Many of us are familiar with the horror stories of child actors. While we don’t have the exact statistics it certainly feels like that for every child star that “makes it” and turns out to be “normal” there are bunches of others that fall hard, and fall fast. If you are wondering what it is like to deal with the pressures of childhood stardom, here are a few choice examples from child network Nickelodeon, of what can happen if you have not yet met your dark side.
Amanda Bynes‘ Pyromaniac Tendencies
In the “Not a Friend of the ASPCA” category is Amanda Bynes. Not all childhood stars respond well to the pressure of success, and setting a fire in a “friend’s” front yard can be considered to be a sign of maladjustment. Her dog was soaked in gasoline as well, though she claimed it was an accident. There may be a connection here, as we all know a dog is man’s best friend. The good news is she says she has given up acting to pursue a career as a fashion designer. Maybe she will be using fire-retardant material?
Drake Bell’s Mystery Finances
Professional athletes are not the only ones who lack impulse control. His Nickelodeon show ran 57 episodes, getting paid an average of 12,500 per episode. Not including his two Drake and Josh movies, that adds up to more than $700,000 for basically three years of work. Coincidentally, three years after leaving the series Bell filed for bankruptcy and now has a net worth of an estimated minus $600,000. He still holds on to his home valued at about $1.75 million. He reports his current monthly income at about $2k. Two DUI convictions may give a clue as to the underlying reasons for his ongoing financial woes.
Emma Roberts Exhibited Extreme Catty Behavior with Evan Peters
At one time, Evan Peters was a love interest of Robert, then apparently became insignificant as she showed her claws. Robert was arrested while in Canada for assault. Police found Peters with bite marks and a bloody nose. She had bruises on her body, but apparently they were the result of friendly forepaw. No charges were filed against either, and their playful relationship continues. Apparently she likes pawing at him, and he likes … umm … cats.
Jennette McCurdy Was Posted Up
At 5’2” tall, it is hard to think about McCurdy being actively involved in basketball. But she did have a shoot around with 7’0” Detroit Piston center Andre Drummond that lasted less than a quarter. During that time, according to McCurdy, he was the villain who leaked borderline nude pictures of her, though Drummond denies it and she has not publicly accused him. Her post-relationship comments are likely an indicator that she was out of her league.
Ricardo Medina Jr. Made Life Imitate Art
Charged with the murder of roommate Joshua Sutter by hacking him to death with a medieval sword, Medina Jr. seems to have taken his Power Rangers Samurai role a bit too seriously. Staying true to character, he claimed that his actions were in self-defense. Though the murder charges were dropped, the case resurfaced in 2016 and he pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter where he is serving a 6 year sentence. Oscar Wilde should be read with a grain of salt Mr. Medina.
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