While being a child star comes with pros and cons, some stars manage to turn their early careers into massive fortunes – let's say half a billion dollars, ahem.
Take '90s "It girls" Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who used their status to launch a luxury fashion business. Or Ashton Kutcher, who used his platform to build tech investment firms that brought in millions. Others, such as Brock Pierce, quickly gave up acting to pursue other interests that still made them remarkably rich.
With their eye-watering net worths, here is a look at the former child stars who secretly built half-billion-dollar empires...
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
© Getty Images for The Met Museum/After starring on one of the greatest '90s shows ever, it is truly no surprise that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen made a fortune. The twins began starring as Michelle Tanner on Full House in 1987 when they were just nine months old, eventually earning up to reportedly $80,000 per episode. While their TV role brought in significant earnings, they also starred in films such as It Takes Two (1995), though their exact pay check remains undisclosed.
By 2007, the 21-year-old twins secured a spot on Forbes' Richest Women in Entertainment list. At the time, their combined net worth reached $100 million through Dualstar Entertainment Group, their privately held American mass media and entertainment company. Talk about being business savvy from day one!
© WireImageMany know the twins for their style and their luxury fashion brand, The Row, which launched in 2006. In 2019, Business of Fashion reported that the company generated between $100 million and $200 million a year in sales, proving that being "It girls" truly pays off.
Another way they built their empire is through prime real estate. Mary-Kate and her ex-husband, Olivier Sarkozy, owned New York townhouses, including one worth $6.5 million and another worth $13.5 million – which even featured its own ballroom.
So, what is the twins' current combined worth? Together, they have combined estimated $1 billion, according to Celebrity Net Worth, proving that being a dynamic duo in entertainment is one of the secrets to success.
Selena Gomez
© Getty ImagesIf there is one former child star who has been everywhere since the early 2000s, it is Selena Gomez. Starting out on Barney & Friends, Selena was just 10 years old when she first appeared on screen. Her breakout role came as Alex Russo on Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place (2007–2012), where she reportedly earned $30,000 per episode.
Entering the music business can be risky for former child actors, but not for Selena. Her Stars Dance Tour in 2013 grossed $35.3 million, while her Revival Tour in 2016 brought in $35.6 million.
© Disney Channel via Getty ImagesAlongside acting, Selena launched her own beauty line, Rare Beauty, in September 2020. The brand has built a massive social media following, significantly boosting her income.
Moving beyond Disney, Selena now stars in the hit series Only Murders in the Building. She also serves as an executive producer on the show, which boasts eight Primetime Emmy Award wins and a fifth season in development.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, as of August 2026, she is worth an estimated $1 billion – an impressive feat for the child actor turned entrepreneur and pop star.
Ashton Kutcher
© Getty ImagesAfter becoming a big name in That '70s Show (1998–2006) playing Michael Kelso, the heartthrob was well on his way to building his fortune – and becoming a prominent tech investor. He secured significant income from his acting gigs as he went on to star in early 2000s rom-coms like Just Married (2003), before securing another major hit with the sitcom Two and a Half Men (2004-2015).
However, the real money rolled in through his investments. In 2010, he co-founded venture capital firm A-Grade Investments alongside Madonna's manager Guy Oseary and billionaire Ron Burkle. Starting with a $30 million fund, the trio backed early-stage start-ups, including Genius (the popular lyric site), alongside global powerhouses like Skype, Uber, and Airbnb.
© Brian AchIn 2015, he launched another venture capital firm, Sound Ventures, with Oseary and Effie Epstein, which by 2023 managed over $1 billion in assets. As both an actor and a tech investor, it is no surprise Ashton's fortune according to Celebrity Net Worth reaches an impressive $200 million.
Jami Gertz
© Getty Images for STARZJami Gertz's net worth exceeds that of Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Swift, and George Clooney, leaving many to wonder how she built such a massive fortune.
Initially, Jami broke into acting in the early 1980s, starring in movies such as Endless Love (1981), Sixteen Candles (1984), and The Lost Boys (1987). She was also known for her role in Ally McBeal (1997–2002), which earned her an Emmy nomination.
When she met her businessman husband, Tony Ressler, she was the higher earner of the two. Yet, her acting paychecks are not the sole reason for her fortune. After marrying in 1989, the couple became co-owners of the Atlanta Hawks NBA team and went on to hold a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team.
© Getty ImagesHer husband, Tony, is the co-founder of asset management firms Apollo Global and Ares Management. So, it makes sense that the couple made their debut on the billionaire list in 2015 with a combined net worth of $1 billion.
Through strategic investments and businesses alongside her husband, Jami has a substantial net worth of $12 billion, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Jessica Alba
© Getty ImagesFrom starting out on screen to becoming a successful businesswoman, Jessica Alba is a role model for young, aspiring entrepreneurs. Her first television and film appearances began when she was just 13 years old, ahead of her breakout role in the series Dark Angel (2000–2002). Earning her a Golden Globe nomination, the role launched her rise to Hollywood fame.
© Getty ImagesHer acting portfolio grew with hits such as Fantastic Four (2005) and Little Fockers (2010), both adding to her earnings through high box-office returns. Things took an exciting turn in 2011 when Jessica ventured into entrepreneurship by co-founding The Honest Company. The business specialised in eco-friendly baby, personal, and household products. At its peak, the company reached a $1.7 billion valuation. In 2016, Forbes listed her net worth at $340 million when the firm was just five years old.
In 2024, Jessica stepped down from her leadership role at the brand to shift her focus to other projects. According to Celebrity Net Worth, her net worth currently stands at $60 million, reflecting how her empire has fluctuated following her departure from the company.
Brock Pierce
© Getty ImagesBrock Pierce was a child actor who went from early stardom to reinventing himself as one of entertainment's richest stars. Starring in the cult Disney film The Mighty Ducks (1992), the movie was a major success, grossing $50.7 million at the domestic box office and launching a massive franchise that extended to theme parks and hotel attractions. Despite this success, Brock retired from acting after Legend of the Lost Tomb (1997).
At just 16 years old, Pierce co-founded the Digital Entertainment Network, which helped pave the way for video streaming. He also achieved monumental success as an early investor in Bitcoin. In 2020, he ran for US president – with rapper Akon backing his campaign – and later founded ZAM, another gaming venture.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, he is worth an estimated $1 billion thanks to his early cryptocurrency investments and entrepreneurial ventures.
