Former Disney Star Ryan McCartan Unpacks His Residual Pay Reality
I can see you’re mystified by how much former Disney kids actually pocket from reruns and streaming—let me elucidate. In a recent New York Post interview, Ryan McCartan, who charmed audiences as Diggie on “Liv and Maddie,” opened up about the surprisingly modest flow of cash he’s seen from residual checks. You probably assumed that once your show airs again or lands on a streaming platform, your bank balance explodes. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.
McCartan recalled that his initial episode fee was in the mid-five figures, but those big numbers don’t exactly follow you around. According to his June 2024 comments for the New York Post, early residuals for cable reruns averaged just $14 per play. Yes, you read that correctly: a dozen bucks. He pointed out that most of his quarterly payouts remained under $200 until the series transitioned to Disney+. He cited one streaming remnant check of $425—impressive only because it dwarfed his previous sums.
He added context by referencing SAG-AFTRA’s revamped residual formula, which the union updated in late 2020. As detailed on SAG-AFTRA’s official website, streaming residuals now include tiered percentages based on subscriber growth rather than per-play fees, a system Ryan praised for “finally making digital platforms feel worthwhile.” However, he stressed that the change arrives too late for many ex–Disney stars whose shows cycle infrequently.
Digging deeper, McCartan highlighted that his guest-star stint on “The Good Wife” fetched around $75 per rerun—barely enough for a decent brunch. He contrasted this with current A-list talents, who can negotiate backend points equating to six-figure residuals when shows boom on Netflix or Prime Video. Tone-deaf? Possibly. But Ryan’s takeaway was clear: unless your Disney vehicle becomes the next global streaming hit, you’re stuck with what he called “peanuts walks to the bank.”
In a follow-up chat with Variety last year, he predicted that only fervent fan campaigns and massive binge-watch numbers will drive residuals into the realm of “life-changing.” He urged fellow performers to educate themselves on contract clauses and to push for stronger digital compensation during negotiations. This insider’s perspective serves as a cautionary tale for anyone swooning over the Disney child star lifestyle.
So there you have it: the reality of residual pay as laid bare by someone who lived it. Doesn’t seem quite as glamorous now, does it? Hopefully that wasn’t too elaborate for you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, SAG-AFTRA official website, Variety
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
