This former child star from Hollywood had a turbulent childhood marked by chaos. Her father, an actor grappling with alcoholism, was seldom around, while her mother, also an aspiring actress, seemed ill-equipped for motherhood.

Following in her parents’ footsteps, she entered showbiz at an early age, making her debut at five in Ken Russell’s “Altered States.” However, her breakthrough came at seven when she portrayed Gertie in Steven Spielberg’s “E.T. the extra-terrestrial.” Despite her professional success, her home life was troubled due to her parents’ divorce. “I felt like I was the one taking care of them. Everything was topsy-turvy,” she revealed.

The actress faced challenges with substance abuse, dubbing herself a “party girl” from a young age. By seven, she was mixing Baileys with her ice cream, escalating to frequent outings with her mother by age eight, and a drinking problem by 11.

By 12, she was battling drug addiction, leading to a suicide attempt at 13. Her mother’s decision to place her in a psychiatric institution at 13 was a pivotal moment, despite its difficulties. At 14, she legally emancipated herself from her parents.

Although the experience was daunting, she acknowledged its transformative impact. “It was the best thing that happened to me. It taught me boundaries,” she admitted.

Apart from her parents, Steven Spielberg, who directed her in “E.T. the extra-terrestrial,” served as her godfather. However, she rarely sought his guidance during tough times, opting to handle challenges privately.

After legally separating from her parents, she found independent living at 14 daunting, grappling with issues like unsafe living conditions and unemployment by 15.

Despite her tumultuous upbringing, she remains focused on her daughters while exploring the dating scene. Drawing from her own experiences, she aspires to be a better parent to her children.