Questionable Roles for Children

Madison Lovato

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:29:48 GMT

“Desperate Housewives” character Gabrielle Solis, played by Eva Longoria, is extremely concerned about her overweight child this season. It’s a huge part of the script and obviously the overweight actress who plays her, Madison
Lovato, knows the plot.

Tracy Gold

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:29:47 GMT

Her character, Carol Seaver on “Growing Pains,” was constantly mocked for
being overweight. She has implied that the role was partially the cause of
her real-life struggle with anorexia.

Dakota Fanning

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:29:48 GMT

In “Hound Dog,” Fanning plays a child who is physically and sexually abused
by her father. Critics were outraged when Fanning’s character is brutally
raped by her father in the film.

Jodie Foster

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:29:46 GMT

She was 14 when she played a 12-year-old prostitute in “Taxi Driver.” She may have grown up unscathed, but her role certainly affected society. Her character was the inspiration for John Hinckley Jr’s assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan in 1982.

Coronji Calhoun

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:29:47 GMT

At ten years old, he played Halle Berry’s overweight son in “Monster’s Ball.” At one point her character Leticia yells at him about his obesity. When asked how she handled yelling these terrible things at a young boy, Berry said in an interview, “Through heart-to-heart talks with him. Kissing him and hugging him every minute before and right after — and really making an investment in him.”

Linda Blair

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:29:46 GMT

After playing possessed child Regan in “The Exorcist,” 14-year-old Linda
Blair received death threats. She went on to play more risque roles — like
a teenage rape victim — and ended up spending many years battling with
addiction.