Hot Gallery: Check Out the 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards Nominees Before They Were Stars

Few stars seem as natural in kid-friendly roles as the bubbly and girlish Amy Adams, who’s up for a Favorite Movie Actress award. In addition to starring in this year’s hit reboot of The Muppets, Adams has delighted in the fairy-tale movie musical Enchanted and the fantastical comedy Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian—for which she gave a charming red-carpet interview with a kid reporter for National Geographic aimed at tweens and teens.

One of the stars of the ensemble comedy Modern Family, Ty Burrell is nominated for Favorite TV Actor at this year’s awards. A football player in high school, Burrell went on to receive a bachelor’s and master’s degree in theater, then performed on Broadway in shows like Macbeth before appearing in movies including Black Hawk Down and Dawn of the Dead. If you think his Modern Family parenting antics are hilarious, check out his appearance on Ellen, talking about being a new dad and his unconventional childproofing technique. Check out this Hot Gallery of Ty Burrell and the rest of the cast of Modern Family, Before They Were Stars!

Nowadays Bruno Mars, who’s nominated for Favorite Male Singer, is best known for his hits “Grenade,” “The Lazy Song,” and “Just the Way You Are.” But he was a star even way back when he was a youngster—that’s him as teeny-tiny Little Elvis in Honeymoon in Vegas at just 6 years old. Check out his encouraging message about learning how to do things like catch a ball on “Don’t Give Up” with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and the gang on Sesame Street.

The Kung Fu Panda 2 star—who has also hosted the Kids Choice Awards three times—is returning this year as a nominee in the Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie category. Black often seems like an overgrown kid himself; he famously said, “I'd rather be the king of kids than the prince of fools.” Check him out getting the royal slime treatment alongside Orlando Bloom in 2008.

The future Hall of Fame shortstop Derek Jeter was drafted by the Yankees straight out of high school and started playing in the major league three years later. For almost two decades now, he’s been the backbone of his team, leading the Yankees to five World Series championships. Jeter, who’s nominated for the Favorite Male Athlete award, has also spoken to PBS Kids about community activism (“I think all kids should take a little time out to volunteer”), started the Turn 2 Foundation to help encourage kids to have a healthy lifestyle, and showed off his funny side by hosting Saturday Night Live. Click through this photo gallery of MLB athletes, Before They Were Stars!

Johnny Depp—who’s nominated twice this year, for Favorite Movie Actor and Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie—had the dubious honor of being slimed at the awards back in 2005. Last year, after winning the Favorite Movie Actor award, he returned the favor by turning a green-slime hose on the audience—but not before praising them. “Thank you so much,” he said. “This is truly a pleasure to receive this award that comes from you guys.... You guys are the future. Take good care of us.”

Although her debut album was released only four years ago, Lady Gaga is already one of the best-selling musicians of all time, thanks to the success of songs like “Poker Face” and “Born This Way.” And her, um, unique personal style has influenced budding fashionistas the world over. But Lady Gaga—who’s nominated for Favorite Female Singer—has also been a vocal advocate for gay rights and anti-bullying awareness, creating the Born This Way Foundation to help kids accept themselves and one another. “It is important that we spread tolerance and equality for all students,” she has said. “Love each other, treat each other with kindness, because we’re all we’ve got.”