion has overshadowed even the challenging 11+ examination, and that’s the “Harry Potter” casting calls. This refers to the highly competitive trials for children who aspire to play characters in the Harry Potter series of films.
Excitement soars nationwide as it’s revealed that HBO’s upcoming reboot is now casting its main characters – Ron, Hermione, and the Boy Who Lived. This announcement has sparked a whirlwind of anticipation among parents, who are eagerly discussing their children’s potential involvement in local online communities. For instance, a mother from Bedfordshire shares her daughter’s agency submission, while comments on a Manchester newspaper article about the auditions are filled with suggestions for friends to encourage their kids to apply.
Despite the rules stating that applicants must be U.K. residents aged between 9 and 11 years old as of April 2025, some individuals are contemplating falsifying their children’s ages if they fall slightly outside this range. In a Facebook group based in Stockton-on-Tees, in the North-East of England, a woman boasts about her daughter being an exceptional Hermione but regrets that she will miss the age requirement by a week. “Just say she’s 9,” someone else suggests. On a British parenting forum called Mumsnet, one user discusses with others considering similar actions: “I suppose they might be very strict, but it’s worth a try to submit the videos and tell the truth.
Admittedly, the idea has occurred to me as well. My son isn’t quite nine until next spring, which makes him a bit too young. Yet, he’s unusually tall for his age and might be mistaken for someone older. However, envisioning him staying still for long enough to record his self-tape, let alone listen to instructions from a time-strapped second assistant director during a high-pressure shoot as the sun sets on a multi-million dollar production, seems like a far-fetched dream.
It’s advantageous for us that there’s no conflict in not recommending him. And as I dismiss fantasies of transforming into a millionaire manager like Kris Jenner from my thoughts, I recall that it’s indeed beneficial. For, while being selected out of anonymity to portray Harry Potter in a worldwide TV show may seem like a dream come true, it’s undeniable that thrusting your child onto the path of child stardom frequently leads them down a much more ominous route.
The Hollywood hills are tainted by the ghostly echoes of once-promising child actors who were shattered by the demands, celebrity, and fallout that followed. Figures like Britney Spears, Amanda Bynes, and Macaulay Culkin have been associated with whispers of mental health problems, substance abuse, and legal entanglements such as conservatorships or arrests. This year, the ID docuseries “Quiet on Set” shed light on harmful working environments on a group of Nickelodeon shows produced during the late 1990s and early 2000s, including an instance of sexual misconduct.
The path from fame as a child actor to obscurity in adulthood can sometimes lead to a devastating outcome for some individuals. For instance, Anissa Jones, who starred in the ’60s CBS sitcom “Family Affair” for many years, tragically passed away from an overdose at the age of 18 in 1976. More recently, Aaron Carter, who debuted his album at the young age of 9, was found deceased in his bathtub just two years ago; he was only 34. Many other lives, shining brightly yet cut short prematurely, have marked this journey throughout history.
The original cast members of “Harry Potter,” including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, have been candid about the negative impacts of fame and lack of privacy they experienced during their time in the films, which were released from 2001 to 2011. Watson shared that paparazzi attempted to take compromising photos of her as soon as she turned 18, while Radcliffe battled alcohol issues. Grint, on the other hand, disclosed that the long working hours at a young age affected him physically, and he frequently endured tonsilitis throughout filming.
Since their introduction as Harry, Hermione, and Ron in August 2000, at the ages of 11, 10, and 11 respectively, their ordinary lives came to an end. It wasn’t just due to the massive wealth they accumulated, far exceeding what most families earn in a lifetime (Fortune estimates Radcliffe’s earnings from the franchise to be $95.6 million, while as of 2024 Watson is reportedly worth $85 million and Grint $50 million).
Instead of following a typical school routine like other children, the “Potter” trio found themselves either on movie sets or at film premieres. Even when they attended regular classes, their fame and wealth often hindered their ability to connect with others. A popular story circulating in London during the early 2000s, involving Radcliffe’s time at City of London School, serves as an example; it is said that during a soccer game, one of his teammates, frustrated by a mistake made on the field, supposedly exclaimed “This isn’t bloody Quidditch, Potter!” It became challenging to distinguish where Harry Potter ended and Daniel Radcliffe began.
A while later, that story came to mind when I saw Watson on a city-to-intercity bus from Oxford to London one Friday night. At that moment, I was returning home from college for the weekend, whereas she seemed to be going out in town. Although she was already quite famous, she was still just a teenager, and as she joked around with her friends on the bus – perhaps even a little inebriated? – I recall thinking it was fortunate there weren’t any photographers present. In today’s era of smartphones, a video of that trip would have quickly appeared on TMZ before the bus had even reached the motorway.
In essence, Watson, Radcliffe, and Grint have all matured gracefully, maintaining their careers with considerable success after the “Potter” series. What’s truly remarkable is how ordinary they seem to be despite their fame. Instead of flaunting expensive cars like a tricked-out Lamborghini, Grint opted for an ice cream truck as his first vehicle. Watson has been appointed as a UN ambassador. Radcliffe, on the other hand, is known in the industry for his impeccable manners, even going so far as to fetch water for the crew during filming. A few years back, I happened to have breakfast at the Sunset Marquis, where Radcliffe was having a business meeting. He sat patiently, hiding under a cap, until his companion arrived. Upon arrival, he politely removed his hat, offered a warm greeting, and introduced himself, even though he was undoubtedly the most famous person present in the room.
As someone who adores movies, let me share my observation: There’s something truly exceptional about an actor who, despite being pampered and praised during their crucial growing years, manages to maintain a sense of normality. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing how swiftly a child’s world can be flipped on its head once they step into the limelight.
Previously, I was employed as a lawyer at Nickelodeon’s London base when our workspace was invaded by a film crew producing an internal promotional video. The idea revolved around young actors simulating office work, which led to my workstation being seized by a charming 3-year-old named Mia (for the sake of this story). Mia had only recently embarked on her modeling career and was still learning the ropes in terms of acting. Her role at Nickelodeon marked her debut in speaking roles.
As the day wore on, Mia grew weary and often stumbled over her lines. She was required to reshoot the scene multiple times, yet no one explained why. Instead, they continuously complimented her, saying she was doing an excellent job. During breaks, crew members tended to Mia by combing her hair, readjusting her clothes, and providing snacks. This was quite different from preschool! At one moment, Mia searched for her mother, who was in the green room, and an urgent message was sent out among the crew over their walkie-talkies: “We need the mother here right away!
Standing beside me, my cherished one entered our shared view while little Mia continued to film a few more scenes. She seemed to be struggling with the final line. Recognizing that this petite performer was nearing exhaustion and it seemed unlikely we’d capture the shot, the director at last called out “cut”. A wave of applause swept through the room. Mia broke into a smile. Then she dashed towards her mom, who eagerly embraced her in a hug. As the tired 3-year-old laid her head on her mother’s shoulder, I overheard her proudly declare: “I did splendidly, didn’t I? Everyone cheered!
Her mom, holding her close, didn’t reply.
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2024-09-11 19:17