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MALE CHILD STARS
All of these were Briefly Bright Boys on the movie or TV screen. Some of them retired young, some switched careers to behind the scenes or some other industry entirely and some made sporadic entertainment appearances later in life. Others who succumbed to the pressures and excesses of fame died too young or survived a massively turbulent patch of drugs and/or troubles with the law. ALL of them had the had the shining light of fame focused on them primarily in their youth.
FAMOUS TV SONS
The Nielsen ratings officially started for radio in 1942 and measured the percentage of households that were tuned in. It was only natural when TV came along to ensure that family programming tackle those Nielsen ratings! Hence, we have had “nuclear family” shows from “The Goldbergs” (1949) through “The Upshaws” (2026) on Netflix. Let me share a few of the sons in my collection.
RUSTY HAMER AUTOGRAPH
Famous for “Make Room for Daddy”, he started acting when he was 6. For 11 seasons, Rusty was famous as part of Danny Thomas’s TV family. He suffered as an adult, not being able to find acting work and falling into the bottle. In 1990 his brother found him dead at age 42 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Rusty’s trailer home. His brother said that Rusty’s bitterness towards Hollywood, isolation, financial woes and alcoholism led to the final fadeout.
The autograph that I have is from a vintage autograph book. It is signed on the back by Dolores Hart who co-starred with Elvis in “Loving You” in 1957. Therefore, I’m guessing this rare autograph of Rusty was signed around 1957-8.
BILLY GRAY AUTOGRAPH
Billy Gray was another famous TV son; that of Robert Young in “Father Knows Best”. He was also notably in “The Day the Earth Stood Still”. Billy transitioned into competitive motorcycle racing and he’s a survivor. He’s still with us (as of 2025) and I met him at Hollywood Show convention just to say “hi”. I wanted a specific photo that he had from “The Day the Earth Stood Still”; but he only had one left and said he’d make copies and see me next time. I hope so! The signed 8x10 photo that you see here seems to be a forgery, but the cut signature is authentic.
JON PROVOST AUTOGRAPH
“Timmy’s stuck in the well!” Jon Provost played the child lead in the 2nd era of “Lassie” (1957-1964). I met Jon Provost at one of my first conventions in 2009. I barely remember going! My only notes were that it cost $15 per photo and I had him sign the two here. Back in those days, I didn’t ask for cool inscriptions, dedications or even ask many questions. Now I come fully loaded for bear with quotes for them to write, special pens and written notes to remind me of questions. Aging DOES make you better LOL.
I love how the B&W photo drove me nuts trying to figure out who the woman was, until McGarbo told me it was Bonita Granville! The bratty actress from “Now Voyager” and the producer (with her husband) of “Lassie”. When she died her estate was worth $430 million dollars in 2026. But I digress. Jon Provost left the industry for college, made a few entertainment appearances and fan conventions. He’s 76 as of 2026 and doing just fine. BTW – Timmy was NEVER stuck in a well in any of the episodes of “Lassie”. Just sayin.
JAY NORTH AUTOGRAPH
The similarities between Jay North & Patty Duke with abusive relatives forcing them to perform is startling! Jay played “Dennis the Menace” for 4 seasons and really didn’t want to do ANY of them.
JOEY WALSH AUTOGRAPH
And then there’s the boy child star who refuses to go away! I found a scrapbook that was loaded with photos of male child stars of the 50’s. It consisted mostly of pictures taken OF the TV shows while they were playing; always focused on the boys. Ummm… weird, right? There were also a few signed photos including the one shown here of Joey Walsh. Joey must have been this person’s favorite because there were pages with multiple photos of Joey. I had no clue who he was until I ran across his autobiography. This guy has made the rounds! Not only as a prolific child actor, playing the son in many live TV anthologies and series, but also keeping his hand in the industry as a writer, character actor and producer – still kicking at 88 (2026). You go, boy!
“WHAT’CHU TALKIN’ ‘BOUT WILLIS”
If you don’t know this phrase, you’re a Gen Z or younger. Which means you aren’t reading. Especially not a blog. But for everyone else, this classic line from “Diff’frent Strokes” was oft repeated and used for many a situation. Gary Coleman uttered the line over 120 times during 8 seasons run. And he HATED it when people asked him to do it in-person. Can’t blame him.
GARY COLEMAN AUTOGRAPH
Poor Gary Coleman. Swindled by his own parents and advisors (so much for The Coogan Loaw), serious medical issues, used like a puppet, struggled for work and pigeon-holed by almost everyone who knew or worked with him. Watching him on reality shows was upsetting, because you can completely understand why he so often went ballistic. The anger and hurt inside of him was palpable. The 2024 documentary “Gary” was just unsettling. Dead at 42 because of intercranial hemorrhage from “falling down the stairs”. There is still so much speculation about his death, the 911 call by his ex, her unwillingness to touch him to stop the bleeding, her questionable legal authority, the pix she took of him on life-support and then her decision to pull the plug. Come on now. At the very least, IMO her behavior was not just questionable, it’s just not very humane. R.I.P. Gary – the AUDIENCE loved you without motive.
TODD BRIDGES AUTOGRAPH
“Killing Willis” makes it apparent that Todd Bridges also didn’t have it easy. His autobiography portrays a brutal life of sexual abuse, coke and meth use, racism, legal problems, etc. The story is so often the same with child stars in so many aspects. Due to a more open-minded society and the abundance of autobiographies and documentaries that came out – especially after the #MeToo movement – it makes you wonder about OLD Hollywood. Was the same thing happening to THOSE child stars. Those who came from the era of “Honey, we don’t talk about those things.” I think the answer is the same as Joan Collins said about the casting couch and #MeToo movement; predatory behavior in Hollywood is “endemic”. Duh. Thankfully, Todd Bridges was able to address his demons, has been sober for years and is still doing fan conventions. If writing “Willis” pays the bills, there’s no shame in signing your name.
BOY STARS OF CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD FILMS
WESLEY BARRY AUTOGRAPH
From working with Cecil B. DeMille, Mary Pickford and Gloria Swanson as a child star in silent films to being an A.D. for Roger Corman on “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” and directing “The Creation of Humanoids” (1962) – Wesley Barry had a full life! His work as an actor was continuous from 1917 (aged 10) until 1938. And then he jumped behind the scenes and kept busy! He died at age 86 in 1994. This hand-signed and inscribed photo in white ink to Lysander Richmond is a great piece … of vintage SECRETARIAL signed memorabilia. Because “everybody knows” (Phaedra) all boys in their early teens had that kind of cursive in 1921.
CLAUDE JARMAN, JR. AUTOGRAPH
The 19th Academy Awards in 1947. An Academy Juvenile Oscar is given to Claude Jarman, Jr (age 12) for his debut role in “The Yearling”. Where can you go from there?!?!? He made some more movies in the next 10 years and then went into the Navy and came back to work behind the scenes. A prominent member in my city’s society circle, he was director of the San Francisco International Film Festival for many years, among other high profile gigs. Always a gentleman with autograph collectors, always acquiescent and nary a dramatic oopsie to tarnish his legacy. To die at the age of 90 in the wealthy SF north suburb of Kentfield, leaving an Oscar on the mantle and seven kids (including one who married a Getty) is a life well-lived!
DARRYL HICKMAN AUTOGRAPH
If you haven’t seen “Leave Her to Heaven” (1945, you need to! Gene Tierney rows away from her fiancée’s brother (played by Darryl Hickman) as he’s swimming in a lake and then watches cooly behind sunglasses as he drowns. Joan Crawford won that year for “Mildred Pierce”, but Gene Tierney’s performance is stellar. As was Darryl Hickman’s. He and his brother, Dwayne were both working actors as kids/teens, but Darryl transitioned into being a TV executive, producer, director and acting coach. He had a long fruitful life and lived until the age of 92. I love these autographs from his classic scene in the movie! Watch it! Stat!
JUNGLE BOYS
Where would Tarzan be without Jane and “boy”? And “Jungle Book” without Mowgli?
JOHNNY SHEFFIELD AUTOGRAPH
Johnny played boy in 8 “Tarzan” movies and 19 films as “Bomba”!
SABU AUTOGRAPH
“Elephant Boy” and Mowgli in “Jungle Book” – welcome Sabu to Hollywood!
JUVENILE DELINQUENTS
The Bowery Boys and The Dead End Kids were huge in the 1930’s and 1940’s. These tough talkin’ street hoods created a major trend while emphasizing social-conscience drama. They helped lay the groundwork for later movies like “Rebel Without a Cause”, “Blackboard Jungle”, “The Wild One” and other anti-establishment street or gang culture. And they were fun to watch. Sometimes I have to rewind to catch what they’re saying because of the fast wise-cracks and crackling banter.
FRANKIE DARRO AUTOGRAPH
Frankie Darro was in several of the Bowery Boys films and a great B-movie career at Monogram and Columbia Pictures. This “autographed” handsome 5x7 photo in my collection is actually a stamped signature. You can tell that whoever put the stamp on it didn’t press it all the way down. B-movie punk!
Frankie died at age 59 on Christmas Day of a sudden heart attack while visiting a friend in 1976. If you ask me, quick and suddenly, while celebrating with a friend is not a bad way to go!
BILLY HALOP AUTOGRAPH
The original leader and (handsomest) of the Dead End Kids, Billy Halop got an awful lot of autograph requests. Look at the wavy hair, nose and lips on this guy! A beautiful 5x7 vintage photo hand-signed at the height of his career. The only problem is, HE didn’t sign it. It was a studio secretary that did the heavy lifting and handled his fan mail. Like his one-time co-star Frankie Darro in 1942 (“Junior G-Men of the Air”), Billy also died of a heart attack. In his sleep at age 56 in 1976. Again, not a bad way to go!
DISNEY BOY STARS
I’m not a huge Disney fan in general, but I was 100% into their 1970’s movies like “Freaky Friday”, “The Rescuers” and especially the “Witch Mountain Movies”. Here’s a few guys that stood out for me – I’ll cover the Mouseketeers separately!
KEVIN CORCORAN AUTOGRAPH
Disney star Kevin Corcoran appeared in over a dozen Disney movies, serials and shorts. He started at age 6 and then retired from acting at 15. Peace out! He didn’t leave the industry entirely though and continued to work behind the scenes, notably as an A.D. on “Pete’s Dragon”. (We’ll talk about my interaction with a grumpy Helen Reddy later). Kevin was in a lot of movies that I liked as a kid, especially “Swiss Family Robinson” and “Toby Tyler”. Not such a fan of “Old Yeller” OR his co-star Tommy Kirk. I’ll cover my meeting with a bitter, grumpy Tommy Kirk later. Wait, are Helen and Tommy both grumps? Or is it me? Hmmmm. (It’s them.) Anyhoo … I’m glad to have these two FDC’s signed by Kevin. You’ll note that even signed as an adult his autograph still has a childlike quality about it. Kevin passed away from cancer at the age of 66 in 2015.
IKE EISENMANN AUTOGRAPH
In January 2016 – I met Ike Eisenmann at The Hollywood Collector Show and I had brought this printout I made from “Return to Witch Mountain”. I don’t remember much about our encounter – it was just quick and transactional, and I should have asked more questions, especially about working with Bette Davis. Maybe I did and totally forgot. Maybe I brought this particular picture because I knew I was going to meet Kim Richards just months later at the same show (if it had been announced) or if it was just kismet and it happened that way. Kim signed the picture in April and boy did we have a lovefest! I’ve got to dig out those pics (and video) of me and Kim … stay tuned. The other picture of Ike was in a massive collection that I purchased for $.88 each!
THE COMMERCIAL BOYS
TV jingles, malapropisms and kid’s smiles were the order of the day for commercials when I was a kid. Here a couple of the unforgettables
RODNEY ALLEN RIPPY AUTOGRAPH
Onto some sunshine! “Take Life a Little Easier” and the super-cute Rodney Allen Rippy in his Jack-in-the-Box commercials made EVERYBODY smile in the 70’s. That song is an earworm! It was even released as a single, reaching #102, but hey, he got an album deal out of it too! He was everywhere on TV for a few years; and always adorable. Rodney is now 57 (as of 2026) and busy with a variety of ventures. He was even a candidate for mayor of Compton. (He lost)
The cute kid became handsome man, and his website showcases his sense of humore. I love how he has a quick video “Grown Ass Man” – check it out at:
https://rodneyallenrippy.wixsite.com/official-site
The autographed FDC signed in 1982 was when he was about 13 and it was signed before his handwriting made a subtle shift from the beautiful cursive seen here to a change in the A and other small subtleties. It’s nice to know that his teacher/tutor taught him how to write beautifully. Kids now? Pfffft.
MASON REESE AUTOGRAPH
I was at the Hollywood Show in September 2014 when I was surprised to see a familiar face that had not been announced in the line-up. Sitting in the back of the room, next to Geri Jewell, was a redhead that was instantly recognizable even though he was no longer a kid. Red-headed Mason Reese! He was in over 75 commercials during his career and this kid always made me crack up. Especially when he tried to say “smorgasbord” for Underwood Deviled Ham. His face lit up when he saw MY lit-up face we had a nice chat. I was so glad he had this shot from being on the cover of TV guide in 1973. It’s the perfect time capsule.
80’S & 90’S BREAKOUT BOY STARS
JONATHAN BRANDIS AUTOGRAPH
Jonathan busted out in “Never Ending Story II” and the mini-series of Stephen King’s “It” (the FIRST adaptation). But a global star and teen idol was born at the age of 17 due the massive success of “seaQuest”. This beautifully hand-signed photo of him comes from the time when he was freely signing TTM. And then there was the nose-dive. Difficulty finding jobs after “seaQuest”, undiagnosed mental issues and heavy drinking led to a suicide attempt less than 10 years later. A friend of his found him in the hallway after Jonathan hanged himself, took him to the hospital, but Brandis died the next day at Cedars Sinai at the age of 27. Cause of death were the injuries sustained from hanging. No suicide note. He was just done with this planet. Interesting to note that he signed autographs unfailingly TTM for the last few years of his life. And the very last entry on Startiger shows that the last fan to hear from him, got 2 autographed photos and a business card on November 7, 2003. Five days before Brandis died. Sometimes fans are the only umbilical cord.
EDDIE FURLONG AUTOGRAPH
The little boy from “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” has been through the mill for sure! Think of any problem that could plague a child star and Eddie has been through it. But here’s the thing. HE’S STILL HERE! This guy is a survivor made of titanium. Kudos to Eddie Furlong for gunning through hell and coming out the other side. He still gets work, he’s still working on his sobriety, and he shows up regularly at fan conventions. His authentic signature is a work of art! That’s why forgers have such a hard time trying replicate his autograph; look at the crap attempt on the bad photo. SMH.
COREY HAIM AUTOGRAPH
Corey Haim had such charisma and star quality – had “it”. But what a life. It seems like everything that could go wrong, did. He made some great movies, but behind the scenes there was abuse and rape allegations (Charlie Sheen), substance abuse, rehab stints, troubled friendships and relationships, financial problems, etc. The whole gamut. Even his funeral was a messy situation. “The Two Corey’s”? Yo, I don’t know. Corey Haim died at 38. Everybody initially thought it was the drugs, but he actually died of pneumonia related lung damage – and he had an enlarged heart. Sometimes it’s best if God or the universe grants an early exit. “Lost Boys” forever. And I cherish this great autograph with classic Corey smirk.
JONATHAN LIPNICKI AUTOGRAPH
I guess the kid from “Jerry Maguire” decided to “Show me the money!” when he did the body transformation and muscle photo shoot. He’s all grown up, yes indeedy. Jonathan is still in the industry working a lot in independent films and executive producing. The Hollywood Hustle. I love how you can still see the little kid from “Jerry Maguire” in the montage photo in the lower left with that inimitable smile of his.
Jonathan followed Elvis Costello’s advice and so do I, at the gym. And elsewhere.
