Child celebrities.
The term “child celebrity” most commonly refers to a youth or teenage individual that works in the entertainment industry, particularly as an actor in films and television; find programming with child actors at www.direct.tv/. A child celebrity can also refer to any child or youth that professionally sings and/or performs in the entertainment industry, such as Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, or Miley Cyrus. In the United States, a child celebrity’s work is regulated by both federal and state labor laws, which dictate terms of their employment such as the procurement of work permits, access to education, and supervision while working.
Despite the exciting and glamorous lifestyle that is often perceived as being enjoyed by child celebrities, numerous children suffer detrimental effects from working in the entertainment industry. Demanding work hours and unrelenting competition can create what is viewed as negative pressure for scores of young celebrities, and many have gone on to file for personal bankruptcy in later years because their earnings were not properly handled by family members or agents. Some child celebrities are often the objects of sexual abuse and pedophilia; in addition, the pressures of life in the entertainment industry have caused many to suffer from eating disorders, drug abuse, and alcohol addiction.
Despite these challenges, however, many child celebrities create successful entertainment careers that span throughout their adulthood. Award-winning actress Jodie Foster, who began her career in television commercials at the age of three, has starred in dozens of highly acclaimed films such as Silence of the Lambs and Contact, and continues to enjoy status as one of the most talented and influential actors in Hollywood. Similarly, Ron Howard, whose childhood acting credits include The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days, is currently a successful movie producer and director. Many child celebrities have also used their status in the entertainment industry to branch out onto other successful career paths, such as Kirk Cameron, who is a nationally-known Christian evangelist and pastor, and Angelina Jolie, who serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations.
March 28th, 2013