Net Worth Ranker
What Is Sean Hayes’ Net Worth?
Sean Hayes, the celebrated American actor and comedian, has amassed a considerable net worth of $30 million. This financial achievement is primarily attributed to his iconic portrayal of Jack McFarland on the widely acclaimed NBC sitcom “Will & Grace.” Beyond his television success, Hayes has diversified his income streams through film roles, Broadway productions, and his thriving production company.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Born on June 26, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois, Sean Hayes embarked on his journey to stardom from humble beginnings. He honed his musical talents by studying piano performance at Illinois State University. Before completing his degree, Hayes took a leap of faith to become the musical director at the Pheasant Run Theater in St. Charles, Illinois. He further refined his comedic skills through improv at The Second City in Chicago and composed original music for a Steppenwolf Theatre Company production of “Antigone.” In 1995, Hayes relocated to Los Angeles, where he pursued stand-up comedy and acting in commercials.
Hayes’ breakthrough moment arrived in 1998 when he secured the role of Jack McFarland on “Will & Grace.” The sitcom’s immense popularity catapulted Hayes into the spotlight, earning him seven consecutive Emmy Award nominations, ultimately winning in 2000. His exceptional performance also garnered six Golden Globe Award nominations. During this period, Hayes made guest appearances on shows such as “Scrubs,” “Tom Goes to the Mayor,” and “Lovespring International” and hosted an episode of “Saturday Night Live.” In 2002, Hayes portrayed the legendary comedian Jerry Lewis in the television film “Martin and Lewis,” earning a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.
Television Career and Production Ventures
In 2010, Hayes showcased his hosting prowess at the 64th Tony Awards, winning an Emmy for Outstanding Special Class Program. This achievement marked a turning point as he ventured into executive production through his company, Hazy Mills Productions, established in 2004 with friend and former classmate Todd Milliner. Hazy Mills Productions has been instrumental in producing successful television series such as “Hot in Cleveland,” starring Betty White; “Grimm,” a supernatural police procedural; “Hollywood Game Night,” hosted by Jane Lynch; and the sitcoms “The Soul Man,” “Sean Saves the World,” and “Crowded.”
Throughout the 2010s, Hayes made guest appearances on various television shows, including “Portlandia,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Up All Night,” “Smash,” and “American Dad!” In 2014, he had a recurring role in 11 episodes of the sitcom “The Millers,” starring Will Arnett and Margo Martindale. Other television credits include “Maya & Marty,” “Hairspray Live!,” and “Tangled: The Series.” From 2017 to 2020, Hayes reprised his iconic role as Jack McFarland on the NBC revival of “Will & Grace,” further solidifying his status as a comedic icon.
Film Career
Hayes’ foray into film began in 1998 with his debut in the gay romantic comedy “Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss,” which earned him widespread recognition. He then lent his voice to the animated film “Cats & Dogs” and appeared in the critically acclaimed independent dramedy “Pieces of April” in 2003, alongside Katie Holmes and Patricia Clarkson. Also in 2003, Sean played both Mr. Hank Humberfloob and the Fish in the live-action film adaptation of “The Cat in the Hat.”
In the 2000s, Hayes’ film credits expanded to include “Win a Date with Ted Hamilton!,” Rob Reiner’s buddy comedy “The Bucket List” with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, the musical comedy “Soul Men” with Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac, and the animated fantasy film “Igor,” where he voiced the character Brain. Later film roles include “The Three Stooges,” Dax Shepard’s action comedy “Hit and Run,” Disney/Pixar’s “Monsters University,” “The Emoji Movie,” and “Lazy Susan.” Hayes also starred in “Am I Ok?,” a drama film with Dakota Johnson and Tig Notaro, directed by Notaro and Stephanie Allynne.
Theatrical Career
Hayes commenced his professional theatre journey in 2008, taking on the role of Applegate in an off-Broadway production of “Damn Yankees.” In 2010, he made his Broadway debut in a revival of the musical “Promises, Promises,” earning Drama League and Tony Award nominations for his performance as Chuck Baxter. In 2016, after performances in San Francisco and Los Angeles, he starred as God in David Javerbaum’s play “An Act of God.” In 2023, he played the title role in “Good Night, Oscar,” which earned him his first Tony Award.
“Smartless” Podcast Deal
Hayes co-hosts the highly successful podcast “Smartless” with Jason Bateman and Will Arnett. In 2021, Amazon acquired the exclusive rights to distribute the podcast for a reported sum of $60 to $80 million. This lucrative deal significantly contributed to Hayes’ financial portfolio. In January 2024, Sirius XM Holdings secured the rights to host the podcast for three years, paying $100 million. It’s estimated that “Smartless” will generate $200 million by the end of the Sirius deal, translating to approximately $60 million per host after production costs. This ventures contributes to the overall net worth.
Real Estate Investments
In 2001, Sean Hayes made a real estate investment by purchasing a home in L.A.’s Hancock Park neighborhood for $1.65 million. In 2008, he attempted to sell the property for just under $9 million but did not find a buyer. He relisted the home in 2014 for $8.3 million, but it appears that he still owns the property as of today. This home’s current estimated value adds to his overall net worth, though the exact appreciation cannot be determined without a current appraisal.
Personal Life and Marriage
Hayes publicly acknowledged his homosexuality in a 2010 interview, revealing that he was in a relationship. In 2014, he announced his marriage to his partner of eight years, Scott Icenogle. Together, they produce lip-sync videos on their YouTube channel, “The Kitchen Sync,” and have co-authored a book titled “Plum.” Hayes’ commitment to his personal life and creative collaborations further enhances his public persona and contributes to his overall success.
