In recent years, a growing number of former child stars have joined OnlyFans, a subscription-based content platform largely associated with adult content.
Several notable names have surprised the public by announcing their presence on the site, with the most recent being Amanda Bynes.
As more ex-child stars sign up, many ask: why are they turning to this platform?
While many assume it's financially motivated—especially with some top creators reportedly earning millions per month—there are deeper reasons why these once-innocent child stars are joining OnlyFans.
Amanda Bynes
From a beloved child star known for her roles on Nickelodeon’s All That, The Amanda Show, and movies like She’s the Man and Hairspray, Bynes is now on OnlyFans.
In a post on Instagram Story on Tuesday, April 15, the 39-year-old announced her move, but with a strict disclaimer.
“I’m doing OnlyFans to chat with my fans through DMs,” she wrote. “I won’t be posting any sleezy content. Excited to join.”
Bynes’ subscription is set at only $50 a month, the maximum subscription price. But by the looks of it, there will be no NSFW content, as she strongly stressed.
Hence, this may be the actress’ way to explore new creative outlets and ways to connect with her fans after stepping away from acting in 2010 following the release of her last movie, Easy A.
Dan Benson
Disney child star Dan Benson is not a kid anymore, and as a proof of it, he joined OnlyFans in 2023.
The actor wants to remind fans that he is “all grown up now,” as his Twitter bio and OnlyFans profile read, and if they want to see him “naked,” he will grant their wish.
Famous for his role in Disney Channel’s hit sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place with Selena Gomez, Benson transitioned to adult content creation after private photos of him leaked online.
In a TikTok video he posted in January 2023, the 37-year-old star explained he “tripped and fell into adult entertainment”
So, why did he join OnlyFans? After his private photos leaked, he decided to sell them himself and make “authentic” content.
Bella Thorne
Bella Thorne is no longer the cute and quirky Cece Jones on Disney Channel’s Shake It Up. She surprised everyone when she joined OnlyFans in 2020, reportedly earning a whopping $1 million in just 24 hours.
After leaking her own nude snaps following being threatened by a hacker in 2019, the singer-actress told Paper Magazine that the subscription service had helped her regain control of her image.
“OnlyFans is the first platform where I can fully control my image; without censorship, without judgement, without being bullied online for being me,” she said.
Anyhow, she also told The Times that she had never offered nudity on her page and the exchange floating around on social media was falsified.
Thorne’s OnlyFans account is no longer active.
Camille Winbush
From being Vanessa Thompkins in The Bernie Mac Show, Camille Winbush now has a different role to play on OnlyFans.
But do not get the 35-year-old star wrong. She never posts any explicit materials. Instead, she uses the platform to share modeling and lifestyle content.
And by the looks of it, she finds success in it. Winbush reportedly earned over $900,000 in her debut week but categorically denied the claims.
However, as she said, her Bernie Mac Show residuals were “drying up,” she seemed to be left with no choice but to find another source of living.
Maitland Ward
Formerly known as Rachel McGuire on Boy Meets World, Maitland Ward has found success on OnlyFans, reportedly earning six figures a month.
Well, she has the people subscribing to her exclusive content to thank, and her “amazing fans” that she gets to connect with.
Anyhow, despite venturing into the adult film industry, Ward still has no plans to leave network TV.
“I want to slay both industries,” Ward told the New York Post. “I love and embrace both. Me being bold and free in my sexuality and so out there with it has really given me that power.
But there is no denying that OnlyFans helps her make “more money and feel more powerful than ever” in her life.
Evidently, these former child stars have varied reasons for joining OnlyFans. Whether it's for financial independence, direct fan engagement, creative control, or personal reinvention and branding, it ultimately comes down to artistic expression and authentic connection.
While some have already stepped away from the entertainment industry, they will always remain stars in the eyes of their fans.