Child actors play a significant role in the entertainment industry. From commercials to TV shows and movies, they often become household names. do alec and kaleb get paid for commercials, popular figures associated with commercials for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, have sparked curiosity among viewers. One of the most common questions surrounding child actors, and specifically Alec and Kaleb, is whether they get paid for the commercials they appear in.
In this article, we will dive deep into the world of child actors, examine the rules and regulations surrounding child performers, and explore whether Alec and Kaleb get paid for their work in commercials. We’ll also provide insights into how child actors typically earn money in the entertainment industry and what factors influence their pay. Let’s break it down in more detail.
Who Are Alec and Kaleb?
Before we explore whether Alec and Kaleb get paid for their work, it’s important to understand who they are. Alec and Kaleb are two young boys who have become the faces of commercials for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. These commercials, which often play on television and digital platforms, share stories of children battling life-threatening diseases and highlight the work of St. Jude in providing treatment at no cost to families.
Alec Cabacungan, a teenager with osteogenesis imperfecta (a brittle bone disease), is one of the most recognizable faces in St. Jude commercials. He has been with St. Jude since he was a young boy and has appeared in numerous ads for the hospital, raising awareness about the impact of their work.
Kaleb Wolf De Melo Torres, another child who has battled significant medical challenges, has also been featured in St. Jude commercials. Both do alec and kaleb get paid for commercials have been instrumental in putting a personal face to the mission of St. Jude, helping raise funds for the organization through their appearances in commercials.
do alec and kaleb get paid for commercials?
The question of whether do alec and kaleb get paid for commercials get paid for their commercials is a common one, but it’s important to understand the context of their work. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a non-profit organization that relies heavily on donations to fund its operations. The hospital provides free treatment to children facing life-threatening illnesses, and families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food.
Because of this, it’s likely that do alec and kaleb get paid for commercials participate in these commercials as part of their advocacy for the hospital rather than for financial compensation. Their stories are powerful testimonials that help the hospital’s fundraising efforts. It’s possible that any compensation they receive is limited to small stipends or tokens of appreciation, but there is no public information confirming whether they are paid or the extent of any payments.
That said, the issue of compensation for child actors, particularly in commercials, is governed by various laws and regulations, and understanding how these apply can help clarify the broader picture of how child actors like do alec and kaleb get paid for commercials are compensated in other types of work.
Laws Governing Child Actors’ Pay: Coogan Law and Union Regulations
When it comes to child actors in general, their payment for commercials, movies, TV shows, or any other professional work is governed by strict laws designed to protect them and their earnings. One of the most well-known protections is the Coogan Law.
The Coogan Law
The Coogan Law, named after former child actor Jackie Coogan, ensures that a portion of a child actor’s earnings are set aside in a trust, known as a Coogan Account, that they can access when they turn 18. This law was established after Coogan’s parents spent most of his earnings, leaving him with little to show for his years of hard work as a child star. The Coogan Law now requires that at least 15% of a child actor’s earnings be placed into a trust account to prevent misuse of their income.
This law applies to all child actors who work in the entertainment industry in states that have adopted this law, including California, which is home to many production companies. Even if Alec and Kaleb were to be paid for their work in commercials, a portion of their earnings would likely be protected under such legal measures.
SAG-AFTRA: The Actors Union
Another layer of protection for child actors is provided by SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), the labor union that represents actors, including child actors, in the United States. SAG-AFTRA ensures that actors, including children, are paid fairly for their work and provides guidelines for work hours, conditions, and compensation.
For example, child actors who participate in union-covered productions, including commercials, must receive at least the minimum wage set by SAG-AFTRA. Additionally, they are entitled to residuals—payments that actors receive each time a commercial airs after its initial broadcast.

While do alec and kaleb get paid for commercials may not be part of union productions, as their work is for a charitable organization, it’s important to understand how the general pay structure for child actors in commercials works. Union rules ensure that child actors receive proper compensation and are not exploited by the industry.
How Child Actors Typically Earn Money from Commercials
In most cases, child actors are compensated based on the type of project they are working on, the prominence of their role, and the frequency with which their commercial or content airs. Here are a few ways that child actors can make money from commercials:
- Base Pay or Day Rate: Child actors are typically paid a base rate for their time on set. This can range from several hundred to thousands of dollars depending on the production budget, the actor’s experience, and whether the production is governed by union regulations.
- Residuals: One of the most significant ways actors, including child actors, can make money from commercials is through residuals. Residuals are payments that actors receive each time their commercial is aired after the initial broadcast. This means that child actors may continue to earn money long after the filming of the commercial has concluded, as long as the ad continues to air on television or online.
- Bonuses for National Campaigns: Child actors who participate in high-profile national ad campaigns may receive additional bonuses, especially if the commercial is widely distributed or becomes particularly successful. For example, commercials that air during major events, like the Super Bowl, often result in higher pay due to the large audience.
- Brand Deals and Sponsorships: As child actors gain recognition from their commercial work, they may be offered opportunities to work with brands for additional sponsorships, influencer campaigns, or endorsement deals. These deals can significantly increase their income, especially if they become associated with a well-known brand.
Factors That Influence How Much Child Actors Are Paid
While child actors in commercials can earn significant money, there are several factors that influence how much they are paid. These factors include:
- Experience: Established child actors with more experience or a higher profile may command higher rates for their work than newcomers.
- Union vs. Non-Union Work: Child actors who work on union-covered projects are typically paid more due to the minimum wage requirements and residuals. Non-union projects may not offer the same financial benefits.
- The Scope of the Project: A national commercial will typically pay more than a regional or local commercial due to its larger audience and budget.
- Type of Commercial: Commercials for high-end products or major brands often have larger budgets, which can result in higher pay for the actors involved.
- Negotiation Power: Representation by a talent agency can also impact how much a child actor is paid, as agents often negotiate better contracts for their clients.
Conclusion: do alec and kaleb get paid for commercials?
While there is no public information confirming whether do alec and kaleb get paid for commercials for their participation in St. Jude commercials, it’s likely that their involvement is more about advocacy and raising awareness than financial compensation. Their work for St. Jude helps the hospital raise millions of dollars in donations, which allows the organization to continue providing life-saving treatment to children at no cost to their families.
However, in general, child actors are protected by laws like the Coogan Law and SAG-AFTRA guidelines, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work in commercials and other entertainment projects. While do alec and kaleb get paid for commercials may or may not receive payment for their commercials, their contributions to St. Jude’s mission are priceless.
Understanding the world of child actors sheds light on the importance of both compensation and advocacy in the entertainment industry. Whether paid or not, do alec and kaleb get paid for commercials for St. Jude have touched the hearts of many and have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless children.