Black Child Actors That Are Succeeding…And Struggling

July 5th, 2011 - By Victoria Uwumarogie


Being a child actor in Hollywood is no joke. Especially if you’re a black one. You can’t help that you’re eventually going to grow up and possibly not be as cute-as-a-button like you used to be. And once you try to cross into more adult roles (if you can find any) you might be criticized for raunchier portrayals. But there have been many black child actors that have crossed over and been very successful over the years. Laurence Fishburne and Regina King for example. But there have also been many that have floundered since going through puberty (the whole cast of “Different Strokes” are a classic example). To showcase some of the new blood trying to stay above water into adulthood, here are five young and uber-successful child actors still doing big things, and five who have struggled big time.

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  • TexasMom

    It is supposed to say "faring well", instead of "fairing well". I am growing weary of the grammatical errors on this site. If you need editing assistance, please feel free to email me.

    • geemoenettie

      I agree with you. My 10 year old would do a better job writing these articles.

      • Denia

        This is hilarious and yet amuzing because unfortunately I have yet to see something uplifting and supportive of African-American people written by this author. She is clearly disconnected…

  • Darkesthourglass

    Whatever happened to that little girl Troy from Crooklyn? Forgot her name but didn’t she end up going to college or something?
    Also “Bud” from the Cosby Show.
    Also Alfonso Riberto, Tatyana Ali, Janet Jackson, Kim Fields, Regina King, “Dee” from What’s Happening ,”Michael” from Good Times and Todd Bridges aren’t mentioned but I know they’re all doing pretty well (or better). There definately needs to be a Part 2 to this, MN.

  • Allyce

    What about Laurence Fishburne? He's a child actor who did well. I would consider Lisa Bonet still struggling. Also, Lauryn Hill who appeared as a kid in Sister Act and went on to sing is could be considered still struggling to get her career back as she waits to deliver her sixth kid as we speak.

    • nine

      marques houston also, hell the whole tug group

    • PR Lady

      Lauryn chooses to raise a family rather than focus on her music career. I would not say she is doing "bad" she seems happy

  • yoyo

    Nick cannon?

  • Prince

    Laura is Kellie Shanyne Williams, now married.

  • Lynnfrederick

    You should really remove the booking photo. I have seen pics of since rehab they are are more flattering for her. If she is "struggling" why would you make it worst to generate so many negative comments about her. I know black people need a job in your words but geeze.

  • http://Blackfaces.com Knowledge is power

    Need to Be biracial to make it??? You are brainwashed!!!! Go seek help soon!!!!

  • Ms Peach

    Maia and Laura Winslow were my 2 favorite girls on tv ? What happened to Laura (don't know her real name) ?? Maia is a Philadelphian like myself and I met her back in the day when she was on the show South Central she told us all about setting up to be on In The House, she was the sweetest ever!!!! I feel its so sad that she ended up into drugs and prob really went downhill when her mom died. I pray for her speedy recovery

    • NVAdamzz

      Laura Winslow (Kellie Williams) sometimes stands in for Niecy Nash on Clean House.

  • jamie

    WOW…My heart really felt sad to see Maia in that last photo…She was so pretty before..my prayers really go out to her…

    • SisterSarah

      I still can't believe that is her. Drugs are bad kids, mmkay?

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  • MrsTinKC

    U should probably READ it again…they did indeed mention her mental disease.

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  • Smh

    You need some help with your articles because this is dumb, who are you to determine which actors and actresses are” succeeding and struggling” did it ever occur to you that maybe some of these actors and actresses don’t want to act anymore.

    • Noname

      How is this article dumb??? Those who don't have good understanding immediately call things dumb…Please Stop…Just Stop…

  • Noname

    Are you people actually reading the article? The title is "Black Child Actors That Are Succeeding…And Struggling" Yes Maia Campbell needs to be on there, she is struggling and despite her having a mental illness she made the choice to do drugs that only exacerbated her mental illness more.

    C'mon people read and understand the context of the article before you comment. Geeezzz

  • BP

    I’ve grown a bit weary of seeing Maia on these list. Obviously some serious rehabilitation is needed for her. I know the help won’t be effective unless she wants the help as far as the drugs, but someone needs to take the 1st step in getting her mental issues under control, which may help with drug rehabilitation! She wasn’t the best actress, but I’m sure she could’ve gone far, and possibly has a bit of potential for future work…has to get help though

  • Ebony

    Cherie is just following in the footsteps of Ice T & Coco.

  • Ebony

    The piece on her did state that she suffered from schizo. Poor girl, it just shows how life as we know it can go in the blink of an eye. Good luck getting help Maia.

  • Hooked on Phonics

    Did y'all actually read the piece on Maia Campbell? Because it flat out states that she reportedly suffers from schizophrenia.

    • Victoria U.

      Hey Hooked on Phonics! Thanks for commenting! Just to be clear and honest, the information about her alleged mental illness was added later. Thanks for reading!

      • Vanessa

        When extra info has been added to an article after it's published, the info is usually added at the end of the article where it is clearly identified as additional info. It's not too late to do so. That's being honest and it's responsible journalism.

        • Victoria U.

          Great idea Vanessa, thanks for reading!

  • tangledlocs

    Maia Campbell should be taken off this list. She was unfairly catagorized. You Did not do your homework on her.

  • MzSufi

    Sadly, she also lost her mother, author Bebe Moore Campbell, to an untimely death.

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