Do you have to pay child actors?

Asked by: Nicholaus Bradtke  |  Last update: November 25, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (28 votes)

Interestingly, there is no federal law protecting child actors. In 1938, Congress passed the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), a labor law that established a minimum wage and time and a half overtime pay. It also regulated working conditions for children, including age standards, hours, and wages.

Do parents get paid for child actors?

Different states have different laws governing who owns the income a young actor makes. But if your child lives in, works in, or works for a company based in California—even if the project shoots elsewhere—the law is very clear about to whom the money belongs: 100 percent of the income belongs to the child.

Do you have to pay for kids casting?

Becoming a KidsCasting member is free. Members have access to some, but not all services and features on KidsCasting.com. To unlock all features and enjoy the full experience, you must become a subscriber.

What is the child actor money law?

Known as the Coogan Act, it stipulates that 15% of a child performer's earnings must remain in trust for them until the child reaches adulthood. The Coogan Act provides that a trustee manages the funds set aside for the child in accordance with strict investment guidelines.

How much does a child actor cost?

For one 30-60-minute-long episode in a TV show, the child actor can get paid about $1,000. A weekly rate is usually around over $3,500. Similar daily rates for wages are also paid to child actors for starring in commercials.

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38 related questions found

How much do 12 year old actors get paid?

According to SAG-AFTRA, the typical child pay rates for union shows are as follows: Daily base rate: $1,030 (for a 30-minute or 60-minute show)* Weekly base rate: $3,575 (for a 30-minute or 60-minute show)* Live theater weekly base rate: $2,200 (Broadway; based on 8 shows a week**)

Do child actors have to pay taxes?

Do child actors pay taxes? Yes, child actors are required to pay taxes if they earned more than a certain amount during the year. (This is true of any actor, regardless of age.) Your child will either be paid as an employee and receive a W-2 or as a self-employed independent contractor and receive a 1099-MISC.

What are the laws for child actors?

However, as a result of the case, the California state legislature enacted the Coogan Act (or Coogan's Law). This law mandates that a trust fund be created specifically for a child actor to place a portion of their earnings; that portion cannot be touched until the actor turns 18.

How much money did Macaulay Culkin sue his parents for?

At just 15 years old, Macaulay sued his parents to remove them as legal guardians in control of the $17 million he had earned from acting.

What actor is not giving his kids money?

Actor and musician Jeff Goldblum is one of the most well-known actors in Hollywood. He starred in films like Jurassic Park and Independence Day, and he admits that he got really lucky to make money in the film world. However, Goldblum doesn't plan on giving his kids his wealth.

How do child actors get casted?

The best place for child actors to find auditions is through an online casting platform like Backstage—at least at first. Once a child actor has secured representation, their agent will have direct connections to casting directors and can submit them for bigger roles with major networks and studios.

Do you have to pay to audition for Disney?

Disney Channel is not affiliated with any acting school or acting workshop. There is NEVER a fee to audition or attend a Disney Channel official talent search. Keep practicing and check back here for the latest casting updates.

How do kids audition for Netflix?

There's no single way to become a Netflix actor—the streamer seeks talent via casting websites, agent submissions, and even social media. Auditions aren't conducted in-house, but the production companies Netflix hires are frequently on the lookout for new talent through these channels.

What are the cons of being a child actor?

As child stars age, they are often faced with rejection, objectification and a sense of burnout that can turn many away from the industry in its entirety. According to an article written by Paracelsus Recovery, former child actors are one of the most vulnerable communities for mental health problems.

Why did Macaulay Culkin retire at 14?

Culkin established himself as one of the most successful child actors of the 1990s. He grew tired of acting and retired after Richie Rich. Wanting a "normal life", he went to a private high school in Manhattan.

Did Dakota Culkin pass away?

Kieran Culkin lost a "big piece of himself" when his older sister, Dakota Culkin, died in 2008. The Succession actor, 42, grew up in a large family with six siblings, including Macaulay Culkin and Dakota.

How much can parents take from child actors?

Coogan's Law, also known as The California Child Actor's Bill, requires employers and managers of child entertainers – those under the age of 18 – to set aside 15 percent of each child's earnings into a trust. The trust is the sole property of that child and is inaccessible until the child's eighteenth birthday.

Who is the most famous child actor in 2024?

Here's our list of the top ten child actors who are shaping the future of Hollywood in 2024.
  1. Iain Armitage. ...
  2. Brooklynn Prince. ...
  3. Mckenna Grace. ...
  4. Jacob Tremblay. ...
  5. Jenna Ortega. ...
  6. Noah Jupe. ...
  7. Milly Alcock. ...
  8. Roman Griffin Davis.

Who was the first child actor ever?

Jackie Coogan (born October 26, 1914, Los Angeles, California, U.S.—died March 1, 1984, Santa Monica, California) was the first major Hollywood child star, who rose to fame in the silent-film era and was best known as the sad-eyed waif of The Kid (1921) and similar movies.

Do child actors have their parents on set?

Some of the more common rules that may apply to child performers are as follows: The child needing to be accompanied on-set by their parent or guardian for the duration of the work. The child needing a child-performer license or work-permit. The amount of hours a child can work being in correlation with their age.

Can actors write off gym memberships?

It doesn't matter if you wear something only for auditions. If it can be worn on the street without being considered a costume, it's not deductible. If you purchased the costume for a play or showcase, then keep some production photos to prove it. Gym membership is never deductible.

At what age do taxes start?

Wondering how old you have to be to file taxes? The IRS requires all taxpayers, regardless of age, to file a tax return if they meet income thresholds.

Do child actors go to college?

Since they've already spent years gaining experience in their chosen field, most child stars don't go to college or university. However, some decide to pause their careers so that they can have the "normal" experience of earning a degree (though not all of them finish it).