For much of the 1980s, Judith Barsi became one of the most beloved child stars in Hollywood, her name often mentioned alongside the era’s brightest young talents. Judith Barsi had a delicate, waif-like appearance that made her instantly memorable—so much so that people frequently underestimated her age. In fact, she was once mistaken for a three-year-old at a California skating rink when she was already over five, and that very moment helped launch her career. Her small stature did pose challenges, though; it was such an ongoing concern that at one point, Judith Barsi was even placed on growth hormones.

Despite her youth, Judith Barsi handled a workload that would have been grueling for most adults. Over the years, she appeared in more than 70 commercials and landed guest roles on some of the most popular TV shows of the time. Fans came to know her from appearances on hit sitcoms like Punky Brewster and Growing Pains. As her fame grew, so did her earnings—Judith Barsi was soon making six figures, using her income to support her family.

While she took on live-action roles, including a part in the 1987 film Jaws: The Revenge, it was voice acting that truly brought Judith Barsi joy. She poured her heart into voicing characters in animated films, most notably The Land Before Time and All Dogs Go to Heaven. In fact, Judith Barsi often spoke about wanting to build a lifelong career in voiceover work, dreaming of many more years bringing animated characters to life.

Tragically, those dreams were cut short. After enduring years of horrific abuse at the hands of her father, Judith Barsi was murdered by him just around her 10th birthday. Her mother was also killed in the same act of violence, and the two were buried together. It wasn’t until a year and a half later that All Dogs Go to Heaven was released to the public. During the closing credits, a heartfelt song played—a tribute dedicated to little Judith. To this day, Judith Barsi is remembered not only for her talent but for the promise of a future that was stolen far too soon.