Net Worth Ranker
What Is Martha Plimpton’s Net Worth?
Martha Plimpton, a versatile American actress and singer, has accumulated a net worth of $4.5 million. This financial standing reflects her extensive career spanning modeling, film, television, and stage performances. Plimpton’s journey began in the early 1980s with modeling, leading to her first film role at the age of 11 in the 1981 movie “Rollover.” Her subsequent roles have solidified her presence in the entertainment industry.
Career Highlights and Earnings
Plimpton’s career is marked by a diverse range of roles across various media. From 2010 to 2014, she starred as Virginia Chance in the Fox sitcom “Raising Hope,” appearing in all 88 episodes of the show. This role not only showcased her comedic talent but also contributed significantly to her income during those years. In addition to “Raising Hope,” Plimpton has over 80 film and television credits. Notable film appearances include “The Goonies” (1985) where she played Stef Steinbrenner, “The Mosquito Coast” (1986), and “Parenthood” (1989), where she portrayed Julie Buckman-Higgins alongside Steve Martin and Keanu Reeves. These roles established her as a prominent figure in Hollywood from a young age.
Her television credits are equally impressive, encompassing roles in series such as “The Good Wife” (2009–2013), where she played Patti Nyholm, “How to Make It in America” (2010), where she portrayed Edie Weitz, and “The Real O’Neals” (2016–2017), where she starred as Eileen O’Neal. These roles showcased her versatility and contributed to her steady income stream. For her role in “The Good Wife,” she won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2012 for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series, further boosting her recognition and marketability.
Beyond film and television, Plimpton has a strong presence in the theater world. She has performed in numerous stage productions, including Broadway shows such as “Sixteen Wounded” (2004), “Shining City” (2006), “The Coast of Utopia” (2007), “Cymbeline” (2007–2008), “Top Girls” (2008), “Pal Joey” (2008–2009), and “A Delicate Balance” (2014–2015). Her work in “The Coast of Utopia” earned her a Drama Desk Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play in 2007, as well as a Tony nomination. These accolades highlight her talent and dedication to live performances, adding another dimension to her earning potential.
In addition to her acting roles, Plimpton has also ventured into other areas of the entertainment industry. She served as an associate producer on the 2004 film “Hair High” and wrote a 2005 episode of “7th Heaven.” Furthermore, she has lent her voice to animated characters, including Olivia in the 2015 video game “Minecraft: Story Mode” and Yelena in the 2019 blockbuster “Frozen II.” These diverse roles demonstrate her multifaceted talents and contribute to her overall income.
In 2010, Plimpton starred in the one-woman show “Martha Plimpton Sings?” as part of the “American Songbook” program at Lincoln Center. This performance showcased her singing abilities and added another layer to her repertoire, demonstrating her ability to diversify her talents and explore different avenues for income generation.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Martha Plimpton was born on November 16, 1970, in New York City. Her parents, actors Shelley Plimpton and Keith Carradine, met while starring in “Hair” on Broadway. Plimpton attended Manhattan’s Professional Children’s School, which provided her with a conducive environment to pursue her acting aspirations from a young age. Her initial foray into the entertainment world began with modeling in the early 1980s. This early exposure helped her secure her first film role in 1981 in “Rollover” at age 11, marking the official commencement of her professional acting career. From here she co-starred with Tommy Lee Jones in 1984’s “The River Rat.”
Notable Film and Television Roles
Throughout her career, Plimpton has secured several notable film and television roles that have significantly contributed to her financial success. After making her film debut in “Rollover,” she appeared in “The River Rat” (1984) and “The Goonies” (1985). Her role in “The Goonies” as Stef Steinbrenner helped establish her as a recognizable young actress. In 1986, she appeared in “The Mosquito Coast” and followed it up with roles in “Shy People” (1987) and “Stars and Bars,” “Another Woman,” and “Running on Empty” in 1988. These consistent roles in the late 1980s solidified her presence in the film industry.
In 1989, Plimpton played Julie Buckman-Higgins in “Parenthood,” working alongside established actors such as Steve Martin and Dianne Wiest. This role further elevated her profile and earning potential. The 1990s saw her co-starring with Robert De Niro in “Stanley & Iris” (1990) and playing the lead role of Helene Moskiewicz in the 1991 television film “A Woman at War.” She continued to appear in various films throughout the decade, including “Samantha” (1992), “The Perfect Woman” (1993), “I Shot Andy Warhol” (1996), “Beautiful Girls” (1996), “I’m Not Rappaport” (1997), “Pecker” (1998), and “200 Cigarettes” (1999). Each of these roles contributed to her growing net worth and reputation.
In 1999, Plimpton had a recurring role as Meg Corwin on “ER,” a prominent television series that boosted her visibility. She also made guest appearances on several other television shows, including “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2002), “Karen Sisco” (2003), “7th Heaven” (2004), “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (2006), “Medium” (2009), and “Grey’s Anatomy” (2009). These guest roles provided consistent income and kept her active in the television industry.
From 2009 to 2013, Plimpton played Patti Nyholm in five episodes of “The Good Wife,” a role that earned her a Primetime Emmy Award. In 2010, she appeared in the films “I Thought About You,” “Small Town Murder Songs,” and “Remember Me,” and starred as Edie Weitz on HBO’s “How to Make It in America.” Her role as Virginia Chance on “Raising Hope” from 2010 to 2014 was particularly significant, as she appeared in all 88 episodes of the show, providing a stable income source for several years.
In 2011, Plimpton co-starred in a filmed production of the musical “Company” alongside Neil Patrick Harris, Stephen Colbert, and other notable actors. From 2015 to 2018, she had a recurring role as Cheryl Sussman on “Younger,” and from 2016 to 2017, she starred as Eileen O’Neal on “The Real O’Neals.” She appeared in the films “Hello Again” (2017) and “Honey Bee” (2018), and made guest appearances on television shows such as “The Blacklist” (2018), “The Guest Book” (2018), “At Home with Amy Sedaris” (2019), and “Brockmire” (2019). In 2021, she appeared in the drama “Mass” and played Megan on the HBO Max series “Generation,” continuing to diversify her roles and income streams.
Real Estate Investments
Plimpton’s real estate investments also contribute to her overall net worth. In early 2017, she purchased a 1,350 square foot, two-bedroom home in Los Angeles for $1.225 million. This property represents a significant asset and a potential source of future income or capital appreciation. Prior to that, in 2013, she acquired a four-bedroom Brooklyn townhouse, which she described as a “farmhouse in the middle of the city.” After purchasing the home, Plimpton invested in extensive renovations, including new plumbing, pipes, and electrical wiring, as well as creating her “dream kitchen.” These renovations not only enhanced the property’s value but also reflect her personal investment in creating a comfortable living space.
Awards and Nominations
Plimpton’s success in the entertainment industry is reflected in the numerous awards and nominations she has received throughout her career. She has earned three Primetime Emmy nominations, winning Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for “The Good Wife” in 2012. Her other nominations include Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2002) and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “Raising Hope” (2011). These nominations and wins highlight her acting skills and contribute to her reputation and marketability.
In 2010, she won a Phillip Borsos Award for Best Actress for “Small Town Murder Songs” at the Whistler Film Festival. In 2011, she received a Satellite Award for Best Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical for “Raising Hope.” Additionally, Plimpton has earned Critics Choice Television Award nominations for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for “Raising Hope” (2011 and 2012) and Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series for “The Good Wife” (2013). “Raising Hope” also earned her nominations from the Gold Derby Awards (2011), Online Film & Television Association Awards (2011 and 2013), and Women’s Image Network Awards (2011). These awards recognize her talent and contribute to her industry standing.
Early in her career, Plimpton received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Female for “Shy People” in 1988. She also earned a NAVGTR Award nomination for Performance in a Comedy, Supporting for “Minecraft: Story Mode – A Telltale Games Series” in 2016. Additionally, Plimpton was nominated for three Young Artist Awards: Exceptional Performance by a Young Actress – Motion Picture for “The Goonies” (1986), Best Young Female Superstar in Motion Pictures for “The Mosquito Coast” (1988), and Best Young Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for “Running on Empty” (1989). These early nominations demonstrate her talent from a young age and highlight her consistent performance throughout her career.
For her stage work, Plimpton won an Obie Award for Outstanding Performance for “Hobson’s Choice” (2001). For “The Coast of Utopia,” she received a Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (2007), as well as a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Play. She also earned Tony nominations for “Top Girls” (2008) and “Pal Joey” (2009). These accolades recognize her significant contributions to the theater and her consistent performance on stage.
