What Is Cary Elwes’s Net Worth?
Cary Elwes, a British actor renowned for his versatile performances across film and television, has accumulated a net worth of $6 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his extensive career in the entertainment industry, spanning decades and encompassing a diverse range of roles.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Ivan Simon Cary Elwes was born on October 26, 1962, in London, England. His career trajectory began with minor roles in films such as “Octopussy” and “Superman,” where he worked as a production assistant. He received formal training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and later at Sarah Lawrence College in New York, as well as the Actors Studio and the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. One of his early roles included playing a gay student in “Another Country” (1984). His true breakthrough came in 1987, starring in “The Princess Bride,” which significantly boosted his profile.
Film Career Highlights
Elwes’s filmography includes a wide array of genres. After “The Princess Bride,” he appeared in “Glory” (1989), followed by roles in “Days of Thunder” (1990) and “Hot Shots!” (1991). He also took on roles in more dramatic fare, such as “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (1992). In 1993, Elwes starred in “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” a Mel Brooks comedy. He appeared in supporting roles in films like “The Jungle Book,” “Twister,” and “Liar Liar” in the mid-1990s. In the late 1990s, he portrayed John Houseman in “Cradle Will Rock.” Beginning in 2004, Elwes joined the “Saw” franchise, reprising his role as Dr. Lawrence Gordon in multiple sequels, including “Saw II,” “Saw III,” and “Saw 3D.” He appeared in a string of films through the 2000s and 2010s, including “No Strings Attached” (2011) and “Elvis & Nixon” (2016), for which he also served as a co-writer and producer. More recently, he has appeared in “A Castle for Christmas” and “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre.” Cary Elwes’s consistent work in film has played a crucial role in his net worth.
Television Career
Elwes has also had a notable television career, beginning with an appearance on “Seinfeld” in 1996. He starred in HBO’s “The Pentagon Wars” (1998) and the miniseries “From the Earth to the Moon.” In the early 2000s, he appeared in television films like “Race Against Time” and “Uprising” and had a recurring role as FBI Assistant Director Brad Follmer in “The X-Files.” Elwes portrayed Ted Bundy in “The Riverman.” Cary Elwes had a recurring role on “Psych” from 2009 to 2014. His credits also include “Life in Pieces,” “Stranger Things,” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” These television roles have also contributed to his earnings and net worth.
Real Estate and Personal Life
In 1996, Cary Elwes purchased a home in Malibu for $615,000. Given the real estate market conditions, similar properties in the area could potentially be valued in the $3-4 million range today. However, this property was unfortunately destroyed in the 2025 Palisades Fire. Elwes married photographer Lisa Marie Kurbikoff in 2000, and they have a daughter named Dominique. His investments in real estate, while impacted by unforeseen events, formed a part of his asset portfolio. While specific investment details and financial transactions are not publicly disclosed, Cary Elwes’s net worth is reflective of his professional income and asset management.
Detailed Look at Cary Elwes’s Film Roles
Cary Elwes’s role in “The Princess Bride” (1987) as Westley marked a significant milestone in his career. While specific salary details from this film are not publicly available, the film’s success established Elwes as a leading man. Following this, he starred as Major Cabot Forbes in “Glory” (1989), a historical war drama. In “Days of Thunder” (1990), Elwes played a character in the high-octane world of NASCAR racing. His role in “Hot Shots!” (1991) showcased his comedic talent. In 1992, he appeared in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” directed by Francis Ford Coppola. His leading role in “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” (1993), directed by Mel Brooks, added another comedic highlight to his filmography. The film, a parody of traditional Robin Hood stories, further cemented Elwes’s reputation for comedic timing and versatility. He played Nick Eliot in “The Crush” (1993), a psychological thriller. In the mid-1990s, Elwes secured roles in “The Jungle Book” (1994), “The Chase” (1994), and “Twister” (1996). In “Liar Liar” (1997), starring Jim Carrey, Elwes played a supporting role. Closing out the decade, he took on the role of John Houseman in Tim Robbins’s “Cradle Will Rock” (1999). As the new millennium began, Elwes appeared in films such as “Shadow of the Vampire” (2000), “The Cat’s Meow” (2001), and “Wish You Were Dead” (2002). His role as Dr. Lawrence Gordon in “Saw” (2004) revitalized his career, leading to appearances in “Saw II” (2005), “Saw III” (2006), and “Saw 3D” (2010). While the specific financial compensation for these roles is not publicly accessible, it is evident that his continued involvement in commercially successful projects has been instrumental in building his wealth.
Further Analysis of Cary Elwes’s Television Roles
Cary Elwes’s foray into television began with a guest appearance on “Seinfeld” in 1996, marking an early entry into the realm of television acting. He starred in “The Pentagon Wars” (1998) and appeared in “From the Earth to the Moon,” where he took on a role in a miniseries that garnered critical acclaim. In the early 2000s, he appeared in TV films such as “Race Against Time” and “Uprising” and also landed a recurring role as FBI Assistant Director Brad Follmer on “The X-Files,” which demonstrated his range as a performer. Elwes’s portrayal of serial killer Ted Bundy in “The Riverman” (2004) was a significant television role. From 2009 to 2014, Elwes had a recurring role on “Psych,” which further broadened his appeal to television audiences. During this period, he also appeared in episodes of “Leverage” and “Perception,” expanding his presence on television. In 2015, Elwes secured a main role on the Crackle streaming series “The Art of More.” His additional credits include recurring roles on “Life in Pieces,” “Youth & Consequences,” and “Stranger Things.” Details of his compensation for these roles are generally not disclosed publicly, but it’s reasonable to assume that steady television work has contributed significantly to his overall net worth. Cary Elwes’s diverse career choices are reflected in his consistent presence in both film and television.
Insights into Real Estate and Personal Assets
Cary Elwes’s real estate investment in Malibu, which he acquired in 1996 for $615,000, illustrates one aspect of his asset management strategy. The property, potentially valued in the range of $3-4 million based on comparable sales prior to its unfortunate destruction in the 2025 Palisades Fire, shows both the potential gains and risks associated with real estate holdings. Aside from this specific property, there is no publicly available information about other real estate holdings or detailed investment portfolios. It’s known that Elwes has been married to photographer Lisa Marie Kurbikoff since 2000, and they have a daughter named Dominique, suggesting family considerations may factor into his long-term financial planning. The information available indicates that Cary Elwes’s financial standing is largely a reflection of his earnings from acting and associated endeavors in the entertainment industry, as well as strategic asset management.