Disney star Alyson Stoner woke up with $0 in bank account despite years of working on TV

Hollywood actor Alyson Stoner has spoken of waking up to find zero dollars in her bank account, despite years of working as a child star in hit films such as Cheaper By The Dozen.

Stoner, now 32, who goes by they/them pronouns, told The Morning Show on Thursday they were in their early 20s when they made the discovery.

“Well, it was certainly accompanied by shock and, initially, denial,” Stoner told Dr Chris Brown and Kylie Gillies.

“And here’s where we’ll have to hold multiple truths at once, because while I was experiencing these exciting highs and beautiful moments on set I was also working 80 hours a week.

“I was navigating things like kidnapping plots and stalkers as a teen. I was missing school and formative years of education. I had corporations who owned my name and likeness and dictated my behaviour.”

Stoner, whose credits include Garfield: The Movie and Step Up, has complained there are a lot of loopholes which leave room for children’s money to be mishandled.

Stoner had expected to have well over $1 million to their name.

“For many of us, you know, we experienced financial exploitation and other kinds of harm,” Stoner said.

“But it’s usually swept under the rug until we come forward.”

The actor said they were interested in trying to rewrite the rules on how Hollywood treats actors.

“I’m now health co-ordinator for productions,” Stoner explained.

“So, I’m able to assist film, TV, stage productions as well as audiences at home with telling stories in compelling but also ethical ways, along with establishing safer protocols for working with minors on set.

“Child actors at the moment, at least in the states, are currently exempt from the protections of other child labour laws.

“So, there’s a lot for us that we can do. And I truly believe that once we know better many of us want to immediately do better.

“I’m already seeing signs of progress. So, I’m feeling hopeful.”

Stoner has penned an autobiography, Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything.

Despite the trying times, they said they would be returning to voice acting on Disney’s animated series Phineas And Ferb.

“I’m currently on the new season of Phineas And Ferb on Disney, and I’ve been doing that voice of Isabella for nearly 20 years which is wild. But I’m also excited,” Stoner said.

“I just released the artist Well Being Essentials Toolkit.

“It’s the exact resource that young artists and families need — and it’s accessible globally — to prepare themselves for performance pursuits.

“I just love that we’re able to provide the very tools that we ourselves needed as younger artists, but have it be informed by critical mental health expertise and industry know how.

“So, I’m excited to play a role on camera and behind the camera.”