The former child stars who built secret multi-million dollar empires — and the ones who did it in plain sight


They grow up so fast – and in some cases, start multi-million dollar fortunes. Find out which stars left childhood fame behind for entrepreneurial wealth - and the ones who did in front of the world


selena gomez at the golden globes © WireImage
Daisy Finch
Daisy FinchAudience Writer
2 minutes ago
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The world of showbiz isn't for everyone, but for some it's their bread and butter. Some on screen stars find out Hollywood isn't their calling sooner rather than later, whilst others use it to build generational empires. While we remember these former actors best for their early roles, plenty have forged completely separate careers that took them away from the spotlight but still found them fortune.

Read on to discover which Disney Channel actress shot for the stars away from the camera and which reality TV fixture is now worth a reported $700 million. 

mary-kate ashley olsen award© Penske Media via Getty Images

Ashley and Mary-Kate found fame on 'Full House', but discovered a professional home in fashion

Ashley & Mary-Kate Olsen

The Full House twins brought double the star power on screen, but off screen they've built a fashion forward fortune. Together, the Olsen Twins, as they're known, are worth a reported $1 billion.  

Their sought-after high fashion labels like The Row have gathered a celeb clientele meaning they're never far from their acting roots, even if they're standing on the opposite side of the counter.

Bridget Mendler in a black v neck dress.© Getty Images

Bridgit Mendler traded chart hits for data highways

Bridgit Mendler

Bridgit Mendler traded early fame on screen and in the charts for a career that shoots for a different kind of star. She's now CEO and co-founder of space tech startup Northwood Space which is focused on producing ground stations that connect to satellites.

The Good Luck Charlie star is now estimated to be worth $50 million. Just remember the STEM icon when you're up next in karaoke with 'Ready or Not'. 

Jami Gertz in a bright pink trouser suit and bright pink glasses in 2025.© WireImage via Getty Images

Jami Gertz now co-owns a basketball team

Jami Gertz

Jami Gertz was an early star with '80s classic Sixteen Candles and Twister. But now, she's a tactical supporter of sporting stars, working as co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks. 

Her husband Tony Ressler is now estimated to be worth $11 billion, while Jami reportedly made more money at the start of their marriage, covering their first home and their first trip away. A multi-million fortune and true love? Don't mind if we do.

Brock Pierce in a red hat and suit in 2025 at the Annual Angel Ball.© Variety via Getty Images

Brock Pierce built a billion-dollar fortune in cryptocurrency

Brock Pierce

The Mighty Ducks star Brock Pierce found a less typical entry point to multi-million dollar wealth. The ex-child actor was reportedly one of the early entrepreneurs to catch on to cryptocurrency and funded multiple companies.

In 2018, he placed ninth in Forbes' ranking of wealthiest people in the crypto industry and is now estimated to be worth $1 billion.

Kylie Jenner  side parting black dress© Getty Images

Kylie is now worth an estimated $700 million

Kylie Jenner

Between her loved-up shots with Timothée Chalamet and the endless Jenner family drama, it might have slipped your mind that Kylie Jenner first rose to fame as a child star on Keeping Up with the Kardashians at just 9 years old. 

Now, it's beauty company Kylie Cosmetics that has brought in the millions. She sold 51% of the company for $600 million in 2020 and today is worth an estimated $700 million. 

Selena Gomez at Selena Gomez's Third Annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit held at nya studios WEST on October 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Variety via Getty Images)© Variety via Getty Images

Selena Gomez is best known as a singer and actress, far from her Disney Channel fame

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez was an early Disney star with hits like Wizards of Waverly Place and The Princess Protection Programe, getting her start with dinosaur sensation Barney & Friends. 

Now, she's best-known as a singer and has amassed an impressive fortune estimated at $1.3 billion. As well as her singing and acting career, Selena's 2020 makeup line Rare Beauty has helped build her 10 figure wealth. 

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