Young Hollywood’s Big Bucks: Top Earners on Screen!
Ever wonder how much your favorite child stars are raking in? Get ready to be amazed! Here’s a breakdown of some of the highest-paid young actors in history, proving that age ain’t nothin’ but a number when it comes to Hollywood paychecks.
Stranger Things Breakout Star
Taking the top spot is Millie Bobby Brown, who rocketed to fame as Eleven in the sci-fi phenomenon Stranger Things. For the show’s final season, her electrifying performance reportedly earned her a whopping $300,000 to $350,000 per episode. This kind of power for a young actress shows just how much Hollywood values her talent and star power.
The Stranger Things Gang (Though They’re Practically Adults Now!)
While Millie might be the single highest earner, the rest of the Stranger Things crew isn’t far behind. Though no longer technically children (with some well into their young adulthood!), Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, and Sadie Sink negotiated a hefty group deal for the final season. According to reports, they’ll be sharing a pot of over $7 million, proving that the power of friendship (and good negotiation skills!) can pay off big time.
Modern Family’s Grown-Up Kids
Moving away from sci-fi and into the world of sitcoms, the cast of Modern Family also managed to secure impressive paydays. The show’s child actors, Sarah Hyland, Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould, and Rico Rodriguez, started strong at $70,000 per episode. But as the series became a ratings juggernaut, they proved their comedic chops and were able to negotiate a significant raise in the later seasons. By the show’s finale in 2020, they were each commanding a cool $125,000 per episode, solidifying their place as Hollywood’s most successful TV families (both on and off screen!).
Full House Twins Cash In
The Olsen sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley, hold a special place in TV history, not just for their adorable portrayal of Michelle Tanner on Full House, but also for their impressive salaries. Starting at a mere $2,400 per episode at a shockingly young age (15 months old!), they proved their worth and eventually commanded a whopping $80,000 per episode by the series finale. Talk about growing up financially secure!
Malcolm in the Middle Makes Millions
Frankie Muniz, the mischievous Malcolm himself, wasn’t far behind the Olsens in terms of earnings. While his initial salary on Malcolm in the Middle was a respectable $30,000 per episode, the show’s immense popularity translated to serious pay raises. By the final season, Frankie was banking a cool $150,000 per episode, solidifying his place as a Hollywood A-lister in the making.
Half a Million Dollar Half Man?
Angus T. Jones, who played Jake Harper on Two and a Half Men, takes the cake (or should we say, the permission slip?) for the highest reported salary on this list. Angus reportedly commanded a staggering $350,000 per episode at his peak. Considering the show’s long run, it’s safe to say Angus secured his financial future before he even reached adulthood.
Zoey 101 and Victorious Victories
Victoria Justice, known for her roles on Zoey 101 and Victorious, might not have reached the dizzying heights of Angus, but her salaries were nothing to scoff at either. Victoria reportedly earned $50,000 per episode on Zoey 101 and a range of $12,000 to a much more impressive $180,000 per episode on Victorious.
iCarly Queen Reigns Supreme
Miranda Cosgrove, the star of iCarly, also joined the six-figure club. Reports indicate she earned a hefty $180,000 per episode during the show’s run, translating to a total of around $18 million! That’s some serious coin for a hit Nickelodeon sitcom.
Everybody Hates Chris, But His Wallet Loves It
Tyler James Williams, who brought Chris Rock’s childhood to life on Everybody Hates Chris, defied the odds (and maybe some child labor laws?) by reportedly earning a quarter-million dollars per episode! Considering he was only 12 years old during the show’s first season, that’s a truly impressive feat.
Diff’rent Strokes, Different Paychecks
Gary Coleman, best known for his iconic role on Diff’rent Strokes, rounds out our list with a historical perspective. While he initially earned a modest $1,500 per episode, his talent and the show’s success eventually led to a salary of a staggering $70,000 per episode. That might seem like a lot back then, but adjusting for inflation, it translates to roughly $200,000 today – proving that even in the past, child actors could command top dollar.