You Heard It Here: Hollywood Years Roll By.
Since Saturday was my daughter’s 18th birthday, I have birthdays on the brain. And birthdays mean growing older. When I think back to all the people I’ve worked with, young and old alike, I still get surprised as the years fly by. I didn’t always work in children’s programming, but I’ve worked with a lot of kids over the years.
Take for instance one of my first shows, Roseanne. Michael Fishman was all of seven years old when I met him. Now, he’s thirty-three with two kids of his own. I know I should be over the fact that kids grow up, but apparently I’m not, so bear with me.
Almost eight years ago, I started work on a show called True Jackson, VP with a very talented cast led by, Keke Palmer, Ashley Argota and Matt Shively. I met these kids when they were thirteen, fourteen and sixteen years old respectively. Here they are then: (I know… small pic. Sorry. Pull out your magnifying glass!)
Now, they are twenty-one, twenty-two and twenty-four.
It’s one thing to watch adult cast members grow older, because I’m growing older with them. But to watch my kids grow UP… grow INTO adults, is truly amazing. I love watching their careers blossom. Mostly, I love that they’ve remained such good humans.
Keke broke all sorts of records last year. First by being the youngest person to host her own talk-show (Just Keke / BET) and second, being the first African American actress to star in Cinderella on Broadway.
Ashely’s releasing her second album in a matter of days and I can tell you it’s wonderful (because I was lucky enough to hear a few tracks)! Look for Limitless. You won’t be sorry!
And Matt is producing as well as acting these days. I couldn’t be happier for the three of them.
I see all their success and I wish the same for my daughter. Though she may not work in show business (which I’m very happy about), I can’t wait to see where she’ll land as she grows into adulthood.
What about you? Anyone in particular you’re watching grow up/older and trying to wrap your brain around the change?
Hi Dee,
Yep, time flies! I’m often astonished at how I see child stars all grown up…when I haven’t aged a bit! HA! I feel like we’ve watched them grow up while on television. Many of them have become very successful behind the scenes too, and I find their names under director or producer, instead of in front of the camera. Ron Howard comes to mind..he was beloved on the Andy Griffith show and Happy Days and he’s now an amazing director/producer.
Hi Charlene,
Yes! Ron Howard is a perfect example! It’s really kind of rare to make a career last so long. I’m not sure people understand just how hard it is. Some people just have the talent and know-how to keep it going. I love watching “my kids” succeed! Thanks for dropping by!
Hi Dee J.,
Not that the lovely ladies of the Los Angeles Romance Authors ever age, but they do grow in terms of their writing careers and it has been so amazing and inspiring to watch the number of members announcing new deals, new books, reaching new heights in self-pubbing, etc. I’m always in awe–and extremely proud to have a front row seat to everyone’s successes!
Hi Sam,
I agree! It’s great watching friends thrive! I know I’ve loved every minute of your success! I couldn’t be happier for you! It’s a bonus that I love your books. Haha! Thanks for stopping in!
It must be wonderful for you to watch these young people blossom in their careers. Happy birthday to your daughter, because 18 is awesome! With most of my family living in Australia, and only going home to visit every two years, I’m always amazed at how my nieces and nephews kids grow in that short span. One year they’ll be crawling and on the next visit telling everyone exactly what they want. 😉
Hi Robena,
It is fun to watch them blossom! It’s crazy how much they grow in the five months between seasons, so I can imagine the change you witness after a 2 year span! I especially notice the difference in height since all my kids tend to pass me up pretty quickly. LOL. Thanks for dropping in!