5 Celebrities who were famous from a young age

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus is one of the most talked about superstars of today (for both the right and the wrong reasons) who has garnered substantial fame from an early age. Hannah Montana, the musical comedy which aired on Disney Channel from 2006, was Miley's first step towards stardom. At only 11 years old, she started establishing herself as a singer both on and off-screen, and went on to release several soundtracks based on the show. She also acted in the movie version of Hannah Montana, and used the show as a stepping stone to launch a successful musical career as well. Even though she made some questionable decisions later in life, Miley's first few years as a pop idol were remarkable to say the least.

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake is one of the most decorated singers of recent years, with Billboard success and numerous awards to his name. However, fame was never anything new to him. His career as an entertainer began at 12 years old, when he starred in The All-New Mickey Mouse Club (1993) alongside Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling and Britney Spears; all of whom went on to become huge names in the future. He was also featured in the game show Talent Search in 1993. Two years later, he joined the boy band NSYNC where he started his career as a pop idol and became a heartthrob among his teen fans. 

Macaulay Culkin

In the list of “celebrities who were famous from a young age”, the most revered child actor should not go unnoticed. Starring in the iconic Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) films, Macaulay Culkin made a tremendous name for himself at the very young age of 10. He even acted on stage at the much younger age of 4 years old, and even before Home Alone he acted in the film Uncle Buck (1989) and had a small role in the TV series The Equalizer (1988). Throughout his childhood days he was claimed by many as the most successful actor of his age, and judging the fame the Home Alone franchise had gathered during the 90s, the claim was far from far-fetched. 

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris's career has always been legen, wait for it, dary! His first professional work as an actor was in the drama Clara's Heart (1988) at 15 years old. Just a year later, he starred in the sitcom Doogie Howser, M. D. as the titular character of a teenage genius. He continued the role for all four seasons of the show, which ran until 1993. Doogie Howser, M. D. gained notable fame during its run and is credited for steadily establishing the young NPH's growth as an actor. Some of NPH's earliest roles were in the films Too Good to Be True (1988), Purple People Eater (1988) and Home Fires Burning (1989).

Natalie Portman

This Golden Globe winner has never been a stranger to successful films. At the very young age of 11 years, Natalie Portman starred in the widely praised English-French thriller Léon: The Professional (1994), a film in which Portman acted as a mentally scarred young girl who attempts to learn assassination from a professional hitman. Asking anyone to play such a difficult role would be a tall order, but the young Portman aced the character despite it being her debut. It only got better from there, as she continued her road to fame and fortune by showcasing impressive acting skills.