Veteran actress Jamie Lee Curtis, well-known in Hollywood, recently spoke about her heartfelt experiences acting alongside child performers, a topic that resonates deeply with her. Discussing her roles in films like “My Girl” and “Freaky Friday,” Curtis offered glimpses into memorable moments working with young co-stars, highlighting the unique challenges and powerful bonds she developed—making the Jamie Lee Curtis child actors aspect central to her story.
Memorable Experiences Working with Young Actors
Jamie Lee Curtis has spent many years collaborating with young talent on set, a process she finds emotionally moving and uniquely demanding. Reflecting on her career, she said,
“Watching young actors do an adult’s job… It’s very challenging,”
Curtis recalled during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. This sentiment comes from her work on 1991’s “My Girl,” where she acted alongside Macaulay Culkin and Anna Chlumsky.
When revisiting old footage from that time, Curtis became visibly moved, saying,
“This is emotional for me because they were so young,”
as she remembered the responsibility of setting a positive example and maintaining professionalism around her younger colleagues. She also added,
“I’ve played a lot of moms, I’ve worked with a lot of young actors,”
emphasizing how these relationships have been an essential part of her career. Curtis also fondly remembered,
“And Macaulay and Anna were so great,”
capturing the affection she holds for her former co-stars. The connection she formed with Macaulay Culkin during this period is evident, as the two shared a warm embrace on set, highlighting the supportive environment she nurtured.
Special Memories from the Set of “My Girl”
Of all her projects, “My Girl” stands out as a highlight for Curtis. She expressed her genuine affection for the film to Entertainment Tonight, stating,
“That was another beautiful, unexpected, beautiful little bit of work.”
Curtis not only cherishes the emotional aspects of her work with child actors but also recalls the humor and lighthearted moments that made those experiences unique.
During an appearance on “The Graham Norton Show,” Curtis shared a story about the strict “no swearing” policy on set. She humorously recounted how, at the end of shooting, she gifted Culkin and Chlumsky the money collected in “swear jars,” which had amassed sizeable amounts from the adults’ slips. According to Curtis,
“I took the two cans, and I walked up to each of them — each of the cans had like 500 bucks in it,”
highlighting the camaraderie and fun shared despite the pressures of the work. In a playful twist, she mentioned jokingly swearing at both young actors as she handed them their rewards, further demonstrating the respectful yet relaxed rapport she maintained on set.
Decades after filming, Curtis and Culkin have continued their connection, with recent social media posts showing them together in 2024, smiling and sharing a friendly hug. This ongoing relationship reflects Curtis’s commitment to genuine bonds formed during formative years on set.
Connections That Extend Beyond the Film Set
Jamie Lee Curtis’s supportive relationships with young actors extend beyond the “My Girl” cast. In 2003, she starred alongside Lindsay Lohan, then sixteen, in “Freaky Friday.” The friendship that blossomed during filming has endured for more than two decades. Curtis noted their enduring connection, saying,
“As she’s matured, we’ve stayed in contact our whole lives,”
when speaking with People in 2025.
Describing her philosophy on mentorship, Curtis explained the importance of authenticity in relationships with younger colleagues. She said,
“I think it’s important, particularly with someone who is young in the movie business, if you connect with them, you have to let them know it’s real. There’s R-E-E-L life, and then there’s R-E-A-L life,”
expressing her belief that supporting young professionals goes beyond the confines of the film industry. This approach has clearly contributed to her valued friendships, including her bond with Lohan.
The actress’s history with child stars such as Macaulay Culkin, Anna Chlumsky, and Lindsay Lohan exemplifies her dedication to nurturing genuine, lasting relationships with colleagues, balancing the pressures of Hollywood with a caring and sincere approach. As Curtis continues to reflect on these experiences, her perspective highlights the significance and impact of positive mentorship with Jamie Lee Curtis child actors in the entertainment world.
