But after The Wonder Years ended, McKellar did something almost unheard of for a teen star: She walked away from Hollywood, enrolled at UCLA and graduated summa cum laude with a mathematics degree. While there, she co-authored a groundbreaking mathematical theorem that bears her name. Then, she wrote a dozen math books aimed at helping young girls fall in love with numbers, with over 2 million copies in print.
At 51, McKellar has built a career that defies categorization. So how much is the actress-mathematician-author-Christmas movie queen worth in 2026? Let's break down Danica McKellar's net worth and the unconventional path that got her here.
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View this post on InstagramWhat is Danica McKellar's net worth in 2026?
Danica McKellar's net worth in 2026 is estimated at $8 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. That wealth comes from multiple revenue streams: residuals from her early work on The Wonder Years, 16+ Hallmark movies, her transition to Great American Family films, book deals from her bestselling math books, voice acting work (including playing Miss Martian in Young Justice) and producing and executive producing credits on many of her recent movies.
View this post on InstagramIn 1988, at just 12 years old, McKellar was cast as Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years. Winnie was the main love interest of Fred Savage's Kevin Arnold, and their on-screen romance became one of television's most beloved relationships. Their first kiss—which was also both actors' real first kiss!—remains an iconic television moment.
Winnie Cooper was originally supposed to be a guest role just for the pilot. The original narration even said it was Kevin and Winnie's "first kiss, and our last one together." But the network loved the chemistry between McKellar and Savage so much that producers approached her mother four days into shooting to offer her a series regular role.
Related: ‘Wonder Years’ Star Shares Never-Before-Seen Personal Photos to Mark Show’s Anniversary
Did Danica McKellar really prove a mathematical theorem?
Their breakthrough is now known as the Chayes-McKellar-Winn theorem, and it was published in Britain's prestigious Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and General. The theorem deals with magnetic materials and proved that two crucial temperature thresholds in the Ashkin-Teller model—one for percolation and one for Gibbs states multiplicity—are actually the same.
As a result of her academic work, McKellar has an Erdős number of four (a measure of collaborative distance from mathematician Paul Erdős) and an Erdős-Bacon number of six (combining her mathematical and acting connections).
What math books has Danica McKellar written?
Her first book, Math Doesn't Suck (2007), became a New York Times bestseller and earned her recognition as ABC World News' "Person of the Week." The book uses a friendly, conversational tone to teach middle school math concepts. Her second book, Kiss My Math (2008), also became a New York Times bestseller.
Other titles include Hot X: Algebra Exposed, Girls Get Curves: Geometry Takes Shape, and children's books like Ten Magic Butterflies, Do Not Open This Math Book, Bathtime Mathtime and The Times Machine.
View this post on Instagram"I have a unique position to be a role model to young girls because I am doing something that they consider glamorous, which is acting, and yet I took a time to really get my education and study mathematics," McKellar said.
Did Danica McKellar compete on 'Dancing with the Stars'?
The experience gave her valuable dance training that she's since used in several of her movies, including A Cinderella Christmas Ball for Great American Family, which featured choreography by Dancing with the Stars pro Gleb Savchenko.
View this post on InstagramHer Hallmark credits include Crown for Christmas (2015), My Christmas Dream, Campfire Kiss, Love and Sunshine, Christmas at Dollywood (2019, co-starring Dolly Parton herself!), You, Me & the Christmas Trees, and Coming Home for Christmas. She also starred in the Matchmaker Mysteries series for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries opposite Victor Webster.
Why did Danica McKellar leave Hallmark?
In 2022, McKellar signed a multi-picture deal with Great American Family, becoming one of the first major Hallmark stars to make the jump to the rival network. Her decision came down to loyalty and creative control.
"Great American Family channel was started by the man who ran Hallmark Channel for 20 years. Bill Abbott is his name. I credit him with reviving my career, giving me the genre. I did like 15 movies with him at Hallmark Channel," McKellar explained. "So, when he left to start his own network and he asked me to come along, I was like, 'Yeah.'"
View this post on InstagramIs Danica McKellar married? Does she have children?
McKellar was first married to composer Mike Verta from 2009 to 2013. They share one son, Draco (born 2010). The divorce, which cited irreconcilable differences, was difficult. "I believe that was the hardest thing I've ever been through," McKellar said.
View this post on InstagramScott is not just a successful attorney—he's also an adjunct professor at Woodbury University and has dabbled in writing films for his wife. He has story credits on Campfire Kiss and Swing Into Romance. "It's not his day job, so the fact he will take time to do that is really cool," McKellar said. "He's so romantic. I hit the jackpot."
Related: Danica McKellar Captivates With ‘Amazing’ Dancing Skills From 50th Birthday Celebration
What is Danica McKellar doing now?
McKellar remains incredibly busy. She continues starring in and executive producing movies for Great American Family, with recent titles including Grounded in Love and Have We Met This Christmas? She's also working on developing new content for the network's streaming app.
View this post on InstagramUp next: Hallmark Movie Fan-Favorite Makes Bold Confession About Quitting Acting
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