It is believed that Hollywood ruins people's lives and makes people do things that they would never do if they were not in the spotlight. Not everyone is able to deal with the pressure of being in the entertainment industry and meet the demands that the industry forces upon them. It can be tiring, stressful, and sometimes, hard to deal with. However, some people are able to keep a good head on their shoulders and deal with whatever comes their way. In Hollywood, some people have what it takes to have a long career, while others fall to the child star curse.

Being a young Hollywood star often means that your childhood was far from normal. Being on the big screen meant everything you did on and off the screen was in the public eye. For some, dealing with this aspect of fame is hard to deal with, leading them to make life choices that can ruin them. They act in certain ways that are more damaging to themselves and can be the reason why their name is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Other Hollywood stars chose to keep themselves busy and focus on what really matters in life to steer them in the right direction. For them, having their name making headlines is more about giving recognition for their hard work rather than a story that is far from who they are as a person.

Hollywood stars like Hilary Duff and Ariana Grande did not allow Hollywood to ruin them or their career. They pride themselves on being a great role model for today's generation. Here are 20 child stars Hollywood did not actually mess up.

Hilary Duff

At the young age of fourteen, Hilary Duff became a child star and well known for her role as Lizzie McGuire on the hit Disney television show, Lizzie McGuire. She found herself being called a teen idol and since then, she always been in the spotlight. As she got older, she remained active in the entertainment industry and took on many different roles. After gaining success on the big screen, Hilary decided to explore the music industry. She released many top chart hits and released a few albums. Hilary gained a huge fan base, which allowed her to tour many parts of the world. She has always kept herself busy with work, which helped to keep her out of trouble. After being in the industry for almost half of her life, Hilary has remained a great role model and never found herself in trouble. Hilary is a child star that fame did not ruin.

AJ Michalka

Amanda Joy, popularly known as AJ, is a teen actress and musician. At the young age of fifteen, AJ made her debut on Disney's movie Cow Belles along with her sister, Aly. Since then, she has featured in many other television shows and movies. In 2009, AJ and her sister decided to perform music under the band name, 78violet. However, they later decided to change their band name to Aly and AJ. In 2010, they released their first song and have been writing music ever since. They may not have released an album since 2013, however, AJ has featured on many songs that were used for television shows. AJ has never found herself in trouble like other Disney stars who grew up during her time. She has been able to keep herself relevant and focused on subjects that matter to her.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné is well-known for her part of playing Raven on Disney Channel's hit show, That's So Raven. However, Raven has been acting way before she appeared on that television show. Raven first started her acting career on The Cosby Show at the age of four and she has not stopped acting ever since. Raven has appeared on many Disney shows and movies with the most well-known being the Cheetah Girls, which had three movies. Not only has Raven been a part of the acting world, she also worked in the music business as well. She has released many songs, including the soundtracks for The Cheetah Girls and the theme song for That's So Raven. She released her first album in 1993 and her last one in 2008. Raven has always kept busy working, which helped her have a clean path and did not let fame ruin everything she has worked hard to build.

Emma Watson

From the early age of six, Emma knew she wanted to become an actress. Emma took acting classes and by the age of ten, she started to perform in plays. At the age of nine, Emma was cast as Hermione Granger. Emma filmed the Harry Potter series for ten years and found most of her success through that role. Since the filming of Harry Potter ended, Emma has found herself taking many other acting roles that do not involve magic or attending a school. Harry Potter gave Emma the platform she needed to put herself out there as an amazing actress and that she is capable of taking on any role. Emma has also done some work in the fashion industry and has done a few photo shoots for major magazines. Even though Emma has been in the spotlight for most of her life, Emma made sure she did whatever she could to live a relatively normal life. Emma did go to school and graduated Brown's University with a bachelors degree in English literature.

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande has been interested in acting ever since she was eight years old. Ariana was a part of many plays and worked on Broadway. It was not until she was 13 that she became serious about pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. She moved to Los Angeles and landed a role on Nickelodeon's show, Victorious. This role helped Ariana achieve teen idol status and get other roles in the acting industry. However, Ariana felt that acting was fun, but her real passion was to make music. With her beautiful voice, Ariana was able to secure a record deal and has since released a couple of albums. Ariana has gained popularity all over the world and has performed in many countries. She does whatever she can to help others and keep a positive reputation. It is her hard work and dedication that kept Ariana on the right track.

Chloe Grace Moretz

Starting her career as a child, Chloe Grace Moretz landed a role in the movie The Amityville Horror at the age of seven. In the following five years, Chloe also featured in many other films. However, she started to gain global notice for her role as Hit-Girl in the film, Kick Ass, and the sequel, Kick Ass 2. She also found herself showing interest in the fashion industry. Chloe has posed for many magazines and has been invited to many fashion events. To keep herself on the right track, Chloe keeps her family close. Her brother, Brandon, is her business manager and her other brother, Trevor, has been her acting coach for many years. Her siblings always join her on trips and press events when her parents cannot. Her family is everything she needs to be successful and not let fame ruin her.

Dakota Fanning

Dakota starred in her first film, I am Sam, at the age of seven. This film awarded Dakota the Screen Actors Guild Award, which made her the youngest SAG nominee in history. From that point forward, she appeared in many other major big screen films. Like other young stars, Dakota was featured in major magazines and took a chance in the modelling industry. Even at a young age, she has always felt more mature than her age and this showed on and off the screen. Being the young star she was, Dakota has always been a great role model especially to her younger sister, Elle Fanning who is also an actress. Dakota knew she has a younger sister who looked up to her, therefore messing up was not an option. Knowing that her reputation also represents her sister's, Dakota never wanted to tarnish her good girl image.

Christian Bale

Featuring in many big screen and independent projects, Christian Bale has been acting for a very long time. It was not until the age of 13 when Christian caught the attention of the public. His first breakout performance was when he was cast in the starring role in one of Steven Spielberg's movies and ever since then his acting career took off. Christian is well known for all his appearances as Batman in many films. He takes his job seriously and does whatever is asked of him for the role he is taking on. In the public eye, he is considered the most versatile and talented actor of his generation and he has maintained the reputation throughout his whole career. Even being in the spotlight at a young age, Christian has been able to keep himself relevant and a positive icon in the media.

Seth Green

Seth Green has been acting since the age of seven, however, he did not land a role until he was ten. He took on many acting roles throughout his career, one being a part of the Austin Powers series, a movie that became well known all over the world. Being in the public eye throughout his life, Seth has kept himself busy with many projects. Not only did he appear in many films, he also found himself being a part of a lot television shows, acting and voice acting. Included in his long lists of work, Seth also worked in the video game industry, both for his voice and likeness. To show how much his hard work has paid off, Seth has been nominated and won many awards. In the media, Seth has not found himself involved in anything he would not be proud of.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Starring in a production of the Wizard of Oz at the age of four got the attention of an agent and started Joseph's career as a young star. Joseph tried to maintain a normal life, he put acting on hold and attended university, however, he dropped out to get back into acting and has taken his career serious ever since. He has starred in many different films and challenged himself by taking on different acting roles. Not only has Joseph taken roles on screen, he has also done a little work behind the camera. He has directed and produced a few short films and broadway shows. Joseph has self-identified as a feminist and says it is all because of his mother. He has always kept his family close to him even when he started one of his own. Being around great people helped this young star become the successful star he is today.

Kirsten Dunst

At the age of seven, Kirsten appeared in her first major film and since then, it has been nothing but success for the young star. When Kirsten first started acting, it was hard for her to deal with her fame and she often thought her mother was the reason she was finding it hard to live a normal life. As she got older, she realized that it was just because her mother wanted only the best for her and she does not regret the way her life played out. She admits that her life is not perfect, however, she puts a lot of effort into her acting career. Her most financial success came from her role in the Spider-Man series as the role of Mary Jane Waston. Kirsten felt like she was at the peak of her career and wanted to include herself in the entertainment industry as much as she could. Focusing on her career helped her stay on the right path.

Ron Howard

He may not be well known to the young viewers of today, however, Ron Howard was a young star who has found success in his adult years. As a young actor, he was known for playing important roles in sitcoms on television. For Ron living a relatively normal life was important for him to stay on the right path. He attended university, however, he did not graduate, but he did not let that define who he was.  Ron is thankful for his acting career because it led him to realizing he wanted to get into directing. Always having an interest in the industry, whether being on or off screen, Ron kept focused and did whatever he could to further his career and do something he was proud of. Ron wanted his life to be a success story and not a name people would forget about.

Jackie Evancho

Placing second on the fifth season of America's Got Talent was only the beginning of Jackie's career. By being on the show she was able to showcase her talent and gain recognition from all over the world. Jackie went on to becoming the youngest top 10 debut in the United States and ever since then, her life has never been the same. Her singles topped charts in many different countries and her voice was being admired by many. Recently, Jackie has not been making headlines, but we can only guess that she is still making music and will be releasing something in the near future. Her instant success did not change who she was as a person instead, it only made her work harder to prove that she deserves every bit of success and praise she was given.

Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple is not a name you hear often these days, however, she is one of the most well-known actresses who entered the industry as a child. At the age of three, Shirley started her film career and only two years later, she gained international fame. Since then she has obtained status as not only an actress but also a singer, dancer, and a businesswomen. She is a women that can do it all and was the best at what she did. She has received many awards for her work and talent. Once she retired from acting, Shirley joined the Republican Party in California and entered the world of politics. She never wanted the public to think poorly of her so she remained an idol in the public eye. Making sure the media never wrote anything negative about her, Shirley kept the secret that she was a long time smoker, which is believed to be the reason for her health decline. Shirley wanted to set a good example for her fans, therefore she kept a smile on her face while out in public.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Young Leonardo started his career by starring in commercials and soap operas. He has since become a very well-known actor and features in many films. He has also done a lot of work off the big screen as is he an environmental activist. Leonardo uses his fame to raise awareness for causes that mean a lot to him. He is a member of a non-profit organization that promotes environmental awareness. He has received a lot of praise for the work he has done for the organization. He also does a lot of charity work and donates money where ever it is needed. It is the respect that he has gained from the public that has helped keep his mind focused and achieve everything he set his mind out to. Leonardo has done a lot in his career and he plans to continue on this successful path.

Ben Savage

Well-known for his role as Cory Matthews on the hit show, Boy Meet World, Ben started his acting career at the age of nine when he starred in one of his older brother's films. Since then, Ben has appeared in many television shows, however, he did take a short break from acting. It was this break that allowed Ben to regain focus and not get too overwhelmed with what was asked of him when he was acting. During these times, he attended university and graduated with a degree in political science. Once he felt like he was ready to return, he appeared in independent films and guest starred on a few television shows. Ben was able to not let fame get to his head and focused on what he could do to live a positive life.

Danielle Fishel

Similar to Ben Savage, Danielle is also well-known for her role as Topanga Lawrence on the show, Boy Meets World. Her and Savage also appear on the successor show, Girl Meets World, on the Disney Channel.  She was a year older than Ben when she started acting and at only ten years old, she was doing commercials and voice overs. As a young star, Danielle's mother was her manager which made sure that everything she did had her mother's approval. This was key when it came to her success as an adult. For Danielle, it was never too late to attend school as at the age of 27, she attended university and graduated in 2013. Danielle tried to maintain a normal life while being in the spotlight. Her name was never in headlines for anything negative and she is able to maintain a professional acting career.

Natalie Portman

Actress and film producer, Natalie Portman, started her career in 1994 at the young age of 13. She is well-known for many of her roles, especially for playing Padme Amidala in the Star Wars movies. While becoming a successful actress, Natalie attended university and completed her degree. Natalie has been nominated for many awards and has gained a lot of respect from those in the entertainment industry. Besides from being an actress, Natalie also does a lot of work for social and political causes. Her work with animals started when she decided to be a vegetarian at the age of eight. Natalie has always done what she could to help others and raise awareness for causes that mean the most to her. She is a great role model for youth of this generation.

Peter Billingsley

If Christmas movies are your thing, then there is a good chance you know who Peter Billingsley is. Peter is well known for his role as playing Ralphie in the movie, A Christmas Story, at the age of 12. Peter featured in many films as a child and has worked in films of a variety of genres. Not only has Peter found success in the film industry, but he also acting on many television shows. He has also done a lot of work off the camera and produced television shows. Peter has maintained his success throughout his career and continues to work in the entertainment industry. He is a great success story of how young actors can be successful in their adult life. Despite not seeing his name make headlines, Peter is still working within the industry and continues to do whatever he can to entertain the public.

Jodie Foster

At the age of three, Jodie started her career as a child model. It was only two years later that she started to focus on acting. She appeared on many primetime television shows and children films. By the public, she has been claimed as the best actress of her time and is backed up by all the awards she has won and nominated for. She has been acting for basically her whole life and has even done a little bit of producing and directing. The entertainment industry has been a big part of her life and is all she really knows. She is proof of someone that did not allow fame to ruin her life, instead she let it enhance it. Now 55 years old, Jodie looks back at her career and is proud of all the things she has accomplished.