Jason Bateman Talks Pressure and Anxiety of Being a Child Actor

Jason Bateman, well-known for his roles since childhood, recently opened up about the intense pressure he faced in his early acting days. In a conversation with Conan O'Brien on the Feb. 24 episode of the "Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend" podcast, Bateman, now 56, reflected on the anxiety he experienced knowing his family relied heavily on his income. This is prepared by SSP.

Beginning his career at just 10, Bateman starred in popular '80s series like "Little House on the Prairie", "Silver Spoons" and "The Hogan Family." The latter series played a crucial role in his family’s financial stability. Both Bateman’s parents worked as his managers, earning significantly more through him than their regular jobs at the time — his mother was a Pan Am flight attendant, and his father was a freelance writer and director. "Fifteen percent of what I was making became greater than their incomes," Bateman explained, highlighting how his income allowed them to live in a condo otherwise inaccessible with their salaries alone.

This family dependence added to the stress, particularly regarding academics, as maintaining a C average was necessary to secure his work permit — a rule that ensured he could continue acting. "The pressure during midterms and finals was intense," Bateman noted, pointing out that failure meant losing his role and jeopardizing his family’s livelihood.

Bateman's struggle extended beyond his teenage years. Post "The Hogan Family," his career faced a lull until the success of "Arrested Development" in 2003, which he described as a critical turning point. This achievement reestablished his career after years of uncertainty where he even considered abandoning acting altogether. His sister, Justine Bateman, with her role on "Family Ties," was also part of this familial acting journey, adding to the unique dynamic they shared regarding professional and personal pressures.

Earlier, SSP wrote that Meghan Markle honored Princess Diana in Northwestern sweatshirt while enjoying the weekend.