The Most Popular Child Star the Year You Were Born

Arguably the most popular child star of all time, Shirley’s trademark golden curls, dimpled smile, darling personality and dancing skills made her the top box office draw from 1935 to 1938. Her popularity declined during the 40s. She eventually pursued a successful diplomatic career.

Appearing in classic films including The Women and The Philadelphia Story, Virginia played in more than 40 films. She was known for the mischievous gleam in her eye and her comic timing and held her own alongside film greats such as Jimmy Stewart and John Barrymore.

Joan honed her singing, dancing, and mimicry skills in vaudeville. She was discovered by a talent scout during a performance in New York, which landed her a string of important roles while still a teen. In 1941, she appeared in High Sierra with Humphrey Bogart and Sergeant York with Gary Cooper, but her most memorable role was the lead female in Yankee Doodle Dandy with James Cagney in 1942.

Debuting with a one-minute scene in 1941’s Babes in Broadway, Margaret went on to appear in one feature film after another during the '40s. In 1944, she won an Academy Award for Outstanding Child Actress for her role in Meet Me in St. Louis, alongside Judy Garland and Mary Astor.

Few child stars manage to maintain an acting career into adulthood, but Dean has worked in film, stage, and television since his first movie role in 1945. He’s often remembered for the 1990s time-traveling TV series Quantum Leap, but he won a Golden Globe as a child for his role in the 1947 movie, Gentleman’s Agreement, alongside stars Gregory Peck and Dorothy McGuire.

Before she became a screen legend as an adult in roles in Splendor in the Grass and West Side Story, Natalie was a child star. Her first memorable role was in the 1947 holiday classic, Miracle on 34th Street as the little girl who learns that believing in Santa isn’t so silly after all.

Discovered in a barber shop at five years old, Bobby played in several big feature films including The Fighting Sullivans, So Dear to My Heart, and The Window, which earned him an Academy Award as outstanding juvenile actor in 1950. He’s best remembered for his role as Jim Hawkins in the Disney hit, Treasure Island.

Arlene was a radio and theater actress who is best known for her portrayal of the daughter of a New York City immigrant family in the TV series, The Goldbergs. The show ran from 1949 to 1957.

Starring with their real-life parents on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, David and Ricky grew up on this small screen series. Eventually, they became teen heartthrobs and got married on the show. The brothers appeared on 434 episodes during the show’s long run from 1952 to 1966.

First appearing on Art Linkletter’s radio show, George became an instant hit as the little boy with the gravelly voice (nicknamed "Foghorn") and deadpan delivery. His most memorable role was as a young admirer of Marilyn Monroe in Gentleman Prefer Blondes. He famously stole the scene when he tells Marilyn “you’ve got a lot of animal magnetism.”

Starting out in vaudeville as a singing and dancing toddler, Elinor was cast in minor parts in feature films during the '40s. Her wholesome demeanor earned her the role as the eldest daughter in the classic TV show, Father Knows Best, which debuted in 1954. She was known for her pleasant “girl-next-door” appeal and appeared regularly on many TV series throughout the '60s and '70s.

Who knew mouse ears could have so much power? Discovered by Walt Disney at her spring dance recital, Annette auditioned for the role of Mouseketeer on the Mickey Mouse Club. She was an immediate star, receiving 6000 pieces of fan mail a month during the first season. She went on to appear in many '60s TV shows and movies while maintaining her wholesome image.

Richard shot to fame on I Love Lucy as Lucy and Ricky’s son, “Little Ricky.” Like his on-screen dad, Dezi Arnaz, he played the drums with confidence and flair. Actually, he had started playing at three-years-old and was on tour at the time of his audition for the show at age five!

Jerry’s career kicked off when he appeared in a condensed milk commercial at age two. He also had small parts in several movies before earning the title role in the series, Leave it to Beaver, which debuted in 1957. The show became a huge hit, due in part to the brotherly dynamics between Jerry and his on-screen big brother, actor Tony Dow.

Chosen from more than 500 kids who auditioned, Jay brought to life the comic strip imp, Dennis the Menace. The show, which ran for four seasons, followed his misadventures, which often involved upsetting his long-suffering neighbor, Mr. Wilson.

Winning an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for her lead role in the movie Pollyanna, Hayley went on to star in a number of hit comedies including The Parent Trap and That Darn Cat! She continued to work in film throughout the '60s and has had recurring roles on many different TV series.