Net Worth Ranker
What Is Carson Kressley’s Net Worth?
Carson Kressley, a multifaceted American personality known for his roles in television, fashion, acting, producing, and writing, has accumulated a net worth of $8 million. This financial standing reflects his diverse career, spanning reality television, film, publishing, and entrepreneurial ventures. Kressley’s primary source of wealth stems from his television appearances, most notably as the “Fashion Savant” on Bravo’s “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” (later “Queer Eye”), which aired for five seasons from 2003 to 2007, totaling 100 episodes. While his exact earnings per episode or season are not publicly disclosed, the show’s popularity and critical acclaim, including a Primetime Emmy win in 2004, suggest significant compensation.
Beyond “Queer Eye,” Kressley’s television career has been extensive. He co-hosted ABC’s “True Beauty” in 2010, adding to his income through hosting fees. His long-standing role as a judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (2015–present), “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” (2016–present), and “RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race” (2020–present) provides a consistent income stream. In addition to judging, Kressley also serves as a producer on “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” increasing his earnings through production credits. The specific financial details of these roles are not publicly available, but his consistent presence on these popular shows indicates a substantial contribution to his overall net worth. The 2022 PGA Award for Outstanding Producer of Game & Competition Television for “RuPaul’s Drag Race” further cemented his success and likely boosted his earning potential.
Carson Kressley’s Diverse Career and Income Streams
Kressley’s career extends beyond reality television. He has ventured into acting, appearing in films such as “The Perfect Man” (2005) and TV movies like “The Year Without a Santa Claus” (2006), “It’s Christmas, Carol!” (2012), and “The Bitch Who Stole Christmas” (2021). While his acting roles may not be his primary income source, they contribute to his overall earnings and public profile. Similarly, his appearances in television series such as “Sordid Lives: The Series” (2008) and “The Bold Type” (2021) add to his diverse portfolio. His production credits, including the film “16 to Life” (2009), and his hosting roles on “How to Look Good Naked” (2008) and “Get a Room with Carson & Thom” (2018), demonstrate his versatility and entrepreneurial spirit, further contributing to his financial success.
In 2011, Kressley participated in “Dancing with the Stars,” finishing in eighth place. While the exact prize money for eighth place is not publicly disclosed, it’s likely a fixed amount, potentially in the range of $25,000 to $50,000, in addition to appearance fees for each week he participated. His participation in other reality competition shows, such as “Celebrity Family Feud,” “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” (Australian version), “Worst Cooks in America,” “The Chase,” and “The $100,000 Pyramid,” also contribute to his earnings through appearance fees and potential winnings. His near-win on “Celebrity Jeopardy!” in 2006, losing by just $1, demonstrates his competitive spirit and willingness to engage in diverse projects. In 2017, he finished in sixth place on “The New Celebrity Apprentice,” winning $25,000 for Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Fund (now known as True Colors United), which “implements innovative solutions to youth homelessness that focus on the unique experiences of LGBTQ young people.” In 2022, Kressley competed on “Celebrity Big Brother” and was voted America’s Favorite Houseguest by fans of the show; he donated his $25,000 prize to True Colors United. These appearances, while often charitable in nature, also enhance his public profile and indirectly contribute to future earning opportunities.
Kressley’s foray into publishing has also added to his income. He has authored several books, including “Off the Cuff: The Essential Style Guide for Men–And the Women Who Love Them” (2004), “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy: The Fab Five’s Guide to Looking Better, Cooking Better, Dressing Better, Behaving Better, and Living Better” (2004), “You’re Different and That’s Super” (2005), and “Does This Book Make My Butt Look Big?: A Cheeky Guide to Feeling Sexier in Your Own Skin and Unleashing Your Personal Style” (2016). While the exact sales figures and royalties for these books are not publicly available, successful books, particularly those associated with popular television shows, can generate significant income for the author.
Real Estate and Personal Assets
Kressley’s real estate holdings contribute to his overall net worth. He owns a 3,819 square foot home on a 10-acre lot in New Tripoli, Pennsylvania. Built in the early ’70s, the house includes four bedrooms and three bathrooms. According to property records, Kressley purchased the home in 2014 for $475,000. This property serves as his primary residence and represents a significant asset. In addition to his home, Kressley owns a nearby horse farm, reflecting his passion for equestrian events and providing a potential source of income through breeding, training, or boarding activities. The value of the horse farm is not publicly disclosed, but it undoubtedly adds to his overall asset base.
In 2004, Kressley purchased a one-bedroom, one-bathroom Manhattan apartment for $735,000. While it is not explicitly stated whether he still owns this property, if he does, its value has likely appreciated significantly over the past two decades, contributing to his net worth. Manhattan real estate is known for its high value and potential for appreciation, making this a potentially lucrative investment. His ownership of American Saddlebred horses also represents a significant investment, as these horses can be quite valuable, especially if they are show-quality or have a successful breeding history. In 2009, he won a world title as a horse show exhibitor, further enhancing the value of his horses and potentially opening up opportunities for sponsorships or endorsements within the equestrian community. Carson became a minister of the Universal Life Church after getting ordained on the internet in 2006. However, this is unlikely to have a significant impact on his income.
Kressley launched the clothing line Perfect in 2006 on QVC, describing it as “basics with a twist.” While specific sales figures are not publicly available, QVC partnerships can be quite lucrative for celebrities. In 2012, he began selling his Love, Carson womenswear collection on Shop NBC, further expanding his presence in the fashion industry. The success of these clothing lines likely contributes to his overall income. His role as a judge at the 2005 Miss Universe pageant and as a commentator for the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants in 2006 further enhances his public profile and earning potential through appearance fees and associated opportunities. In 2008, he also acted as the Master of Ceremonies for Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Tour 2008, and in 2011, he hosted “Carson Nation” on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
