HBO’s newest documentary, Showbiz Kids, examines the dark reality of child stardom through the lens of those who lived it.
Evan Rachel Wood, Jada Pinkett Smith, Wil Wheaton, Todd bridges, Mila Jovovich, Henry Thomas, Mara Wilson and the afternoon Cameron boyce paint a sobering picture of the price they paid for chasing their dreams (and in some cases their parents’ dreams) in Hollywood.
“I gave up my childhood for this industry, and it was not my choice,” Wheaton, most notable for his roles in Stay with me and Star Trek: the next generation, said. Similarly, Wood recalled the desire to just play with his friends, noting: “… at first it was obvious that you would get in trouble if you wanted to play. It would be very disappointing for people if they didn’t want to do this because they had talent.” .
The 90-minute documentary, directed by Alex Winter of Bill and Ted’s excellent adventures, trace the trajectories of these ancient children’s stars to this day and discover the memories that still cannot shake.
