The early 2000s and 2010s were a definitive era for reality television, capturing everything from family dynamics to talent competitions and the early lives of future global icons. For many viewers, these shows weren’t just entertainment; they were a window into the lives of individuals, some of whom were just kids growing up on screen.
There’s a unique fascination in watching someone mature in the public eye. Like seeing child actors from classic shows seemingly “frozen” in time until you catch their recent work, spotting a former child reality star all grown up can be genuinely surprising. It serves as a powerful reminder of how much time has truly passed, sometimes even sparking a moment of nostalgia or feeling reflective about our own aging process.
We looked back at some memorable kids who graced our screens on popular reality shows during that period. The transformations many have undergone are truly striking. From toddlers finding fame to teenagers navigating the spotlight, here are 17 child reality stars and how they look now as fully grown adults:
See How These Reality TV Kids Have Grown Up
It’s wild to think about how young some of these stars were when we first met them. Seeing them today is a testament to the passage of time and the unique paths they’ve taken since their reality TV days.
- Alana Thompson from Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
- Grace VanderWaal from America’s Got Talent
- Darci Lynne Farmer from America’s Got Talent
- Maddie Ziegler from Dance Moms
- Mackenzie Ziegler from Dance Moms
- JoJo Siwa from Dance Moms
- John David Duggar from 19 Kids and Counting
- Jana Duggar from 19 Kids and Counting
- Kendall Jenner from Keeping Up With The Kardashians
- Kylie Jenner from Keeping Up With The Kardashians
- Brooke Hogan from Hogan Knows Best
- Hannah Joy Gosselin from Jon & Kate Plus 8
- Jeremy Roloff from Little People, Big World
- Jack Osbourne from The Osbournes
- Kelly Osbourne from The Osbournes
- Sophie Simmons from Gene Simmons: Family Jewels
- Nick Simmons from Gene Simmons: Family Jewels
Remember Alana at age 7 when she charmed audiences with her pageant personality?
Here she is now, age 19, a young adult.
Grace captured hearts playing her ukulele and singing at age 12.
She’s now 21 and pursuing her music career.
The talented ventriloquist Darci Lynne first appeared on stage at age 8.
Now age 20, she continues to perform.
Known for her incredible dance skills starting at age 9.
Maddie is now 22 and a successful actress and dancer.
Maddie’s younger sister also grew up on the show, starting at age 8.
Mackenzie is now 21 and has branched into music and acting.
JoJo’s energetic personality was evident from age 12 on the show.
Now age 22, she’s a global entertainer icon.
One of the older Duggar siblings featured from age 19.
John David is now age 35.
Also featured prominently from age 19.
Jana is now age 35.
Kendall started appearing on the family show at age 12.
Today at age 29, she is a world-famous model.
Kylie was even younger, just 10, when the show began.
Now 27, she’s a successful entrepreneur and media personality.
Brooke was a teenager, age 17, when her family’s show aired.
She is now age 37.
One of the Gosselin sextuplets, first seen at age 5.
Hannah is now age 21.
Jeremy was a teen, age 15, when the show began.
He is now age 35.
Jack gave viewers a look into his life starting at age 16.
He is now age 39.
Also a teen, age 17, when the groundbreaking reality show premiered.
Kelly is now age 40.
Sophie was featured on the show at age 16.
She is now age 32.
Nick was 17 when the series started.
He is now age 36.
Seeing these “then and now” comparisons truly highlights the incredible impact of time. Which transformation surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!
