Former child star who appeared in cult classic movie grew up to become one of the richest actors in the world

A former child actor who appeared in one of Margot Robbie’s favorite movies has ended up reinventing himself as one of the richest entertainment stars on the planet.

In 2017, Barbie actress Robbie revealed that she was obsessed with the idea of playing hockey that she joined a team when she first moved to America after watching the 1992 classic, The Mighty Ducks.

The cult Disney flick, starring Emilio Estevez, Joshua Jackson and Marguerite Moreau, follows a former star player as he coaches a youth league hockey team.

And it was super successful, grossing $50.7 million at the domestic box office and spawning a franchise that has extended to theme park and hotel attractions.

Another actor who famously appeared in the film is Brock Pierce, a US entrepreneur who also starred in 1996’s First Kid.

Despite his initial success as a child star, he hung up his acting hat after the 1997 television movie, Legend of the Lost Tomb.

Pierce, however, has gone on to earn a staggering net worth of between $700 million to $1.1 billion—but how has the former performer stayed so relevant?

How did Brock Pierce make his millions?

Brock Pierce is a former child star and American entrepreneur (Instagram/@brockjpierce)

After exiting acting at 16, Pierce co-founded a company called the Digital Entertainment Network (DEN).

The business was way ahead of the game in terms of video streaming, looking to make the move online way before some of the big streamers we use today.

Pierce also had great success in Bitcoin and made a wedge as an early investor in the cryptocurrency. If you don't recognise Pierce for his acting roles, you might also remember him running for president in 2020 - and having Akon as part of his campaign - where he finished 81 million votes short of winning.

When all the ballots were counted, Pierce reportedly only received 0.03 percent of total votes, via the Federal Election Commission.

A year later, he spearheaded the international delegation that helped make Bitcoin the official currency of El Salvador. While the majority of Pierce's money comes from early investment in cryptocurrency, he is also the founder of ZAM.

The business, which was founded in 2003, 'specializes in building highly engaged communities and comprehensive publishing solutions for our partners in video games', according to its official website.

What is Brock Pierce doing now?

Earlier this year, Pierce offered Wendy Williams a stay in his mansion amid her conservatorship battle.

In 2022, the American former broadcaster and media personality was placed under a temporary financial guardianship by a New York judge after her financial advisor claimed she was of 'unsound mind', leading to her bank accounts being frozen.

On the subject of Williams, who has previously been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, Pierce wrote: "I have always admired Wendy Williams’ strength and resilience, and when I saw her in need, I felt compelled to offer my support.

"Wendy has given so much to the world as both a woman and an entertainer. Years ago, I had the privilege of being a guest on her radio show, and now I want to extend a helping hand to an old friend in her time of need.”

The ex-star offered Wendy Williams a place to stay and 'heal' earlier this year (Instagram/@brockjpierce)

In an interview with Page Six, he explained that Williams would be able to receive ‘around-the-clock’ medical care, alleging his home would act as a place of ‘peace’, allowing her to ‘begin her journey to healing’.

"Wendy is a national treasure, and it’s time we show her the kindness and support she has always given to so many.”

UNILAD has contacted William's reps for comment.

Page Six reported that the former actor owns mansions in Amsterdam, Puerto Rico, New York City, and Washington, D.C., as well as a Portuguese ocean liner.

Last month, Pierce announced he’d been appointed as an Ambassador to Central America for the Permanent Mission of the House of Feigenblatt to the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN).

“I look forward to collaborating with leaders across the region to create new opportunities for growth and partnership,” he wrote on Instagram.

“My thanks to the House of Feigenblatt for their trust and vision. Honored to be sharing this with Sikander Khan, Hassan and Ambassador Otto Federico von Feigenblatt.”