From Goofy Kids To Hollywood Hunks

Hollywood can be a tough place to navigate the transition from youth to adulthood. Child actors are usually dorky, awkward little ragamuffins. But to be an adult actor, they need you to look like you were sculpted by Michelangelo.

So making the transition from child actor to adult can be nearly impossible for some to whom nature was not so kind. Some actors, like Josh Saviano (Paul from Wonder Years) simply get out of the business. But some persevere and, with a little help from good genes and a personal trainer, become successful actors as adults.

Seeing the picture of Jonathan Lipnicki that AE recently posted had me thinking about how some boys we remember as looking like this:

Can miraculously turn into guyslike this:

So I thought it would be fun to look at some of the other young actors who have grown up rather nicely. Keep in mind, this list is entirely arbitrary and is in no way comprehensive.

1. Neil Patrick Harris

Well, of course this guy comes to mind. He came to our TV screens as the boy genius Doogie Howser, MD. And really, who doesn’t want to trust their health to a doctor who hasn’t begun shaving yet?

NPH made a successful comeback with How I Met Your Mother, playing a decidedly less squeaky-clean character. As a popular out actor and a proud husband and father, doesn’t he have enough going for him without being this hot?