Mara Wilson asks, should we still have child stars?

A closer look at Mara Wilson asks, should we still have child stars?

What this Marketplace episode covers

This episode features former child actor Mara Wilson and journalist Kate Taylor discussing the consequences of childhood fame and whether society should rethink employing child actors.

They talk about pressures on young performers, including financial expectations to support families and harmful public scrutiny that can follow a child into adulthood.

Concrete issues and laws discussed

The episode explains the Coogan Law in California, which requires 15% of a child actor’s earnings to be put into a bank account accessible to the child at 18; Mara Wilson says that child actors often do not see most of their money.

Guests raise concerns about press junkets and public exposure, suggesting child actors should be protected from invasive media appearances and that parents need to set strong guardrails before allowing kids to audition.

Who will find this episode useful

Listeners interested in the ethics of child labor, entertainment industry practices, or the personal experiences of former child stars will get firsthand perspectives.

Parents considering child acting for their kids, industry professionals thinking about on-set protections, and anyone curious about how fame affects children’s long-term well-being will find the discussion relevant.

Questions people ask about Mara Wilson asks, should we still have child stars?

Does the episode explain what the Coogan Law does?

Yes - it describes the Coogan Law as requiring 15% of a child actor’s earnings be put into an account the child can access at 18.

Do they suggest specific policy changes?

They discuss ideas like banning press junkets for children and strengthening parental and industry guardrails, but the page summarizes the conversation rather than listing enacted policy changes.

Can I contact the show with feedback?

Yes - the page provides an email (uncomfortable@marketplace.org) and a form to share thoughts about the episode.

Mara Wilson asks, should we still have child stars? was shared on NexURLs by NexURLs on November 7, 2026, in Movies & TV.