Hailey Watson
Growing up in the spotlight comes with unique challenges, especially for child stars of the 1990s. Many of these young celebrities later faced difficult adult relationships that ended in complicated divorces. These stars who once captured our hearts on TV and in movies eventually had their personal struggles splashed across tabloids and gossip sites. Their stories remind us that fame at a young age often comes with lasting complications in personal relationships.
1. Drew Barrymore
America’s sweetheart from “E.T.” faced relationship hurdles long after her childhood fame. Her third marriage to art consultant Will Kopelman ended in 2016 after nearly four years together and two daughters.
Unlike her previous marriages, this split involved children, making it particularly challenging. Drew openly discussed how devastated she felt about failing to provide her daughters with the stable family life she never had growing up.
Despite the emotional toll, the former couple committed to co-parenting amicably. They’ve maintained a respectful relationship for their daughters’ sake, with Drew frequently praising Kopelman’s parenting skills in interviews.
2. Britney Spears
From The Mickey Mouse Club to the tabloids, the pop princess’s love life has been anything but quiet. Her blink-and-you-missed-it wedding to Jason Alexander shocked the world, but it was her bitter 2006 split from Kevin Federline that dominated headlines.
The custody battle for their two sons became a public spectacle. Legal fees mounted as they fought over visitation rights and child support payments. This contentious period coincided with Britney’s very public breakdown.
Her personal struggles eventually led to a controversial conservatorship that lasted 13 years. The divorce became just one chapter in a longer saga about control, mental health, and autonomy that continues to fascinate the public.
3. Mary-Kate Olsen
Half of the famous Olsen twins duo from “Full House” faced a particularly difficult divorce during the pandemic. Mary-Kate’s marriage to French banker Olivier Sarkozy ended dramatically in May 2020 after five years together.
Court documents revealed she filed an emergency petition when Sarkozy tried forcing her out of their New York City apartment during lockdown. The timing couldn’t have been worse as courts were operating on a limited basis due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The notoriously private former child star found herself in unwanted headlines again. The divorce was finalized in January 2021, with financial settlements kept confidential – a small victory for someone who has worked hard to maintain privacy since leaving acting.
4. Keshia Knight Pulliam
The adorable Rudy Huxtable from “The Cosby Show” experienced a devastating divorce that blindsided her while pregnant. Ed Hartwell filed for divorce in 2016, just one week after Keshia announced her pregnancy and only seven months into their marriage.
The situation deteriorated when Hartwell demanded a paternity test, publicly questioning if he was the father. Keshia stood firm throughout the ordeal, giving birth to daughter Ella Grace while fighting a public battle over her child’s paternity.
The court eventually granted Keshia primary custody and child support. She later revealed on her podcast that the experience, though painful, made her stronger and more determined to protect her daughter from similar public scrutiny.
5. Soleil Moon Frye
Known for her role as Punky Brewster, she endured a painful chapter when her long-running marriage to Jason Goldberg ended in 2020. The breakup, involving four children, proved more difficult than the couple first anticipated.
Court documents later revealed disagreements over financial support and custody arrangements. Soleil requested primary physical custody of their children while asking for spousal support from her producer ex-husband.
Friends expressed surprise at the split, as the couple had renewed their vows just ten years earlier in a lavish ceremony. Their divorce finalized in 2022, closing a chapter on what had been one of Hollywood’s more enduring marriages for a former child star.
6. Zachery Ty Bryan
Once the teen heartthrob of Home Improvement, he faced serious legal troubles amid his 2020 divorce from high school sweetheart Carly Matros. After 14 years of marriage and raising four children, the breakup quickly grew contentious.
Shortly after announcing their separation, Zachery was arrested for allegedly strangling his girlfriend – not his estranged wife – in an unrelated domestic violence incident. This legal trouble cast a shadow over the divorce proceedings and damaged his public image.
The former child star pleaded guilty to two felony counts and received probation. His divorce finalized amid this personal turmoil, with custody arrangements and financial settlements kept private despite the very public nature of his other legal problems.
7. Christina Ricci
The former child star from “The Addams Family” endured a volatile divorce from film producer James Heerdegen. After filing in 2020 following seven years of marriage, Christina obtained an emergency protective order against her estranged husband.
Court documents contained disturbing allegations of physical and emotional abuse. Christina claimed the pandemic lockdown created a dangerous situation as she was trapped at home with her alleged abuser, leading to her decision to file for divorce and seek protection.
The bitter legal battle included custody disputes over their son. Eventually, Christina was granted full custody with Heerdegen receiving visitation rights. She has since remarried and welcomed another child, finding happiness after this difficult chapter.
8. Naya Rivera
Before her tragic drowning in 2020, the “Glee” star who began as a child actress on “Family Matters” experienced a tumultuous divorce from actor Ryan Dorsey. Their 2016 split initially seemed straightforward until Naya suddenly dismissed the divorce petition in 2017, attempting reconciliation.
The reunion proved short-lived. Just months later, Naya was arrested for domestic battery against Dorsey, though charges were later dropped at his request. She refiled for divorce shortly after this incident.
Their divorce finalized in 2018 with joint custody of their son Josey. Following Naya’s passing, Dorsey gained full custody of their child and has worked to preserve her memory for their son while navigating the unique challenges of raising a child who lost his mother so young.
9. Drake Bell
The “Drake & Josh” star who began his career on Nickelodeon’s “All That” experienced a brief but contentious marriage to Janet Von Schmeling. Their separation in 2023 came amid Bell’s various legal troubles and personal struggles.
The divorce proceedings revealed tensions over their young son’s custody. This family drama unfolded shortly after Bell was temporarily reported missing and considered “endangered” by police in Florida, adding another concerning layer to an already difficult situation.
Their relationship had weathered previous storms, including Bell’s 2021 guilty plea to child endangerment charges unrelated to their marriage. The former child star’s personal and legal challenges have continued to complicate his divorce proceedings and custody arrangements.
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