Child Stars From The 2000s: Where Are They Now (Recent Photos)

The early 2000s gave us some of the most memorable child stars from TV and film. Many of them grew up right in front of us, landing roles that shaped an entire generation’s pop culture. Fans often search for updates and new photos of these former child actors, curious to see where life has taken them.

Here’s a look at some of the most well-known child stars from the 2000s and where they are today. Some stayed in the spotlight, while others moved into new careers, business ventures, or family life.

Lindsay Lohan

Then

Star of The Parent Trap (1998) and Mean Girls (2004).

Now

Lohan returned to acting after years away from Hollywood. She signed a deal with Netflix, starring in the holiday rom-com Falling for Christmas (2022). She also married financier Bader Shammas in 2022 and gave birth to her first child in 2023.

Recent Photos

On her Instagram, she shares lifestyle shots from Dubai and family updates.

Commercial Note

Fans still love Lohan-inspired merchandise, such as Mean Girls apparel and nostalgia-themed collectables. Retailers like Amazon and Target offer a wide range of options.

Hilary Duff

Then

Known for Lizzie McGuire on Disney Channel.

Now

Duff is starring in Hulu's "How I Met Your Father" and continues to build her career in television. She's also a mom of three, author of a children's book, and has her own line of home products.

Recent Photos

Her Instagram features family life, fitness posts, and behind-the-scenes looks at her show.

Commercial Note

Search trends indicate interest in her fashion picks and skincare routines—many of which are linked through brand partnerships with companies such as Carter's, Disney, and beauty brands.

Raven-Symoné

Then

Disney Channel icon with That’s So Raven.

Now

She continues acting and is also behind the reboot of Raven's Home on Disney+. Off-screen, she co-hosted The View for a time and has been open about her life with wife Miranda Maday.

Recent Photos

She often shares on her social channels, including TikTok, where she connects with fans.

Commercial Note

Streaming services often bundle Raven's shows, keeping her relevant for families subscribing to Disney+.

Frankie Muniz

Then

Lead of Malcolm in the Middle.

Now

Muniz stepped back from acting and focused on professional race car driving. In 2023, he announced he would compete full-time in NASCAR’s ARCA Menards Series. He’s married with a son and remains active on social media.

Recent Photos

His racing career is documented across Instagram and motorsport news sites.

Commercial Note

NASCAR fan gear and sports merchandise remain popular tie-ins for Muniz searches.

Mary-Kate And Ashley Olsen

Then

Famous from Full House and a long list of direct-to-video hits.

Now

The twins retired from acting to focus on their fashion careers. Their luxury brand, The Row, is one of the most influential in the high fashion industry. They rarely appear publicly but are occasionally photographed at fashion events.

Recent Photos

Sporadic paparazzi shots at New York events.

Commercial Note

Their clothing label is high-end, but budget-conscious fans often look for “Olsen twin-inspired” clothing on mainstream sites like Nordstrom or Zara.

Amanda Bynes

Then

Nickelodeon star, known for The Amanda Show and movies like She's the Man.

Now

Bynes stepped away from acting after personal challenges. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and announced work on a podcast in 2023.

Recent Photos

Seen at Los Angeles events and occasionally in paparazzi updates.

Commercial Note

Searches about her often connect with mental health services, podcasts, and fashion retail interests.

Macaulay Culkin

Then

Though his biggest hit was Home Alone in the 1990s, Culkin stayed relevant in the early 2000s with roles in indie films.

Now

Culkin is engaged to actress Brenda Song, with whom he shares two children. In 2023, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Recent Photos

It is widely available at the ceremony and family outings.

Commercial Note

The holiday season always drives demand for Home Alone streaming, DVDs, and merchandise.

Miley Cyrus

Then

Disney’s Hannah Montana.

Now

Cyrus reinvented herself as one of the world's biggest music stars. Her 2023 hit single Flowers broke streaming records. She's also known for her collaborations with prominent fashion and beauty brands.

Recent Photos

Featured in fashion campaigns and concert promotions.

Commercial Note

Her name consistently drives clicks for Spotify, Apple Music, and live event ticketing platforms.

Daniel Radcliffe

Then

Harry Potter himself in the eight-film franchise.

Now

Radcliffe has pursued indie roles and stage acting. In 2022, he starred in Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, earning critical acclaim. He and his longtime partner, Erin Darke, welcomed a baby in 2023.

Recent Photos

Shared at premieres and in paparazzi coverage.

Commercial Note: The Harry Potter franchise fuels massive ongoing sales for Warner Bros., from LEGO sets to Wizarding World theme park tickets.

Emma Watson

Then

Hermione Granger in Harry Potter.

Now

Watson has taken breaks from acting to focus on activism, fashion, and writing. She remains a prominent figure in sustainability advocacy, often associated with brands such as Prada and Burberry.

Recent Photos

Shared on Instagram and spotted at major fashion events.

Commercial Note

Searches for Watson often lead to eco-friendly fashion retailers and book sales.

Zac Efron

Then

Breakout star from Disney’s High School Musical.

Now

Efron has had a steady acting career, with recent credits including Netflix's "Down to Earth with Zac Efron" and the wrestling drama "The Iron Claw" (2023).

Recent Photos

Promotional images for his latest roles highlight his transformation.

Commercial Note

His projects are tied to travel shows, health, and fitness brands.

Dakota Fanning

Then

Child star of films like I Am Sam and War of the Worlds.

Now

She transitioned successfully into adult roles, starring in The Alienist and other dramas. She’s also active in fashion circles.

Recent Photos

Seen at film festivals and high-end brand campaigns.

Commercial Note

Strong ties with luxury fashion brands keep her relevant for ads in fashion and beauty spaces.

Conclusion

The child stars of the 2000s have taken very different paths—some thriving in Hollywood, while others have transitioned into business or private life. For fans, recent photos and updates keep the nostalgia alive while showing how much they've grown. Whether you're interested in catching their latest series, buying themed merchandise, or following their social media, these former child stars still hold a prominent place in pop culture.