From Classic Christmas Flicks to Hollywood Icons: The Spectacular Transformation of Child Actors from 'Home Alone,' 'The Santa Clause,' and More
Discover how the beloved child stars from Christmas classics like 'Home Alone,' 'The Santa Clause,' 'Love Actually,' and more have transformed over the years Get a glimpse of their current appearances in these heartwarming holiday films
Each year, fans find themselves rewatching their beloved holiday films such as It's a Wonderful Life and Home Alone. However, have you ever wondered what happened to the once-child stars who graced these iconic movies? Although the lead actors like Tim Allen, who portrayed Santa Claus/Scott Calvin in The Santa Clause trilogy, garner most of the attention, it is the adorable child stars who contribute to the heartwarming and endearing atmosphere of these films.
Love Actually, released in 2003, features esteemed adult actors like Liam Neeson and Keira Knightley. However, it is the portrayal of Sam, Neeson's character's stepson, by Thomas Brodie-Sangster that truly captivates audiences. Even after almost a decade, Brodie-Sangster continues to be recognized and remembered for his endearing performance in the British romantic comedy.
In a February 2021 interview with Mr. Porter, Brodie-Sangster expressed his belief that Love Actually will always remain a beloved film. He acknowledged that he will forever be associated with the adorable little kid from Love Actually, a label he is content with and does not mind.
Scroll down to see what your favorite Christmas movie kids are doing now — including Jack Frost’s Joseph Cross and Home Alone’s Macaulay Culkin.
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Christmas Movie Kids Then and Now: See What the Child Actors From ‘Home Alone,’ ‘The Santa Clause’ and More Are Up To
Every year, fans indulge in the tradition of rewatching their beloved holiday films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Home Alone. However, have you ever wondered what became of the young actors who starred in these iconic movies? Despite the attention usually given to the leads, such as Tim Allen in the Santa Clause trilogy, it is the adorable child stars who truly contribute to the heartwarming and nostalgic atmosphere of these films.
Love Actually features an ensemble cast of renowned adult actors such as Liam Neeson and Keira Knightley. However, it is Thomas Brodie-Sangster's portrayal of Sam, Neeson's character's stepson, that captivates audiences. Even nearly a decade after the release of this British romantic comedy in 2003, Brodie-Sangster continues to be recognized and remembered for his endearing performance.
In a recent interview with Mr. Porter in February 2021, Brodie-Sangster expressed his belief that Love Actually has left a lasting impact and isn't going away anytime soon. He embraces the fact that he will always be associated with the adorable little kid from Love Actually, stating that he doesn't mind it at all.
Scroll down to see what your favorite Christmas movie kids are doing now — including Jack Frost’s Joseph Cross and Home Alone’s Macaulay Culkin.
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Macaulay Culkin in ‘Home Alone’
Culkin portrayed Kevin McCallister in both Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. He then went on to star in The Good Son, Richie Rich, and Saved! After that, the former child star had recurring roles on Kings, Robot Chicken, and The Jim Gaffigan Show. In 2019, Culkin returned to film with his appearance in Changeland. He also played Mickey on season 10 of American Horror Story in 2021, which marked his first significant television role since 2016. In 2017, Culkin launched Bunny Ears, a comedy brand with a website, podcast, and video content.
Being born and raised in New York, Culkin began dating Brenda Song in June 2017. In April 2021, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Dakota. After four years together, they got engaged in January 2022, as confirmed by Us. Furthermore, in March 2023, Us revealed that the couple quietly welcomed their second baby several months before.
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Eric Lloyd in ‘The Santa Clause’
Lloyd took on the role of Charlie, Scott Calvin/Santa Claus' son, in the entire Santa Clause film series, which were released in 1994, 2002, and 2006. Following that, he appeared in several other movies such as Dunston Checks In, Deconstructing Harry, My Giant, Luminous Motion, and Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2. From 1998 to 2000, the actor from California played the character of Little John Warner on the TV show Jesse. In 2017, Lloyd ventured into sound design in Hollywood and worked on various projects, including the 2020 films Frennemis Jurés and Sisters, as well as the short film Grandpa: The Horror. Furthermore, in 2022, Lloyd and Allen reunited for an episode of The Santa Clauses.
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Peter Billingsley in ‘A Christmas Story’
Billingsley gained holiday fame when he donned a pink bunny suit as Ralphie in the 1983 film, A Christmas Story. Since then, this New York native has appeared in numerous other movies such as Russkies, Beverly Hills Brats, The Break-Up, Iron Man, A Case of You, and Spider-Man: Far From Home. Alongside his acting career, Billingsley is also a renowned producer, having worked on projects such as Dinner for Five, Sullivan & Son (which he also directed), Undeniable With Joe Buck, and F Is for Family. In 2022, he delighted fans by reprising his role as Ralphie in the sequel to A Christmas Story, titled A Christmas Story Christmas, exclusively on HBO Max.
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Taylor Momsen in ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’
The charming Cindy Lou Who in the 2000 film, alongside Jim Carrey as the Grinch, left a lasting impression on audiences, captivating them with her performance. Momsen's acting career continued to flourish with appearances in Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams, Hansel & Gretel, and Underdog. However, it was her role as Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl that truly propelled her into the spotlight. She graced the CW series from 2007 to 2010 and later made a comeback for the 2012 series finale. Hailing from Missouri, Momsen has also been embracing her musical talents as the lead singer of the rock band The Pretty Reckless since 2009. Through the years, the group has released four records, including the recent 2021 album, Death by Rock and Roll.
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Mara Wilson in ‘Miracle on 34th Street’
After her acting debut in the film "Mrs. Doubtfire" in 1993, the star went on to portray Susan Walker in the beloved Christmas tale. Following that, Wilson has appeared in various films such as "Matilda," "A Simple Wish," "Thomas and the Magic Railroad," and "Pre-Emptive Defence." Additionally, she has lent her voice to characters in animated shows such as "BoJack Horseman," "Big Hero 6: The Series," and "Helluva Boss."
The California native completed her studies at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in 2009. Seven years later, she wrote her autobiography titled "Where Am I Now? True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame." In 2016, Wilson publicly shared her bisexuality following the devastating massacre at Orlando’s gay nightclub Pulse in June of that year.
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Jake Lloyd in ‘Jingle All the Way’
Lloyd made his acting debut in 1996, the same year he starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the film Jingle All the Way. The Colorado native captivated audiences in this heartwarming holiday flick, portraying Jamie Langston, a young boy with a strong desire for the Turbo Man doll as a Christmas gift. Following this, he showcased his talent in The Pretender and the movie Madison. However, it was his portrayal of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode 1 — The Phantom Menace and his involvement in several video games within the franchise that gained him widespread recognition.
In 2002, the former child star took a step back from acting. It wasn't until seven years later that he reentered the entertainment industry, this time as a production assistant for the film Peer Pressure in 2009. However, in 2015, Lloyd made headlines for all the wrong reasons. He faced charges related to reckless driving, driving without a license, and resisting arrest in Charleston, South Carolina. As a result, he was detained until April 2016 when he was transferred to a psychiatric facility after being diagnosed with schizophrenia. In January 2020, his family issued a statement shedding light on his mental health, disclosing his battle with paranoid schizophrenia. They shared that he had relocated closer to his loved ones and emphasized that he remained a kind and caring individual despite his challenges.
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Thomas Brodie-Sangster in ‘Love Actually’
The British actor gained attention from audiences with his portrayal of lovestruck Sam in the popular holiday romantic comedy. Since then, Brodie-Sangster has achieved success in television, lending his voice to the character Ferb on the animated series Phineas and Ferb from 2007 to 2015, and portraying various characters including John Tracy on Thunderbirds Are Go from 2015 to 2020. He has also made appearances on hit shows such as Game of Thrones, Godless, and The Queen's Gambit. Known for his role as Newt in the Maze Runner film series, Brodie-Sangster is set to star as 2nd Officer Hawkins in the upcoming series Unsinkable. In addition to his acting career, in 2010, Brodie-Sangster joined the band Winnet as the bass guitarist, alongside his family.
Brodie-Sangster and Talulah Riley, both renowned British actors, officially revealed their romantic involvement at the prestigious British Academy Film Awards Gala Dinner in March 2022. Following a blissful two-year courtship, the talented duo, who had previously worked together on the film "The Pistol," joyously announced their engagement in July 2023.
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Daniel Tay in ‘Elf’
Tay, a native of New York, portrayed Buddy's (Will Ferrell) half-brother, Michael, in the 2003 holiday film. Following that, he appeared in Doogal, Beer League, and Brooklyn Rules before taking a hiatus from acting in 2009. In 2017, he briefly returned to the entertainment industry to reprise his role as the voice of Doogal for an episode of AniMat's Classic Reviews.
According to Hello! magazine, Tay graduated from Yale University in 2014. After college, he reportedly became an SAT tutor and bilingual editor. Currently, he is employed as a research associate at Columbia University Irving Medical Center since December 2020, as mentioned in his LinkedIn profile.
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Spencer Breslin in ‘The Santa Clause 2’
Breslin became part of the Santa Clause franchise, playing the role of Curtis, the second elf, in the sequel. He reprised this character in the third installment of the series, titled The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause in 2006. Apart from his involvement in the Santa Clause films, the actor, who hails from New York, has also appeared in Teamo Supremo and Center of the Universe. Additionally, Breslin showcased his talent in movies such as The Cat in the Hat, Raising Helen, The Shaggy Dog, Stuck in Love, Some Kind of Hate, and External Forces. Furthermore, Spencer, who happens to be the older sibling of actress Abigail Breslin, has gained experience as a producer, working on the projects Widget & Poptop between 2014 and 2015, as well as the short film External Forces in 2018.
Spencer has his own record label, Acadian Recording Company, and released his debut album, Labor Day, in 2012. Four years later, the musician joined the band Broken Machine.
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Liliana Mumy in ‘The Santa Clause 2’
Mumy portrayed the lovable character of Lucy Miller, Charlie's sister, in The Santa Clause 2 and The Santa Clause 3. She has also appeared in various films such as the Cheaper by the Dozen series, Santa Buddies, and The Loud House Movie. As a native of California, she has lent her voice to characters in popular shows like Lilo & Stitch: The Series, Catscratch, Powerpuff Girls Z, Higglytown Heroes, Chowder, Winx Club: Power of Believix, Bravest Warriors, and The Loud House. Apart from her acting career, Mumy works as a fitness instructor at Barry's Bootcamp in Los Angeles. In December 2021, the actress happily announced her engagement to her longtime partner, Ben.
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Joseph Cross in ‘Jack Frost’
The 1998 film saw the New Jersey native,
Joseph Cross in ‘Jack Frost’
, take on the role of Charlie Frost, who experiences the heartbreak of losing his father, Jack Frost (played by Michael Keaton), only to have him come back to life as a snowman. Since then, Cross has showcased his talent on various television shows such as As the World Turns, The O’Keefes, Big Little Lies, and Mindhunter. His impressive filmography includes notable films like Homecoming, Flags of Our Fathers, Milk, Citizen Gangster, The Last Film Festival, Mank, and Licorice Pizza. In addition to his acting career, Cross, an alumnus of Columbia University, demonstrated his storytelling skills by making his directorial debut in 2019 with the film Summer Night, which he also produced.
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Johnny Galecki in ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’
Galecki gained fame for his role as Rusty in the Christmas movie of 1989. Since then, this Emmy-nominated actor has appeared in American Dreamer, Billy, Roseanne, The Big Bang Theory, and The Conners. His notable film successes include I Know What You Did Last Summer, CBGB, and A Dog's Journey. In 2001, Galecki produced his first film, Bagtime. However, his most significant producing achievements can be seen in the series SciJinks and Living Biblically.
The star, originally from Belgium, was in a romantic relationship with his Big Bang Theory costar, Kaley Cuoco, from 2007 to 2009. Following that, he was involved with Alaina Meyer from 2018 to 2020. Galecki and Meyer became parents to a child together in December 2019.
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Karolyn Grimes in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
Grimes gained fame for her role as Zuzu, the youngest daughter of George and Mary Bailey, portrayed by Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed respectively, in the beloved 1946 holiday film. Her acting career extended until 1954, where she appeared in various productions such as The Bishop's Wife, Rio Grande, Honeychile, and an episode of The Ford Television Theatre. Although originally from Los Angeles, she has remained committed to the movie that launched her profession, occasionally speaking at film screenings and regularly attending the It's a Wonderful Life event in Seneca Falls, New York. In 2000, she released Zuzu Bailey's It's a Wonderful Life Cookbook. Grimes made a comeback in the entertainment industry in 2020, starring as a talk show guest in the film Canaan Land.
After retiring from acting, Grimes, who has been married three times, pursued a career as a medical technologist after completing her studies at the University of Central Missouri. She is also a mother of seven children.
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Bobb'e J. Thompson in ‘Fred Claus’
In the 2007 film, the actor took on the role of Samuel "Slam" Gibbons. Throughout the movie, Slam, who is full of energy and spirit, receives valuable life advice from Fred Claus, played by Vince Vaughn. Thompson has also had notable roles in other movies such as Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, Knucklehead, School Dance, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, and A Rich Christmas. Hailing from Missouri, he has appeared on television shows like For Better or Worse and House of Payne, and was a regular cast member on Wild ‘N Out from 2018 to 2020. In addition to his acting career, Thompson is also a rapper and recently released the single “Big Body” in September 2021.
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Miffy Englefield in ‘The Holiday’
Englefield portrayed the character of Sophie, the eldest child of Jude Law's character in the 2006 Christmas film. This marked her debut as an actress. Afterward, the talented individual from England appeared in the television series The Whistleblowers before landing a prominent role on Casualty. Englefield took a break from acting after starring in the film Beautiful Girl in 2011. Currently, she pursues a career as a model and musician, captivating audiences with her punk rock performances in West Sussex.
The former child star welcomed her first baby, daughter Frances, in April 2020, with partner Alex Whivley-Conway.
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Emma Pritchard in ‘The Holiday’
The young Olivia in The Holiday was played by a talented actress from England. This remains her only acting credit thus far. Pritchard has chosen to maintain a low public presence since her role in the romantic comedy and doesn't seem to have any social media presence.
