Mark Lester made a name for himself playing the title role in the musical film “Oliver!” in 1968. And it is safe to say that he will forever be remembered for that iconic role, and for asking for more porridge in the cutest way imaginable. He was quickly showered with other acting suggestions, including in European cinema, making him an international star.
Lester had a tough time dealing with his success. At 18 years old, he became reckless with his money and descended into substance abuse. A year later, he decided to retire from acting. He trained in martial arts and became a certified osteopath.
Fabian Forte (1950s-1960s)
Just like "American Idol," "American Bandstand" was a huge springboard for young singers. And just like Kelly Clarkson, Fabian Forte owes his career to that show. It really kickstarted his career and after that, Forte never looked back.
Forte only started thinking of a singing career when he was spotted by Bob Marcucci, the owner of Chancellor Records. At first, he turned Marcucci's offer down, but he came around eventually. He went on to have hit songs like "Turn Me Loose" and "Tiger." Looking back on his career, Fabian (as he was originally known as) can be very proud having had 11 of his songs reach the Billboard Hot 100.
Connie Francis (1960s)
Connie Francis was close to giving up on music after releasing singles that didn't really end up catching on. Her father then asked her to record a cover of the song “Who’s Sorry Now?” And guess what - it turned out to be exactly what she needed in order to take her career to the next level.
She rode that fame horse through the 1960s but sadly, it didn't carry her through the ‘70s. After being brutally attacked in a hotel room she stayed in, she sank into depression for a while. Francis pulled through many personal tragedies over the next decade. Despite being well into her 80s, she's still active.
Scott Baio (1970s-1980s)
You're likely to remember Baio from "Happy Days," but he was also one of the title characters on the spin-off "Joanie Loves Chachi." He also had the lead role in "Charles in Charge." He went on to have other cinematic roles in films like "Baby Talk," "Perry Mason and the Case of the Fatal Fashion," and "Very Mean Men."
Baio is not only an actor but also a philanthropist — when his daughter Bailey has been diagnosed with a couple of severe health problems; he founded the Bailey Baio Angel Foundation to provide financial aid to families in similar situations.
Jack Wild (the 1960s-1970s)
Jack Wild made his acting debut as Dodger in the musical "Oliver!" in England in 1968. He was 16 at the time and was already nominated for an Oscar for that role. His stature in the industry at the time sent him to the US for a role in the kids' show "H.R. Pufnstuf" — a role which paid him $1 million!
Success took its toll on Wild, who smoked and drank regularly. At 24 years old, the problem became so severe he could no longer act. After an extensive rehab process, he regained enough strength for short on-screen performances. He passed away in 2006 after battling aggressive cancer.