Child actors are a Hollywood cliche, known as being both stereotypes and tragedies. A new documentary exclusively from HBO is tackling that stereotype head-on in their new film Showbiz Kids.
The film offers an unvarnished look at the high risk, high reward business of working as a child actor in the entertainment industry. It chronicles the personal and professional price of fame and failure on a child through the experience of several successful child actors and two aspiring hopefuls.
Showbiz Kids is written and directed by former child actor Alex Winter (Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Panama Papers), who relies on the perspectives of many of his peers to explore the complexities of growing up under the glare of Hollywood’s spotlight. “This is a story I’ve been wanting to tell for many years,” said Winter. “Having grown up in the business I’ve never seen the experiences of a child actor, from their early career through the transition into adulthood, told from the perspective of those involved. I’m honored that these talented actors trusted me with their very personal stories.”
The documentary features interviews Henry Thomas (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial), Mara Wilson (Mrs. Doubtfire), Todd Bridges (Diff’rent Strokes), Milla Jovovich (The Night Train to Kathmandu), Evan Rachel Wood (Thirteen), the late Cameron Boyce (Jessie), Jada Pinkett Smith (A Different World), Will Wheaton (Stand By Me) and the late Diana Serra Cary (Baby Peggy).
Showbiz Kids debuts on HBO and will be available to stream on July 14.
