Net Worth Ranker
What Is Judd Hirsch’s Net Worth?
Judd Hirsch, a celebrated American actor with a career spanning decades, has accumulated a net worth of $12 million. This wealth is primarily derived from his extensive work in television, film, and theater. Hirsch has appeared in over 90 film and television projects, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Career Highlights and Earnings
Hirsch’s career took off with his role as Alex Rieger in the sitcom “Taxi” (1978–1983), where he appeared in 114 episodes. His portrayal of John Lacey in “Dear John” (1988–1992) and Alan Eppes in “Numb3rs” (2005–2010) further solidified his reputation. “Numb3rs” saw him star in 114 episodes across six seasons, contributing significantly to his income during that period. While specific per-episode salaries for these roles are not publicly available, lead actors in successful network television shows typically command substantial fees, potentially ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars per episode, depending on the show’s popularity and their negotiating power.
In film, Hirsch’s performance in “Ordinary People” (1980) earned him an Academy Award nomination, boosting his profile and subsequent earning potential. His appearance in “Independence Day” (1996) was a major box office success, grossing $817.4 million worldwide. He reprised his role in “Independence Day: Resurgence” (2016), which earned $389.7 million. While his exact salary for these films is not disclosed, roles in blockbuster movies often come with lucrative contracts, including base salaries, backend points (a percentage of the film’s profits), and bonuses based on performance. He also starred in the critically acclaimed “Uncut Gems” (2019).
His work in theater has also been a significant source of income. Hirsch won Tony Awards for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play for “I’m Not Rappaport” (1986) and “Conversations with my Father” (1992). While Broadway salaries vary depending on the production and the actor’s status, leading roles in successful plays can provide a substantial income, often supplemented by royalties and other performance-based compensation.
Real Estate Investments
In the 1980s, Judd Hirsch invested in real estate, purchasing a 77-acre property in Napanock, New York. Over a decade, he developed the property into a multi-structure compound featuring 12 additional buildings, including a guest house, art studio, meditation studio, a barn, and two separate garages, each with apartments on the second floor. In January 2021, Hirsch listed the property for sale at $6.2 million. By August 2021, the price was reduced to $4.5 million. The sale price and any subsequent profits would have contributed to his overall net worth.
Awards, Nominations, and Recognition
Hirsch’s success has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations. In 1981, he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for “Ordinary People”. He has been nominated for eight Golden Globe Awards, winning Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical for “Dear John” in 1989. He has also been nominated for six Primetime Emmy Awards, winning Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for “Taxi” in 1981 and 1983. These accolades not only recognize his talent but also enhance his marketability and earning potential within the entertainment industry.
Television Roles: Detailed Examination
Judd Hirsch’s television career is a cornerstone of his $12 million net worth, beginning with early roles in the 1970s that laid the groundwork for his future success. His portrayal of Sergeant Dominick Delvecchio on the CBS series “Delvecchio” (1976-1977), though short-lived, provided early exposure and valuable experience. Subsequently, his guest appearance on “Rhoda” in 1977 earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, a significant achievement that elevated his profile within the industry. These early successes culminated in his iconic role as Alex Reiger in the ABC (later NBC) sitcom “Taxi,” which aired for five seasons from 1978 to 1983. As a lead character in a highly successful show, Hirsch would have commanded a substantial salary, which likely increased over the seasons. While the exact figures are not publicly available, it’s plausible that by the later seasons of “Taxi,” Hirsch was earning tens of thousands of dollars per episode, contributing significantly to his accumulating net worth.
Following “Taxi,” Hirsch continued to secure prominent roles in television. In 1988, he starred in NBC’s “Dear John,” where he played the title role. The show aired for 90 episodes over four seasons. As the lead actor, Hirsch’s salary would have been a major contributor to his income during that period. Industry standards suggest that lead actors in successful sitcoms can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000 or more per episode, depending on the actor’s experience, the show’s popularity, and their negotiation leverage. The earnings from “Dear John” alone could have amounted to several million dollars over its four-year run.
In the 2000s, Hirsch joined the cast of the CBS crime drama “Numb3rs,” where he played Alan Eppes from 2005 to 2010, appearing in 114 episodes over six seasons. The steady work and exposure from “Numb3rs” further augmented his financial stability. While the specific details of his contract and salary are not public, his role as a key character in a popular procedural drama would have ensured a significant income stream. Based on industry benchmarks for actors in similar roles, Hirsch could have earned between $75,000 and $200,000 per episode, potentially adding millions more to his net worth during the show’s run.
In addition to these main roles, Hirsch has made numerous guest appearances on various television shows. These appearances, while often shorter in duration, provide additional income and maintain his visibility in the industry. For example, he had recurring roles on series such as “Maron” (2013–2015) and “The Goldbergs” (2015–2021), and he played Abraham “Abe” Morgan on ABC’s “Forever” (2014–2015) and Arthur Przybyszewsk on the CBS series “Superior Donuts” (2017–2018). His guest appearances on shows like “The Big Bang Theory” (2016), “Modern Love” (2019), “God Friended Me” (2020), and “Hunters” (2020) also contribute to his earnings. Guest roles on popular shows can command fees ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per episode, depending on the role’s significance and the actor’s profile.
Film Roles: Detailed Examination
Judd Hirsch’s film career has played a significant role in building his $12 million net worth, marked by both critically acclaimed performances and appearances in blockbuster films. His early film roles, such as his appearance in “Ordinary People” (1980), where he played Dr. Tyrone C. Berger, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Although he did not win, the nomination significantly raised his profile and increased his marketability in Hollywood. While the exact salary he received for “Ordinary People” is not publicly disclosed, a nomination of this caliber would have likely led to more lucrative film offers in the years that followed.
One of the highlights of Hirsch’s film career is his role in “Independence Day” (1996), a science fiction blockbuster that grossed $817.4 million at the box office worldwide. In the film, Hirsch played Julius Levinson, the father of Jeff Goldblum’s character. Appearing in a film of this magnitude would have provided a substantial boost to his earnings, as actors in such high-grossing movies often receive a combination of a base salary and a percentage of the film’s profits. While the specific terms of his contract remain private, his role in “Independence Day” likely secured him a considerable sum, potentially in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Hirsch reprised his role as Julius Levinson in “Independence Day: Resurgence” (2016), which, although less successful than the original, still grossed $389.7 million worldwide. His return to this well-known role would have been another significant contributor to his income, as established actors often command higher salaries for reprising familiar characters. Again, specific salary details are not public, but his participation in a major franchise film would have ensured a substantial payday.
Beyond these high-profile roles, Hirsch has appeared in a variety of other films, including “Without a Trace” (1983), “Teachers” (1984), “Running on Empty” (1988), “Man on the Moon” (1999), and “A Beautiful Mind” (2001). In “A Beautiful Mind,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Hirsch played Professor Helinger. While his role was not a lead, being part of an Oscar-winning film enhances an actor’s reputation and can lead to future opportunities. More recently, he appeared in “Uncut Gems” (2019), a critically acclaimed film starring Adam Sandler. His involvement in well-received films like “Uncut Gems” demonstrates his continued relevance and ability to secure roles in quality productions.
Each of these film appearances contributes to Hirsch’s overall earnings, with contracts varying depending on the film’s budget, the size of his role, and his negotiating power. While precise figures for each film are not available, these roles collectively contribute to his consistent income stream and help to explain his $12 million net worth.
Theater Career: Detailed Examination
Judd Hirsch’s illustrious theater career has significantly contributed to his $12 million net worth, marked by critical acclaim and prestigious awards. His work on Broadway has not only enhanced his reputation but also provided a consistent source of income over the years. Hirsch’s success in theater is highlighted by his two Tony Awards for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play. He won his first Tony Award in 1986 for his role in “I’m Not Rappaport,” a play that explores themes of aging, friendship, and social issues. His second Tony Award came in 1992 for his performance in “Conversations with My Father,” a poignant drama about a Jewish immigrant family in New York City.
Winning a Tony Award is a significant achievement in the theater world and typically leads to increased opportunities and higher salaries. Lead actors in Broadway plays can earn substantial incomes, with salaries varying widely depending on the play’s success, the size of the theater, and the actor’s star power. For a leading actor in a successful Broadway production, weekly salaries can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more. Given Hirsch’s established reputation and Tony Award wins, it is likely that he commanded salaries at the higher end of this range during his Broadway runs.
Beyond his Tony Award-winning roles, Hirsch has an extensive history in theater, including his Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play for “Knock Knock” in 1976. He also received Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nominations for “Talley’s Folly” in 1980. These accolades demonstrate his consistent excellence in theatrical performances and contribute to his long-term earning potential.
In addition to the initial salaries earned during the runs of these plays, Hirsch likely receives royalties and other performance-based compensation. Royalties are payments made to actors based on the continued performance or licensing of the play. While the specifics of these arrangements are private, they can provide a steady stream of income over many years. His continuous engagement with theater, marked by both critical acclaim and awards, has undoubtedly played a crucial role in building his $12 million net worth.
Personal Life and Financial Decisions
Judd Hirsch was married to Elisa Sadaune in 1963, and they had a son, Alex, in 1966 before divorcing in 1967. He later married fashion designer Bonni Sue Chalkin in 1992, with whom he had two children, London and Montana, before divorcing in 2005. While the financial details of these divorces are not publicly available, divorce settlements can have a significant impact on an individual’s net worth, particularly if they involve the division of assets and ongoing spousal support. Hirsch’s divorces may have influenced his financial decisions and asset management over the years.
