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How These 5 Former Child Stars Are Still Earning Millions Today

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

Macaulay Culkin - former child stars - The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon

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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6 Celebrities Whose Net Worth Quietly Doubled After They Quit Acting

9 Backup NFL Players Who Are Secretly Multi-Millionaires

6 Celebrities Whose Net Worth Quietly Doubled After They Quit Acting

It’s easy to assume that fame and acting roles are the peak of a celebrity’s wealth. But for many, leaving the spotlight became the launchpad for serious riches. These celebrities didn’t just walk away from acting—they pivoted, leveraged their public profile, and saw their fortunes grow, sometimes doubling or more after quitting. If you’ve ever wondered how big stars manage to build lasting wealth beyond the screen, this list shows that quitting acting can be the smartest move of all. Let’s explore how six celebs doubled down and made their real payoff off-set.

1. Frankie Muniz – From Malcolm in the Middle to Million-Dollar Race Cars

quit acting - Frankie Muniz

By Nascar9919Own work, CC BY 4.0, Link

Frankie Muniz earned roughly $40 million by age 19 from his breakout role—and then walked away in 2008. He shifted into race car driving in Arizona, parlaying early acting earnings into a solid post-Hollywood lifestyle. While he continued to receive residuals, Muniz credits his side hustle for grounding him financially. Today, his net worth remains strong, even as acting takes a backseat to his racing passion. His story shows how quitting acting doesn’t mean quitting income—it can mean redirecting it.

2. Junior Bridgeman – From NBA Bench to Billion-Dollar Businessman

Though known first as an NBA player, Bridgeman turned his back on the spotlight to build a fast‑food empire after leaving professional basketball. He invested in over 450 Wendy’s and Chili’s franchises, then bought bottling operations for Coca‑Cola. His strategic pivot turned modest athletic earnings into a net worth exceeding $1.4 billion. That’s the power of a career pivot: moving out of the public eye and into business. Quit acting—or any main gig? Don’t underestimate what comes next.

3. Ashton Kutcher – From Sitcom Heartthrob to Tech Investor

Ashton Kutcher

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Ashton Kutcher’s film and TV success gave him a wealthy start, but his fortune really expanded after he got serious about tech investing. He co-founded VC firms A‑Grade and Sound Ventures and backed companies like Uber, Airbnb, and Lemonade. His net worth reportedly doubled as he shifted from paycheck acting to equity stakes and tech portfolios. It proves that fame can be a springboard into Silicon Valley. Sometimes, quitting acting means reinventing yourself as a business leader.

4. Magic Johnson – From NBA Star to Billion-Dollar Mogul

Magic Johnson left basketball in 1996, but “retiring” from fame meant returning to pursue business ownership. He built Magic Johnson Enterprises into a large conglomerate, including theaters, sports teams, and insurance. His net worth now sits around $1.5 billion. While not a traditional actor, Johnson’s transition illustrates how leaving a high-profile career and pursuing a diversified business can multiply wealth. When you quit the main gig, align cleanly with what fuels long-term success.

5. Eva Longoria – Writer/Producer Pays Over Acting

Eva Longoria

By Harald KrichelOwn work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Eva Longoria exited star roles to found her own production company, UnbeliEVAble Entertainment. After selling or partnering her business, she diversified into restaurants, fashion, and book deals. Her net worth grew substantially beyond her TV fame. Longoria shows that quitting acting doesn’t mean quitting creative impact—it can mean gaining control behind the camera and in boardrooms. Want lasting earnings? Pivot where influence matters.

6. Shaquille O’Neal – From NBA Legend to Business Tycoon

Although primarily known for basketball, Shaq’s occasional acting gigs didn’t define his wealth—it was his business vision. Shaq owns restaurants, car washes, tech investments (including early bets on Google), and entertainment ventures. Acting faded, but his business empire soared to a reported $500 million net worth. His secret: leverage fame, then funnel it into scalable ventures. Quitting the spotlight? Redirect those dollars wisely.

Reinventing Your Brand Pays Off Best

From Muniz to Kutcher, Longoria to Shaq, the common thread is clear: stepping away from the camera often opens doors to wealth beyond. Quitting acting can be a strategic reset, not a retreat. These stories show how celebrities quit acting and turned passion, equity, and enterprise into fortune. The move isn’t just about leaving—it’s about leveraging visibility to start anew.

Did any of these celebrity pivots surprise you? Which one inspires your own career reinvention? Share your thoughts below!

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9 Backup NFL Players Who Are Secretly Multi-Millionaires

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When you think of NFL riches, names like Mahomes or Rodgers probably come to mind. But did you know some of the league’s backup NFL players are quietly stacking multi-million dollar fortunes? From hefty contracts to savvy investments, these sideline standbys are raking in serious dough. Let’s highlight nine backup NFL players who might be your next favorite millionaire. You’ll be surprised how much “behind-the-scenes” talent is cashing in.

1. Chase Daniel – The King of the Bench

Chase Daniel is the poster boy for backup wealth, earning roughly $42 million across a 14‑season career with teams like the Saints and Chiefs. Remarkably, he only made five NFL starts yet collected massive paychecks—about $8.3 million per start. His deals came from valuable depth and mentoring roles—skills teams are willing to pay top dollar for. Daniel’s example shows the real value of being the ultimate insurance policy. He’s proof that backups can be as bankable as starters.

2. Kirk Cousins – From Starter to Backup Cash Machine

After Atlanta named rookie Michael Penix Jr. the starter, veteran Kirk Cousins became one of the league’s highest‑paid backup QBs at $27.5 million for the 2025 season. His four‑year, $180 million contract has guaranteed tens of millions, even while serving as a backup. Though he transitioned backward in role, his wealth didn’t take a hit. Cousins shows how veteran QBs cash in long-term, even from the bench.

3. Taysom Hill – Versatile and Valuable

Taysom Hill isn’t your typical QB backup—he’s a Swiss Army Knife on the field, interpreting multiple roles for the Saints. His $12 million average annual salary underlines that value. Plus, a new $140 million extension expanded his compensation via creative cap structuring. Hill’s unique versatility gives depth and flexibility, earning him starter-level pay with fewer snaps.

4. Teddy Bridgewater – Reliable Second Banana

Long-term starter turned backup, Teddy Bridgewater, now earns about $11.5 million a year backing up Denver’s QB. In 2021, he ranked second among backups at $11.5M average. That kind of security shows backup roles can pay for consistent performance and veteran polish. Bridgewater illustrates how depth can be golden in the NFL.

5. Cooper Rush – From Undrafted to $7 Million Net Worth

Cooper Rush, undrafted and overlooked, proved his worth stepping in for Dak Prescott in 2024. He now boasts a $7 million net worth and has landed a $12.2 million guaranteed two-year deal with the Ravens. His rise proves opportunity can come unexpectedly, but wealth follows performance. Rush reminds us that backups can turn a chance into a mini-fortune.

6. Mac Jones – High-Paid Recent Backup

Former Patriots starter Mac Jones parlayed his experience into a two-year, $7 million deal with the 49ers—$5 million guaranteed, up to $11.5 million. Though not a career backup, this veteran role reflects how reserve QBs can still earn strong contracts. Jones’s move proves even recent starters can cash in from the bench.

7. Joshua Dobbs – Journeyman with a Solid Deal

Joshua Dobbs earned a two-year, $8 million deal—with $3.8 million guaranteed—to back up Drake Maye in New England. His roles across multiple teams have made him a reliable mid-tier backup. It shows journeyman QBs can leverage experience into wealth and job stability.

8. Jarrett Stidham – Denver’s Trusted Depth

After signing with Denver in 2023, Jarrett Stidham recently secured a two-year, $12 million extension (with $7 million guaranteed). That puts his average at $6 million per year, steady earnings from a typically underpaid role. Stidham exemplifies how consistency and team fit can pay big, even without regular starts.

9. Zach Wilson – Backup for a Price

Former top‑2 pick Zach Wilson landed a one-year, $6 million deal with Miami in 2025 to back up Tua Tagovailoa. That’s elevated money for a backup role, showing even underperforming starters can find financial redemption. Wilson’s contract highlights the ongoing value teams place on experienced depth.

Is The Bench The New Goldmine?

Backup NFL players aren’t just waiting in the wings—they’re cashing in. With guaranteed pay, veteran value, and niche skills, their roles are more lucrative than some starters. If you’re looking for a story that redefines success in football, the real money lives on the bench. These nine backup NFL players are prime examples of how patience, readiness, and consistency lead to serious wealth.

Were you surprised by how much these backup NFL players are earning? Which sideline millionaire did you find most impressive? Drop your thoughts below and let’s chat!

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Net Worth Showdown: SZA vs. Doja Cat

net worth showdown - SZA and Doja Cat - First We Feast and Jennifer Hudson Show

Image Source: YouTube/First We Feast/Jennifer Hudson Show

Why This Net Worth Showdown Matters

Fans often wonder which artist is richer, yet the numbers tell a broader story about career paths, branding, and cultural impact. A net worth showdown between SZA and Doja Cat reveals not just who’s winning the wealth game, but how they built it. Readers get insider insight into touring, streaming, endorsements, and creative ventures. Whether you’re rooting for R&B vibes or pop‑rap style, this breakdown helps you appreciate their success journeys. Let’s dive into the numbers and see who’s leading the pack.

SZA: Soulful R&B, Songwriting, and Big Tours

net worth showdown - SZA - Jennifer Hudson Show

Image Source: YouTube/Jennifer Hudson Show

As of 2025, SZA’s net worth is estimated at around $12 million. Her earnings come from album sales, streaming, touring, brand partnerships (like SKIMS and Mastercard), and even songwriting royalties. Notably, her SOS Tour (2023–24) grossed roughly $95.5 million over 63 shows. She’s also co‑headlining the massive 2025 Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar, which is already one of hip‑hop’s highest‑grossing tours. With acting, her Not Beauty cosmetics line, and continued collaborations, SZA’s earning streams are diversifying fast.

Doja Cat: Viral Hits, Endorsements, and Pop Power

net worth showdown - Doja Cat - First We Feast

Image Source: YouTube/First We Feast

Doja Cat’s net worth in 2025 is estimated between $25 million and $30 million, though some sources give a more conservative $16 million figure. She earns through streaming, album sales, touring (The Scarlet Tour grossed over $40 million), brand deals with Pepsi, Adidas, PrettyLittleThing, and social content earnings. Annual income estimates put her at $5 million to $10 million from music and another $20 million+ from endorsements and online earnings. She’s also contributing new music to soundtracks, like the April 2025 F1 movie single, adding another potential revenue stream.

Touring Titans: Who’s Hitting the Big Stages?

Touring is where both artists shine—but in different ways. SZA’s SOS Tour grossed $95.5 million and sold over 674,000 tickets across 63 shows. Meanwhile, Doja’s Scarlet Tour pulled in $40.8 million from 27 shows. Although SZA’s tour had a higher gross overall, Doja’s arena reach and upcoming brand collaborations show that her stage power is growing. The net worth showdown here leans slightly toward SZA’s touring success, but Doja’s explosive music and visual branding can quickly shift the scale.

Songwriting & Streaming: Passive Income Power

SZA writes or co‑writes most of her tracks—including hits like “Kill Bill” and “The Weekend”—earning significant royalties. Her deep involvement in songwriting boosts her streaming income, and her albums stay on Billboard charts longer than many peers. Doja, though, dominates viral streaming with tracks like “Paint the Town Red,” and her social‑media savvy adds to that income. SZA’s deep‑cut playlists offer longevity—in a net worth showdown, those long‑tail royalty players can be goldmines over time.

Brand Deals & Entrepreneurship: Expanding Beyond Music

Doja’s brand game is strong, with partnerships spanning Pepsi, Adidas, PrettyLittleThing, and soundtracks—amplifying her net worth showdown edge. SZA, meanwhile, is pushing into acting, cosmetics (Not Beauty line), and fashion endorsements with SKIMS and Mastercard. While Doja’s reach currently shows broader global appeal, SZA’s strategic moves into new sectors signal rising potential. Both artists are clearly building brands beyond music, so the net worth showdown might shift again as those ventures mature.

Final Takeaway From This Wealth Face‑Off

The net worth showdown between SZA and Doja Cat shows different strategies paying off—for now, Doja holds a higher estimated net worth ($25–30M vs. $12M). But SZA’s touring, songwriting, and branding create strong potential for future growth. Doja leads on streaming virality and endorsements; SZA dominates with tour revenue and deep fan engagement. Both artists are building careers with staying power, creative control, and expanding influence. The real winner? Both, because this showdown highlights how diverse income streams elevate modern artists.

Where do you stand in this net worth showdown—Team SZA’s soulful brand or Team Doja’s pop‑power empire? Share your take in the comments below!

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