Time waits for no one, and in Hollywood, the transformation from childhood to adulthood can be downright shocking. The child actors we once adored have grown up, changed their appearances, and, in some cases, become completely unrecognizable. Whether they left the limelight or reinvented themselves, these 12 stars have undergone major transformations that will leave you stunned.

1. Tom Felton – The Slytherin Bad Boy Grew Up

Tom Felton became a household name as the sneering Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise. With his platinum blonde hair and aristocratic attitude, he was one of the most memorable child villains on screen. However, Felton has since ditched the Malfoy look. His natural brown hair, scruffy beard, and laid-back style make him nearly unrecognizable compared to his days at Hogwarts.

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2. Mara Wilson – From Matilda to a Private Life

Mara Wilson stole hearts as the brilliant and mischievous Matilda in the 1996 film. Her big eyes and innocent charm made her a beloved child star. However, Wilson stepped away from Hollywood as she got older, preferring a quiet life as a writer and advocate. These days, you wouldn’t recognize her at first glance—she has completely embraced her individuality, far from the pigtailed girl we remember.

3. Amanda Bynes – The Nickelodeon Darling’s Drastic Change

Once the queen of Nickelodeon, Amanda Bynes lit up the screen in Big Fat Liar and The Amanda Show. She was known for her comedic genius and vibrant personality. However, after years in the public eye, Bynes went through a highly publicized personal struggle. She has undergone several transformations, including facial tattoos and a new fashion sense, making her almost unrecognizable from her bubbly, fresh-faced teen years.

4. Abigail Breslin – Little Miss Sunshine All Grown Up

Abigail Breslin was the definition of adorable in Little Miss Sunshine, winning audiences over with her quirky charm. Now, she’s all grown up and has embraced a mature, edgier look. The once geeky and awkward Olive Hoover is now a glamorous actress who has taken on more adult roles. Her transformation from a precocious child star to a confident woman is truly striking.

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5. Noah Schnapp – From Stranger to Stylish

Noah Schnapp rose to fame as Will Byers in Stranger Things, where he played the innocent, bowl-cut-wearing kid who was constantly in danger. However, the actor has grown into a stylish young man who barely resembles his on-screen persona. Now embracing a more mature, polished appearance, Schnapp looks completely different from his early Stranger Things days.

6. Jonathan Lipnicki – The Nerdy Kid No More

Jonathan Lipnicki was the ultimate cute kid in Stuart Little and Jerry Maguire, with his round glasses and spiky blonde hair. But if you saw him today, you’d be shocked. Lipnicki is now a heavily muscled, tattooed martial artist. The once-nerdy boy has transformed into a fitness enthusiast with an impressive physique that makes him unrecognizable from his child-star days.

7. Angus T. Jones – From Sitcom Star to Spiritual Seeker

Best known as Jake Harper on Two and a Half Men, Angus T. Jones was the lovable, goofy kid who grew up before our eyes. However, as he matured, he completely left Hollywood behind. Sporting a thick beard and a low-key lifestyle, Jones has moved away from acting and dedicated himself to his faith and education, looking nothing like the chubby-cheeked sitcom star we remember.

8. Matthew Lewis – Neville Longbottom’s Ultimate Glow-Up

If there’s one transformation that shocked Harry Potter fans, it’s Matthew Lewis. Known as the awkward, buck-toothed Neville Longbottom, Lewis went from geeky to gorgeous. As he grew older, he shed his baby fat, embraced a stylish look, and became an absolute heartthrob. His transformation was so drastic that “Longbottoming” became a popular term for unexpected glow-ups.

Video: Harry Potter’s Matthew Lewis had to wear a fat suit and false teeth

9. Christina Ricci – From Creepy to Chic

Christina Ricci was the ultimate spooky child star, known for her role as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family. With her dark outfits and deadpan delivery, she embodied gothic coolness. However, as she grew up, Ricci embraced a sleek, sophisticated look, moving away from her eerie childhood persona. Today, she’s a fashion-forward actress who barely resembles her Addams Family days.

10. Sadie Sink – A Red-Carpet Queen in the Making

Sadie Sink burst onto the scene as the fiery Max in Stranger Things, known for her tomboyish style and wild red hair. Now, she has become a true red-carpet sensation, exuding high-fashion elegance. Her transformation into a stunning, polished actress proves that she has outgrown her youthful, rebellious character and fully stepped into Hollywood’s spotlight.

11. Raven-Symoné – From Disney Icon to a Bold New Look

Raven-Symoné was one of Disney’s biggest stars, known for her bright personality and vibrant energy on That’s So Raven. While she still works in entertainment, her appearance has evolved dramatically. Sporting bold hairstyles and sleek outfits, she has reinvented herself as a confident, outspoken figure who looks completely different from her Disney Channel days.

12. Taylor Momsen – From Cindy Lou Who to Rock Star Rebel

Taylor Momsen was the sweet little girl with big blue eyes in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. However, her transformation is one of the most dramatic on this list. Ditching her innocent look, Momsen went full-on rock star, becoming the lead singer of The Pretty Reckless. With heavy eyeliner, platinum blonde hair, and a punk-rock aesthetic, she’s worlds away from the adorable Cindy Lou Who we once knew.

Final Thoughts: The Ever-Changing Faces of Hollywood

From adorable kids to unrecognizable adults, these stars have truly transformed over the years. Some have stepped away from the limelight, while others have fully embraced a new identity. Either way, their childhood fame remains a part of Hollywood history, reminding us how quickly time flies—and how much people can change.