A former child actor from a beloved movie has risen to become among the wealthiest actors globally.
When thinking of some of the world’s richest celebrities, one might naturally assume names like Brad Pitt or Margot Robbie would rank high on the list.
While these Hollywood icons certainly enjoy considerable wealth and recognition, the actual richest actors may not be who you expect.
One individual regarded as a top earner in the acting industry began as a child star in 1992.
He left acting at the age of 16, having been in 11 roles within a brief career span. Despite this short stint, his current wealth is remarkable.
That person is Brock Pierce, known for his role in Mighty Ducks.
Pierce’s net worth is now $1 billion, making him, according to Celebrity Net Worth, the third richest ‘actor’ globally.
At 16, Pierce co-founded the Digital Entertainment Network (DEN),
an enterprise that was ahead of its time in video streaming, venturing into online media well before today’s leading streaming services.
Pierce also found great success with Bitcoin, profiting as an early cryptocurrency investor.
If Pierce doesn’t ring a bell from his acting days, you may recall his 2020 presidential campaign – with Akon part of his team – where he fell 81 million votes short.
Jami Gertz, though not widely recognized, holds the title of wealthiest actor.
Gertz is celebrated for her 80s and 90s roles, such as in the TV series Square Pegs (1982-83), the film The Lost Boys (1987), and Twister (1996).
While her acting has been financially rewarding, it’s her ventures beyond the entertainment industry that have grown her net worth to an estimated $8 billion.
In 1989, Gertz wed Tony Ressler, a successful businessman, but in a 2018 interview, she noted that she initially out-earned him.
In her 2018 conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, she stated: “Everyone thinks I married a rich guy. But I made more money – way more money – than Tony when I met him. I paid for our first house. I paid for our first vacation. I married him because I fell in love with him.”
Gertz and her spouse are part of an investment group that purchased the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball, making them shareholders.
In 2015, they also acquired ownership of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and are shareholders in the Los Angeles Dodgers as well.