Chicago Editorial

Doug Elfman of the Chicago Sun-Times mind seems to wander into strange territory...The question is: How much time did he spend conducting research? AND...What exactly is his motivation? ...is it really about parenting? ...

'Pretty Baby'
Brooke Shields, then 12, appeared nude while portraying a child prostitute in this 1978 Louis Malle film. At 14, Shields went topless in the sex-obsessed "Blue Lagoon." She told People this summer: "People used to say my mom used me as a commodity. But you know what? She did her own version [of] dysfunctional behavior, sure, but nothing like you see these days" in Hollywood.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
Raised in the limelight like her sister since she was a baby, Mary-Kate is now famous for being a public mess at times. She has battled anorexia in rehab. And what about things the twins had no control over? Before they turned 18 in 2004, Web sites ran clocks counting the days till they were fair game for sex. One site boasted, "Gentlemen, start your engines and get out your best booze. The countdown has begun. The Olsen Twins are waiting for you!"

LeAnn Rimes
At 12, her manager-dad got her to sign a record deal to make dozens of albums for Curb. She later claimed her dad took 70 percent of earnings, sued him and Curb, and finally settled after telling Congress she still owed Curb 21 albums during her adult years.

'American Beauty'
Thora Birch was 16 when she filmed a nude scene for the 1999 Oscar-winning film. Her parents are ex-porn actors. Earlier this year, her dad reportedly coached Birch on the set during sex scenes for an upcoming movie.