The 2000s gave us a new wave of teen celebrities, many of whom skyrocketed to fame with hit movies, music, and TV shows. These young stars not only captured our hearts but also amassed impressive fortunes. Over the years, some have stayed in the spotlight, while others have taken on new careers or focused on family. Let’s take a look at 12 of the richest teen celebrities from the 2000s and discover where their careers and fortunes have taken them today.
1. Britney Spears
Britney Spears’ fame began in the late 90s with “Baby One More Time,” but her teen years in the 2000s catapulted her into an international pop sensation. She amassed millions through albums, tours, and lucrative endorsements. After a public mental health battle and conservatorship ending in 2021, Britney regained her independence and continues to be a pop culture icon. Her net worth remains substantial thanks to her music catalog, merchandise, and brand. Now, she’s focusing on social media and advocacy for mental health.
2. Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber’s breakout hit “Baby” made him a global sensation at just 15. By 2009, his album sales and worldwide tours made him a millionaire many times over. His career has been marked by a series of successful albums, sold-out tours, and brand partnerships. In 2025, he remains one of the highest-earning musicians, with his fortune boosted by investments, brand deals, and his YouTube presence. Recently, he’s focused on family life and mental health, along with music and philanthropy.
3. Zendaya
Zendaya’s rise began with Disney Channel’s Shake It Up, but her real fortune was built with roles in Spider-Man, Euphoria, and successful fashion partnerships. With savvy business moves, including co-founding a clothing line, Zendaya is one of the richest young stars from the 2000s. She continues to build her brand with endorsements, acting, and producing. Recently, she’s been focusing on major Hollywood roles and expanding her business empire while also maintaining her influence in fashion.
4. Emma Watson
Known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, Emma Watson’s teen years were spent balancing a successful film career and activism. With her earnings from the films and her work as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, she amassed a fortune well into the millions. Post-Harry Potter, Watson focused on acting, as well as her advocacy for gender equality. She now works on select film projects and has her own sustainable fashion brand, using her platform for social causes.
5. Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus’ career as Hannah Montana made her an international superstar in the 2000s. Transitioning into a successful solo music career, Cyrus quickly became one of the wealthiest teen celebrities of the era, with revenue from albums, tours, and merchandising. Over the years, she expanded into acting and philanthropy. In 2025, Miley continues to make millions with her music, TV appearances, and fashion endorsements, while maintaining a bold personal brand that resonates with her fans.
6. Daniel Radcliffe
The Harry Potter series made Daniel Radcliffe one of the richest teen actors of the 2000s. With his role in all eight films, Radcliffe accumulated a significant fortune. Post-Potter, he’s worked on a diverse range of films, including The Woman in Black, Swiss Army Man, and Now You See Me 2. Radcliffe, known for his savvy business decisions, is now investing in theater and indie films, continuing to grow his wealth and his reputation as a versatile actor.
7. Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff made millions from her role as Lizzie McGuire and her subsequent music career. By the time she was in her early 20s, she had launched a successful acting career and built a fashion empire, including the “Stuff by Hilary Duff” brand. Now, she continues to make money through acting, real estate, and brand partnerships, with notable roles in Younger and ongoing work in the fashion industry. Duff has also focused on family life and her personal lifestyle brand, proving her longevity in the industry.
8. Ashton Kutcher
Though Ashton Kutcher became famous in the 2000s for his role on That 70s Show and as the host of Punk’d, his fortune grew exponentially through tech investments. He invested early in companies like Skype, Airbnb, and Uber, netting him a significant financial portfolio outside of his acting career. Today, Kutcher is considered one of Hollywood’s top tech investors. His wealth continues to grow, not from acting alone but through smart investments and entrepreneurial ventures.
9. Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan rose to fame in the early 2000s with The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday, and Mean Girls. While her career was disrupted by personal struggles, Lohan still has a significant fortune from her early movie roles, brand deals, and real estate ventures. In recent years, she has focused on expanding her acting career in international markets, particularly in reality TV and branded partnerships, as well as launching a beach club in Greece.
10. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez began her career on Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place, and quickly transitioned into a successful music and acting career. With a net worth boosted by her music, acting roles, and entrepreneurial ventures such as her cosmetics line Rare Beauty, Gomez remains one of the wealthiest celebrities who grew up in front of the camera. Recently, she’s focused on producing, acting in Only Murders in the Building, and philanthropic efforts related to mental health awareness.
11. Zac Efron
Zac Efron became a teen heartthrob thanks to High School Musical, and his subsequent film career, including 17 Again and The Greatest Showman, boosted his earnings significantly. He also built wealth from brand endorsements and his travel-focused YouTube series Down to Earth. Efron now combines his acting career with travel, fitness, and lifestyle ventures, making him a multi-millionaire in the process. He continues to act and work on his online content, expanding his brand.
12. Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart shot to fame with the Twilight saga, becoming one of the highest-paid teen actresses of the 2000s. With smart choices in independent films post-Twilight, she accumulated considerable wealth and built a unique career path. Stewart continues to land major roles in high-profile films, while also participating in fashion campaigns. Her acting career, combined with her brand partnerships and personal investments, ensures she remains at the top of Hollywood’s elite earners.
