Net Worth Ranker
What Is Emily Deschanel’s Net Worth?
Emily Deschanel, a prominent American actress and producer in television and film, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $30 million. Her financial success is largely attributed to her role as Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan on the Fox series “Bones,” which aired for 12 seasons, totaling 246 episodes. The show’s longevity and her pivotal role significantly boosted her earnings over the years.
Earnings from “Bones” and Legal Disputes
During the peak seasons of “Bones,” Emily Deschanel and her co-star David Boreanaz each earned $250,000 per episode. This amounted to approximately $5 million per season for both actors. In addition to their per-episode salaries, they also received considerable compensation when the show entered syndication, further enhancing their income. This substantial income reflects her significant contribution to the show’s success and popularity.
However, Deschanel, along with Boreanaz, executive producer Barry Josephson, and author Kathy Reichs, initiated a lawsuit against Fox in 2015. The lawsuit alleged that the network was unfairly withholding their rightful share of the show’s profits. Initially, the plaintiffs were awarded $179 million in damages, but this settlement was later voided. A subsequent agreement was reached in 2019, resulting in a “significant” settlement for the plaintiffs. While the exact amount of this settlement remains undisclosed, it is believed to have positively impacted Deschanel’s net worth.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 11, 1976, in Los Angeles, California, Emily Erin Deschanel grew up in a family deeply rooted in Hollywood. Her father, Caleb Deschanel, is a renowned cinematographer and director, while her mother, Mary Jo Deschanel, is an accomplished actress. Growing up in a Roman Catholic household with her younger sister, Zooey Deschanel, Emily’s early exposure to the entertainment industry likely influenced her career path. Emily attended high school in Los Angeles and subsequently enrolled in Boston University, where she participated in the Professional Actors Training Program and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theater. This formal training provided her with the foundational skills necessary for a successful acting career.
Career Milestones and Roles Before “Bones”
Emily Deschanel’s acting career began in 1994 with a role in the film “It Could Happen to You,” where her father served as the chief cinematographer. This early role marked her entry into the film industry and provided valuable on-set experience. She followed this with an appearance in the miniseries “Rose Red,” further expanding her acting portfolio. Prior to landing her iconic role in “Bones,” Deschanel appeared in several films, including “Cold Mountain,” “The Alamo,” and “Glory Road.” These roles showcased her versatility as an actress and helped establish her as a promising talent in Hollywood. By 2004, she was recognized as one of the most promising young actresses of her generation, setting the stage for her breakthrough role in “Bones.”
The Success of “Bones” and its Impact on Emily Deschanel’s Net Worth
In 2005, Emily Deschanel secured the lead role of Dr. Temperance Brennan in the Fox comedy-drama “Bones.” The series, inspired by the real-life career of forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs, became a major success, running for 12 seasons until its conclusion in 2017. Deschanel’s portrayal of Dr. Brennan garnered her numerous accolades, including a 2005 Satellite Award nomination and a 2007 Teen Choice Award nomination. Her consistent performance and the show’s popularity significantly contributed to her financial success. By the third season of “Bones,” Deschanel took on the additional role of co-producer, further increasing her involvement and earnings from the series. In the fourth season, she and co-star David Boreanaz became full-fledged producers, giving them even more creative control and financial stake in the show. The show’s longevity, her dual role as actress and producer, and her share of syndication revenue all contributed to Emily Deschanel’s impressive net worth.
Other Roles and Ventures
Beyond her work on “Bones,” Emily Deschanel has also appeared in other television series. She reprised her role as Dr. Temperance Brennan in an episode of “Sleepy Hollow” and provided the voice for her character in the animated series “BoJack Horseman.” These guest appearances demonstrate her continued involvement in the entertainment industry and provide additional sources of income. In recent years, Deschanel has gained recognition for her recurring role on the series “Animal Kingdom,” further showcasing her acting talent and expanding her professional portfolio. These diverse roles have contributed to her consistent earnings and sustained success in the entertainment industry, adding to her net worth.
Philanthropic Activities
Emily Deschanel’s philanthropic efforts also deserve mention. She has actively promoted breast cancer screenings through a video posted on FunnyorDie.com, collaborating with Alyson Hannigan, Jaime King, Minka Kelly, and Katharine McPhee. Her commitment to animal welfare is well-known, and she is a staunch vegan who believes that the vegan diet benefits the environment. She has partnered with PETA on several projects, including a video series encouraging mothers to raise their children as vegans. While these activities are not direct sources of income, they enhance her public image and align her with causes she believes in. Her activism also reflects her values and commitment to making a positive impact, complementing her successful acting career.
Personal Life and Real Estate Investments
In 2010, Emily Deschanel married David Hornsby, an actor and writer best known for his work on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” In 2011, they welcomed their first child, and in 2015, they had their second child. Deschanel and Hornsby’s family life contributes to her overall well-being, although specific details of their joint finances are not publicly available. Regarding real estate, Emily and her sister Zooey previously co-owned a 1920s duplex in LA’s Hancock Park neighborhood. The sisters purchased the Spanish-style home in 2011 for $1.4 million. This property represents a tangible asset that contributed to her overall financial portfolio. In 2012, David and Emily paid $2.4 million for a home in Santa Monica, California. This home was previously owned by Ralph Greenson, Marilyn Monroe’s psychiatrist, and Monroe often visited him there. The Santa Monica property is a significant investment, reflecting her financial success and her ability to acquire valuable real estate assets. The appreciation of these properties over time has likely added to her net worth.
Emily Deschanel’s Net Worth: A Summary
Emily Deschanel’s $30 million net worth is a testament to her successful acting career, particularly her role in the television series “Bones.” Her earnings from “Bones,” combined with her producer credits, syndication revenue, and other acting roles, have contributed significantly to her financial standing. Her real estate investments further bolster her financial portfolio. While the details of her legal settlement with Fox remain confidential, it is likely to have positively impacted her net worth. Through her acting roles, production work, and smart investments, Emily Deschanel has solidified her position as a successful and financially secure actress in Hollywood.
