Then And Now: 70’s Child Stars And What’s Keeping Them Busy These Days

Published on 05/22/2019
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Mark Lester – Now

At the age of 19, Lester retired from acting, went to school, and became an osteopath. He is best friends with Michael Jackson, and they are godfather to each others’ kids. Lester has made claims that he had given sperm to Jackson in order to conceive children and that Jackson’s children might be his biologically.

Mark Lester - Now

Mark Lester – Now

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Haywood Nelson – Then

Many remember Nelson for playing the character Dwayne Nelson on the show What’s Happening!!, which ran from 1976 to 1979, and on the spin-off, What’s Happening Now!!, which aired from 1985 until 1988. He became a child star when he appeared in national commercials and in the film Mixed Company. In 1974, he started appearing on the Broadway play Thieves, alongside Mario Thomas. 14-year-old Nelson also guest starred as Grady’s grandson on Sanford and Son prior to starring in the spin-off called Grady.

Haywood Nelson - Then

Haywood Nelson – Then

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