Most child actors fade into obscurity once the credits roll—but not all of them. Some former child stars have managed to reinvent themselves, build thriving businesses, and continue earning big bucks long after their days on the small screen ended. Whether through smart investments, side hustles, or evolving entertainment careers, these celebrities found ways to stay relevant and wealthy. While fame can be fleeting, these five stars prove that smart moves and hard work can turn early success into long-term fortune. Here’s how they’re still bringing in millions today.
1. Macaulay Culkin – Building on Nostalgia and Media Ventures
Image Source: YouTube/The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Best known for his iconic role as Kevin McCallister in Home Alone, Macaulay Culkin stepped back from acting for years, but he never stopped making money. In addition to ongoing royalties from his holiday classic, Culkin launched Bunny Ears, a satirical lifestyle brand and podcast that attracted a cult following. He’s also made recent appearances in shows like American Horror Story and is married to actress Brenda Song, forming a media-savvy couple with joint business ventures. Culkin has kept his net worth strong by leaning into his nostalgic fame without overexposing himself. As of today, estimates place his fortune at around $18 million.
2. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen – Fashion Moguls Behind the Scenes
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The Olsen twins went from adorable sitcom stars on Full House to bona fide businesswomen in the fashion world. After stepping away from acting, Mary-Kate and Ashley founded luxury fashion brand The Row as well as the more affordable Elizabeth and James. Their fashion empire has earned critical acclaim and serious revenue, with their combined net worth estimated to be $1 billion. They’ve chosen to stay largely out of the spotlight, letting their designs speak for themselves. Their transformation from child stars to fashion powerhouses is one of the most successful pivots in celebrity history.
3. Raven-Symoné – Staying Relevant Through Reinvention
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Raven-Symoné began her career on The Cosby Show before leading Disney’s That’s So Raven, a role that earned her millions and a loyal fanbase. Instead of fading out, she continued working steadily, appearing on The View, voicing animated characters, and reprising her Disney role in Raven’s Home. She’s also involved in music, writing, and LGBTQ+ activism, giving her relevance across multiple audiences. With savvy brand management and consistent work, she’s maintained a net worth of around $40 million. Raven proves that staying adaptable is key to longevity in the entertainment world.
4. Hilary Duff – From Teen Star to Multi-Hyphenate Mompreneur
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Hilary Duff gained fame as the title character in Lizzie McGuire, but she didn’t let her early success define her entire career. She continued acting in successful series like Younger and How I Met Your Father, while also building a personal brand centered around motherhood, wellness, and lifestyle. In addition to acting, she’s launched bestselling books, worked with health brands, and secured multiple endorsement deals. Duff’s down-to-earth image and business smarts have helped her maintain a net worth estimated at $25 million. She’s a textbook example of a former child star who grew up with her audience—and brought them along for the ride.
5. Dylan and Cole Sprouse – From Disney Twins to Creative Entrepreneurs
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Dylan and Cole Sprouse became household names thanks to The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, but they didn’t stop there. After taking time off to attend NYU, both brothers returned with new careers—Cole in acting (Riverdale) and Dylan in business. Dylan co-founded All-Wise Meadery, an artisanal alcoholic beverage company that caters to niche markets, while also dabbling in indie films. Meanwhile, Cole’s acting career has surged, bringing him both income and critical praise. Together, the twins have evolved from teen stars to savvy young adults, with a combined net worth of $13 million.
The Smart Moves That Keep Former Child Stars Wealthy
Fame may come early, but keeping it—and turning it into lasting wealth—is no easy feat. These former child stars found ways to leverage their fame, adapt to new trends, and build brands that outlived their early roles. Whether they stepped into fashion, launched businesses, or simply kept growing with their fans, they show that childhood fame doesn’t have to be the final chapter. Their stories offer a blend of cautionary wisdom and inspiring reinvention. In a world where attention is fleeting, staying relevant takes strategy—and these stars have mastered it.
Which former child star do you think made the smartest career move? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear who impressed you most!
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Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media. She frequently writes for a handful of blogs and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.
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