Net Worth Ranker
What Is Penn Badgley’s Net Worth
As of the current assessment, Penn Badgley, the American actor, producer, and musician, holds a net worth of $8 million. This valuation encompasses his earnings from acting roles in both television and film, his endeavors as a producer, and his activities in the music industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Penn Dayton Badgley was born on November 1, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland. His early education included attendance at Woolridge Elementary, St. Christopher’s School in Richmond, Virginia, and Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma, Washington. During his formative years, Badgley engaged in theatrical productions with the Seattle Children’s Theatre and Monroe, Washington’s Pine Nut Players. At the age of 14, after taking a proficiency exam, Badgley enrolled at Santa Monica College and later attended Lewis & Clark College in Portland for two years. When Penn was 11 years old, he moved to Los Angeles with his mother and soon found work doing voiceovers for children’s radio stations. He also lent his voice to the video games “Mario Golf 64” (1999) and “Mario Tennis 64” (2000). This early exposure to the entertainment industry laid the foundation for his subsequent career.
Badgley’s first on-screen role was in a 1999 episode of “Will & Grace.” In 2000, he guest-starred on “Bull,” “The Brothers Garcia,” and “Daddio” and landed the role of Phillip “Chance” Chancellor on the CBS soap opera “The Young and the Restless.”
Acting Career: Television and Film Roles
Penn Badgley’s acting career is marked by a series of notable roles in both television and film. His early television work included a role on “The Young and the Restless” (2000-2001), which provided him with early exposure in the industry. He furthered his television career with appearances on “Do Over” (2002), “The Mountain” (2004-2005), and “The Bedford Diaries” (2006). His breakthrough role came with “Gossip Girl” (2007-2012), where he portrayed Dan Humphrey for six seasons, totaling 121 episodes. His salary per episode during later seasons of “Gossip Girl” is estimated to have been in the range of $50,000 to $70,000, contributing substantially to his overall earnings. This successful run significantly augmented his financial standing and solidified his position in the entertainment industry. Penn also became a producer on “You” during the show’s third season, further increasing his income.
In film, Badgley has appeared in “John Tucker Must Die” (2006), “The Stepfather” (2009), “Easy A” (2010), and “Margin Call” (2011). His role in “Margin Call,” an independent film that received critical acclaim, demonstrated his versatility as an actor. In 2012, he played the late musician Jeff Buckley in the film “Greetings from Tim Buckley.” He has more than 30 acting credits to his name. In 2018, Penn began starring as stalker/serial killer Joe Goldberg on the Lifetime series “You,” which moved to Netflix for season two. The show is based on a popular series of novels by Caroline Kepnes, and it was one of the top 10 most streamed original TV series in 2020. His role as Joe Goldberg in “You” has further boosted his profile and likely increased his earning potential through salary and potential backend deals related to the show’s success on Netflix.
Music Career: MOTHXR and Album Release
In addition to his acting career, Penn Badgley is the lead singer of the band MOTHXR. The band released their debut album, “Centerfold,” in 2016. While specific sales figures for the album are not publicly available, the release and subsequent touring would have contributed to his income. Income from album sales, streaming royalties, and live performances adds another dimension to his financial portfolio. MOTHXR’s activities, including live performances and potential sync licensing of their music for film or television, contribute to his overall earnings, albeit likely to a lesser extent than his acting roles.
Real Estate Investments
Penn Badgley and his wife, Domino Kirke, have made strategic investments in real estate. In October 2021, they purchased a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in Brooklyn for $1.825 million, exceeding the asking price by $100,000. This property represents a significant asset in their investment portfolio. Previously, they owned a loft in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, which they sold for $2.19 million in 2019. Before the sale, they offered the loft for rent at $8,500 per month, indicating its potential as a rental income property. These real estate transactions reflect Badgley’s approach to wealth management through property investment.
Endorsements and Other Ventures
While specific details regarding endorsement deals are not publicly available, actors of Penn Badgley’s stature often engage in endorsement deals with various brands. Such endorsements, if present, would supplement his income. Additionally, his role as a producer on “You” since the show’s third season also adds to his income stream. Penn executive produced the 2009 short film “Moth.”
Awards and Nominations
Penn Badgley’s career has been recognized with several awards and nominations. In 2016, his work in “The Paper Store” earned him a Best Actor award at the Oxford International Film Festival and a Jury Special Mention for Outstanding Lead Actor at the Manchester International Film Festival. He won an “ELLE” Style Award for International Star for “You” in 2019. “Margin Call” won the Robert Altman Award at the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Penn has been nominated for eight Teen Choice Awards: Choice TV Actor: Drama for “Gossip Girl” in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, Choice Movie Actor: Horror/Thriller for “The Stepfather” in 2010, and Choice Movie Actor: Romantic Comedy for “Easy A” in 2011. These accolades not only recognize his talent but also enhance his marketability, potentially leading to increased earnings. In 2001, Badgley earned a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Performance in a Daytime TV Series – Young Actor for “The Young and the Restless,” and in 2019, he received an MTV Movie + TV Award nomination for Best Villain and a Saturn Award nomination (from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films) for Best Actor in Streaming Presentation for “You.”
Personal Life and Public Engagements
Penn Badgley’s personal life includes his marriage to British singer Domino Kirke in 2017. They welcomed their son, James, in 2020. His association with the Baha’i Faith since 2015 has also shaped his public engagements, as he has been vocal about the persecution of Baháʼís in Iran. His support for Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential election, including an appearance in an Obama ad with Blake Lively, and his involvement with the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet in 2010, highlight his commitment to social and political causes. He has also supported the Black Lives Matter movement and the Occupy Wall Street movement. These activities, while not directly contributing to his financial status, reflect his values and public image.
Net Worth Calculation and Summary
Penn Badgley’s $8 million net worth is derived from a combination of factors. His acting career, particularly his roles in “Gossip Girl” and “You,” constitutes a significant portion of his earnings. His music career with MOTHXR, real estate investments in Brooklyn, and potential endorsement deals contribute to his overall financial standing. While specific figures for each of these components are not fully disclosed, the available information provides a comprehensive overview of his income sources and assets. His successful career in entertainment, combined with strategic investments, has enabled him to accumulate this substantial net worth.
