Tom Felton, known for his role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series, reportedly earned over $17 million for his appearances in the franchise, despite having just 31 minutes of total screen time across all eight movies. This breaks down to approximately $548,000 per minute of screen time. Although Felton was a key character, his screentime was significantly less than that of main cast members like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who had 539, 205, and 211 minutes, respectively.
Felton, who started filming at the age of 13, has previously admitted to not being particularly wise with his earnings during his teenage years. He spent much of his money on “typical teenage stuff” like skateboards, clothes, and cars, particularly BMWs for himself and his family. He later acknowledged that his mother had warned him about the financial losses associated with buying cars, advice he found to be true.
His financial habits eventually led to trouble with the tax authorities, and at one point, Felton even faced a visit from the bailiff. However, with the help of an accountant, he managed to get his finances back on track. Today, Felton remains a beloved figure among Harry Potter fans, and his impressive earnings are a testament to his success as Draco Malfoy, despite his limited screen time.
Felton’s journey serves as a reminder of the financial challenges young actors can face when they suddenly acquire significant wealth at a young age. It highlights the importance of financial management, even for those in the limelight, and the value of professional guidance in handling sudden financial success.
