Skip to Content

15 Celebrities Who Had The Worst Parents In The Entire History Of Hollywood

Some parents have been next-level cruel to their kids in Hollywood. 

A netizen recently asked, “Who are the worst stage parents in Hollywood, past and present?”. Below are the top responses!

JEANETTE MACCURDY 

shocked young woman, isolated against purple studio background

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

“This one lives in my head. So much so that I actually can’t make myself rewatch any iCarly at all because I can’t put aside knowing how miserable she was the whole time.” 

LINDSAY LOHAN

Portrait of impressed sad man wear blue shirt arm head open mouth isolated on green color background.

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

“Lindsay Lohan’s parents were awful,” said one. 

“I felt so bad for her. Her dad seemed like a slimy jerk, and her mom seemed more interested in being a drinking buddy than a mom,” another added. 

JOE JACKSON 

Pretty female in red turtleneck sweater keeping hands near cheeks and looking at camera with astonished face expression while standing against gray background

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

“I can’t listen to the Jackson Five because all I can think about is how abused those poor kids were. I can’t listen to Michael because of his actions towards young boys. 

That being said, he was a deeply traumatized and emotionally stunted person, so I often wonder if he would’ve abused those kids if he had a normal childhood. He was both abused and an abuser, and ultimately, he is responsible for his actions, but I find it hard not to put some blame on Joe for possibly starting this cycle.” 

DREW BARRYMORE

Excited model woman with mouth open, portrait. Surprised girl on background with copy space

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

“Drew Barrymore’s mother taking her out to nightclubs and encouraging her to take drugs at nine years old,” said one. 

“She was in such an awful position! Like her parents should have known better. Drew comes from a huge family background of entertainers. I want to say she’s a 4th generation star. Someone in that family should have been more protective and looked out for her, but she’s doing better now. I’m such a huge fan of hers,” another added. 

JUDY GARLAND

hispanic pretty woman open-mouthed and amazed, shocked and astonished with an unbelievable surprise

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

“Judy Garland’s mother. Pretty much every single adult in her life failed her.” 

RIVER AND JOAQUIN PHOENIX

The portrait of alarmed young woman with shocked facial expression

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

“River and Joaquin Phoenix’s parents were in the Children of God cult and made their kids sing in the streets for money. Once they realized that River and Joaquin (then Leaf) could act, they left the cult and never looked back. There was no supervision in their childhoods, and if you’ve read anything about that cult, physical abuse of minors was rampant.” 

BROOKE SHIELDS

shocked in red

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

“I will not be disgusted while reading about Brooke Shields and her childhood and the awful things her mother made her do. I can’t imagine being under that much pressure and not having a clue of what’s going on and just being forced and pushed over and over.”

AMY WINEHOUSE 

Young beautiful woman wearing yellow t-shirt standing over white isolated background afraid and shocked with surprise expression, fear and excited face.

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

“Amy was an adult, but I feel like Mitch Winehouse deserves a spot on this list,” said one. 

“Even after her death, he continues to exploit her. There was an Amy Winehouse exhibition here in London a few months ago. It was a mix of interesting and intrusive things on display. There were ripped-out pages from her teenage diary that were on display for people to read,” another added. 

JACKIE COOGAN 

Photo portrait of upset shocked woman with open mouth isolated on pastel pink colored background.

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

“Jackie Coogan is one of the first child stars. His mother and stepfather squandered almost his whole fortune and said, ‘No promises were ever made to give Jackie anything.’

He sued them, and this led California to create the Child Actor’s Bill, which is known as the Coogan Law.”

JUNE

Portrait disappointed lovely girlish feminine youth impressed astonished horrible terrible gossip rumor secret irritated scandal unbelievable unexpected modern summer clothes isolated green background.

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

“It’s horrifying. I absolutely cannot comprehend June’s thought process. I used to watch their show and be shocked but still entertained (embarrassing, I know). I never thought Pumpkin would be the most level-headed, responsible one. Good on her for stepping up.” 

WIL WHEATON 

Close up photo of shocked man touching his face

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

“Wil Wheaton has some horror stories about his parents, and they have been estranged for decades. He has said his life paralleled his character in Stand By Me.” 

DOVE CAMERON  

MODEL with scared expression, keeps hands on head, jaw dropped, has terrific expression. Omg concept

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

“Dove Cameron. Paying for your kid to get surgeries at 14 or 15 and then writing a stage parent book is so gross.” 

KIT CULKIN 

Close up on funny woman expression. Female lady being surprised shocked having wide opened eyes.

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

“Kit Culkin is the most notorious; he was the most powerful.”

COURTNEY STODDEN 

Photo of shocked emotional young beautiful blonde woman with two horns with sincere emotions wearing hipster bright blue hoodie isolated over red background with free space. Wow concept

Image Credits: Jasen Wright, Shutterstock

“It breaks my heart that this child was exploited by some dirty old man just so her parents could be famous.” 

RITE HAYWORTH 

Portrait of curious frustrated girl with wide open mouth holding two hands on head looking at camera isolated on grey background

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

“Rite Hayworth’s father used to abuse her and strictly force her to learn how to dance and was also accused of abusing her.” 

15 Lies That Are Poisoning Your Mind. They’re Absolute Lies.

Woman with mask in funny concept

Image Credits: Deposit Photos.

What if I told you that there are a staggering number of widely accepted ‘facts’ that are, in fact, demonstrably false?. Read more.

The 14 Biggest Problems With Religion, According to People. Do You Think So Too?

Beauitul african american woman wearing summer t-shirt over isolated yellow background begging and praying with hands together with hope expression on face very emotional and worried. Asking for forgiveness. Religion concept.

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

Like anything else in this world, each one of us has a different opinion about religion in our eyes. What’s your single most-concerning issue? Find out here.

14 Traits That Make You More Likable, Even If You Don’t Realize It

Geeky hipster biting a bunch of roses on grey background

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

What’s something different that you find attractive? It could be as simple as a cute dimple or a special smile, or it could be something. Read more.

16 Things You Get Judged For, Did You Know?

Photo portrait of lovely young lady sorry forget shrug shoulders cute wear trendy orange clothes isolated on blue color background.

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

Public behavior often shapes others’ perceptions. It is crucial to avoid disturbing others in public spaces. Read about things you can get judged for.

16 Habits That Are Killing You Slowly

Close-up portrait of her she nice attractive lovely pretty worried terrified, scared brown-haired girl biting finger phobia isolated on bright vivid shine vibrant blue color background.

Image Credits: Deposit Photos

In our pursuit of enjoyment, we sometimes neglect our bodies. Unhealthy habits and lifestyles have become commonplace, leading to more harm than good for us. Read more.

This article was originally published on Mrs. Daaku Studio.