Childhood fame prepared Disney stars for success on 'Special Forces' military show.

A host of celebrities, including Christy Carlson Romano, Kyla Pratt, Stephen Baldwin, and Carey Hart, have signed up for the upcoming reality show "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" on Fox.

Childhood fame prepared Disney stars for success on 'Special Forces' military show.
Childhood fame prepared Disney stars for success on 'Special Forces' military show.

Christy Carlson Romano and Kyla Pratt, both Disney stars, began their careers as children and believe this gave them an advantage in intense physical challenges.

"Romano told Planet Chronicle Digital that he believes they had to read the room quickly and blend in when things were critical. They were compassionate because they knew they weren't physically the strongest and led with their emotions and ability to connect."

"We also share the dislike of disappointing people. Growing up in this industry creates a unique pressure, and we feel a strong determination to succeed, as we don't want to be the one who fails. This mindset is also present in our daily lives."

Tonight on Fox, Romano and Pratt are among the stars joining Stephen Baldwin, Brody Jenner, Denise Richards, Ali Manno, Trista Sutter, Kayla Nicole and others for the premiere of "Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test."

Kyla Pratt, Christy Carlson Romano at the FOX Winter Press Day
Kyla Pratt, left, and Christy Carlson Romano told Planet Chronicle Digital their experiences as child actors helped them survive the challenges on "Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test." (JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images)

Romano stated, "Kyla and I fully committed to our project and left it in Wales. We gave it our 200%. I'm proud of what we accomplished."

The British special forces presented challenges to the cast, including navigating Wales' rugged terrain, drilling in the icy ocean, and rescuing hostages in a scenario.

Former Disney stars reveal how their child stardom prepared them for special forces.

Former Disney stars explain how child stardom prepared them for ‘Special Forces’

Romano, a fan of the show, has supported other child stars who appeared, such as JoJo Siwa, stating, "It's no surprise that this show has featured other child performers because we are more resilient than people give us credit for. I always cheer for us, every season."

Pratt frequently receives compliments about her resemblance to "regular" people and how she has turned out well.

Side by side photos of Kyla Pratt and Christy Carlson Romano in "Special Forces" challanges
Carlson Romano said child stars "are way more resilient than people realize." (Pete Dadds/FOX ©2025 FOX MEDIA LLC)

She said, "I understand how they feel, but I feel for those who had to go through a different journey. We took some things in and learned from them, without letting them negatively affect us."

The bonding of Disney alumni with their castmates was strengthened by their positive attitude, which helped them overcome the challenges.

"We really are way more resilient than people realize." — Christy Carlson Romano

Pratt stated, "Being with diverse individuals from various backgrounds and then going through a shared experience made us feel connected. As soon as we encountered something similar, it was like we all had each other's backs."

"Romano stated that "This is about teamwork," and added that "Special Forces" is not a competition show. He emphasized that the show's focus is on bringing each other up to ensure everyone's success. Although they lose team members along the way, it's a sad reality as it feels like a family is dying."

The cast of "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test"
Romano said "Special Forces" isn't a competition show, instead focusing on "bringing each other up so that everyone can succeed." (Pete Dadds/FOX ©2025 FOX MEDIA LLC)

The show "Special Forces" includes not only actors and influencers but also athletes who take on its extreme challenges, such as Landon Donovan, Golden Tate, Jordyn Wieber, Alana Blanchard, Cam Newton, Marion Jones, and Nathan Adrian.

Recently, Carey Hart, a longtime motocross competitor, took a step back and embraced the opportunity to push himself physically.

""I am fortunate to ride motocross for a living, but I've had to tone down my level of riding since my early 20s due to physical injuries. This experience has been great for me to get back into a situation where I can fully commit to my passion. I can put all my energy into it and go 100% because so much of my life I can't physically do that anymore in my day job," he said to Planet Chronicle Digital."

Pink's husband, Hart, underwent meniscus repair surgery in November and had spinal and neck surgery a few years ago.

Carey Hart smiles for a photo in black with wife Pink in a pink velvet suit jacket with black lapels
Carey Hart, who is married to Pink, took the opportunity to be on "Special Forces" to challenge himself physically after taking some steps back from his motocross career. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

He admitted that he often engages in unconventional activities and experiences, and his wife remains unphased.

She encouraged his choice to join "Special Forces."

Stephen Baldwin and Carey Hart reveal that their wives believed they were insane for participating in a "Special Forces" challenge.

Stephen Baldwin and Carey Hart admit their wives thought they were crazy for going on ‘Special Forces’

"She says, "You really want to do this? Well, you're an idiot, but I support you. Just get through it in one piece because I've been through many injuries with you.""

During her performances, Pink performs her own impressive stunts, including flying above the audience in a harness, which Hart described as "calculated."

Hart joked his wife is "calculated" in her aerial concert tricks, while he's "reckless."
Hart joked his wife is "calculated" in her aerial concert tricks, while he's "reckless." (Getty Images)
Carey Hart in military fatigues for "Special Forces"
Hart said Pink has "been along the ride for many, many injuries that I've sustained and recovered from." (Pete Dadds/FOX ©2025 FOX MEDIA LLC)

He said with a laugh, 'She's calculated, I'm reckless.'

Stephen Baldwin joked that his wife would label him an "idiot" for joining "Special Forces."

"I have a tendency to do kind of wild and off-the-wall things and experiences, and my wife takes them in stride." — Carey Hart

"My wife discussing with me whether or not I should pursue 'Special Forces' is vastly different due to our 35-year relationship. This is because there is a wealth of history involving my recklessness and adrenaline-seeking behavior. However, without a doubt, 'Special Forces World's Toughest Test' was a life-changing experience for me."

Baldwin, who openly discusses his faith, considers it a valuable tool to help him cope with the show.

close up of Stephen Baldwin in a scene from "Special Forces"
Stephen Baldwin said after being with his wife for 35 years, "[T]here's a whole lot more history there of my madness and my adrenaline junkie activity." (Pete Dadds/FOX ©2025 FOX MEDIA LLC)

"I'm a very devoted individual, and every morning I read my Bible and give thanks, as I had no idea what awaited me in 'Special Forces.' Amen!" he exclaimed with a chuckle.

"Going into this, there was no communication with family or anyone else. It was a total lockdown. Despite the uncertainty, I believed that all things were possible with strong faith. This helped me get through the shock value and fear factor. Having faith was a tremendous asset."

Stephen Baldwin in military fatigues for "Special Forces"
Baldwin called his faith "a tremendous asset" for the show. (Pete Dadds/FOX ©2025 FOX MEDIA LLC)

"Special Forces World's Toughest Test" premieres Jan. 8 on Fox.

by Elizabeth Stanton

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