The former teen icon | Source: Getty Images
This former child star captivated audiences with her talent and charm, becoming a household name at a young age. However, her rise to fame was marred by personal struggles and legal troubles, which often made headlines.
The young actress pictured in 1998 | Source: Getty Images
After her latest appearance, fans now question what changes the star has undergone and what her journey has entailed. Let’s revisit her beginnings as a Hollywood star and the journey that led her to where she is today.
The child star pictured in April 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Rising to Stardom: A Hollywood Fairytale
Her career began before she started school when she modeled for Ford at just three years. In just a short period, she had appeared in over 60 commercials for major brands like Pizza Hut and Jell-O.
The young actress photographed in March 2000 | Source: Getty Images
By the age of seven, she had transitioned to acting, landing her first significant role on the soap opera “Another World” as Ali Fowler. But it was in 1998, at just ten years old, that she captured widespread attention with her starring role in the Disney remake of “The Parent Trap.”
The young actress photographed during the "Parent Trap" premiere in 1998 | Source: Getty Images
Her portrayal of identical twins Annie and Hallie brought her critical acclaim and several nominations. It also earned her a Young Artist Award for Best Leading Young Actress in a Feature Film. Building on her early success, she quickly became a fixture in Hollywood.
The child star pictured on July 28, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
By her early teens, she was a go-to talent for family-friendly blockbusters. “Freaky Friday,” where she starred opposite Jamie Lee Curtis, showcased her ability to balance heartfelt moments with humor, while her turn in “Mean Girls” cemented her as a pop culture icon.
The young star pictured with Jamie Lee Curtis on April 30, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
The young star pictured on July 26, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
In the latter, she played Cady Heron, a transfer student navigating high school’s cliques, in a performance that remains one of her most recognized roles to this day.
The young actress attends The 2003 Teen Choice Awards on August 2, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Despite her young age, she also played a pivotal role in shaping her characters. During the production of “Mean Girls,” she initially vied for the role of Regina George, eager to break away from her previous girl-next-door image.
Rachel McAdams as Regina George and the child icon as Cady Heron during a scene on "Mean Girls" in April 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Although she ultimately played Cady, she took an active role in developing her character’s look, even decorating props like her cell phone with Swarovski crystals to add a personal touch. As her star continued to rise, she became one of the most recognizable and bankable faces of the early 2000s.
The actress pictured in Los Angeles, California, on June 1, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
By the time she turned nineteen, she was not just a celebrated actress but a seasoned entertainment industry veteran, earning millions and commanding lead roles in various films.
Photographed with a fellow actress in Hollywood, California, on on June 27, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
A Tumultuous Fall from Grace
While her on-screen performances solidified her place in Hollywood, her personal life began to unravel in her late teens. The pressures of fame, combined with the temptations of the spotlight, took a toll on her.
The actress photographed on June 3, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
By the age of 20, she was arrested for her first DUI after crashing her car outside a club in Los Angeles. Cops found cocaine in her vehicle, marking the start of a string of legal and personal issues that would dominate headlines.
The actress in a mug shot after her arrest in Los Angeles, California, in November 2007 | Source: Getty Images
In a candid 2013 interview, she reflected on this period, admitting, “It was the first time I’d taken drugs; I was out in a club with people I shouldn’t have been with, and took cocaine, and got in the car. It was so stupid.”
Despite her acknowledgment of the mistake, the public and media scrutiny around her actions intensified. Accusations of theft, frequent stints in rehab, and breaches of parole added to her mounting troubles.
The actress pictured on February 15, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
At one point, she was sentenced to 90 days in jail, though she only served two weeks. Her legal woes weren’t the only challenges she faced. She once faced allegations of stealing a necklace from an LA store, which further marred her reputation.
The actress attends a court hearing at Beverly Hills Municipal Court on October 16, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
However, she maintained her innocence, explaining, “They didn’t show the real in-store video tape to anyone, because that shows the store attendant putting it on me and me taking out cash to pay for it.”
The former child icon attends a probation revocation hearing at the Beverly Hills Courthouse on July 6, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
She added that she had even taken out cash to pay for the necklace, but the attendant told her to return it the following day. Although the charge was eventually reduced to a misdemeanor, the damage to her public image was significant.
The child star attends the amfAR New York Gala on February 8, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
As headlines about her struggles overshadowed her work, her career began to stall. Despite her talent and past successes, she found herself battling not only addiction but also the relentless judgment of the public eye, making this period one of the most challenging ones in her life.
The former child star speaks to the press on October 8, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
A Path to Reinvention
In recent years, the former teen idol, Lindsay Lohan, has taken significant steps toward rebuilding her life and career. She made headlines in 2022 when she revealed she had married financier Bader Shammas.
She announced their engagement in November 2021, and by March 2023, she shared the joyful news that they were expecting their first child.
The actress attends the Christian Siriano Fall/Winter 2023 NYFW Show February 9, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Months later, they welcomed a baby boy named Luai—an Arabic name meaning “shield” or “protector.” The exact date of his birth, though kept private, marked a new chapter in her life.
Alongside her growing family, she has continued acting. She recently starred in the Netflix holiday movie “Our Little Secret.” The film, which also features Kristin Chenoweth and Ian Harding, brought her back into the public eye.
Kristin Chenoweth, Lindsay Lohan, and Ian Harding attend the screening of Netflix's "Our Little Secret" on November 18, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
At the premiere, she appeared radiant in a sheer black dress, posing alongside her husband. Despite the warm reception of her Netflix project, her appearance drew mixed reactions on social media. Fans noticed her transformation, with some questioning whether cosmetic procedures had played a role in her changed look.
Lindsay Lohan and Bader Shammas attend the screening of Netflix's "Our Little Secret" on November 18, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans and Followers React to Her Transformation
Social media erupted with comments, with many fans expressing shock over Lohan’s appearance. “What has she done to her face?” one user questioned, while others speculated that Botox or other cosmetic enhancements contributed to her changed appearance.
Lindsay Lohan arrives at the screening of Netflix's "Our Little Secret" on November 18, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Such comments included, “I couldn’t even recognize her! Too much work done” and “She looks like she’s had tons of plastic surgery.” Others offered similar remarks, such as, “She definitely got some work done, I see,” and, “She’ll look like Goldie Hawn in a few years.”
Lindsay Lohan attends the screening of Netflix's "Our Little Secret" on November 18, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Amid the criticism, there were also fans who came to her defense. One supporter shared, “Lindsay struggled through so much… I’m glad to see her happy and healthy,” while another added, “She looks beautiful and happy. Glad she found her way back.”
Lindsay Lohan is seen arriving at the screening of Netflix's "Our Little Secret" on November 18, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Others reflected on her growth and resilience, with one writing, “She looks so grown and gorgeous I can’t believe this was the little girl from ‘The Parent Trap.'”
Lindsay Lohan is seen at the screening of Netflix's "Our Little Secret" on November 18, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Through it all, her transformation continues to inspire conversation, with many acknowledging her resilience in the face of adversity. Whether supportive or critical, the reactions highlight how deeply her journey resonates with fans, reminding the world of the human side behind the celebrity.
