What Is Steve-O’s Net Worth?
As of 2024, Steve-O, born Stephen Gilchrist Glover, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $4 million. This financial standing is primarily the result of his extensive career in entertainment, spanning television, film, stand-up comedy, and various entrepreneurial ventures.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Stephen Gilchrist Glover was born on June 13, 1974, in London, England, where his father worked for Pepsi-Cola. At six months old, his family relocated to Brazil, where his father became the president of Pepsi-Cola in South America. This move exposed young Stephen to Portuguese, which became his first language. The family’s frequent relocations continued, moving to Venezuela by the time he was two, where he became fluent in Spanish. At six, he lived in Miami for three years, followed by a return to England at nine. After three years in England, he spent a year in Ontario, Canada, before settling back in London for four years of high school. After high school, Steve-O attended the University of Miami but dropped out due to poor grades, opting instead for clown school. After three years, Steve-O worked professionally as a clown and filmed stunts.
Rise to Fame with “Jackass”
Steve-O’s breakthrough came when he began sending tapes of his stunts to Big Brother, a skateboarding magazine. Jeff Tremaine, the future director of “Jackass,” recognized Steve-O’s potential and recruited him for the show. “Jackass” debuted on MTV in 2000 and ran for three seasons, becoming a massive hit. The show’s success led to several spin-offs and sequels, significantly boosting Steve-O’s visibility and income.
“Jackass” Movie Success
The original “Jackass” series transitioned to the big screen with “Jackass: The Movie,” which grossed nearly $80 million worldwide on a $5 million budget. Steve-O’s participation in the film was pivotal. The sequel, “Jackass Number Two,” earned almost $85 million on an $11.5 million budget, showcasing the franchise’s continued popularity. The third film, “Jackass 3D,” was a box office phenomenon, grossing approximately $172 million worldwide with a $20 million budget. These films considerably contributed to Steve-O’s financial success, establishing him as a key figure in the franchise. Further “Jackass” movie spinoffs, such as “Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa,” “Jackass 2.5,” “Jackass 3D,” “Jackass 3.5,” “Jackass Forever,” and “Jackass 4.5” were also released, continuing to add to his earnings.
Solo Ventures and Spin-Offs
Concurrent with his work on “Jackass,” Steve-O pursued solo projects to diversify his income. In 2001, he released his first solo DVD, “Don’t Try This At Home,” which expanded his fan base and revenue streams. He also starred alongside Chris Pontius in the spin-off series “Wildboyz,” where they traveled the world, exploring different cultures and interacting with wild animals. The show’s success further solidified Steve-O’s position in the entertainment industry, adding to his financial portfolio. Another project, “Dr. Steve-O,” featured Steve-O mentoring guests, aimed at toughening them up and making them less afraid to do certain things, which added a unique element to his television presence. These ventures highlight his ability to capitalize on his fame, leading to a more diverse and stable income source.
Stand-Up Comedy Career
In 2010, Steve-O transitioned to stand-up comedy, further diversifying his career. His second stand-up comedy special, “Gnarly,” was recorded at the Gothic Theatre in Denver, Colorado, and released in July 2020. In 2021, “The Bucket List Tour” started in the United States, and in 2023, he expanded to Australia and New Zealand. Stand-up comedy has proven to be a consistent revenue source, providing him with financial stability alongside his television and film work.
YouTube Channel and Content Creation
Steve-O’s presence on YouTube is substantial, with over 6.3 million subscribers. His channel features a variety of stunts and pranks, generating revenue through ad monetization and sponsorships. While specific earnings from his YouTube channel are not publicly detailed, the significant subscriber base suggests a considerable contribution to his annual income. The channel serves as a platform for engaging with fans and monetizing his unique brand of entertainment.
Literary Works and Music
Steve-O has also ventured into writing and music. He released an autobiography titled “Professional Idiot: A Memoir,” which provides insights into his journey through fame and his decision to become an animal rights activist and vegan. His second book, “A Hard Kick in the Nuts: What I’ve Learned from a Lifetime of Terrible Decisions,” was released on September 27, 2022. While the specific sales figures and royalties from these books are not publicly available, they contribute to his overall net worth. Steve-O also released rap albums, adding another dimension to his creative endeavors and income streams. Although his music career may not be as financially lucrative as his television and film work, it diversifies his brand and appeals to different audiences.
Real Estate Investments
In April 2014, Steve-O purchased a home in the Hollywood Hills for $1.162 million. He listed this property for sale in May 2024 for just under $1.8 million, eventually selling it for $2.135 million a month later. This sale provided a substantial profit, showcasing his ability to make wise real estate investments. In late 2023, Steve-O acquired a ranch located about an hour outside of Nashville, Tennessee, for just over $2 million. These real estate holdings contribute significantly to his overall net worth and demonstrate his strategic approach to asset management.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Struggles
Throughout his rise to fame, Steve-O battled drug and alcohol addiction. His substance abuse issues led to arrests as early as 2002 for charges related to battery and obscenity. During a tour of Europe with Bam Margera, Steve-O was jailed in Sweden for bringing drugs across the border. In 2008, he was hospitalized for suicidal behavior and later pled guilty to felony possession of cocaine. He avoided jail time by participating in a rehabilitation program. Despite a period of sobriety, he relapsed and checked into a mental institution. These struggles highlight the challenges he faced, which, at times, impacted his career and financial stability.
Animal Rights Advocacy and Veganism
Steve-O is a well-known advocate for animal rights and a staunch vegan. He has worked with organizations like PETA to promote veganism and animal welfare. His advocacy has integrated into his public image, further enhancing his brand and appealing to a specific audience. While his activism doesn’t directly translate to monetary income, it reinforces his brand identity and resonates with fans who share his values.