Former child actor Bobb’e J. Thompson was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a felon. This case highlights the challenges some child stars face as they transition into adulthood. Thompson’s sentence includes three years of supervised release, adding his name to a list of former child entertainers with legal issues.
In September 2025, authorities arrested Thompson after he was caught driving 104 mph in a 70 mph zone. Officers found marijuana and a loaded stolen handgun in his backpack. He pleaded guilty in April, and U.S. District Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced him. Thompson has previous convictions, including assault and a prior firearm offense.
Disney Channel Stars with Legal Troubles
Thompson is known for his role as Stanley on “That’s So Raven” and appearances in “Wild ‘N Out” and other films. His federal gun conviction is his most serious legal incident.
Orlando Brown faced legal issues such as arrests related to domestic disputes, drug possession, and trespassing. He has shared his struggles with substance abuse and homelessness.
Shia LaBeouf, who starred in “Even Stevens,” faced several arrests. Recently, he pleaded guilty to simple battery charges after a Mardi Gras incident. He was involved in a civil lawsuit with singer FKA twigs, which was later settled.
Mitchel Musso, known as Oliver on “Hannah Montana,” was arrested for public intoxication and theft in 2023. The main charges were dismissed.
Adam Hicks faced armed robbery charges in California and was sentenced to five years in prison. He was paroled in 2022. Hicks has spoken about his experiences with addiction and recovery.
Anneliese van der Pol, also from “That’s So Raven,” pleaded no contest to a DUI after a 2006 crash. She received probation and completed an alcohol education program.
Debby Ryan faced a DUI case after a 2016 traffic collision, resolved with a plea to reckless driving.
Nickelodeon Stars with Legal Troubles
Amanda Bynes is a prominent example of a child star with legal troubles. Between 2012 and 2014, she faced multiple driving-related arrests amid mental health struggles.
Drake Bell, from “Drake and Josh,” pleaded guilty to attempted child endangerment in 2021, receiving probation and community service. Bell later discussed how the case impacted him.
Child Movie Stars
Macaulay Culkin was arrested in 2004 for marijuana possession. He later sought to expunge his record in 2026.
Lindsay Lohan’s legal issues, including DUI arrests, probation violations, and rehab orders, often overshadowed her acting career during 2007-2013.
Jake Lloyd, known for “Star Wars: Episode I,” faced legal problems linked to mental illness and schizophrenia after a 2015 high-speed chase. His family noted he responded well to treatment.
Edward Furlong, from “Terminator 2,” encountered domestic violence allegations and probation violations in the 2010s. He was arrested for violating a restraining order and served time in jail.
Haley Joel Osment faced a DUI and marijuana possession case in 2006 after a crash. He received probation and rehabilitation requirements.
Tatum O’Neal won an Oscar for “Paper Moon” at age 10. Her 2008 arrest for buying crack cocaine from police was publicly discussed, along with her substance abuse challenges.
TV Sitcom Child Stars
Darius McCrary of “Family Matters” was arrested in 2025 for child-support issues and failure to appear in court. He pleaded no contest and was released pending sentencing.
Todd Bridges, known for “Diff’rent Strokes,” faced serious legal problems, including drug addiction and weapons-related arrests in the late 1980s and 1990s. He has spoken about recovery after addiction.
Dana Plato of “Diff’rent Strokes” was arrested in 1991 for armed robbery. She died in 1999 from a drug overdose ruled as suicide.
Zachery Ty Bryan, best known for “Home Improvement,” encountered repeated legal issues related to domestic violence starting in 2020. He received a 16-month jail sentence for a DUI in 2025.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Samantha Beech and Dave Siminoff.
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