The “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” star is 15 and looks as adorable as always

Unfamiliar with Alana Thompson? Perhaps “Honey Boo Boo” will jolt your memory.

Alana caught the affection of audiences as a spirited five-year-old, subjected by her mother June Shannon to the competitive world of child beauty pageants. The pair’s notoriety escalated on the show Toddlers and Tiaras, eventually leading to their own spinoff on TLC in 2012 called Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.

Attracting one of the largest viewerships, the series showcasing the Georgia family’s escapades was as equally criticized as it was watched. Critics like Tim Goodman of The Hollywood Reporter described it as exploitation, likening it to gawking at a road accident. Goodman stated that even with the public’s fascination, there was still an option to reject such intrusive spectacles, to defy the cultural damage perpetrated by rampant reality TV.

“Yes, you can turn it off. You can refuse to participate in the visual consumption of others’ lives. Rejecting programs like TLC’s, and in extension, Honey Boo Boo, is a stand for dignity and societal integrity.”

The show also spotlighted other family members including sisters Lauryn “Pumpkin,” Jessica “Chubbs,” and Anna “Chickadee” Shannon, as well as father Mike “Sugar Bear” Thompson.

The series terminated after its fourth season in 2014 amidst controversy, as June Shannon reportedly became entangled in a relationship with a man previously convicted of harming one of her children.

June Shannon’s separation from her husband distanced him from Alana’s life. Alana mentioned to OK Magazine that she sees her father infrequently and only during filming. She stressed the importance of reciprocal effort in relationships, expressing a desire for better communication with her father at least once a month.

June Shannon, distinctively recognized as ‘Mama June,’ also carved a niche for herself, garnering a significant fan following.

Battling with obesity for years, she radically altered her lifestyle post-show, slimming down from a size 460 pounds to a 4. Her transformation spurred another series in 2017 titled Mama June: From Not to Hot, featuring Alana too.

Alana, now matured into a 15-year-old, appeared on Dancing with the Stars Junior in 2018 where she and her dance partner Tristan Ianiero ranked eighth.

Yet, June faced a setback last year when she and Eugene “Geno” Doak were apprehended on narcotics charges.

Her daughters publicly disclosed their mother’s addiction struggles, even holding an intervention captured on camera. During the emotional plea, Alana expressed her fear and longing for a stable home with her mother.

Subsequent to her mother’s legal troubles, Alana chose to move in with sister Lauren, utilizing her platform to advocate for those undergoing similar tribulations and to celebrate her personal resilience and educational achievements despite adverse circumstances.

For her 15th birthday in August 2020, June marked six months of sobriety, a milestone gift for Alana. Sorellé, a musical ensemble, added to the celebration with a personalized a cappella rendition of Happy Birthday for her.

June reflected on her journey to sobriety, sharing her pride in this accomplishment with People, highlighting its significance over the past half a year shared with Geno.

Having spent the majority of her life under the public’s gaze, we’ve seen Alana grow up. We anticipate her to embrace and make the most of her teen years, wishing all the wonders life can offer her.