Child Star is an American documentary film directed by American singer Demi Lovato and American cinematographer Nicola Marsh. It was released on September 17, 2024.
The documentary film centers on the subject of the tribulations of experiencing child stardom, fame, and working in the entertainment industry at a young age. It stars actresses Demi Lovato, Drew Barrymore, JoJo Siwa, Raven-Symoné, Christina Ricci, Kenan Thompson, and Alyson Stoner.
It was promoted by the release of the song "You'll Be OK, Kid", performed by Demi. The original score for the documentary was composed by Blonde Maze. The film was nominated for Favorite On Screen at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Plot[]
Child Star opens with a group of children who answer questions regarding their aspirations, the meaning of fame, and how being on camera makes them feel.[1]
The film delves into the historical background and economic importance of child stardom in the United States, dating back to silent film actor Jackie Coogan and Shirley Temple.[1] The film interweaves this historical context with discussions between Demi with other former child performers including Drew Barrymore, JoJo Siwa, Raven-Symoné, Christina Ricci, Alyson Stoner, and Kenan Thompson, regarding their personal journeys and experiences with fame as children.[1]
Chris Columbus, who produced Home Alone and the first two Harry Potter movies, also participates in the film sharing details about castings and the impact that fame has on the lives of young actors.[2] Throughout Child Star, Demi also shares her own life experiences as a former child actor on Barney & Friends and as a singer and actor on Disney Channel.[3]
The film features Demi's conversations with her family, including sister Madison De La Garza, who starred on Desperate Housewives. Towards the end of the film, Demi meets with aspiring child actors who ask her personal questions. The film ends with sessions of her in the studio writing and recording "You'll Be OK, Kid".[4]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 The Guardian - Demi Lovato's starry documentary Child Star offers hard truths
- ↑ 'Harry Potter' Director Says Kids Casting Search Was Shaped by Macaulay Culkin's 'Home Alone' Stardom and Troubled Family Life: The Parents Are Just as 'Important'
- ↑ Celebrities open up to Demi Lovato about impact of fame in 'Child Star' documentary
- ↑ [https://variety.com/2024/scene/news/demi-lovato-child-star-jojo-siwa-alyson-stoner-raven-symone-1236143555/ Demi Lovato, Alyson Stoner, Raven-Symoné and JoJo Siwa Reflect on 'Humanizing' the Pressures of Growing Up Famous in Lovato's Doc 'Child Star'