Congratulations Brandy!
The entertainment business is one of the most vicious industries to be in. It can eat you up and spit you out with no remorse for your well being, especially child and teen stars. Many children niave to the real world get fixated in this fictional world of drugs, lust, and alcohol. However in the midst of it all there are quite a bit of young stars that continue to thrive.
Brandy just celebrated her 20 year mark in the industry with heart felt messages from other celebrities influenced by her success. While we praise Ms. Norwood on how far she has come and continues to go, take a look at other celebs 35 and under that are 20 year industry veterans.
Raven Symone
After Rudy there was Olivia. The sassier but just as cute new member of the Cosby Show. Not only an actress but a brand name, Ms. Symone has done very well for her self at the young age of 27.
Keisha Knight Pulliam
She got her big break at the tender age of 3 as Rudy in the Cosby Show. She took a mini break to get her degree but once she graduated she was back where her heart lives, in acting.
She started her career on Sesame Street in 1985 but it was her role on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air as the pretty, cool, very rich Ashley Banks that made her mark in Hollywood. Almost 30 years in this industry, Ms. Ali can be seen in two upcoming movies this year.
Slated as the next Michael Jackson, Usher began his career with local r&b group NuBeginnings. But it wasn’t until LaFace discovered him on Star Search did his talents soar. He’s a dancer, actor, singer, and most importantly father who has remained on the top of the music industry since his self-titled debut.
Jurnee Bell Smollett
Probably one of the few child stars to get a TV show surrounding her and her siblings in the early 90s. She began her career in TV but made her film debut in the New Orleans base movie Eve’s Bayou. The married actress starred in Tyler Perry’s Confessions of a Marriage Counselor earlier this year.
At age 11 Dallas Austin saw Monica’s greatness and offered her a record deal. Over 20 years later her careers blossomed into a Grammy (4 nominations) and 5 Billboard Music Awards.
Meagan started her career at age 4. She made her first movie spot in 1995’s Friday when she was 13. And on the brink of her 3rd decade of this industry under her belt, this newly married actress can be seen in Think Like a Man 2, that hits theaters next year.
Kristen Dunst
While many of us credit Kristen Dunst for her role in our favorite cheer movie Bring It On, this movie came many years after her debut short film Oedipus Wrecks. Twenty four years into this industry her resume continues to flourish.
Christina Ricci
Ms. Ricci had her debut role as Wednesday in The Addams Family and Kat in Casper. Twenty two years later she continues to grow in all aspects of her acting career.
Photo Credit: TV Week
Although Marques Houston started with his group Immature in 1992 the same year he got his first acting gig as a voice over for the animated comedy Bebe’s Kids. Over 20 years later he’s still acting and making music and recently announced IMX will be getting back together.
Photo Credit: You Know I Got Soul