Acting has a rich history spanning centuries. For over a century, children have stepped onto the stage and screen. One of the first major child stars was Jackie Coogan, who worked with Charlie Chaplin in the 1921 film The Kid. His success showed that young talent could draw huge crowds.
Today, child actors earn massive salaries from hit movies and TV shows. They often become household names globally. These young stars build fortunes that rival many adult celebrities. It raises an important question: Who is the richest child actor in the world today? Let’s count down the 20 richest child actors of all time.
Here are 20 Child Actors and Their Fortune:
Here is a ranked list of every richest child actor in the world as of 2026. They are divided by era and net worth.
In this list, we will examine the richest child actors of their respective eras. They have been divided from the current richest child actor in the world, Iain Armitage, to the oldest, Brooke Shields.
| Era | Rank | Name | Age (2025) | Child Net Worth | Current Net Worth | Nationality | Notable Projects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s–2020s | 1 | Iain Armitage | 17 | $6M | $6M | American | Young Sheldon, Scoob!, Paw Patrol |
| 2 | Aubrey Anderson-Emmons | 18 | $6M | $6M | American | Modern Family | |
| 3 | Jacob Tremblay | 19 | $2M | $2M | Canadian | Room, Wonder, Luca | |
| 4 | Millie Bobby Brown | 21 | $3M | $14M | British | Stranger Things, Enola Holmes | |
| 2000–2009 | 5 | Dakota Fanning | 31 | $10M | $14M | American | I Am Sam, War of the Worlds |
| 6 | Anna Paquin | 43 | $3M to $5M | $14M | Canadian-American | The Piano, X-Men | |
| 7 | Haley Joel Osment | 37 | $4M to $6M | $4M | American | The Sixth Sense, A.I. | |
| 8 | Sean Astin | 54 | $1M | $8M | American | The Goonies, LOTR | |
| 9 | Alyssa Milano | 52 | $2M to $3M | $10M | American | Who’s the Boss?, Charmed | |
| 1990–1999 | 10 | Drew Barrymore | 50 | $5M | $40M | American | E.T., Charlie’s Angels |
| 11 | Elijah Wood | 41 | $3M | $10M | American | LOTR, The Good Son | |
| 12 | Jaden Smith | 27 | $8M | $20M | American | The Pursuit of Happyness, Karate Kid | |
| 13 | Kristen Stewart | 35 | $5M | $70M | American | Twilight, Panic Room | |
| 14 | Daniel Radcliffe | 36 | $10M | $110M | British | Harry Potter | |
| 15 | Cole Sprouse | 33 | $5M | $18M | American | Suite Life, Riverdale | |
| 16 | Dylan Sprouse | 33 | $5M | $8M | American | Suite Life | |
| 1970–1989 | 17 | Gary Coleman | Deceased | $1Mto $2M | — | American | Diff’rent Strokes |
| 18 | Mary-Kate Olsen | 39 | $10M | $500M | American | Full House | |
| 19 | Ashley Olsen | 39 | $10M | $500M | American | Full House | |
| 20 | Macaulay Culkin | 45 | $15M | $25M | American | Home Alone | |
| 21 | Brooke Shields | 60 | $3M | $40M | American | Pretty Baby, The Blue Lagoon |
2010s to 2020s
1. Iain Armitage
- Age: 17 years (15 July 2008)
- Net Worth: $6 million
- Nationality: American
Iain Armitage rose to fame for his role as Sheldon Cooper in the TV series, ‘Young Sheldon.’ This young actor has built an impressive net worth of around $6 million. His success on the hit show turned him into the richest child actor in the world in 2026.
2. Aubrey Anderson-Emmons
- Age: 18 years (6 June 2007)
- Net Worth: $6 million
- Nationality: American
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons is best known for playing Lily Tucker-Pritchett on the hit show Modern Family. She took on the role of the adopted Vietnamese-born child in Season 3. At just four years old, she became the youngest person to win a Screen Actors Guild Award. Her work was praised for promoting cultural awareness.
3. Jacob Tremblay
- Age: 19 years (5 October 2006)
- Net Worth: $2 million
- Nationality: Canadian
Jacob Tremblay is a highly acclaimed Canadian actor. He gave a breakthrough performance in the emotional film Room. This young star also beautifully portrayed a child with Treacher Collins syndrome in the movie Wonder. He continues to find success, notably as a voice actor in films like Luca.
4. Millie Bobby Brown
- Age: 21 years (19 February 2004)
- Net Worth as a Child: $3 million
- Current Net Worth: $14 million
- Nationality: British
Millie Bobby Brown quickly became a global sensation as Eleven in Stranger Things. She is not only an acclaimed actress but also a producer for the Enola Holmes films. Her incredible success in Hollywood, paired with her own beauty line, makes her one of the highest-earning young stars today.
2000 to 2009
5. Dakota Fanning
- Age: 31 years (23 February 1994)
- Net Worth as a Child: $10 million
- Current Net Worth: $14 million
- Nationality: American
Dakota Fanning had a remarkable early career, showing deep emotional range. Her breakout role in I Am Sam at age seven earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. She then starred in major films like War of the Worlds. Her professional approach made her a highly respected young talent.
6. Anna Paquin
- Age: 43 years (24 July 1982)
- Net Worth: $3 to $5 million
- Current Net Worth: 14 million
- Nationality: Canadian-American
Anna Paquin made film history with her very first role. At just eleven years old, she won an Academy Award for her powerful performance in the movie The Piano. This amazing success launched a serious career and made her the richest child actor in the world. She has proven her skill by moving successfully into major adult roles.
7. Haley Joel Osment
- Age: 37 years (10 April 1988)
- Net Worth as a Child: $4 to $6 million
- Current Net Worth: $4 million
- Nationality: American
Haley Joel Osment captivated audiences with his serious acting skills. He famously whispered, “I see dead people,” in the hit movie The Sixth Sense. His performance earned him an Oscar nomination at a very young age. This intense emotional work showed he was a truly gifted child actor.
8. Sean Astin
- Age: 54 years (25 February 1971)
- Net Worth: $1 million
- Current Net Worth: $8 million
- Nationality: American
Sean Astin began his career as Mikey Walsh in the beloved 1985 adventure film The Goonies. He later delivered an inspiring performance as the title character in Rudy. Astin successfully transitioned to adult roles, becoming famous worldwide as the loyal Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
9. Alyssa Milano
- Age: 52 years (19 December 1972)
- Net Worth as a Child: $2 to $3 million
- Current Net Worth: $10 million
- Nationality: American
Alyssa Milano grew up on screen. She first gained fame as the daughter in ‘Who’s the Boss?’ Her sweet nature and comedic timing made her a beloved as the richest child actor in the world. She successfully transitioned to major roles in shows like Charmed. Milano is also a well-known activist and author today.
(1990–1999)
10. Drew Barrymore
- Age: 50 years (22 February 1975)
- Net Worth as a Child: $5 million
- Current Net Worth: $40 million
- Nationality: American
Drew Barrymore charmed the world as Gertie in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial at age seven. As a child, she was nominated for a Golden Globe, showing incredible natural talent. Despite a difficult early life, she grew up to be a resilient actress, producer, and talk show host today.
11. Elijah Wood
- Age: 41 years (28 January 1981)
- Net Worth as a Child: $3 million
- Current Net Worth: $10 million
- Nationality: American
Elijah Wood began his career early with films like Avalon and The Good Son. He stood out because he handled adult themes with skill. He successfully grew into one of the most beloved adult actors. His iconic role as Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings solidified his long-term success.
12. Jaden Smith
- Age: 27 years (8 July 1998)
- Net Worth as a Child: $8 million
- Current Net Worth: $20 million
- Nationality: American
Jaden Smith starred alongside his famous father, Will Smith, in the movie The Pursuit of Happiness. Today, he is known for his unique style and musical career, too. Jaden’s diverse talents make him a compelling young artist. He uses his platform for both acting and social impact.
13. Kristen Stewart
- Age: 35 years (9 April 1990)
- Net Worth as a Child: $5 million
- Current Net Worth: $70 million
- Nationality: American
Kristen Stewart started her career as a child actress in films like Panic Room. Her real fame came from playing Bella Swan in the hugely successful Twilight saga. She has since used her status to explore complex roles. This shows her determination to choose art over just money.
14. Daniel Radcliffe
- Age: 36 years (23 July 1989)
- Net Worth as a Child: $10 million
- Current Net Worth: $110 million
- Nationality: British
At one point, he was the richest child actor in the world. Daniel Radcliffe is famous worldwide for playing Harry Potter. He essentially grew up on screen, starring in all eight major films. The success of the franchise made him one of the richest child actors ever. With his huge net worth, he now freely chooses unique and challenging roles.
15. Cole Sprouse
- Age: 33 years (4 August 1992)
- Net Worth as a Child: $5 million
- Current Net Worth: $18 million
- Nationality: American
Cole Sprouse started his career with his twin brother, Dylan. They first gained major fame on Disney Channel’s The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. After a break for college, Cole returned to success as Jughead Jones on the popular show Riverdale. His continued success has helped build his high net worth.
16. Dylan Sprouse
- Age: 33 years (4 August 1992)
- Net Worth as a Child: $5 million
- Current Net Worth: $8 million
- Nationality: American
Dylan Sprouse, like his twin, Cole, became a household name on Disney Channel’s The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. He was the fun-loving brother, Zack. After college, he returned to acting with diverse, independent projects. His passion for craft brewing shows he’s exploring life beyond just the camera.
(1970–1989)
17. Gary Coleman
- Age: Deceased at 44 years of age
- Net Worth: $1 million to $2 million
- Current Net Worth: NA
- Nationality: American
Gary Coleman was a huge star on the sitcom Diff’rent Strokes. His catchphrase, “What’chu talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?” made him a cultural icon. At one point, he was the highest-paid child actor on TV. However, he later faced financial difficulties and legal struggles after his acting career slowed.
18. Mary-Kate Olsen
- Age: 39 years (13 June 1986)
- Net Worth as a Child: $10 million
- Current Net Worth: $500 million
- Nationality: American
Mary-Kate Olsen gained fame as a baby, sharing the role of Michelle Tanner on Full House with her twin. This success led to a massive media and retail empire, Dualstar. She smartly used her childhood fame to become a successful fashion designer. Today, she is a business mogul with an incredible wealth of $500 million.
19. Ashley Olsen
- Age: 39 years (13 June 1986)
- Net Worth as a Child: $10 million
- Current Net Worth: $500 million
- Nationality: American
Ashley Olsen gained early fame sharing the role of Michelle Tanner on Full House. Along with her twin, she built a massive entertainment and fashion company. Her business acumen led to immense wealth. She skillfully used her celebrity to become a successful and respected fashion designer.
20. Macaulay Culkin
- Age: 45 years (26 August 1980)
- Net Worth as a Child: $15 million
- Current Net Worth: $25 million
- Nationality: American
Macaulay Culkin became one of the biggest child stars ever and the richest child actor in the world during his time as the clever Kevin McCallister in Home Alone. His mischievous charm made the film a massive hit worldwide. He later stepped away from acting to find privacy. Culkin is now respected for managing his fame on his own terms.
21. Brooke Shields
- Age: 60 years (31 May 1965)
- Net Worth as a Child: $3 million
- Current Net Worth: $40 million
- Nationality: American
Brooke Shields began modeling at just 11 months old. Her breakout film role was in Pretty Baby at age 12, making her famous very young. She became a teen icon and model, known for roles like The Blue Lagoon. She successfully continued her career into adulthood, proving her staying power.
Conclusion:
The journey from child star to wealthy adult comes with many challenges. These 10 actors, from Jackie Coogan to the newest stars, prove that young talent can build massive fortunes. The former richest child actor in the world, such as Mary-Kate Olsen, who turned fame into a fashion empire, shows incredible business skills.
Yet, the question of who is the richest child actor in the world depends on how you measure wealth. Is it the highest current earner, or the one with the biggest overall net worth? Regardless, this list shows a lot of young success. The legacy of these child actors is truly inspiring.
FAQs
1. How many hours can a child actor work?
Labor laws strictly limit work time based on age. It often requires on-set tutors and a few hours of work per day to ensure their education is not impacted.
2. Which wealthy child actor retired early?
Brock Pierce, a star in The Mighty Ducks, retired at 16. He later made a fortune as a co-founder of a digital media company and an early Bitcoin investor.
3. Who is the richest child actor in the world of all time?
The richest child actor of all time is Jaden Smith, with an estimated net worth of $80 million during his childhood. His income came primarily from acting, music, endorsements, and entrepreneurship, making him the highest-earning child star globally.
