The child star of the beloved ’90s classic “Curly Sue” amazed fans with her recent appearance at 43. Here’s what happened to this former actress after stepping away from the spotlight, including her battle with sobriety.
In the early 1990s, this child actress became a household name, lighting up screens with her charm and iconic curls in “Curly Sue.” However, some fans have often wondered what happened to her after she left the Hollywood acting scene.
The young actress on the set of “The Golden Girls” circa 1980s. | Source: Getty Images
Take a look at her journey over the years, including navigating fame at such a young age, overcoming alcoholism, starting a family, and undergoing a career change. Today, fans compliment her on being a “beautiful” woman.
The child star at the premiere of “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” on November 15, 1992, in Century City, California. | Source: Getty Images
From Hollywood Fame to Life’s Challenges
This child star, who captivated audiences in the early 1990s, made her mark in Hollywood with multiple iconic roles. She first appeared in “Parenthood” in 1989, co-starring Steve Martin then starred in “Curly Sue,” co-starring Steve Carell, in 1991, which cemented her place in the hearts of fans.
The child star as Curly Sue in “Curly Sue” in 1991. | Source: YouTube/ Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers
When she auditioned for “Curly Sue,” she immediately connected to the role. She recounted the moment, saying she knew it would be hers. Her confidence proved true as she landed the lead role in what would become a defining movie of her career.
The child star as Curly Sue in “Curly Sue” in 1991. | Source: YouTube/ Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers
Despite the movie’s name, some of the character’s features, including famous curls, were crafted. She admitted, “My hair was very straight. I did not have curly hair.” The now-famous curls were achieved through two perms and daily curling on set to create her signature look.
In 2008, she returned to the screen in “Meet Dave,” but her focus had shifted by then, and she no longer saw herself as just an actress. Despite being a part of such iconic films, the actress reflected on her early days in Hollywood, saying, “Life as a child star was normal life for me.”
“I never really saw myself as anything special or different, other than the fact that I worked at a young age,” she continued. Despite her early success, the Hollywood star made the surprising decision to step away from acting after years in the entertainment industry.
Reflecting on this turning point, she said, “My decision to leave the business… it wasn’t fun for me anymore. There was no joy in it for me because I think I just wanted to be doing normal kid things.” After leaving Hollywood, she returned to a relatively average teenage life.
Yet, even as she tried to blend into everyday life, her iconic role as Curly Sue followed her, reminding her and others of the childhood fame she once held. However, her challenges didn’t end with leaving the industry. In 2014, the former child star revealed on her blog that she had struggled with alcoholism for years.
She bravely opened up about her battle with addiction, sharing, “I’ve waited a long time to write about my sobriety. It’s a touchy subject.” The actress added, “Also, you never know when you’re going to wake up and realize the disease won.”
Her journey to sobriety began in 2007. She wrote on her blog that she felt trapped by it before turning to God. Days later, she entered treatment, and her life took a transformative turn. She attended meetings, worked the steps, and found a new purpose.
The famous actress at the opening night performance of “A Chorus Line” on May 22, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
“I made a call to my mom and another person who was sober, and they helped me, and I went into treatment, and I’ve been sober ever since,” she revealed.
Years later, in December 2021, the former actress reflected on her addiction and sobriety once again. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she wrote, “Every ‘problem’ I had loaded was solved the moment I got sober. Everything in my life today I owe to the clarity and surrender I found in sobriety.”
The former child star performing at the Exploring the Arts Gala on September 27, 2010, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
A New Chapter
This famous child star is none other than Alisan Porter and following her days as a child actor, she moved on and started a family. She married a longtime friend, Brian Autenrieth, in March 2012.
The couple had known each other for 13 years before tying the knot in an intimate ceremony at Diablo Dormido, a historic ranch in California. “It’s the most incredible feeling to know you’re marrying your best friend,” Porter shared.
Alisan Porter at Ali Landry’s 3rd Annual Red CARPet Safety Awareness Event on September 28, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The actress-turned-singer wore a custom vintage lace dress, and her bridesmaids donned custom-made dresses for the occasion. The wedding had a romantic feel, with the couple dancing their first dance to Frank Sinatra’s “The Second Time Around,” a fitting choice given their history.
Alisan Porter at the People’s “One To Watch” Event on October 9, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
However, despite their deep connection, the marriage didn’t last and Porter and Autenrieth eventually divorced. In 2016, the former actress returned to the public eye in a significant way when she appeared on “The Voice,” co-judged by Christina Aguilera, and ultimately won season 10.
Her powerful performances captured viewers’ hearts, but they didn’t know she was going through personal struggles behind the scenes.
Alisan Porter performing on season 10 of “The Voice” in 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on that time, she shared how her marriage to Autenrieth was falling apart while on the show. “That was sort of the beginning of the end of that marriage,” she said. Despite the challenges, “The Voice” experience gave her the confidence to move forward.
Alisan Porter winning “The Voice” season 10 in 2016. | Source: Getty Images
After their divorce, the former couple found a way to make co-parenting work. They live close to each other and maintain a friendly relationship for the sake of their children.
“Now, I live around the corner from my ex-husband, and we raise kids together. It’s sort of come full circle and we make our co-parenting work, which is lovely,” she explained.
Alisan Porter at St. John’s Health Center 2016 Caritas Gala on October 22 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
In July 2022, Porter announced her engagement to her childhood friend, Justin de Vera. The couple had known each other for over two decades, and after six years of dating, they decided to take the next step.
The singer’s three children played a significant role in the ceremony, with her older children from her first marriage, Mason and Aria, holding the rings. Porter and de Vera also share a daughter, Shilo, who was 17 months old at the time of their wedding.
Reflecting on their journey together, the star said, “I think for both Justin and me, we have been best friends for so long that this just feels like the next step.”
In 2024, the couple celebrated their first wedding anniversary, marking seven years together. Despite their busy professional lives, the pair has found time to enjoy their life together.
“We’ve had a crazy year. We have so much going on in our careers, from [Justin] being a ‘Ken’ at the 2024 Oscars to me releasing songs or working with my artists or whatever else we’re doing. We’ve had an amazing year,” Porter shared.
In addition to her personal life, the actress-turned-singer has continued to pursue her passion for music. In 2024, she revealed her new song was coming out and reflected on the major life changes she has experienced over the years.
“It’s the story of a divorce, but it doesn’t necessarily mean a divorce from a marriage,” Porter explained. She mentioned how this theme reflected her personal growth and the realization that sometimes, one must let go of relationships or situations that no longer serve them.
Porter has never shied away from discussing the complexities of her life, whether it’s her sobriety, career, or personal relationships. “I was an actress when I was very young. It’s not my passion. This is my passion,” she said about transitioning from acting to music.
She had long wanted to shed the label of a former child star, and “The Voice” gave her the perfect platform. During her blind audition, she expressed her desire to pursue her true passion — music.
Alisan Porter at “A Night With Whoopi” on July 20, 2024, in Venice, California. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on her journey from actress to singer, she remarked, “It’s so cool that’s how my career started, and I’m honored to have had a great career when I was young. It’s been years, decades since that was over, and since I’ve been wanting this.”
Following her stunning reappearance on “The Voice” and the recent glimpses into her life on social media, users have reacted with overwhelming positivity to how the 43-year-old looks now. Many were amazed at her transformation, praising her beauty.
“Hair is 🔥🔥,” one person wrote. Another person added, “So beautiful ❤️.” A third social media user commented, “Gorgeousss 🔥🖤.” “Pretty lady xx,” someone else typed. “OMG you look really pretty I really like your hair and skirt a lot it’s soooo pretty!! 😍💜💓,” another person shared.
From a beloved child star to a successful wife, mother, and musician, Porter’s journey has been anything but easy. Despite her struggles, the star has remained sober and built a fulfilling life, and social media users praise her beauty.
