Net Worth Ranker
What Is Don Cheadle’s Net Worth?
Don Cheadle, a celebrated American actor, boasts a net worth of approximately $40 million. This financial standing reflects his successful career spanning film and television, marked by memorable roles and critical acclaim.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Donald Frank Cheadle Jr. was born on November 29, 1964, in Kansas City, Missouri. During his formative years, Don actively participated in diverse extracurricular activities. At East High School in Denver, Colorado, he showcased his musical talents by playing the saxophone in the school jazz band and singing in the choir. His acting journey began with roles in school plays and musicals, laying the foundation for his future career. He pursued his passion for acting at the California Institute of the Arts, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theater in 1986. His early career included appearances in “Moving Violations,” which granted him eligibility for his Screen Actors Guild card, marking a pivotal step in his professional journey.
Cheadle’s early roles in films such as “Hamburger Hill” and “Colors,” coupled with appearances in television series like “Fame,” “L.A. Law,” “Sidekicks,” “Hill Street Blues,” and “Night Court,” provided him with valuable experience and exposure in the entertainment industry. These roles were instrumental in honing his acting skills and building his professional network, setting the stage for his breakthrough performances in later years.
Breakthrough Roles and Critical Acclaim
Don Cheadle’s career gained significant momentum with his role as Mouse Alexander in the 1995 thriller “Devil in a Blue Dress.” His performance garnered widespread recognition, earning him Best Supporting Actor awards from the National Society of Film Critics and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association. This acclaim solidified his reputation as a versatile and talented actor capable of delivering compelling performances.
In 1997, Cheadle took on roles in the disaster film “Volcano” and the historical drama “Rosewood,” further expanding his acting repertoire. He also joined the ensemble cast of Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Boogie Nights,” a film that received critical acclaim and contributed to Cheadle’s rising profile in Hollywood. These diverse roles showcased his ability to adapt to different genres and work alongside prominent filmmakers and actors.
His collaborations with director Steven Soderbergh in films like “Traffic” (2000), “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001), and its sequels further cemented his status as a leading actor. “Traffic,” in particular, was a critical and commercial success, winning multiple Academy Awards and boosting Cheadle’s visibility in the industry. These collaborations highlighted his ability to work effectively within ensemble casts and contribute to high-profile projects.
A pivotal moment in Cheadle’s career came in 2004 with his starring role in “Hotel Rwanda.” His portrayal of Paul Rusesabagina, a real-life hotel manager who sheltered refugees during the Rwandan genocide, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. This nomination was a testament to his exceptional acting skills and his ability to tackle complex and emotionally challenging roles. His portrayal earned him widespread critical acclaim. In 2005, Cheadle was part of the ensemble cast of “Crash,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. “Crash” grossed $54.7 million in the US and Canada, against a budget of $6.5 million. These films not only showcased his acting talents but also demonstrated his commitment to projects with meaningful social and political themes.
Marvel Cinematic Universe and Subsequent Projects
Don Cheadle’s entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) marked a significant chapter in his career. In 2010, he assumed the role of James Rhodes, also known as War Machine, in “Iron Man 2,” taking over from Terrence Howard. He subsequently reprised the role in “Iron Man 3,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Captain America: Civil War,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” and “Avengers: Endgame.” His consistent presence in these blockbuster films solidified his global recognition and contributed significantly to his net worth.
His role as James Rhodes/War Machine significantly boosted his visibility and earning potential, with each appearance adding to his financial success. It’s estimated that Cheadle earned several million dollars for his appearances in each of the “Avengers” films. As of 2025, Cheadle has had continued involvement in the MCU, starring in the series “Armor Wars”.
Outside of the MCU, Cheadle continued to explore diverse roles in films such as “Brooklyn’s Finest,” “The Guard,” and “Flight.” In “Miles Ahead,” he not only starred as the legendary musician Miles Davis but also served as the director, showcasing his multifaceted talents. These projects demonstrated his commitment to artistic exploration and his ability to take on challenging roles in both mainstream and independent films.
Television Career and Accolades
Don Cheadle’s television career has been marked by critical acclaim and numerous accolades. In the early 1990s, he appeared in episodes of popular shows like “China Beach,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper.” He also had a supporting role in “The Golden Palace,” a spin-off of “The Golden Girls,” and a main role as D.A. John Littleton on “Picket Fences,” a series that earned him widespread recognition.
In 1996, Cheadle starred in the HBO television film “Rebound: The Legend of Earl ‘The Goat’ Manigault,” a role that further highlighted his acting range. Following this, he received Emmy Award nominations for his performances in “The Rat Pack” and “A Lesson Before Dying,” solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor capable of delivering compelling performances in both film and television.
In the 2000s, Cheadle continued to earn Emmy nominations for his work in “Things Behind the Sun” and “ER,” where he had a notable guest role. These nominations underscored his consistent performance quality and his ability to captivate audiences in various television projects.
One of the most significant achievements in Cheadle’s television career came with his starring role in the Showtime series “House of Lies.” The series, which premiered in 2012, earned him a Golden Globe Award and four consecutive Emmy nominations. For his work on “House of Lies,” Don Cheadle’s salary peaked at approximately $200,000 – $250,000 per episode. In 2019, he garnered further acclaim for his starring role in “Black Monday,” a series about the events leading up to the 1987 stock market crash. His performance in “Black Monday” earned him another Emmy nomination, highlighting his consistent ability to deliver outstanding performances in television. Cheadle’s salary for “Black Monday” was reported to be in the range of $150,000 per episode.
In 2021, Cheadle expanded his television repertoire by joining the cast of the ABC remake of “The Wonder Years,” taking on a new role in a reimagined classic series. This move demonstrated his continued interest in exploring diverse characters and genres within the television landscape. His ventures in television have not only showcased his acting skills but also contributed substantially to his overall income.
Activism and Personal Life
Don Cheadle’s commitment to activism and humanitarian causes has been a defining aspect of his public persona. He has been deeply involved in efforts to end the genocide in Darfur, Sudan, and co-founded the humanitarian aid organization Not On Our Watch Project. His activism extends to addressing climate change concerns, as evidenced by his work with the United Nations and his role on the Advisory Board of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. In recognition of his efforts, he was named a UN Environment Program Goodwill Ambassador in 2010.
Cheadle’s marriage to actress Bridgid Coulter in 2020 formalized a relationship of over 25 years. Together, they have two children, reflecting the importance of family in Cheadle’s life. While specific details about their personal finances are private, it is evident that Cheadle’s values extend beyond his professional success to encompass a commitment to social responsibility and family.
Real Estate Investments
Don Cheadle owns a property in Los Angeles, California. The property, purchased in the early 2000s, is located in the Studio City area of Los Angeles. The house, approximately 4,000 square feet, was purchased for roughly $1.7 million. As of 2025, similar properties in the area are valued between $3 million and $4 million, reflecting the increase in real estate value over the years. While specific details about the property’s interiors and amenities are not publicly disclosed, it is known that the house serves as his primary residence. As of 2025, Cheadle continues to reside at the property with his family.
