Child actors have played a crucial role in some of the best shows, miniseries, and movies to air since television’s inception. Today they’re delivering dynamic performances at a rapid pace as the television landscape expands well beyond broadcast and cable. From Patty Duke to Claire Danes, these 12 memorable performances set the bar high for child actors on television.
Patty Duke, “The Patty Duke Show”
Duke’s career longevity is enviable to any actor starting out in the business. Duke became one of the youngest Oscar winners ever at 16 in 1963 for her mesmerizing portrayal of Helen Keller in “The Miracle Worker.” Duke followed up that performance with her self-titled comedy series “The Patty Duke Show.” At 16, Duke remains the youngest actor ever to front a show named after themselves. Duke’s impressive dual performances of identical cousins Cathy and Patty Lane showcased her burgeoning comedic talent. “The Patty Duke Show” only lasted three seasons, but the sitcom continues to live on in syndication more than 50 years later.
Max Burkholder, “Parenthood”
NBC’s comedic, six-season adaptation of Ron Howard’s 1989 film of the same name featured a seasoned cast of vets including Craig T. Nelson, Bonnie Bedelia, Lauren Graham, and Peter Krause. However relative newcomer Burkholder stole much of the show as Max Braverman, the son of Adam (Krause) and Kristina (Monica Potter). Burkholder portrayed a child with Asperger’s syndrome and highlighted a disorder not typically depicted on primetime television. His touching and affecting performance is one of the show’s many defining moments throughout its run.
Claire Danes, “My So-Called Life”
“My So-Called Life” harkens back to an era of 1990s teenage angst and turmoil. The drama series showcased 15-year-old Angela Chase’s (Danes) complicated life. Danes, who was 15 at the time, displayed natural vulnerability and insecurity throughout Angela’s sophomore year of high school. Her emotionally rich performance won a Golden Globe and an Emmy nomination, despite the show’s cancellation after only one season.
How to Become a Child Actor Sara Gilbert, “Roseanne”
Melissa Gilbert touched hearts for nine seasons as Laura Ingalls Wilder on “Little House on the Prairie.” However Melissa was not the only member in her family with a knack for acting. Her younger sister Sara blazed on screen with fiery gusto and resolve on comedian Roseanne’s ABC sitcom in 1988. Gilbert portrayed the right combination of maturity and stubbornness in her performance as middle child Darlene. Gilbert went on to earn a pair of Emmy nominations during the series’ run.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, “The Cosby Show”
“The Cosby Show” featured a notable cast of child actors as the Huxtable children, including Lisa Bonet, Tempestt Bledsoe, Keshia Knight Pulliam, and Warner. Bonet, Knight Pulliam, and Warner memorably earned Emmy nominations for the show’s second season alongside their on-screen mother Phylicia Rashad. Warner portrayed middle child troublemaker Theo Huxtable. Theo struggled academically as he suffered from dyslexia. Warner’s relatable performance reflected a common disorder other teenagers faced, and his comedically sharp turn stands as one of the best.
Jena Malone, “Bastard Out of Carolina”
Malone is gripping in the 1996 Showtime movie “Bastard Out of Carolina” directed by fellow actor Anjelica Huston. Malone stars opposite Jennifer Jason Leigh as a poor, physically and sexually abused girl. “Bastard Out of Carolina” is one of Malone’s first on-screen performances, but she manages a delivery well beyond her years. Malone’s touching turn nabbed her a nomination from the Screen Actors Guild. Casting director Linda Lowy won an Emmy for her work on the film.
Frankie Muniz, “Malcolm in the Middle”
Many sitcoms tend to forget about the middle child, but “Malcolm in the Middle” deviated from all the rest. The Fox comedy centered on the gifted, intelligent middle child Malcolm (Muniz) and his dysfunctional family. Muniz’s grounded performance prevented the series from becoming too absurd and earned him an Emmy nomination for his performance in 2001.
Rico Rodriguez, “Modern Family”
Rodriguez is just one of several talented child actors among the “Modern Family” ensemble. However Rodriguez’s wise, intuitive, and heartfelt portrayal of Manny Delgado sets him apart. Rodriguez plays well off his castmates, especially his on-screen mother Sofía Vergara and stepfather Ed O’Neill.
Fred Savage, “The Wonder Years”
Savage starred in “The Wonder Years” as Kevin Arnold, a boy coming of age in a suburban, middle-class home in the late 1960s. The smart writing and biting late ’60s, early ’70s social commentary helped shape Savage’s bright performance. His work attracted the attention of Emmy voters when the actor received his first nomination at age 12.
12 Memorable Child Actor Performances in Film Kiernan Shipka, “Mad Men”
Shipka is best known for portraying Don Draper’s daughter Sally for seven seasons on AMC’s Emmy Award–winning drama “Mad Men.” Shipka exhibited a sense of nuanced maturity as Sally evolved from a little girl into a young woman over the course of the series. Her chemistry with on-screen parents Jon Hamm and January Jones is palpable.
Albert Tsai, “Trophy Wife”
ABC’s short-lived sitcom “Trophy Wife” only lasted a single season, but Tsai’s indelible performance as Bert lives on two years after the show’s cancellation. The actor never veered into kitsch and provided much of the show’s laughs. The Critics Choice Television Awards recognized Tsai in 2014 with a nomination for best supporting actor. Tsai can now be found on two other ABC comedies: “Dr. Ken” and “Fresh Off the Boat.”
Roxana Zal, “Something About Amelia”
Zal is the youngest Emmy winner ever at 14 for her supporting performance in the made-for-television movie “Something About Amelia.” Zal stars opposite Ted Danson and Glenn Close as a girl sexually molested by her father (Danson). “Something About Amelia” distinguished itself from most of the movies on the small screen at the time, largely in part due to Zal’s riveting performance.
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