She was an 80s child star best known for her roles in Can’t Buy Me Love, Explorers, and Annie—films that truly defined a generation. Before she rose to fame, she actually made her acting debut at just 11 years old in a 1982 episode of Father Murphy, which marked the beginning of what would become a memorable career. Over the years, she faced both personal highs and challenges, including two marriages. She was first married to Joseph Robert Skutvik, but after their divorce in 1999, she found love again with David Hartley, with whom she shared two children. Life took a tragic turn when, on July 3, 2015, she passed away due to an accidental drug overdose—a heartbreaking end to the story of a talented 80s child star who had brought so much joy to audiences. Her legacy, though, especially as that bright 80s child star from beloved classics, continues to live on.
She took on more mature, adult roles in films like Listen to Me and Windrunner, showcasing her range as an actress. She really stepped into complex characters during that period, and it was clear she was growing into her craft. Her performance in Listen to Me stood out, and then she followed it up with another strong role in Windrunner. She definitely made a name for herself with those projects, proving she could handle serious, adult-oriented material with depth and nuance.