Whatever happened to the children you used to watch on television when they, too, grew up? For comedy fans, those diminutive scene-stealers are in the rearview mirror never stopping to dish out one-liners, eye-rolling, or pulling at the heartstrings on reruns. But real life has some surprising twists and turns for them, including out-of-the-blue career changes to wacky comebacks that will leave you agog.
These sitcom kids didn’t suddenly disappear into thin air the moment the cameras rolled. Some remained in the spotlight, some gave birth to whole new careers, and some left show business for good. Here’s what became of a few of your favorite sitcom kids today and how their lives prove that life after laugh tracks is fascinating.
1. Aubrey Anderson-Emmons – From Lily’s Sass to Social Media Star
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons was first introduced in the series Modern Family when she was four years old, and she stole everyone’s heart with her rapid-fire one-liners as Lily. When the show came to an end in 2020, she had been on the show almost for a decade growing up.
Today, Aubrey reigns supreme online, with almost three million TikTok fans and an ongoing musical career that’s just taking off. Although she’s warned to go back to acting, she’s also enjoyed the artistic license of social media, posting everything from deep thoughts to unbridled belly laughs. It’s a far cry from set and studio school life, but her wit and charm are undeniable.
2. Nolan Gould – The Mensa Member Outdoorsman
As lovable klutz Luke Dunphy, Nolan Gould was a series regular on Modern Family during the show’s 11-season run. Off screen, far from it also a member of Mensa and he took and passed his GED when he was only 13 years old.
Offstage between intervals, Nolan made cameo appearances, like in Miranda’s Victim (2023), but his actual adventures were off the charts. Nolan was a guest on the Dinner’s on Me podcast with Jesse Tyler Ferguson in 2024 to discuss selling everything he had and hitchhiking across the country. Offstage between intervals, he lived life as an outside free spirit outdoorsman, and it’s clear his passion doesn’t stay on the page.
3. Rico Rodriguez – Manny’s Heart and Hustle Live On
Rico Rodriguez came of age before the camera on Modern Family playing Manny Delgado, the urbane and sharp-tongued son of Gloria. He shared best on-screen rapport with Nolan Gould.
Having finished the show, Rico has also been busy with voice-over, his latest being Ice in 2025 animated movie Sneaks. He is also on Instagram, where his over one million fans keep him posted about his career and life. As little as he shows up on television screen, his life continues to be a mixture of art and interaction.
4. Lindsay Ridgeway – Boy Meets World’s Musical Savant
Season 3 replacement for Morgan Matthews, Lindsay Ridgeway brought attitude with sassy sister twist to the popular sitcom. Her 2017 guest spot on Girl Meets World as a hip reinterpretation of sorts.
Along with performing, Lindsay’s singing was the icing on the cake she is a paid National Anthem singer for NHL Los Angeles Kings and MLB Los Angeles Angels. Her tale attests that for some of these performing kids, the stage just gets moved to another form of performing.
5. Cole Sprouse – From Ross’s Son to Dark Comedy Breakout
Pre-Disney stardom, Cole Sprouse had a turn as Ross Geller’s son Ben on Friends. When his TV persona disappeared from the show, Cole’s didn’t.
He has proceeded to star in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody alongside twin Dylan, Riverdale, and most recently received acclaim for 2024 horror rom-com Lisa Frankenstein. His path is a true kid actor success a seamless segue from family fare to adult fare.
6. Ashley Johnson – Next Up on Growing Pains and onto Gaming Legend
Ashley Johnson was a child cast member on Growing Pains when she was six years old and was Chrissy Seaver, to whom everyone’s attention was drawn whenever she came on screen with her curls and smile. Her best professional growth, however, was voice acting.
She provides the voice and motion capture performances for Ellie of The Last of Us video game franchise, to widespread critical praise. She’s also an actor on Critical Role and captain of its charity crew, and will appear on Amazon’s animated fantasy TV show The Mighty Nein. Voice acting is every bit as awesome as live acting in front of a camera, Ashley’s success guarantees it.
7. Madeline Zima – Grace of The Nanny to Edgier Roles
Madeline Zima was just eight years old when she portrayed The Nanny‘s spunky youngest Sheffield child, Grace Sheffield. She graduated from her earlier child star role after the show with edgier and grungier roles.
She’s a recurring player on Californication, a recurring player on Heroes, and more recently, co-starred with Megan Fox in the 2024 release of Subservience. Coming up next: starring. in the horror film Love Is the Monster. Her ascendancy into superstardom is the culmination of a fearless getting her feet dirty with adult, dark fare.
8. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen – From Full House to Fashion Royalty
The Olsen twins, TV stars starring as Michelle Tanner on Full House, gave rise to a book, film, and merchandise franchise. They were two of the most recognizable entertainment faces of their youth.
They’re now retired from acting, blissfully, today. They have the upscale fashion boutique The Row, still garnering award-winning attention. As Mary-Kate devoted time to equine physiotherapy and Ashley welcomed her first child in 2023, they keep their lives as anonymous as their fashion idols are cool.
9. Jodie Sweetin – Stephanie Tanner’s Second Act
She was stuck to Full House during her childhood and brought the character back to life for Netflix’s Fuller House. Things have not always been smooth sailing, though she has spoken about kicking the habit in her autobiography unSweetined.
She has also most recently worked in TV movies, danced on Dancing With the Stars, and co-hosted the How Rude, Tanneritos! rewatch podcast with Andrea Barber in 2023. She has been so truthful and brave that she is a fascinating person to observe as a lifelong fan.
10. Mike Lookinland – Bobby Brady’s Life Beyond TV
Mike Lookinland was eight years old when he was cast to play Bobby Brady on The Brady Bunch. He did not professionally work as an actor after the series and the spin-off.
Nowadays, he has a decorative concrete company in Utah but still makes occasional TV appearances, such as in the 2021 holiday movie Blending Christmas alongside other Brady alumni. He also pops up at conventions now and then to keep the Brady fire burning for die-hard fans.
11. Tatyani Ali – Ashley Banks’ Comeback Career
Tatyana Ali, also known as Ashley Banks of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, was an up-and-coming actress and singer. She started her career with her first album Kiss The Sky in 1998.
She has retained the formula ever since for music and acting, serving a decade-plus with The Young and the Restless and again with the Fresh Prince cast in Bel-Air (2023). Her career is a consistent, multi-generational welcome to entertainment.
12. David Faustino – Bundy Teen to Voice Actor Pro
David Faustino was the wisecracking youngest son Bud on Married. with Children. The role made him a ’90s sitcom fixture.
Since then, he’s enjoyed a successful voice-acting career, applying his talents to The Legend of Korra and Winx Club. He’s appeared in guest roles on episodes of Modern Family and The X-Files, proving his timing remains impeccable all these years later.
From TikTok stardom to fashion royalty, these onetime sitcom brats have gone totally off the rails but all tales of transformation. To audiences who’ve grown up with them, their tales remind us that growing up isn’t about losing that spark it’s about discovering new ways to twinkle.
