What is fame? What makes someone famous? We have questions, and Demi Lovato has answers. In light of the recent surge of TikTok content creators featuring their children in their content and exploring the repercussions of exploitation and its harm, one has to ask: how do we protect children from these dangers? When does it stop? How do we accomplish this task?
Demi Lovato goes into depth about these dangers and navigates her own experiences with child fame. While it seems innocent at first, we don’t realize the dangers and the long-term effects of this fame. We all want to be famous. There’s a certain glow that fame glimmers. It influences us to want notoriety and we hope that something permanent comes out of that fame. However, there’s a cost and a sacrifice. Are we willing to make those sacrifices?
Growing up, we’ve seen the media portray child stars as “rebellious” and “acting out” with no particular reason attached to it. They’re child stars who simply want attention. We’re taught that we should pay no mind to these “antics” and that it’s a “phase” that’ll eventually play out. “Child Star” shows us that it’s deeper than that. Fame is bigger than us, and it’s bigger than itself.
It All Started with Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple was a bright, vivacious, and bubbly girl. She made a pathway for future child stars. She was everything that future child stars wanted to be. Demi Lovato wanted to be like Shirley Temple. She recalls sitting on her living room floor with her grandparents, watching Shirley Temple movies with the familiar, “Wow! I want to do that!” That’s exactly what she set out to do. She started her career with beauty pageants, which led to her wanting to be an actress. It was an exhilarating feeling for her. She was living every kid’s dream!
What started as a pipe dream slowly but surely turned into a reality for Demi. She was cast on Barney, starting vocal lessons and living her dream. Before we get more into Demi Lovato, we have to talk about the star of it all: “Child Star”.
I’m Going to Be a Star!
We’re all obsessed with stardom. The red carpets, notoriety, our name on a marquis, being in films and television shows, and everybody knows your name, except it’s not an episode of, “Cheers”. We’re introduced to fellow child stars Drew Barrymore and Christina Ricci who like us, were drawn to the idea of fame; for the most part, they had family members who were already in the business, so it was almost a rite of passage for them. Christina and Drew, who felt like outsiders felt included in the world of Hollywood because they could be themselves, and at an age where children are jealous and insecure of things they cannot do, they both felt ostracized from their respective friend groups. Added to this mix is Keenan Thompson, who expressed similar sentiments of being attracted to stardom.
Fame is great! Christina and Drew find mentors and parental figures in established Hollywood figures like Steven Spielberg and Cher, and they feel important. However, they find that this feeling can’t last forever.
This is My Reality
While life is great for these stars, reality sets in for these stars. At the age of 10, Drew Barrymore recounts being given her first substance. Christina Ricci recounts a turbulent childhood while having to be a breadwinner for her household, while Ken Mitchell’s money from Nickelodeon was stolen by his shady accountant. Raven-Symone recounts her dissociative experiences while filming, “The Cosby Show”.
Similarly, despite finding success after a long dry spell of auditions, Lovato found herself overworked and tired. After booking both “Camp Rock” and “Sonny with a Chance”, Lovato found herself on top of the world. She had a six-album deal with Disney and was becoming a household name; the dream she always wanted. She wanted to be the best, she constantly reminded herself. Unfortunately, fame came at cost.
The Lovato of it All
Demi was on top of the world. She was one of the most celebrated Disney celebrities of the late ’00s, and she had everything that she deserved. Reuniting with fellow “Camp Rock” alum Alyson Stoner, they reminisce about their time on Disney Channel and the costs that came with child fame. Alyson Stoner, who’s also a child star, reflects on their experiences with Demi and her breakdown between the first and second “Camp Rock” films.
Demi genuinely expresses remorse for her actions. While being overworked, Demi needing an escape from her chaotic work schedule turned to substances and had many encounters, one leading to her punching a backup dancer on tour. They both relate that their aspirations and optimistic outlook on becoming famous died when the isolation, harassment, and bullying from both peers and fans set in. Lovato even stated that she doesn’t remember her time at Disney. It was a tough time for Demi, but she was on her way to healing.
Does the Cycle Continue?
With documentaries like “Child Star” and also recent “Quiet on Set” released, it’s important to look at current experiences of child fame, especially happening on social media. There’s the comprehension that child fame is too much to handle, and we must take a stance against this type of fame and protect children, especially during their formative years.
“Child Star” explores the notion of setting up a bill that not only protects children but properly compensates them as well. The documentary explores how this damages a child’s self-esteem and expression, and it’s better to stop the cycle now, rather than continue the domino effect.
A Little Quiet
Although the documentary showcases the chaos of being a child star, the interviews that were conducted throughout the documentary were filmed in quiet locations such as coffee shops and inside of the actors’ homes. It was a simple touch to reflect on their lives and the calmness that they’re experiencing in their current lives.
What’s beautiful about this film is the recognition of these traumatic experiences, and it is our initiative to finally listen to these former child stars. We finally have the mental health resources and awareness to be patient and not be quick to judge.
What is fame you may ask? Well, we have to define what that is, but it’ll be so much better.