Jason & Justine Bateman: Child Stars, Sibling Bonds & Hollywood Now

Do parallel paths always lead to parallel lives? The story of Jason Bateman and his older sister, Justine Bateman, proves that shared beginnings don't necessarily guarantee identical trajectories, especially in the dazzling yet demanding world of Hollywood.

Both Jason and Justine Bateman carved their niches in the entertainment industry from a young age, navigating the tricky terrain of child stardom in the 1980s. Jason, born on January 14, 1969, in Rye, New York, quickly became a familiar face after his television debut in 1981 on "Little House on the Prairie." He continued to secure roles in sitcoms like "Silver Spoons," solidifying his presence on screen. Justine, born on February 19, 1966, also in Rye, New York, found her early fame on "Family Ties," setting the stage for what seemed like mirroring careers. Despite the similar starts, their professional journeys diverged, leading them to distinct places in Hollywood. While Jason has maintained a consistent and high-profile career, Justine's path took different turns, including filmmaking and writing. Their shared upbringing in Rye, New York, under the guidance of their parents, Kent Bateman, a film producer and acting coach, and Victoria Elizabeth, a former Pan Am flight attendant, laid the foundation for their careers. They also have two other siblings, a brother named Paul and a sister named Lisa. Despite the common misconceptions fueled by their similar ages and careers, they are not twins; Justine is three years older than Jason. Both supplemented the family income with their early acting gigs, creating unique pressures and experiences that shaped their lives.