Staci Keanan is a name that sparks instant recognition for fans of 1980s and 1990s family sitcoms. Known for her witty, sharp portrayals of characters like Nicole Bradford in My Two Dads and Dana Foster in Step by Step, Keanan was a staple of prime-time television during her youth. Unlike many child actors who fade into obscurity or struggle to adapt to life after Hollywood, she reinvented herself with grace and purpose.
Today, with an estimated net worth of $1 million, Keanan lives a balanced life outside of the constant glare of show business. Her financial standing comes from her acting career, film and TV royalties, and her later professional endeavors as a lawyer. This is the story of how she navigated fame, transitioned careers, and built long-term stability.
She is a former child actress known for her roles in the sitcoms My Two Dads and Step by Step.
After leaving her acting career, Keanan pursued law and now works under her birth name, Anastasia Sagorsky.
Early Life and Childhood Beginnings
Staci Keanan was born Anastasia Sagorsky on June 6, 1975, in Devon, Pennsylvania, a small community outside of Philadelphia. From a young age, she showed a spark for performance, and her parents encouraged her interests. She began modeling as a child and appeared in local commercials, eventually branching into voice work.
Her early exposure to entertainment helped her develop poise in front of cameras and prepared her for auditions in larger markets. As her career began to take shape, her family relocated to Los Angeles, the hub of American television production. This move set the stage for her breakthrough in sitcom television.
Breakthrough Role: My Two Dads
Keanan’s first major role came when she was cast as Nicole Bradford in the NBC sitcom My Two Dads (1987–1990). At just 12 years old, she played a girl being raised by two men—one her biological father and the other his best friend—after the death of her mother.
The show explored themes of unconventional family structures, and Keanan’s performance added heart and relatability. Her character became the emotional anchor of the series, balancing comedy with moments of genuine warmth. My Two Dads ran for three seasons, giving her national recognition and a steady paycheck.
For Keanan, the show was both a career-defining opportunity and an entry point into Hollywood’s competitive world. It also introduced her to the rhythms of long-term television work: weekly shoots, press obligations, and the pressures of growing up in the public eye.
Step by Step: Cementing Sitcom Legacy
After My Two Dads ended, Keanan landed what would become her most famous role—Dana Foster in ABC’s Step by Step (1991–1998).
The show was part of ABC’s beloved TGIF lineup, alongside hits like Full House and Family Matters. Dana Foster, Keanan’s character, was the intellectual, sarcastic stepdaughter in a blended family. Her dry wit and frequent clashes with her stepbrother J.T. (played by Brandon Call) made her a fan favorite.
Running for seven seasons, Step by Step was a ratings success and a cultural touchstone for 90s kids. It also provided Keanan with a stable source of income throughout her teenage years. During this time, she earned enough not only to support herself but also to build the foundation of her current net worth.
Other Acting Work and Career Expansion
While sitcoms defined her television career, Keanan also pursued roles in film and other series.
Film Appearances
- Lisa (1989): A thriller in which she starred as the titular character, showcasing her ability to take on more dramatic roles.
- Downhill Willie (1996): A comedy film that allowed her to branch into lighter, family-oriented cinema.
Guest Appearances and Smaller Roles
She also appeared in series such as Going Places and Boy Meets World, though none matched the cultural impact of her two major sitcom roles.
While her acting résumé was relatively modest compared to larger stars, it was consistent. By her late teens, Keanan had accumulated significant experience, professional respect, and steady income.
The Decision to Step Away from Acting
By the late 1990s, Keanan chose to step back from acting. Unlike many peers who struggled with dwindling roles or personal challenges, she sought a different path.
The entertainment industry is notoriously difficult for child actors transitioning into adult roles, and Keanan seemed uninterested in chasing fame at any cost. Instead, she pursued higher education and shifted her ambitions toward law.
This decision marked a turning point: she traded the red carpets for courtrooms, building a professional identity that was separate from her childhood fame.
Becoming a Lawyer
After completing her education, Keanan passed the California Bar and began practicing law under her birth name, Anastasia Sagorsky. She has since worked as an attorney in Los Angeles, specializing in areas of civil litigation and related fields.
This transition highlights her adaptability and discipline. While Hollywood royalties and residuals still contribute to her income, her law career provides financial stability and independence. For many, Keanan’s career shift is inspirational, showing that it is possible to redefine oneself after early fame.
Sources of Income
Staci Keanan’s estimated $1 million net worth comes from multiple streams:
- Television Salaries: Long-running roles on My Two Dads and Step by Step provided consistent earnings during her youth.
- Residual Payments: Syndication of her sitcoms continues to generate royalties, albeit smaller over time.
- Film Projects: Modest but steady contributions came from movie roles like Lisa and Downhill Willie.
- Voice Work and Commercials: Her early modeling and advertising work added to her income foundation.
- Legal Career: As a practicing lawyer, Keanan has established a new, stable source of professional income.
Personal Life
Keanan has lived a relatively private life compared to many of her contemporaries. In 2017, she married actor Guy Birtwhistle, and the couple has kept their personal affairs low-key. Their lifestyle appears to be comfortable but not extravagant, in line with her practical approach to life after Hollywood.
Philanthropy and Public Appearances
Though she is not as publicly active as some former child stars, Keanan occasionally engages with fans at nostalgic conventions celebrating 80s and 90s television. She has also supported charitable causes, particularly those connected to education and children.
Her ability to embrace her legacy while still prioritizing her current career adds depth to her public image.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Even decades later, Keanan’s sitcom characters remain memorable. Dana Foster from Step by Step is still frequently referenced in pop culture discussions about 90s television. Her portrayal of strong, independent young women resonated with audiences, making her characters role models for many teens growing up during that era.
In a broader sense, Keanan represents the rare child actor who successfully transitioned to a grounded, fulfilling adult life outside Hollywood.
Challenges of Being a Child Star
Keanan’s career also highlights the unique challenges faced by child actors. Many of her peers from the TGIF era struggled with fame, financial mismanagement, or the inability to transition into adult roles. Keanan avoided these pitfalls by consciously stepping away and building a new life.
Her story underscores the importance of financial planning, adaptability, and education for young actors. It’s no coincidence that she remains financially stable even without a continuous presence in Hollywood.
Net Worth Compared to Other Sitcom Stars
While Staci Keanan’s $1 million net worth is modest compared to some of her co-stars, it reflects her decision to step away from the industry early. For comparison:
- Patrick Duffy (her Step by Step co-star) has an estimated net worth of $30 million, thanks to his longer career in television.
- Suzanne Somers, who played her stepmother on the show, amassed tens of millions through acting, books, and business ventures.
Keanan’s lower net worth is less a sign of failure and more an indication of her chosen career path outside the entertainment spotlight.
Staci Keanan’s journey from sitcom star to practicing attorney is both unique and admirable. While her $1 million net worth doesn’t rival Hollywood’s biggest names, it represents stability, independence, and a career shaped by her own choices rather than industry pressures.
For fans, she will always be remembered as Nicole from My Two Dads or Dana from Step by Step. But for herself, Keanan has built an identity that goes beyond child stardom—one rooted in education, law, and a fulfilling personal life.
Her story serves as a reminder that success is not always measured by fame or wealth, but by the ability to adapt, reinvent, and thrive on your own terms.