What These Christmas Film Icons Are Up To Now
Cindy Lou from How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) THEN
Image Source: Best Life
Nothing screams Christmas like the Grinch, right? Taylor Momsen played the iconic role of Cindy Lou in the film we all still love today. The story follows the Grinch as he hatches a plan to steal Christmas but he has a change of heart after Cindy Lou shows him the true meaning of Christmas.
Cindy Lou from How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) NOW
Image Source: Superficial Gallery
After her iconic role as Cindy Lou, Momsen went on to play Jenny Humphrey in the hit teen-drama series
Gossip Girl which ran for seven seasons and received critical acclaim. She is now the lead singer of an American rock band called
The Pretty Reckless.Kevin from Home Alone (1990) THEN
Image Source: ScoopWhoop
Macauley Culkin played the iconic role of Kevin McCallister in the Christmas film
Home Alone which is still popular over 30 years since its release. The story follows the adventures of Kevin after he is accidentally left behind by his family when they go away for the Christmas break.
Kevin from Home Alone (1990) NOW
Image Source: The Independent
Culkin went on to star in other films but retired from acting at the age of 14. In 2013, he co-founded a comedy rock band called
The Pizza Underground. He is now father to his 1-year-old daughter who he shares with actress Brenda Song and recently walked the runway for Gucci.
Michael from Elf (2003) THEN
Image Source: The Mirror
Daniel Tay played the role of Michael, the half-brother of Buddy the Elf, in the festive favourite which burst on to the big screen in 2003. Although Michael struggles to get on with Buddy at first, they eventually become good friends and form a brotherly bond.
Michael from Elf (2003) NOW
Image Source: The Sun
Although he briefly carried on his acting career as a child, Tay took a step back from the industry to focus on his studies. He graduated from Yale University with a BA in Economics and he now keeps a low profile away from the public eye and works as a teacher.
Bernard the Elf from The Santa Clause (1994) THEN
Image Source: Bustle
Is there a more iconic Christmas film than
The Santa Clause? We thought not! You will all probably recognise Bernard the Elf who was played by David Krumholtz when he was 16-years-old. He had only been acting for a year before being cast as his first major role in this festive favourite.
Bernard the Elf from The Santa Clause (1994) NOW
Image Source: Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Krumholtz continued his acting career and has starred in lots of other popular films and TV series. He reprised his role as Bernard the Elf in the Disney series
The Santa Clauses which was released in November this year. He has also been releasing rap music since 2020.
Joanna from Love Actually (2003) THEN
Image Source: www.self.com
Love Actually is potentially the most iconic Christmas film of all time, which is why we will all recognise Joanna who was played by Olivia Olson when she was just 11-years-old. Her character played the love interest of Sam who was played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster.
Joanna from Love Actually (2003) NOW
Image Source: The List
Since making her debut in
Love Actually, Olson has gone on to be the voice of main characters in a number of popular animated series including
Adventure Time and
Phineas and Ferb. As her main passion is singing, she made a surprise appearance on X-Factor in 2019!
Spike from Christmas With The Kranks (2004) THEN
Image Source: Fanpop
Christmas With the Kranks is undoubtedly one of the funniest festive films ever made and Spike is an iconic character played by Erik Per Sullivan. The story follows Luther and Nora Krank as they attempt to ‘skip’ Christmas much to the dismay of their neighbours.
Spike from Christmas With The Kranks (2004) NOW
Image Source: LADbible
You will probably recognise Erik Per Sullivan as he played Dewey Wilkerson in the hit TV series
Malcolm in the Middle. It ran for seven seasons from 2000-2006 but not long after the finale he retired from acting at the age of 18 and now keeps a low profile.
Jovie from Elf (2003) THEN
Image Source: Screen Rant
Zooey Deschanel was still in the early days of her acting career when she played Jovie in the festive favourite
Elf which was released in 2003. This performance gained her serious attention as it was such a success and she starred alongside other big names like Will Ferrell.
Jovie from Elf (2003) NOW
Image Source: Nicki Swift
After rising to fame in the industry, Deschanel landed leading roles in a number of big films including
Yes Man and
(500) Days of Summer. Her most noteworthy performance is her role as Jess in the hit comedy series
New Girl which ran for seven seasons until 2018.
Sophie from The Holiday (2006) THEN
Image Source: Page Six
Is there anything more comforting than watching
The Holiday over the festive season? We all remember Sophie who was played by Miffy Englefield when she was just 7 years old. Her character portrays the eldest daughter of Graham (Jude Law) alongside her on-screen sister Olivia (Emma Pritchard).
Sophie from The Holiday (2006) NOW
Image Source: The Tab
As you can tell from this image, Sophie has definitely grown up! It has been 16 years since
The Holiday was released and despite the success of the film Englefield did not end up pursuing a career in acting. According to her social media profiles she is now a mother.
Thurman Merman from Bad Santa (2003) THEN
Image Source: IMDb
Brett Kelly is best known for his role as Thurman Merman in the 2003 film
Bad Santa. This dark comedy, which also features Billy Bob Thornton, follows the story of how a young boy manages to warm the heart of a conman who robs shopping malls on Christmas Eve posing as Santa Clause.
Thurman Merman from Bad Santa (2003) NOW
Image Source: Daily Express
Kelly was just 10-years-old when he made his breakthrough in Bad Santa and he went on to feature in a number of other films and TV series. However, he is still best-known for his role in the iconic festive favourite and he reprised his role as Thurman in the 2016 sequel
Bad Santa 2.Kate from Home Alone (1990) THEN
Image Source: FM104
Catherine O’Hara plays the iconic role of Kate McAllister who is the mother of Kevin in the hit festive favourite
Home Alone. One of the most famous lines from the film is when she screams “Kevin!” after realising her son has been left behind before fainting in the airport.
Kate from Home Alone (1990) NOW
Image Source: The Hollywood Reporter
O’Hara is no stranger to the spotlight and since her performance in Home Alone she has continued her high-profile successful acting career to this present day. She is most well-known for her work as a comedian in the TV series
Second City Television and
Schitt's Creek.Susan from Miracle on 34th Street (1994) THEN
Image Source: IMDb
Mara Wilson played Susan Walker in the 1994 remake of
Miracle on 34th Street, which was her second role in a Hollywood film after she was cast as Nattie in
Mrs. Doubtfire in 1993. The remake of the original 1947 film was well received and is still a popular festive film today.
Susan from Miracle on 34th Street (1994) NOW
Image Source: Insider
Two years after the release of
Miracle on 34th Street, Wilson went on to star as the leading role in the character-titled film
Matilda which was based on the novel by Roald Dahl. She then took a 13 year hiatus from the industry to focus on her studies and now predominately does web series.
Ralphie from A Christmas Story (1983) THEN
Image Source: Good Housekeeping
Peter Billingsley played the role of Ralphie Parker in the festive favourite
A Christmas Story. The film is set in the 1940s and follows the story of Ralphie trying to desperately convince Santa Clause that he should get a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun for Christmas.
Ralphie from A Christmas Story (1983) NOW
Image Source: Distractify
Since his role in
A Christmas Story when he was a child, Billingsley has starred in several other films and TV series. However, his main work has been behind the scenes as a director and producer. In January 2022 it was announced that he would reprise his role as Ralphie in a sequel film.
Sam from Love Actually (2003) THEN
Image Source: Insider
Thomas Brodie-Sangster was only 13-years-old when he played Sam in
Love Actually which was released back in 2003. The film received critical acclaim and is still one of the most popular Christmas films to this date which kickstarted his acting career.
Sam from Love Actually (2003) NOW
Image Source: Netflix Life
His role in
Love Actually gained Brodie-Sangster a lot of attention and he landed roles in some huge films including
Nanny McPhee and
Game of Thrones. He continues to have a successful career and one of his most recent roles was in the hit Netflix series
The Queen’s Gambit.Iris from The Holiday (2006) THEN
Image Source: Plotek
We all remember this heartbreaking scene in
The Holiday when Iris finds out the man she loves is marrying another woman. Kate Winslet plays a heartbroken woman who attempts to escape feeling lonely over Christmas by house swapping with someone who lives in LA…
Iris from The Holiday (2006) NOW
Image Source: People
Winslet was already a big name before featuring in
The Holiday with her performance in the film
Titanic gaining her worldwide recognition. She has continued her successful acting career up until this present day and some of her more recent films include
Ammonite in 2020.
Judy the Elf from The Santa Clause (1994) THEN
Image Source: That Moment In
Paige Tamada found early fame a child star when she played Judy the Elf in
The Santa Clause. The film received critical acclaim and is still a festive favourite even today. Unlike some of her co-stars, Tamada did not reprise her role in the sequel films.
Judy the Elf from The Santa Clause (1994) NOW
Image Source: Buzz Nigeria
After the success of
The Santa Clause, Tamada went on to make guest appearances on popular shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air but soon gave up on her acting career to focus on her studies. She graduated from university and now works as a retail industry executive.
Mr. Poppy from Nativity (2009) THEN
Image Source: Movies Wiki
Marc Wootton plays Mr. Poppy, the loveable teaching assistant in the iconic festive favourite
Nativity which was released in 2009. The film follows the amusing but heartwarming story of a primary school class pulling off the greatest nativity play ever made.
Mr. Poppy from Nativity (2009) NOW
Image Source: Rotton Tomatoes
This was Wootton’s first major role in a film and Mr. Poppy is still his most well-known role to this day. The success boosted his popularity and landed him roles in a number of other films and TV series. He also reprised his role in the two sequel films to the original
Nativity.Fuller from Home Alone (1990) THEN
Image Source: Best Life
Did you know that Macauley Culkin wasn’t the only one from his family who starred in
Home Alone…his younger brother Kieran was also cast in the film as Fuller McCallister who was one of Kevin’s cousins. The brothers both kickstarted their acting careers after this performance.
Fuller from Home Alone (1990) NOW
Image Source: Vanity Fair
Due to the success of the Home Alone franchise which are still popular Christmas films today, Culkin was propelled into the spotlight and has continued his acting career as an adult. He is most well know for his role in the film
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and the TV series
Succession.
Lisa from Babes in Toyland (1986) THEN
Image Source: Glamour
Drew Barrymore is such a big name in the industry, most people forgot how she started out! She was just 11-years-old when she played Lisa in the Christmas musical film
Babes in Toyland. It is based on the 1903 operetta of the same name which was composed by Victor Herbert.
Lisa from Babes in Toyland (1986) NOW
Image Source: Nicki Swift
Barrymore was born into an acting family which gave her the connections she needed to become a star. She took part in a number of minor roles until she gained recognition in the 1990s. She is most well-known for starring in
Never Been Kissed,
Charlies Angels and
50 First Dates.Charlie from The Santa Clause (1994) THEN
Image Source: Eonline.com
Eric Lloyd was only 8-years-old when he played the role of Charlie Calvin in the popular Christmas film
The Santa Clause. With the famous Tim Allen playing Santa Clause himself, this star-studded film has become a festive family favourite over the years.
Charlie from The Santa Clause (1994) NOW
Image Source: BuzzFeed
You wouldn’t even recognise Lloyd today at the age of 36! Although he has taken roles in other films and TV series, he is still most well-know for playing Charlie Calvin and reprised this role in the two sequel films. In 2015 he opened his own production studio in California.
Buzz from Home Alone (1990) THEN
Image Source: Irish Mirror
Devin Ratray is best known for his role as Buzz McCallister in the iconic festive favourite Home Alone. Buzz is the oldest sibling in the McCallister family clan. He was just 13-years-old when he featured in his first major film with no idea it would become such a success.
Buzz from Home Alone (1990) NOW
Image Source: The Sun
Since his role in the
Home Alone franchise, Ratray has continued his acting career over this years and even returned for ‘Home Sweet Home Alone’ in 2021. In more recent years, he is most-well known for starring in the films
Nebraska,
Masterminds and
Kimi.Santa Clause from The Santa Clause (1994) THEN
Image Source: IMDb
Tim Allen is undoubtedly the most iconic Christmas film icon and his role in The Santa Clause is what gained him this status. After accidentally killing a man dressed up as Santa Clause on Christmas Eve, he is transported to the North Pole to become the next real Santa Clause…
Santa Clause from The Santa Clause (1994) NOW
Image Source: Newsmax
Since playing Santa Clause in one of the highest-grossing Christmas films of all time, Allen has continued to have a successful career in both films and TV shows. He is most well-known for being the voice of Buzz Lightyear in the
Toy Story franchise and also plays Luther in
Christmas With The Kranks.Jake from I'll Be Home for Christmas (1998) THEN
Image Source: IMDb
Jonathan Taylor Thomas plays college student Jake Wilkinson in the 1998 film
I'll Be Home for Christmas. The story follows Jake’s attempt to make it home to New York for Christmas, who usually avoids the festive season, with the promise that he will receive a Porsche as his gift.
Jake from I'll Be Home for Christmas (1998) NOW
Image Source: Good Housekeeping
Alongside his role in this hit Christmas film, Taylor Thomas is best known for starring in the TV series
Home Improvement which was one of the most watched sitcoms in the 1990s. He has taken part in a few film and TV roles since then, but has mainly stayed away from the spotlight.
Buddy the Elf from Elf (2003) THEN
Image Source: The Mirror
Despite being released almost 20 years ago,
Elf is still one of the most well-known and popular Christmas films out there and it is a staple in family households. Will Ferrell plays the main character, Buddy the Elf, who goes on a mission to find his real family.
Buddy the Elf from Elf (2003) NOW
Image Source: NME
Will Ferrell is considered a comedy icon and after his role in the festive hit
Elf back in 2003 he carried on to feature in many other big Hollywood films. As well as having a successful acting career he has starred on broadway, launched a podcast and become a producer.
Rusty from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) THEN
Image Source: Pinterest
This little kid from
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is none other than Johnny Galecki himself! He was just 14-years-old when he played Rusty in this festive comedy which was released back in 1989 and is still popular even today.
Rusty from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) NOW
Image Source: Looper
Galecki has gone on to have a successful acting career since his performance in
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. However, his most notable performance is playing Leonard Hofstadter in the hit American sitcom
The Big Bang Theory which received universal popularity.
Mr Madden from Nativity (2009) THEN
Image Source: elle.com
Another British festive hit is the
Nativity which was released back in 2009. Martin Freeman played school teacher Paul Madden in this heart-warming family favourite which follows his mission to direct an outstanding nativity production after telling a white lie that Hollywood were coming to visit…
Mr Madden from Nativity (2009) NOW
Image Source: Radio Times
Freeman had a successful acting career before starring in
Nativity but what came next would lead him to global stardom as he was cast for the role of Bilbo Baggins in
The Hobbit. Based on the famous novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, Freeman also starred in the following two films which made up the trilogy.
Randy from A Christmas Story (1983) THEN
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Ian Petrella plays the role of Ralphie’s little brother Randall “Randy” Parker in
A Christmas Story which was released back in 1983. He plays the typical sibling character profile by being stubborn and whiney, but he is actually a smart and observant young boy.
Randy from A Christmas Story (1983) NOW
Image Source: Muppet Wiki
After his breakthrough on the big screen, he appeared in several TV series before following in the footsteps of many other child actors and taking a 15 year hiatus from the industry. He will be reprising his role for the 2022 sequel
A Christmas Story Christmas. Jamie from Jingle All The Way (1996) THEN
Image Source: Cosmopolitan
It’s been over 25 years since
Jingle All the Way hit the big screen which featured Jake Lloyd playing Jamie Langston. The film stars the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger as his father, Howard Langston, who travels all over town to get his son his dream Christmas present.
Jamie from Jingle All The Way (1996) NOW
Image Source: Cosmopolitan
So, what happened to Lloyd after he his role in
Jingle All The Way? The success of the festive favourite propelled him into the spotlight and he was cast as the young Anakin Skywalker in the 1999
Star Wars film. He then took a step back from acting and never returned.
Linnie from Home Alone (1990) THEN
Image Source: The Sun
Angela Goethals was just 13-years-old when she played Linne McCallister, the sister of Kevin in
Home Alone. The film was such a success that they went on to release five more films up until 2021. However, Goethals was replaced by another actress in Home Alone 2.
Linnie from Home Alone (1990) NOW
Image Source: Wiki 24
Like many of her other co-stars, the attention received from
Home Alone meant she landed roles in many other films and TV series in her teens. However, her presence in the industry has died down in more recent years as she is now married and spends most of her time with her three children.
Ruby Sue from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) THEN
Image Source: Yahoo
Ruby Sue was the adorable little kid in
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation played by Ellen Latzen when she was just 9-years-old. The film follows the story of the Griswold family as their plans for a big family Christmas turn into complete havoc.
Ruby Sue from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) NOW
Image Source: IMDb
After taking a break from the industry to focus on her studies, Latzen never returned to acting as she felt it would have been too difficult to get her foot back in the door after such a long hiatus. She is currently working on a podcast about the child acting industry.
Emily from The Perfect Holiday (2007) THEN
Image Source: African American Literature Book Club
Who remembers
The Perfect Holiday which was released back in 2007? If you do then you will definitely recognise Khail Bryant who played Emily in this hit festive film. The heartwarming story follows a young girl asking Santa Clause to find a new husband for her divorced mother.
Emily from The Perfect Holiday (2007) NOW
Image Source: Franklin & Marshall College
The Perfect Holiday was Bryant’s first ever acting role and the success of the film has given her the opportunity to continue her career in the industry. She is now 23-years-old and she recently starred in the powerful Netflix series
See You Yesterday.
