Net Worth Ranker
What Is Simon Rex’s Net Worth?
Simon Rex, an American actor, rapper, and comedian, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $2 million. This financial standing is a result of his diverse career, spanning MTV VJ stints, acting roles, musical endeavors as Dirt Nasty, and strategic real estate investments.
Early Career and MTV Fame
Born Simon Rex Cutright on July 20, 1974, in San Francisco, California, to Zoe, an environmental consultant, and Paul, a relationship coach, Simon’s early life included growing up in Alameda. After graduating from Alameda High School, he briefly attended community college while working at a potato-sack factory to support himself. His foray into the entertainment world began at age 19 when he responded to an ad in a Los Angeles magazine seeking a nude model. He was photographed nude by Brad Posey at Club 1821 studio. This initial work led to appearances in solo masturbation scenes for Club 1821 films such as “Young, Hard & Solo #2,” “Young, Hard & Solo #3,” and “Hot Sessions III.” Later, he transitioned to mainstream modeling, securing campaigns with notable brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Levi’s.
His breakthrough moment occurred in 1995 when he became a VJ on MTV. He remained with MTV for over two years, gaining widespread recognition and paving the way for his acting career. While specific details about his MTV salary during this period are not publicly available, his role as a VJ undoubtedly provided a solid foundation for his future endeavors.
Acting Career
After his time at MTV, Simon Rex transitioned into acting, securing several roles in television series. In 1999, he had a recurring role on “Felicity” and main roles on “Jack & Jill” and the sitcom “Katie Joplin,” all aired on The WB. In 2002, he starred in the sitcom “What I Like About You” alongside Amanda Bynes and Jennie Garth but left after the first season. The financial specifics of these early television roles are not publicly disclosed, but these positions contributed to his growing profile in the entertainment industry.
His film career began in 2000 with “Shriek if You Know What I Did Last Friday the 13th,” a direct-to-video parody. He appeared in “The Forsaken” and “Going Greek” in 2001. In 2003, he played George Logan in “Scary Movie 3,” reprising the role in a cameo in “Scary Movie 4” (2006) and returning in “Scary Movie 5” (2013). While salary details for these roles are not public, it’s reasonable to assume he earned between $100,000 to $500,000 for each movie, depending on the size of the role and the success of the franchise. The “Scary Movie” franchise, in particular, played a significant role in boosting his visibility and, consequently, his net worth.
In 2021, his performance in Sean Baker’s “Red Rocket” marked a career resurgence. He won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead for his portrayal of Mikey Saber, an ex-porn star. The critical acclaim and accolades he received for “Red Rocket” reignited interest in his career, leading to further roles in films like “Down Low” and “Americana” in 2023. While the exact figures earned from “Red Rocket” are undisclosed, the film’s success undoubtedly bolstered his earning potential and overall net worth.
Music Career as Dirt Nasty
In 2005, Simon Rex adopted the persona of Dirt Nasty, venturing into the music industry as a rap artist. He formed the rap group Dyslexic Speedreaders with Mickey Avalon and Andre Legacy, appearing on their song “My Dick.” His debut solo album as Dirt Nasty was released in 2007, featuring the song “1980,” which gained popularity. In 2011, he released his second album, “Nasty as I Wanna Be.” Other albums include “Palatial” and “Dirt Nasty Sux.”
Rex also co-founded the comedy hip hop group Three Loco in 2011 with Andy Milonakis and Riff Raff. The group released its self-titled debut EP in late 2012. He has also released collaborative albums such as “The White Album” with DJ Stretch Armstrong and “Breakfast in Bed” with Smoov-e.
While detailed financial figures from his music career are not publicly available, revenue streams would include album sales, streaming royalties, and live performances. Given his status as a niche artist, his annual income from music likely ranges from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the year and the level of activity.
Real Estate Investments
Simon Rex has also engaged in real estate investments, contributing to his overall net worth. In 1999, he purchased a home in the Laurel Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles for $650,000. He sold this property in 2016 for $1.2 million, realizing a profit of $550,000 before taxes and fees. After selling the Laurel Canyon property, he resided in a guesthouse in Venice before eventually moving to Joshua Tree, opting for an off-the-grid lifestyle. His property in Joshua Tree, while not publicly detailed in terms of purchase price or current value, represents a further asset contributing to his net worth. Based on average property values in Joshua Tree, it is reasonable to estimate that the property could be worth between $300,000 and $600,000, depending on its size, location, and features.
Additional Ventures and Income Streams
Beyond his acting, music, and real estate endeavors, Simon Rex has also participated in various other ventures that contribute to his net worth. These include guest appearances on television shows, endorsements, and potential revenue from his online presence and social media activities.
Given the diverse nature of his income streams, it’s reasonable to estimate that Simon Rex’s annual income fluctuates between $200,000 and $400,000, depending on the number and success of his projects in any given year. These earnings, combined with his real estate investments, contribute to his estimated net worth of $2 million.
