The journey of child stars often takes unexpected turns, with many navigating the complexities of fame and fortune beyond their early acting days. While some former child actors have faced significant challenges, others have successfully transitioned into new careers or built lucrative lives outside Hollywood. This article explores the current lives and residences of several notable former child stars, highlighting their financial successes and personal journeys.
Angus T. Jones: From Sitcom Star to Spiritual Advocate
Angus T. Jones, known for his role as Jake Harper on the hit sitcom Two and a Half Men, became a household name during his tenure on the show from 2003 to 2012. At his peak, he earned around $350,000 per episode, contributing to a net worth of approximately $20 million. However, after leaving the show, Jones made headlines for his controversial remarks about its content, referring to it as “filth” and urging viewers to stop watching.
He has since retracted those comments, acknowledging the impact of his words on his colleagues. Currently, Jones resides in Glendale, California, in a home purchased under his mother’s name for $1.595 million in 2007.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas: A Break from Hollywood
Once a teen heartthrob, Jonathan Taylor Thomas captivated audiences as Randy Taylor on Home Improvement and lent his voice to young Simba in The Lion King. With a net worth of around $12 million, Thomas earned substantial sums during his career, including $600,000 for his role in Tom and Huck.
By the early 2000s, he chose to step back from acting to focus on education and personal growth. Thomas made a brief return to television in 2013 but has not acted since. He owns a property in Westlake Village, California, which he purchased for $683,000 in 2000.
Jaleel White: The Iconic Steve Urkel
Jaleel White is best known for portraying Steve Urkel on the beloved sitcom Family Matters. Initially intended as a guest role, Urkel became a cultural phenomenon, with White earning approximately $180,000 per episode at the height of the show. His net worth is estimated at $8 million.
White has continued to work in the entertainment industry, featuring in various films and television shows. In 2021, he ventured into the cannabis business with the launch of his own line of products. He currently lives in Playa Vista, Los Angeles.
Liesel Matthews: From Starlet to Philanthropist
After gaining fame in the 1995 film A Little Princess, Liesel Matthews left her acting career behind to focus on philanthropic efforts. An heiress to the Hyatt Hotels fortune, Matthews, now Liesel Pritzker Simmons, has a net worth of approximately $1.5 billion.
Her journey included a successful lawsuit against her family over misappropriated trust funds, resulting in a $500 million payout. Matthews has since dedicated her life to various charitable causes and currently resides in Greater Boston, Massachusetts, with her husband and two daughters.
Edward Furlong: A Troubled Journey
Starting his career at just 13, Edward Furlong became famous for his role as John Connor in Terminator 2: Judgement Day. Despite a promising start and a peak net worth of around $100,000, Furlong’s early success was overshadowed by struggles with addiction, leading to a troubled personal life and multiple arrests.
He has since made efforts to rebuild his life and remains active in the industry. Furlong currently resides in an apartment in West Hollywood.
Natasha Lyonne: Overcoming Adversity
Starting her career at six on Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Natasha Lyonne faced significant challenges due to substance abuse and legal issues in her early twenties. After a tumultuous period, she successfully revitalized her career with notable roles in Orange Is the New Black and various films.
Her net worth stands at around $5 million. As of 2023, she resides in New York City’s East Village, while also owning a home in Los Angeles.
Alfonso Ribeiro: A Diverse Career
Known for his iconic role as Carlton Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Alfonso Ribeiro has continued to thrive in the entertainment industry. He is currently the host of America’s Funniest Home Videos and has a net worth of approximately $4 million.
Ribeiro has owned multiple properties, including an eight-bedroom home in Granada Hills, California, which he purchased for $1.94 million.
Michelle Williams: A Hollywood Success
Michelle Williams made her television debut on Baywatch before gaining fame in Dawson’s Creek. With a net worth of around $30 million, Williams has become an acclaimed actress, earning recognition for her performances in films like Brokeback Mountain.
She resides in a townhouse in Brooklyn Heights, purchased for $10.8 million, and maintains another property in the area.
Shia LaBeouf: A Complex Path
From his early days on Even Stevens to starring in major franchises like Transformers, Shia LaBeouf has experienced both fame and controversy. Despite a reported net worth of $25 million, LaBeouf’s personal struggles have often overshadowed his career.
He now owns a home in Pasadena, California, purchased for $5.475 million, and continues to navigate his career amid personal challenges.
Jami Gertz: The Billionaire Actress
Jami Gertz rose to fame in the 1980s and is now a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks, alongside her husband, Tony Ressler. Gertz’s net worth is significant, largely due to her marriage and business ventures, with her husband’s fortune estimated at over $12 billion.
She continues to reside in exclusive neighborhoods, with their Beverly Hills home valued at around $30 million.
The evolution of these former child stars illustrates the varied paths they have taken after achieving early fame. While some have faced significant challenges, many have successfully reinvented themselves, proving that the journey beyond the spotlight can be just as compelling as the roles that first brought them recognition.
