a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I was a Disney child star - but blew my fortune in extravagant ways'
Joey Bragg, who rose to fame on the Disney Channel series Liv and Maddie, has spoken out about his financial struggles and admitted to splurging his savings with a VIP lifestyle
Disney Channel has long been the launchpad for numerous A-listers, including pop sensations Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus. The network's series and movies have consistently kept them in the limelight, allowing emerging young talents to garner enormous followings. Yet, former Disney Channel luminary Joey Bragg has openly admitted that he frittered away his youthful earnings from acting on an extravagant way of life. Now aged 28, Joey rose to prominence through his role as Joey Rooney on the hit series Liv and Maddie.
The show, which delighted audiences from 2013 to 2017, also starred Dove Cameron, Tenzing Norgay Trainor, Kali Rocha, Benjamin King, and Lauren Lindsey Donzis. Joey, who was pursuing comedy before his breakthrough, revealed that he initially declined the chance to star in Liv and Maddie.
He eventually accepted after a more lucrative deal was proposed, leading him to uproot to Los Angeles at 17 to film the successful TV comedy.
In accordance with Californian legislation, 15% of Joey's income from the series was secured in a trust due to his minor status at the time. Setting themselves apart from some other child stars' guardians, Joey's folks "didn't pay themselves anything."
Upon reaching adulthood, Joey gained access to his reserved earnings, receiving a hefty sum of $70,000 (£52k) which he obtained whole on his 18th birthday. He went on to splurge on luxurious experiences, but ultimately exhausted his funds.
Joey revealed on the Cash Cuties podcast: "I moved in with my girlfriend, I went to Coachella every year, the VIP Outside Lands, it was stuff like that. I wasn't buying jet skis or boats or anything, I mean I didn't necessarily have enough to buy a jet ski or a boat, but I definitely got used to the lifestyle."
One of his most extravagant outlays was at Disney World, where he shelled out $5,000 (£3.7k) for a private guide for the day. He also confessed to where a substantial amount of his fortune had gone, admitting: "Also mostly weed, I spent most of it on weed."
However, the early windfall came with a downside, as Joey acknowledges it distorted his view of finances. He noted: "It definitely f***ed me up in regards to what I'm used to and what I enjoy out of life, I get got a lot easily because I'm so used to having the extra money."
Despite this financial rollercoaster, Joey's career has continued to thrive, with roles in several TV series, including a lead role in the American sitcom Call Your Mother, and a recent appearance in the comedy-drama film Sid Is Dead, alongside stars like Mary Stuart Masterson and Carla Gallo.
