Net Worth Ranker
What Is Scott Bakula’s Net Worth?
Scott Bakula, a prominent American actor, boasts a net worth of approximately $14 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his successful career in television, film, and theater, spanning several decades. He has garnered significant income from starring roles in popular TV series, including “Quantum Leap,” “Star Trek: Enterprise,” and “NCIS: New Orleans,” as well as from various film and stage appearances. This estimate does not include potential earnings from rerun royalties or syndication, which could further augment his overall wealth.
Earnings from “NCIS: New Orleans” and Other TV Ventures
During his tenure on “NCIS: New Orleans” (2014-2021), Scott Bakula earned a reported $120,000 per episode. Over the course of the show’s 155 episodes, this amounts to a gross income of $18.6 million. This figure doesn’t account for residuals from reruns or potential syndication deals, which could contribute additional earnings over time. Prior to “NCIS: New Orleans,” Bakula also held a lead role on “Star Trek: Enterprise” which ran for 4 seasons (2001-2005), further bolstering his television income. He also appeared in 13 episodes of the CBS sitcom “Murphy Brown”, with the exact earnings from these appearances are not publicly documented, they contributed to his overall income.
Early Career and Broadway Beginnings
Born on October 9, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri, Scott Bakula began his journey in the entertainment industry with a part in the musical “Godspell.” This role led him to move to New York City in 1976, marking a significant step in his early career. He made his Broadway debut in the musical “Marilyn: An American Fable,” where he portrayed baseball legend Joe DiMaggio. Following his Broadway debut, Scott appeared in the off-Broadway production “Three Guys Naked from the Waist Down”. The exact financial details of these early roles are not publicly available, but these stage performances laid the foundation for his later success in television and film. His Tony Award nomination for “Romance/Romance” in 1988 increased his profile and marketability.
Breakthrough Role in “Quantum Leap”
Scott Bakula’s breakthrough came in 1989 when he was cast as Dr. Sam Beckett in the NBC science-fiction series “Quantum Leap.” This role, opposite Dean Stockwell, earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim. The show ran until 1993, during which time Bakula received four Emmy Award nominations and a Golden Globe Award. While specific salary details for his role in “Quantum Leap” are not publicly available, the success of the show significantly elevated his profile and earning potential for future roles. The show’s popularity also contributed to his long-term net worth through residuals and continued recognition.
Film Career and Notable Roles
While primarily known for his television work, Scott Bakula has also appeared in a number of films. He made his big-screen debut in Carl Reiner’s 1990 black comedy “Sibling Rivalry.” Subsequent film roles included appearances in “Necessary Roughness,” “A Passion to Kill,” and “Major League: Back to the Minors,” where he played a veteran baseball pitcher. In 1999, Bakula had a small role in the Academy Award-winning film “American Beauty,” starring Kevin Spacey and Annette Bening. The exact earnings from these film roles are not publicly known, but they contributed to his overall income and diversified his career beyond television. Later in his career, he also appeared in “The Informant!” and “Basmati Blues,” further adding to his film credits.
Real Estate Holdings
Scott Bakula’s real estate portfolio includes a 4,000-square-foot mansion in Los Angeles, which he purchased in January 1990 for $1.8 million. This property has remained his primary residence and is currently estimated to be worth between $6 million and $8 million. This represents a significant increase in value over the years, contributing to his overall net worth. In the 1990s, Bakula also constructed a 6,000-square-foot home on four acres in Ojai, California. He listed this property for sale in August 1996 for $1.8 million. Details of the sale are not public.
Personal Life and Family Focus
Scott Bakula married Krista Neumann in 1981, and they had two children before divorcing in 1995. In 1999, he married actress Chelsea Field, and they have two children. Bakula is known for prioritizing his family life, which influenced his decisions regarding his work commitments. During the filming of “Star Trek: Enterprise,” he had it written into his contract that filming be completed by 6 PM every Wednesday to allow him to have dinner with his family. During the production of “NCIS: New Orleans,” he made sure to return home to Los Angeles every weekend to be with his wife. These decisions reflect his commitment to balancing his career with his personal life.
Continued Success on Television
Following “Quantum Leap,” Bakula continued to take roles in various television series and made-for-television movies. In 1993, he starred in the television film “Mercy Mission: The Rescue of Flight 771,” based on the real events surrounding the rescue of a Cessna 188 pilot. He also appeared in 13 episodes of the CBS sitcom “Murphy Brown” and co-starred in “Nowhere to Hide” with Rosanna Arquette. Other notable credits in the 1990s include the alien conspiracy miniseries “The Invaders,” the short-lived crime series “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” and the science-fiction drama “NetForce.” These roles contributed to his steady income stream and established him as a versatile television actor.
Stage Roles and Theater Performances
Throughout his career, Scott Bakula has maintained a strong connection to the theater. From 1987 to 1988, he starred in the original off-Broadway production “Romance/Romance,” for which he earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. In 2006, Bakula starred in the musical “Shenandoah” at Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC, the same production that launched his professional theater career in 1976. He also participated in a one-night-only performance on January 18, 2008, to benefit the restoration of Ford’s Theater. His other theatrical credits include the musical “Dancing in the Dark,” performed at The Old Globe in San Diego, California, and the musical drama “No Strings,” written by Richard Rodgers. While the specific financial gains from these theatrical performances are not detailed publicly, these roles have added to his professional reputation and diverse skill set.
