Child actors in Christmas movies, as they are today

Every year, we go back to being children reliving the magic of Christmas movie. But what happened to the adorable kids of the traditional rewatches under the tree? Although the stars often get all the attention – like Tim Allen in the trilogy of Santa Clause – the little actors who work alongside them in the Christmas movies help make the films even more memorable. Let’s take it Love Actuallyfor example: the cast includes big names like Liam Neeson and Keira Knightley, but for many viewers it’s Sam (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), the stepson of Neeson’s character, who captures attention with his sweetness and perspicacity.

Impossible not to mention the sweet little girl of Miracle on 34th Street. Little Susan (Mara Wilson) who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus, because of his skeptical mother. However, his vision will change when he meets the real one, during the Macy’s parade. We saved the best for last, Mom, I missed the plane. The timeless classic with Macaulay Culkin in the guise of the cunning Kevin McCallisterthe enfant terrible who defends his home from two clumsy bandits have made him the icon of the holidays. Even after twenty years, his domestic adventures continue to make us laugh and warm our hearts. We are sure that all these children ended up on Santa’s nice list. Not only for stealing the show from their adult colleagues, but because they left an indelible mark on our memories. Here’s what the kids in Christmas movies are like today.

Macaulay Culkin by Mom, I missed the plane (1990)

Barry King
children christmas movie
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Macaulay Culkin became Kevin McCallister at age 10 in the 1990 classic and, at 12, filmed the equally successful sequel. Today, the most famous child of Christmas is 44 years old. He led the comedy rock band Pizza Underground for several years. He has two children with his partner Brenda Song and is the godfather of Paris, Michael Jackson’s daughter. In 2023, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Kieran Culkin by Mom, I missed the plane (1990)

Kieran Culkin
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children christmas movie
Joe Maher/Getty Images

Here is Fuller McCallister, Kevin’s annoying little cousin. Playing him is Macaulay Culkin’s brother, Kieran, who was awarded at the time. Today he is an acclaimed Hollywood star; after concluding his glorious run by holding an Emmy, for his Roman Roy in the series Successionis up for the 2025 Golden Globe as a supporting actor for A Real Painthe dramedy by and starring Jesse Eisenberg.

Mara Wilson by Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

children christmas movie
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Mara Wilson
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Mara Wilson was just 7 years old when she played the sweet Susan in the remake of the classic with Natalie Wood. Today she is 37. The skeptical little girl who didn’t believe in Santa Claus will make her last film at the age of 13. Today she is the author of theatrical plays.

Eric Lloyd by Santa Clause (1994)

children christmas movie
eric lloyd
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Eric Lloyd was eight years old when he played the role of little Charlie Calvin in the trilogy of Santa Clause originated in 1994. Today, at 38 years old, he has reprized the role of Tim Allen’s son aka Santa Claus in a cameo in the Disney Plus series. He is a musician and producer.

Thomas Brodie-Sangster by Love Actually (2003)

Thomas Brodie Sangster
Andy Butterton – PA Images/Getty Images
children christmas movie
Dave Benett

The English actor was 12 years old when he played Sam, Liam Neeson’s stepson capable of stealing the show from an all-star cast, thanks to his sweetness and determination. Today, the actor of Maze Runner, The Queen of Chess And Pistol he is 34 years old.

Taylor Momsen de The Grinch (2000)

children christmas movie
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Taylor Momsen at the premiere of The Crow held at The Village East by Angelika on August 20 2024 in New York City.
Taylor Momsen at the premiere of “The Crow” held at The Village East by Angelika on August 20, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images)John Nacion/Getty Images

Able to thaw the heart of the grinch Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen played the sugary Cindy Lou at the tender age of 7. Today, Jenny Humphrey’s ex Gossip Girl she is 31. Since 2009, she has been the frontwoman of the hard rock band The Pretty Reckless, which she founded herself (she even duetted with Marilyn Manson).

Thora Birch by Dear Santa Claus (1991)

children christmas movie
children christmas movie
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Thora Birch had turned nine when she slipped into pretty Hallie O’Fallon’s red coat while visiting Santa Claus at the Macy’s department store. Then it arrived Hocus Pocus and much later the Oscar-winning film American Beauty. Throughout her career, she has distinguished herself in indie cinema. Additionally, he starred off Broadway in the revival of Dracula and in the iconic series The Walking Dead. Today, he is 42 years old.

Jake Lloyd by A promise is a promise (1996)

children christmas movie
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children christmas movie
Gilbert Carrasquillo
children christmas movie
Gilbert Carrasquillo

Jake Lloyd was seven years old when he became Jamie Langston. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s little son, who will go through a thousand adventures to buy him the hard-to-find Turbo Man action figure in time for Christmas. Overwhelmed by success as little Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: The Phantom Menacethe actor will nip his promising career in the bud due to health problems. In 2012, he graduated with a degree in cinematography. However, in 2018 he was admitted to a mental rehabilitation center. Today, the former child prodigy is 35 years old.

Source: Vanity Fair

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