Who are the Highest Paid Disney Stars Today?

In 2019, Disney went from being a force to be reckoned with in the cinematic industry to a cinematic colossus that took over 30% of the US box office in 2019. Once seen as an almost exclusively kids-focused company, it has since gained major street cred among adults as well, recently releasing blockbusters such as Avengers: Endgame and The Rise of Skywalker. Many of America’s favorite stars made their first foray into entertainment with Disney. Which of these performers are now some of the world’s highest paid stars?

Nick Jonas

Nick Jonas and his brothers made their Disney debut on Hannah Montana, though the trio had already been in acting since their early years, with Nick performing on Broadway by the age of seven. Nick and his brothers made their mark on the Disney sphere in a big way in Camp Rock — the musical hit that also saw Demi Lovato become a household name. Camp Rock was so big that to this day, Disney box subscribers collect music, clothing, and albums inspired by the film. Camp Rock produced a plethora of merchandise that helped boost Disney’s (and its young stars’) wealth even further. The film would lead to further contracts and albums, and the brothers haven’t stopped ever since. Nick Jonas is said to have a net worth of around $25 million. The brothers are said to have a combined net worth of $70 million.

Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff is best known for popular series Lizzie McGuire, which she signed up for in 2001. She played a friendly but sometimes awkward teen trying to make her way through the jungle that is a high schooler’s home and social life. By 2033, Fortune estimated that the show had made $100 million in profit from merchandise. Duff has since starred in films opposite greats like Steve Martin and has released several clothing lines. Today, her net worth is estimated at $25 million.

Zac Efron

Zac Efron is best known for starring as Troy Bolton in high school music. The hunk has also stars in many films from Baywatch to airspray, 17 Again, New Year’s Eve, The Lucky One, That Awkward Moment, Neighbors, We Are Your Friends, Dirty Grandpa. He also amously dated HSM costar Vanessa Hudgens. His net worth is estimated at $25 million.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato has come a long way since Camp Rock and now concentrates more on her musical career than on acting. She has had a plethora of hit songs over the past few years, including Anyone, Cool for the Summer, and Sorry Not Sorry. Her latest album, Confident, peaked at Number 2 and brought many new generations of fans to her camp. Today, Demi Lovato is said to have a net worth of $40 million.

Justin Timberlake

The former disney star ‘Mickey Mouse Club‘ is a world famous American singer and actor and is said to have a net worth of $250 million. From kids TV to being in NSYNC and a solo artist Justin has won awards, toured the globe and remains a heartthrob.

He was the third highest-paid musician in 2013, with earnings of $31 million according to Billboard.
Justin made $57 million in 2014 and $63.5 million in 2015.

Selena Gomez

It is amazing to think that Selena Gomez, once an aspiring actor in Disney series Wizards of Waverly Place, is the fifth most followed Instagram star in the world. Not only has she sold a host of pop albums, but she has also produced her own series — the huge hit 13 Reasons Why. Selena is also a keen philanthropist, having worked hard for organizations like UNICEF. She has had a few health scares in her short life, but today she is better than ever, having had a successful kidney transplant. Selena Gomez is said to have a net worth of $75 million.

Shia LaBeouf

Actor Shia Saide LaBeouf played Louis Stevens in the Disney Channel series Even Stevens and has gone on to make over 40 movies and portrayed Mutt Williams in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Estimated net worth of $28 million

Miley Cyrus

At the tender age of 28, Miley Cyrus is the ‘big momma’ of the Disney money-making machine, with Forbes setting her net worth at $160 million. Miley made her name in Hannah Montana but transitioned fairly smoothly into an adult music career with her third studio album, Can’t be Tamed. She also starred in the same year (2010) in The Last Song — a romantic film based on a Nicholas Sparks novel and also the set on which she met her now ex-husband, Liam Hemsworth. Miley’s edgy, ‘out there’ personality is just about as un-Disney as it gets, but she now embraces her childhood and isn’t shy to recall her Disney roots.

Disney is certainly a lucrative machine these days, making billions in profits a year and turning kids into stars. From the Jonas Brothers to Miley Cyrus, its alums have shone on stage, in films and on streaming sites, also racking up big followings on social media. They say that ‘when you wish upon a star your dreams come true’ but this is just a little more likely to happen if your star is shining above the Disney studios.

Author Profile

Mark Boardman

Mark Boardman is an established showbiz journalist and freelance copywriter whose work has been published in Business Insider, Daily Mail, Bloomberg, MTV, Buzzfeed and The New York Post amongst other press. Often spotted on the red carpet at celebrity events and film screenings, Mark is a regular guest on BBC Radio London and in-demand for his opinions for media outlets including Newsweek. His TV credits include This Morning, The One Show and T4. Email Mark@MarkMeets.com