From former Disney Channel actors to treasured reality TV children; a host of former child stars are opening up in a new documentary. Titled Child Star, the project explores the unique experience of finding fame at a young age, and features several kid celebrities from different generations, including Jojo Siwa and Christina Ricci.
And who better to helm the project than someone who grew up on screen herself? Former Disney kid, Demi Lovato will make her directorial debut with the doco, speaking out, alongside others, about some of the struggles she faced coming of age in the entertainment industry.
Scroll on for everything you need to know about the Child Star documentary, including where to watch it in Australia.
What is Child Star about?
Demi’s documentary delves into the complex world of early stardom, highlighting the impact it has on young celebrities.
Demi herself has publicly endured many of the highs and lows that come with early exposure to fame, and her journey is a central focus of Child Star. The doc also features interviews with well-known figures like Drew Barrymore, Christina Ricci, JoJo Siwa, and Kenan Thompson. A spotlight is shone on each of the star’s lives as they open up about their experience with early-age fame, and the impact it has had on their lives today.
Co-director Nicola Marsh has stated that the film is “not an exposé, but it is quite blunt.” It is understood that the documentary in and of itself isn’t placing blame on any one entity, but addressing the systematic issues many child stars shouldn’t have to encounter, but often do.
What Celebrities Are In Child Star?
Demi Lovato—as both the director, executive producer and a participant—details a deeply personal perspective of the entertainment industry, alongside several other actors.
Notably, she is joined by Drew Barrymore, who candidly reflects on her early exposure to the darker side of fame, as well as some of the sickening pressures she faced as a result of child stardom.
Christina Ricci, who was thrust into the spotlight following her breakout role in The Addams Family, and JoJo Siwa, a Gen Z child star whose claim to fame was through Dance Moms, also feature. Kenan Thompson, another who gained fame early on in Nickelodeon’s All That; Raven-Symoné, widely adored for her icon role on Disney Channel’s That’s So Raven; and Alyson Stoner, known for acting in Disney’s Camp Rock and other projects, also share their stories of the trials and tribulations that came from growing up in Hollywood.
The interviews each offer a unique perspective on the emotional toll that being a child star has taken on them, and underscore their shared struggle to maintain a healthy self-image under the intense scrutiny of the public eye.
Is There a Trailer?
Sure Is! The two-minute-long teaser gives us a glimpse of the raw stories and touchy topics that will be covered in the new documentary.
Check it out below.
When & Where to Watch Child Star In Australia
Child Star will be available for Australian audiences to watch on Disney+. It premiers nation-wide today, September 17.
