Top 9 Highest Paid Child Actors of All Time.
Child actors have always been a staple of Hollywood, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide with their immense talent and captivating performances. While it’s not uncommon for young stars to experience the ups and downs of fame, some have been able to turn their early success into lucrative careers. These actors have made millions during their childhood years, and their fortunes have continued to grow thanks to their skill, ambition, and the projects they've been a part of.
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Here, we take a look at the top 10 highest-paid child actors of all time, beginning with number 10 and working our way up to the top earner.
9. Millie Bobby Brown – $10 Million
Rising to fame for her role as Eleven in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, Millie Bobby Brown has become one of the highest-paid child stars in Hollywood. Since the show's debut in 2016, Brown’s net worth has soared, with reports indicating earnings of approximately $10 million.
Her impressive fortune is not only from Stranger Things but also from her work as a producer and brand ambassador. Brown has partnered with high-end brands such as Converse and has become the youngest-ever UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Additionally, her role in Enola Holmes, as both the lead actress and producer, has further bolstered her income.
Millie’s lucrative contracts for seasons of Stranger Things, where she reportedly earned upwards of $10 million per season in later seasons, solidify her spot among the highest-paid child actors of all time.
8. Drew Barrymore – $40 Million (as a child actor)
Before she became a beloved daytime talk show host, Drew Barrymore was making waves in Hollywood as a child actor. At just seven years old, Barrymore shot to fame with her role in Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), earning her $1 million at the time — a considerable sum for a child star in the 80s.
By the age of 14, Barrymore was commanding $3 million per film, including roles in movies like Firestarter (1984) and Cat's Eye (1985). Over the years, her childhood roles contributed significantly to her overall wealth, and she was one of the highest-paid child stars of the time.
Barrymore's journey from child stardom to a successful adult career, as both an actress and a producer, contributed to her current $40 million fortune from her childhood acting years.
7. Frankie Muniz – $40 Million
Best known for his starring role in the hit TV series Malcolm in the Middle (2000-2006), Frankie Muniz became one of the highest-paid child stars of the early 2000s. As the lead in a show that was both a critical and commercial success, Muniz earned $40,000 per episode in the beginning, but this amount increased as the show gained popularity. By the end of the series, Muniz was reportedly making upwards of $120,000 per episode.
Muniz also appeared in films like Big Fat Liar (2002) and Agent Cody Banks (2003), adding to his wealth. With a net worth of around $40 million, Muniz has remained one of the most successful child actors in Hollywood.
6. Macaulay Culkin – $50 Million (estimated)
Macaulay Culkin became one of the most well-known child actors of the 1990s with his breakout role in Home Alone (1990). The film was a massive success, and Culkin’s performance as the clever young boy left audiences in awe. For his role, Culkin was paid around $100,000 for Home Alone, but for the sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, he earned a whopping $4.5 million.
His wealth continued to grow as he starred in films like My Girl (1991) and Richie Rich (1994), and by the mid-90s, his net worth was estimated at $50 million. Despite stepping back from acting for a number of years, Culkin’s early career earnings have ensured that he remains one of the wealthiest child actors of all time.
5. Elijah Wood – $60 Million
Elijah Wood’s career as a child actor began at a young age, with notable performances in The War (1994) and The Good Son (1993). However, it was his role as Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy that propelled him to international stardom and earned him a significant paycheck.
Wood earned $1 million for the first Lord of the Rings film, but his pay increased as the trilogy progressed, with reports indicating that he earned around $10 million for the final installment. His net worth today is estimated to be $60 million, thanks to his work in films, TV shows, and voice acting roles.
4. Emma Watson – $70 Million
Emma Watson’s career took off when she was just a child, having been cast as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series. Her salary started at $1 million for the first film but increased dramatically as the series progressed, with Watson earning $30 million for the final film. The total earnings from the eight films amount to an estimated $70 million.
Aside from her acting career, Watson’s wealth was significantly boosted by lucrative brand endorsements, including her work with Burberry and Lancome, and her role as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. Watson’s dedication to her craft and advocacy for women’s rights has made her one of the most prominent former child stars in Hollywood.
3. Jaden Smith – $80 Million
The son of actor Will Smith and actress Jada Pinkett Smith, Jaden Smith had big shoes to fill from an early age. His first significant role came in The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), where he starred alongside his father, earning critical praise and reportedly around $2 million for his role.
Jaden’s next big project was the 2010 remake of The Karate Kid, where he earned another significant paycheck. Over the years, Jaden’s career expanded to include music, fashion, and business ventures, contributing to his net worth of $80 million by the time he reached adulthood.
Although Jaden Smith has now transitioned into adult roles, much of his early wealth came from his work as a child actor, which earned him substantial paychecks and lucrative endorsement deals.
2. Kristen Stewart – $100 Million
Second on the list of the highest-paid child actors is none other than Kristen Stewart, who earned big not only for her portrayal of Bella Swan in Twilight but also from her roles in other franchises. Although Kristen has transitioned into an adult career, her childhood earnings from Twilight remain a significant portion of her current net worth.
Stewart made roughly $2 million per film for the first few films, but this rose significantly to $25 million per film as the Twilight saga concluded. Her total earnings across the five films have been estimated to be $100 million.
Her diverse career and high-profile roles have allowed her to stay in the top tier of earners even today.
1. Daniel Radcliffe – $110 Million
Top of the list is Daniel Radcliffe, best known for his portrayal of the titular character in the Harry Potter series, Daniel Radcliffe’s acting career began when he was just a child. After being cast as Harry at age 11, Radcliffe earned $1 million for the first film, with his salary climbing significantly for each subsequent movie.
By the final installment, Radcliffe’s paychecks had skyrocketed to around $25 million per film. He was one of the highest-paid child actors of all time during the height of the Harry Potter franchise. Radcliffe's salary continued to grow as the series expanded, and his earnings total an estimated $110 million across the eight films.
Beyond Harry Potter, Radcliffe has continued to earn large sums for his roles in films such as Now You See Me 2, Swiss Army Man, and The Woman in Black. His smart financial choices and diverse acting roles have made him a successful former child star.
Final Thoughts
These top 10 highest-paid child actors have proven that young talent can lead to long-term financial success, both in terms of paychecks and enduring careers. Their work in both iconic franchises and unique projects has ensured that their legacy as former child stars continues to thrive. With impressive salaries and a variety of ventures beyond acting, these child stars have certainly carved out their places in Hollywood history.
