Tragic Child Stars

screen cap via Judith Barsi Tribute. Judith Barsi Born June 6, 1978 in Los Angeles, California Died July 25, 1988 in Canoga Park, California Notable Roles Ducky in The Land Before Time (1988) Anne-Marie in All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989) Best Known For: Judith Barsi's time in the spotlight was brief, but she touched many children growing up in the late 1980s with her charming vocal performances in All Dogs Go to Heaven and The Land Before Time , both of which were released after her death...Read Full Story

Image via Photobucket. Dana Plato Born November 7, 1964 in Maywood, California Died May 8, 1999 in Moore, Oklahoma Notable Role Kimberly Drummond on Diff'rent Strokes (1978-1984) Best Known For. After small roles in Exorcist II: The Heretic and The Bionic Woman , Dana Plato hit it big with her portrayal of Kimberly Drummond on Diff'rent Strokes . She played a warm, affectionate big sister to Willis and Arnold (played by Todd Bridges and Gary Coleman ). She also had guest roles on The Love...Read Full Story

Image via Wordpress. Judy Garland Born June 10, 1922 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota Died June 22, 1969 in London, England Notable Roles Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz (1939) Esther Smith in Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) Best Known For. Judy Garland , neé Frances Ethel Gumm, shot to international stardom when she landed the role of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the age of sixteen. The song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was thereafter forever linked to her name. Famously Linked. Garland was married...Read Full Story

Getty Images. Gary Coleman Born February 8, 1968 in Zion, Illinois Notable Roles Arnold Jackson on Diff'rent Strokes (1978-1995) Gary James on Good Times (1978) Best Known For: Gary Coleman made the quintessential child star: his tiny stature and ultra-cute babyface landed him roles on The Jeffersons, Good Times , and of course, Diff’rent Strokes . It there he honed his eternal catchphrase, “What’choo talkin’ 'bout Willis?” Famously Linked. In February 2008, Coleman announced that he had...Read Full Story

Getty Images. Jodie Sweetin Born January 19, 1982 in Los Angeles, California Notable Roles Stephanie Tanner on Full House (1987-1995) Best Known For: Jodie Sweetin played Stephanie Tanner, the middle daughter, on ABC's Full House from 1987 to 1995. Her feisty, talkative character coined several catchphrases, from "How rude!" to "Hot dog!" Famously Linked. In 2002, at the age of 20, Sweetin married Shaun Holguin, a Los Angeles police officer. Jodie's Full House co-star Candace Cameron (who...Read Full Story