Net Worth Ranker
What Is Matt Dillon’s Net Worth?
Matt Dillon, a versatile American actor, director, producer, and writer, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $40 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his extensive and diverse career in the entertainment industry, spanning over four decades. Dillon’s journey began at the age of 14 when he was cast in the 1979 film “Over the Edge,” marking the commencement of a prolific career that includes appearances in more than 60 films and television shows.
Matt Dillon’s Career Highlights and Earnings
Dillon’s career is characterized by a series of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. He gained early recognition for his roles in “The Outsiders” (1983), “The Flamingo Kid” (1984), and “Drugstore Cowboy” (1989). “Drugstore Cowboy,” in particular, garnered significant praise, solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile actor. In 1992, he played grunge musician Cliff Poncier in Cameron Crowe’s “Singles,” further expanding his range.
The late 1990s brought even greater success, with Dillon starring in “Wild Things” (1998) and co-starring in the wildly popular “There’s Something About Mary” (1998). “There’s Something About Mary” was a box office sensation, grossing $369 million worldwide against a budget of $23 million. This film not only elevated Dillon’s profile but also contributed significantly to his overall earnings. While specific salary details for “There’s Something About Mary” are not publicly available, it’s reasonable to assume that Dillon received a substantial payout based on the film’s success.
In 2004, Dillon delivered a standout performance in the film “Crash,” for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Although he didn’t win the Oscar, the nomination itself significantly boosted his career and earning potential. The success of “Crash” also led to numerous other accolades, including an Independent Spirit Award and a Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association Award. Dillon’s salary for “Crash” is not publicly disclosed; the film was made on a modest budget of $6.5 million, and salaries may have been scaled accordingly.
Beyond his film work, Dillon has also ventured into television, most notably with his role as Ethan Burke in the Fox series “Wayward Pines” (2015). While specific salary details for “Wayward Pines” are not available, lead actors in network television series typically command substantial salaries, often ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 per episode or more. Dillon’s role as the lead character suggests he likely earned a significant sum for his work on the show.
Dillon has also explored other avenues in the entertainment industry, including writing, directing, and producing. He wrote, directed, and starred in the 2002 film “City of Ghosts,” and he produced and directed the 2020 documentary “The Great Fellove.” These ventures, while perhaps not as financially lucrative as his acting roles, demonstrate his diverse talents and contribute to his overall income stream. He also narrated the audiobook of Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road,” which earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album in 2001.
While it’s challenging to pinpoint the exact earnings from each project, Dillon’s consistent work in high-profile films and television shows, coupled with his ventures into directing and producing, has undoubtedly contributed to his impressive $40 million net worth.
Matt Dillon’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Matthew Raymond Dillon on February 18, 1964, in New Rochelle, New York, his early life provided a foundation for his future success. Growing up in a Roman Catholic household in Mamaroneck, New York, Dillon attended Hommocks Middle School. It was during this time, while skipping class, that he was discovered by Jane Bernstein, who was assisting director Jonathan Kaplan in casting the film “Over the Edge.” This serendipitous encounter marked the beginning of Dillon’s career, launching him into the world of acting at the young age of 14. Dillon has five siblings, including Kevin Dillon, who is an actor best known for the HBO series “Entourage.”
After his 1979 debut in “Over the Edge,” Dillon quickly gained momentum, appearing in films such as “My Bodyguard” (1980), “Little Darlings” (1980), and “Liar’s Moon” (1982). These early roles helped establish him as a teen idol and a rising star in Hollywood. In 1982, he appeared in his first S.E. Hinton adaptation, playing the title role in “Tex,” followed by “The Outsiders” and “Rumble Fish” in 1983. These films solidified his reputation as a serious actor capable of handling complex and challenging roles.
Dillon then starred in 1984’s “The Flamingo Kid and 1985’s “Target” and “Rebel,” and he co-starred with Oprah Winfrey in the 1986 drama “Native Son.” He starred in a 1985 Broadway production of “The Boys of Winter” and played Robert “Bob” Hughes in the critically-acclaimed 1989 film “Drugstore Cowboy.”
Matt Dillon’s Real Estate and Personal Investments
While specific details about Matt Dillon’s real estate holdings and personal investments are not widely publicized, it’s common for high-net-worth individuals to diversify their assets across various sectors. Real estate, in particular, is a popular investment choice, offering both stability and potential appreciation. It’s plausible that Dillon owns properties in New York, where he grew up, or in California, where he has spent much of his career working in the entertainment industry.
Given his success in Hollywood, Dillon may have also invested in stocks, bonds, or other financial instruments. Additionally, he may have invested in private companies or ventures, either directly or through investment funds. The details of these investments, however, are typically kept private.
Matt Dillon’s Personal Life and Habits
Matt Dillon has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his public profile. He was in a relationship with his “There’s Something About Mary” co-star Cameron Diaz from 1995 to 1998, and he previously dated Heather Graham and Brooke Shields. In 2014, he began a relationship with choreographer Roberta Mastromichele.
Dillon is known to be a fan of Latin music, and a 2007 “Times Herald-Record” article stated that “he has one of the biggest Latin vinyl record collections in the world.” This passion for music suggests he may have invested in his collection over the years.
In late 2008, Dillon was pulled over in Vermont while driving 106 miles per hour on the highway. After pleading guilty to speeding, he was ordered to pay a fine of $828. This incident, while minor, provides a glimpse into his personal life and habits.
