Selena Gomez's appearance hasn't changed dramatically since she starred on the Disney Channel's "Wizards of Waverly Place" in 2007, but her work sure has. Now 21, Gomez has stretched herself with more mature content, such as the risqué movie "Spring Breakers" and her suggestive new single, "Come and Get It."
Alyssa Milano, who starred as a pre-teen on the '80s series "Who's The Boss?," thinks talent is one factor that helps a child star safely transition into more adult roles.
Seven years ago, Jaden Smith was a baby-faced child star appearing with his dad Will in 2006's "The Pursuit of Happyness." Although he's once again starring with his father in this summer's "After Earth," teenaged Jaden isn't a kid anymore.
Along with her older brother Jaden, 12-year-old Willow Smith has blossomed since she first appeared alongside dad Will in his 2007 film, "I Am Legend." The actress and singer showed a more mature look this spring at the May 2013 premiere of "After Earth."
Vanessa Hudgens came to fame as a Disney Channel star in 2006 but soon stepped away from her wholesome "High School Musical" roots. This year, the 24-year-old is appearing in more adult projects, such as "Spring Breakers" and "Machete Kills."
It's still hard to believe that Rudy Huxtable is now 34 years old. Keshia Knight Pulliam, the actress who played Rudy on "The Cosby Show" from 1984 to 1992, grew up on TV but acted sporadically since then. This year, she took a dive into reality TV with ABC's competitive diving show, "Splash."
Macaulay Culkin turned a scream and an exaggerated expression into a blockbuster movie franchise when he starred in 1990's "Home Alone" at the age of 10. He went on to co-star with in 1991's "My Girl," but has in later years not been a huge fan of being on camera. In April, he ripped into paparazzi in the UK for trying to take his photo.
Along with Knight Pulliam, Raven-Symone is one of the most recognizable child stars, thanks to her work on the long-running "Cosby Show" and her subsequent career on the Disney Channel. The actress has been in the business since the age of 3, and most recently appeared on ABC Family's "State of Georgia."
"Mad Men" fans have watched Kiernan Shipka grow up as Sally, the daughter of protagonist Don Draper. Having starred on the series since she was 7, Shipka's gone from being a little ballerina with a lisp to a teen girl with enviable poise over the series' six seasons.
One minute, Abigail Breslin was a 10-year-old "Little Miss Sunshine," and the next thing we know, she's flashing her bra in 2011's "New Year's Eve." The now 17-year-old is grownup enough to take on the older sister role, as she will in the November release, "Ender's Game."
Along with Vanessa Hudgens, Zac Efron was just a teen when he became famous with Disney's "High School Musical." Now 25, Efron caters to audiences well past high school, such as his turn in Lee Daniels' 2012 film, "The Paperboy."
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been in the entertainment industry since they were literally in diapers -- the pair took turns playing the youngest daughter of the Tanner clan, Michelle, on "Full House" from 1987 to 1995. They went on to star in their own movies, but these days the twins are better known for their fashion lines, Elizabeth and James and The Row.
At 20, Miley Cyrus has been working in show business for more than a decade. The singer/actress has gone from being a fresh-faced preteen to a platinum blonde vixen -- one who could be headed down the aisle soon with fiance Liam Hemsworth.
Best known for his role as Renee Zellweger's cute-beyond-words son in 1996's "Jerry Maguire," Jonathan Lipnicki is now old enough to play Zellweger's love interest. According to IMDb, the 22-year-old has a dramatic film arriving this year starring Christopher Mintz-Plasse called "Tag."
Chloë Grace Moretz was a "Kick-Ass" actress even as a kid, starring in movies like "The Amityville Horror" at age 8. Now 16, Moretz has ditched the Shirley Temple curls but not her action moves -- the star will appear in the sequel to 2010's "Kick-Ass" this August.
Dakota Fanning has appeared in so many movies and TV shows since her career's launch around age 6 that we could put together her baby book. Now 19, Fanning is not only an acclaimed actress, but also a high school graduate.
Daniel Radcliffe's development has been watched by millions as he came of age in the "Harry Potter" movie franchise, which launched when he was 12. By 2007, Radcliffe was ready to show how grown-up he'd become and starred in "Equus" in London -- a stage production that required some nudity.
Along with her "Harry Potter" series co-star Radcliffe, Emma Watson's racking up proof that she's not little Hermione anymore. The 23-year-old actress plays a thief in this summer's "Bling Ring," and an ax-carrying marauder in Seth Rogen's comedy, "This Is The End."
Angus T. Jones wasn't yet 10 when "Two and a Half Men" first premiered on CBS in September 2003. A decade later, the now adult actor is ready to break away from the sitcom -- one that he's publicly said he finds distasteful -- and won't be a regular star on the 11th season this fall.
Justin Bieber is only 19, and, according to his mentor Usher, is still in the midst of growing up. But between the tattoos, the ab workouts and those reckless driving accusations, Biebs is not the same "Baby" singer we met in 2009.
Amanda Bynes began working at 10, and by the time she was 14 had starring roles on two Nickelodeon shows. Yet around age 24, Bynes ceased her steady work schedule and claimed she was "retired." Lately, that "retirement" has translated into troubling run-ins with the law.
Lindsay Lohan showed acting prowess at 12 when she played a set of identical twins in the 1998 remake of "The Parent Trap." Lohan went on to star in movies like "Freaky Friday" (2003) and "Mean Girls" (2004), but her tumultuous private life soon interfered with her career.
Anna Chlumsky became a star at age 11 thanks to her role in 1991's "My Girl." After sporadic appearances on TV, the now 32-year-old, who's expecting her first child this year, has landed a hit comedy with HBO's "Veep."
- Selena Gomez has high hopes for new album, "Stars Dance"
- The former Disney star says she's become a woman
- Gomez is already recording new songs for her next album
(CNN) -- Selena Gomez is ready to show off a new side. She's starred in a TV movie sequel to her hit Disney series, "Wizards of Waverly Place," and the edgy, R-rated drama, "Spring Breakers," and this month the former teen queen is celebrating her 21st birthday, releasing her fourth studio album and rehearsing for her first arena tour.
With the release of her new LP, "Stars Dance," the world is getting a glimpse of a more adult Gomez. CNN sat down with the multi-hyphenate on the morning of her birthday, and she opened up about how much she's grown since leaving teendom behind.
"The past year and a half has been really transitional for me, just personally, as well as transitioning into becoming a woman," she said. "I still feel like I'm 15 sometimes and then other times, I'm wanting to feel comfortable in my body and my skin."
For this album, Gomez drew inspiration from her favorite pop star, Britney Spears, as well as from her good friend Taylor Swift for a more mature sound. The former "Mouse House" starlet revealed she is most proud of this album because it is the first time she was able to dedicate herself fully to her music.
"I was able to have full creative control over it. Before, I would have maybe a month or two to record an album, and I'd have to do my series at the same time and tour on the weekends. I wasn't in the right mindset to fully give my all."
Gomez began acting professionally at a young age, nabbing roles in children's programs such as "Barney and Friends." As more former child stars are seen heading down dark and destructive paths, Gomez has always made a conscious effort to keep from falling down the same rabbit hole. The secret? It all comes down to the company you keep.
"I truly believe that you are who you surround yourself with. To me, it's that easy. I have a great family, I have great friends, and my mom is like my mama bear. She's the one that's going to tell me 'no' when everyone around me says 'yes.' It's a good thing to have a tight group that will keep you in check."
"Stars Dance" is a very personal album, Gomez said. Expectations for the disc are high, following three Top 10 debuts from her previous albums. "Come and Get It" marked Gomez's first single to break into the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
With a 64-date arena tour on the horizon, the performer is determined to strike while the iron's hot.
"I really just want to give it my all. I've never been this tired. Dancing so much, singing constantly, just getting it tight. We want the show to be really big. I want it to be big, but in a grand way, just having my dancers and just bringing it to life."
Despite her hectic schedule and speculation about whether she'll rekindle her relationship with Justin Bieber, Gomez said she has no plans for a break in the near future. In fact, it may not be long before fans will be treated to album No. 5.
"I'm already in the studio now. I actually started working on new stuff and creating a whole fun, different vibe. It's constantly evolving. I'm super-stoked with where this is, and hopefully it will continue to just get better."
