The stage mother is a controversial and legendary figure—from Mama Rose to Dina Lohan. And looking backwards– from Lindsay Lohan to Judy Garland, the yellow brick road to success is littered with damaged child performers.
Lots of the blame is pointed at their mothers, now known as momagers. On some level it makes sense for moms to run their kids’ careers. Who better to promote—and protect her cub—than a Mama bear. But how about moms who make the decision before the kids are old enough to cast a vote?
I’m sure the temptation can be hard to resist—since all our kids are irresistible. If the vast audience out there could see them, surely they’d fall in love as we have. But chances of stardom are slim; you’d have better odds spending the money on lottery tickets instead of head shots.
Especially once I became a mother myself, I considered the stage mother one of the lower life forms in Hollywood. Everything seemed wrong about it—from auditions and rejections to schooling on the set—I thought child actors missed out on all that’s wonderful about childhood. My disapproval rating put them somewhere between Joan Crawford and moms who feed their kids every night at McDonald’s. They allow the dream of stardom to invade precious and innocent lives. Leeches who live off the earnings of their hard-working kids.
I used to wonder– what kind of person would thrust children into the spotlight, cutting short the idyllic years of childhood?
Well, now there’s a little twist. Actually two of them.
They’re the daughters of my niece Rachel, who lives across the country, far removed from show business. She’s got good common sense and zero interest in being a stage mother. But before you feel relief for the future mental well-being of these 3 year olds…
…. someone is trying to convince their mom to put them in show business.
…..and that would be me.
Why? Just three words: Mary Kate. Ashley.
Consider the Olsen twins’ advantages. Being adorable. Check. Being a matched set. Check-mate.
Lookalikes are a prized commodity among child actors. They can switch off and play the same role, allowing productions to comply with child labor laws.
The Olsen twins, by the way, are fraternal; my niece’s twins are identical. Need I say more?
I think it’s worth the risk —when you consider the rewards. Even if they don’t build an empire, they can at least sock away enough to pay for princess accessories; not to mention college tuition.
Considering my low opinion of stage mothers, I admit I feel a little humiliated hypocritical. But before you judge me as a stage-aunt, check out this video. I guarantee it will make you smile. Or at least buy whatever they’re selling.
Tell me if you think I’m wrong…or if you know a great talent agent.
MICHAEL ROSENTHAL says
OMG, call IMG! I spent part of Saturday afternoon with these two BEYOND PRECIOUS little darlings and I am flabbergasted! Bibble, bibble. bibble… Personality and sparkling cuteness off of the charts! Their potential for “success” is immeasurable. The question is, is there a way to insulate them from harmful pressures and temptations that could develope a distorted sense of reality that has ended up damaging the maturation and psyche of too many child stars? A dilemma, for sure…
marlawentner says
Those two are beyond adorable, for sure. But I look at Ashley and Kate and wonder how happy their lives have really been. They are very successful financially, but don’t seem to be enjoying life with all of its many wondrous things! Being so successful at such young ages has to make an impact. Even though it would be tempting, and even though the girls would absolutely adore everything involved (just like a lot of little girls enjoy being in “beauty” pageants), I think I would have to forgo the experience as a parent. Too many pitfalls, not enough gain in the larger sense of the word.
Darryle Pollack says
Aren’t they adorable? I’ve obviously always felt the same way about child stars but it’s SO tempting!
Darryle Pollack says
Thanks, Marla, as a parent I agree with you. But it’s hard to know or predict who really ends up satisfied with life as an adult—whether they’re stars or not. Sure, it does make a huge impact to be successful so young. Still there must be child actors who really do end up with happy, somewhat normal lives. (Not that I can think of any….haha) Or maybe I’m just trying to make myself feel better for even suggesting this whole idea to my niece?