The world of child stardom often comes with glitz and glamour, but behind the scenes, many young actors face harrowing challenges. Here are 11 heart-wrenching revelations shared by former child stars in their memoirs, shedding light on issues like addiction, trauma, and the pressures of fame.

1. Jodie Sweetin's Battle with Addiction

In her memoir, *unSweetined*, Jodie Sweetin candidly recounts her struggles with drug and alcohol addiction as a teenager. A particularly shocking moment occurred during the 2004 premiere of *New York Minute*, where she was "high as a kite" after using meth in a bathroom stall. Sweetin also revealed that she got so drunk at Candace Cameron Bure's wedding in 1996 that she vomited and had to be removed from the event.

2. Tom Felton's Struggles Post-Harry Potter

The beloved wizard from the *Harry Potter* series, Tom Felton, shared his tumultuous journey in *Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard*. He recounted the intervention his friends staged due to his alcohol abuse, and the startling revelation that he attempted to escape rehab just a day after checking in.

3. Naya Rivera and Redd Foxx

In her memoir, *Sorry Not Sorry*, Naya Rivera shared the tragic moment she witnessed legendary comedian Redd Foxx collapse while they were rehearsing lines together. Rivera, who played his granddaughter on *The Royal Family*, vividly expressed her disbelief until Della Reese stepped in to call for help, ultimately saving her emotional turmoil that day.

4. Jill Duggar’s Family Struggles

Jill Duggar, from the controversial reality show *19 Kids and Counting*, revealed shocking financial exploitation in her memoir, *Counting The Cost*. Despite the family earning over $8 million from the series, Jill and her siblings saw none of the profits while her father, Jim Bob Duggar, kept it all, offering them a mere $80,000 each after years of hard work.

5. JoJo’s Fight Against Sexualization

Music star JoJo opened up in her memoir, *Over the Influence*, about the harsh realities she faced as a teenager in the industry, including sexual harassment from a producer. One horrifying night at a New Year’s Eve party hosted by Katy Perry, JoJo described waking up disoriented and alone in a hotel bathroom, grappling with the trauma of unwanted advances.

6. Drew Barrymore’s Early Introduction to Drugs

In her revealing autobiography, *Little Girl Lost*, Drew Barrymore shared a shocking confession about smoking weed for the first time at just 10 years old. Her candidness about her childhood struggles has resonated with many fans and advocates.

7. Britney Spears and the Pressure of Public Image

In *The Woman in Me*, Britney Spears disclosed that her management pressured her to maintain an image of innocence, even though she became sexually active at 14. The world wanted her to remain an "eternal virgin," leaving Spears to question, "Whose business was it if I had sex or not?"

8. Jennette McCurdy's Nickelodeon Offer

Following the cancellation of *Sam and Cat*, Jennette McCurdy claimed in *I'm Glad My Mom Died* that Nickelodeon offered her $300,000 as a "thank you gift," contingent on her silence regarding her experiences at the network. This bold move underscores the secretive struggles many face behind the bright lights.

9. Kenan Thompson's Body Image Issues

In *When I Was Your Age*, Kenan Thompson shared how he felt "exploited a little" due to his weight during his time on *All That*. Despite initially brushing it off, he revealed that the body image issues persisted into adulthood, particularly during moments of rewatching his sketches on SNL.

10. Melissa Joan Hart’s Experimentation

In *Melissa Explains It All*, Melissa Joan Hart opened up about her time on *Sabrina The Teenage Witch*, admitting to experimenting with various drugs, including weed, mushrooms, and ecstasy. However, she made it clear that she had never resorted to snorting or injecting substances.

11. Wil Wheaton’s Reflection on Childhood Fame

Wil Wheaton, in his memoir *Still Just A Geek*, candidly shared how he was pressured into acting as a child and the profound effects that child stardom had on his mental health. He bravely addressed his ongoing battles with anxiety and depression, revealing the dark truths behind the facade of fame.

These memoirs expose the often hidden struggles of those who achieve early fame, reminding us that the journey of a child star is not always filled with joy, but rather a complex tapestry of triumphs and trials.