15 Child Stars From The ‘70s Who Actually Managed Their Wealth

Written by Mariano Montagna on December 26, 2025

The 1970s produced some of Hollywood’s most iconic child stars, many of whom faced the challenge of turning momentary fame into lifelong stability. While countless young actors struggled with finances or faded from the spotlight, a select few managed their wealth with remarkable foresight.

From sitcom favorites to film prodigies, these stars leveraged their early success into enduring careers, investments, and business empires. Let’s take a look at 15 child stars from the ‘70s who remain wealthy today.

1. Ron Howard

A smiling older man with glasses, a short beard, and thinning light hair wears a suit and tie. He stands in front of a dark blue backdrop with partial text and logos. — Wikimedia Commons

Known as Opie on The Andy Griffith Show and Richie Cunningham on Happy Days, Howard transitioned seamlessly into directing. His films, like Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind, earned critical acclaim and box office success. His wealth, estimated at $200 million, reflects decades of smart career moves.

2. Tatum O’Neal

A woman with long, light brown hair smiles gently, resting her head on her hand. She wears layered necklaces, including a crescent moon pendant, and a black top. The background is out of focus. — Wikimedia Commons

At just 10 years old, O’Neal won an Oscar for Paper Moon. Despite personal struggles, she maintained her career and investments. Her net worth today is around $1 million, showing resilience in managing her finances.

3. Brooke Shields

A woman with long brown hair wearing a purple dress stands with one hand on her hip, posing in front of a step-and-repeat event background. — Wikimedia Commons

Shields rose to fame in Pretty Baby and later became a model and actress. She diversified her career with Broadway, television, and endorsements. Her estimated net worth of $40 million proves her savvy in balancing fame and finance.

4. Melissa Gilbert

A woman in a sparkly striped suit and a man in a black tuxedo pose together, smiling at a formal event with blue lighting and other people in the background. — Wikimedia Commons

Beloved as Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie, Gilbert continued acting and even entered politics. Her financial stability comes from decades of steady work and smart management, with a net worth between $500,000 and $1 million.

5. Kristy McNichol

A person with short brown hair and a friendly smile wears a black coat and sits indoors, looking toward the camera. The background is softly blurred with indistinct shapes and colors. — via pinterest/ via. NadineClark

McNichol starred in Family and Empty Nest, earning Emmy Awards. Though she retired from acting in the 1990s, she invested wisely and remains financially secure, with an estimated net worth of $4 million.

6. Michael J. Fox

Wikimedia Commons

Though his breakout came in the 1980s, Fox began acting in the late ‘70s. His roles in Family Ties and Back to the Future cemented his legacy. Despite health challenges, his net worth of $65 million reflects both acting success and advocacy work.

7. Leif Garrett

A middle-aged person with shoulder-length hair, wearing a white patterned bandana, a white shirt, and a dark jacket, smiling at the camera against a dark blurred background. — Wikimedia Commons

A teen idol in the late ‘70s, Garrett faced struggles but still retains wealth from music royalties and appearances. His financial story is mixed, but he remains a notable figure with lasting recognition.

8. Valerie Bertinelli

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles softly. She is wearing a light blue shirt with dark vertical stripes. The background is pink and out of focus. — Wikimedia Commons

Bertinelli starred in One Day at a Time and later became a Food Network host. Her diversified career brought her a net worth of $20 million.

9. Mackenzie Phillips

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Phillips, another One Day at a Time star, faced personal challenges but maintained her career in acting and music. Her net worth of $1 million shows resilience and financial management.

10. Erin Murphy

A woman with long blonde hair and a black sleeveless top smiles at the camera in front of a white backdrop with “NOH8” logos in black, red, and blue letters. — Wikimedia Commons

Best known as Tabitha on Bewitched, Murphy transitioned into business and motivational speaking. Her entrepreneurial ventures helped her maintain wealth, with a net worth of $10 million.

11. Susan Dey

A man in a black tuxedo and a woman in a sleeveless black dress stand together at a formal event, both looking at the camera. The woman holds a small black purse and wears drop earrings. — Wikimedia Commons

Dey starred in The Partridge Family and later in L.A. Law. Her acting career and smart investments gave her a net worth of $10 million.

12. Kim Richards

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Richards appeared in Disney films like Escape to Witch Mountain. Later, she joined The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Despite ups and downs, she retains a net worth of $400,000.

13. Ricky Schroder

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Schroder debuted in The Champ and later starred in Silver Spoons. His acting career and production work brought him a net worth of $25 million.

14. Maureen McCormick

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Best known as Marcia Brady on The Brady Bunch (1969 to 1974), McCormick became one of the most recognizable teen stars of the era. After the show, she continued acting, appeared on reality TV, and authored a bestselling memoir. She also invested wisely, with an estimated net worth of $4 million.

15. Jodie Foster

A woman with straight, shoulder-length light brown hair, wearing gold hoop earrings and a sleeveless top with blue and white tones, stands outdoors against a blurry, light blue background. — Wikimedia Commons

Jodie Foster began acting in commercials before breaking out in Taxi Driver. Unlike many child stars, she pursued higher education at Yale and carefully chose roles that built her reputation as a serious actress. Today, she boasts multiple Oscars and a net worth exceeding $100 million.