Who would have thought these "Barney" or "Sesame street" children would become big stars?

When they are young, some celebrities get an early start in their acting careers. There is no better place than shows for children to do this! These programs can be viewed on the Public Broadcasting Service (AKA PBS). It airs childhood favorites such as "Barney" or "Sesame St" as well animated series like "Arthur." Although they were only children when they joined the network, it was obvious that these actors were bound for stardom.

Learn which actors started their career on PBS...

1. Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez was cast in her first role on "Barney & Friends" From 2002 to 2004, she played Gianna on the series. Although she admitted that she was made fun of at school she said it was an amazing experience. She still remembers many of the songs!

It was incredible to be 7 years old, and to experience this. It was amazing. It was a big part of my life," she stated during a BBC Radio 1 interview.

2. Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker appeared on "3-2-1 Contact", a PBS children's science program, in the 1980s. Sarah, who was at the time starring in Broadway's "Annie", could be seen in the episode in her musical costume explaining how hibernation works.

3. Tatyana Ali

Tatyana Ali started her career on "Sesame Street", where she played a part as a neighborhood kid from 1984 to 1989. She was among celebrities like Sid Caesar, Dizzy Gillespie and Herbie Hancock. Tatyana reflected back on her time on the show during the 50th anniversary celebrations in 2019.

"You were an integral part of my childhood, and are now a big part of my children’s lives. Tatyana shared her love for being part of the magic via Twitter.

4. Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck was first known for his role on "The Voyage of the Mimi", a 1980s television series. The educational program followed Mimi's crew as they explored the oceans and studied whales.

"Much like the character in 'The Accountant,' I had some training in my youth. But this training was in making sixth grade science and math students suffer from long explanations of science and math concepts on a children's television show. It took me a while. There are some that I'm 10 and others that I'm 13. "Ben shared his findings on "The Graham Norton Show".

5. Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato, like Selena Gomez got her start on "Barney & Friends." They became friends when they met at an audition. The two ended up becoming close and starring together on the show. Demi says that she was going through a difficult time in her life and the show helped her.

"I was really struggling at the time and I was so grateful that I was on television." It was obvious that there was a connection between me and Barney.

6. Julia Stiles

Julia Stiles was a preteen when she appeared on "Ghostwriter", a PBS series in which she played Erica Dansby, a computer hacker. Julia confesses to being "pretty embarrassed" about the role and wishes it was no longer online.

"I was very small and precocious and it's embarrassing for me. I mean, I'm grateful to all the work I've been allowed to do in a job. This was especially true because it was while I was auditioning. All you want is to get work. Julia shared her gratitude with AV Club.

7. Keshia Knight Pulliam

Keshia Knight Pulliam was three years old when she made her television debut on Sesame Street. The show aired episodes from 1982 to 1984. She was cast as a guest on "The Cosby Show" later in her career.

8. Tyler James Williams

Tyler James Williams was eight years old when he joined the cast of "Sesame Street". This was his first role. From 2000 to 2003, he was a regular on the show and also appeared in an Elmo's World holiday special.

"It's a great way to get started if you're a child actor, because they transition you. They are aware that you're a child. All the Muppets are there to meet you, but they remain true to their characters. It's a great method to learn how you can get started," he stated on "Live With Kelly and Ryan."

9. Ming-Na Wen

Ming-Na Wen, an actress in "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D," made her first TV appearance on "Mister Rogers Neighborhood" in 1985. In a few episodes, she was a royal trumpeter at King Friday's court. She says that it was an "incredible" experience to appear on the set.

"Mr. Rogers is exactly as you see him. She said that she meant "just sweet, kind, quiet and soft-spoken."

10. Debby Ryan

Before Debby Ryan was cast for the Disney Channel, she starred in a Barney movie titled "Barney - Let's Go To the Firehouse". She played the role of a teenage girl whose dog got stuck in a hole. The fire department had to rescue the dog.

11. Madison Pettis

Madison Pettis was also a part of the "Barney & Friends", where she played Bridget between 2005 and 2006. Her mom was initially hesitant about her getting involved in the entertainment business at such a young age, but it turned out to be the beginning of her successful career.

My mom was reluctant to get involved in the entertainment business at any level, but she saw how much I loved it. Soon after I began modeling, and I was booked for commercials. Barney and Friends was the first television show that I appeared in. Cathryn, a great coach in Texas, introduced me to acting classes around that time. She sent an agent from LA to look at me. Madison explained to Lefair Magazine that he said that if I flew from LA to pilot season, he would represent my interests."

12. Ashley Tisdale

Ashley Tisdale, a little girl when she was 25, appeared in several episodes of Sesame Street. Recently, she shared a clip of an episode in which she was holding up the letter F on a playground.

"I'm sure you didn’t know that I was on Sesame Street!" Also, who knew that my letter would be the first letter in my married name, French? Even though I couldn't pronounce the R's, look at me now! Ashley shared this on Twitter.

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Title: These Stars All Got Their Start on PBS Programs
Sourced From: www.toofab.com/2023/04/02/these-stars-all-got-their-start-on-pbs-programs/
Published Date: Sun, 02 Apr 2023 14:00:23 +0000

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