“The life of a child was not my life…”
Those words from the late Diana Serra Cary, aka “Baby Peggy”, sets the stage for the new HBO documentary “Showbiz Kids.”
the life of a childhood star is fraught with peril: performing in an artificial world surrounded by adults, often cut off from kids your own age, or any sense of normalcy – and in many cases, unable to make the transition into adulthood…those are the stories told in this new documentary series.
Alex Winter directed the film – yes – “Bill S. Preston Esq.” from the “Bill & Ted” movies series directed this film!
Winter is an accomplished Director as well as Actor, and I can’t wait to see this insightful look at what it’s like to grow up in front of the camera…
The documentary premieres July 14 on HBO.
The documentary is stuffed with classic film clips, behind-the-scenes moments, and rare audition tapes: as HBO says in their press release:
“Showbiz Kids” peels back Hollywood’s velvet curtain, shining a spotlight on the glamour and allure of working in the entertainment industry while also affording a sobering window on the tolls that early success can take on young professionals.
Check out the trailer:
Actress Evan Rachel Wood says this about being a child star:
“Any industry that has that much power and is that competitive starts to become, ‘Well, who can take the most abuse?”
We all know the stories of child stars who simply can’t handle growing up – and in many cases, OUT of the business.
Wood got an early start in the business and she, along with many others, are profiled in the documentary from Alex Winter, who was a “showbiz Kid” himself – he started on Broadway at age 10! Others interviewed for the project include Jada Pinkett Smith, Milla Jovovich, Wil Wheaton, Henry Thomas, Mara Wilson, Todd Bridges and the late Cameron Boyce.
I look forward to this new documentary, premiering on July 14.
The title reminded me of this song:
“Show Biz Kids” By Steely Dan!
Steely Dan’s razor sharp song from their album “Countdown To Ecstasy” told of rich, jaded kids who went out all night and didn’t care about anything except having a good time:
“Show biz kids making movies
Of themselves you know they
Don’t give a fuck about anybody else…”
Here is an audio version of the song:
They were steely cool in everything they did – and one of the singers on their first album sued them for more money after it was a hit!
Click here to see the details:
https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/16/icy-cool-steely-dan-classic-70s-music-lawsuits-over-dirty-work/
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If you enjoy this story, please share on social media – and let me know if you are going to watch “Show Biz Kids!”
Categories: Art, Books / Media, documentary films, Film Fight Club, Hollywood, Movies, Politics, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities, TV Show
Thanks for sharing. I’ll have to check this documentary series out.
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I always feel so sorry for children in the limelight and how their lives seem to never be normal or as we know it….Very few celebrities seem unable to achieve normality 🙂 Such a shame ..
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Yes Carol, they are not handled well at all!
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I hadn’t heard about this but I’m looking it up right now on Hulu and see if I can set it to record. Thanks for this John.
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Very interesting, John!
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I don’t envy them one bit. Looks like a powerful film, John.
(Unlike Robbie, I can listen to Steely Dan all night)
Best wishes, Pete.
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Looks like and interesting documentary
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I think these kids have an awful life, often, John. They are totally exploited. I can’t say I particularly like this Dan Steely song, I find the tune a bit monotonous.
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I have met some “child stars” Robbie, and the transition to adult life is indeed brutal. Not one of their best songs to be sure – but it deals with the same issues as the movie, so I included it….thanks as always for commenting!
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oh, I can’t wait to see this. it has always seemed a path fraught with heartbreak and sadness.
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the transition from childhood to adult is brutal for most…I have worked in entertainment for decades and have met a lot of stars…for good and bad – always great hearing from you!
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