Net Worth Ranker
What Is John Michael Higgins’ Net Worth?
John Michael Higgins, a versatile American actor and comedian, has cultivated a successful career spanning film, television, and theatre. As of 2025, his estimated net worth stands at $2.5 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his extensive work in the entertainment industry, including notable roles in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries, recurring television series appearances, and voice acting contributions. The income is primarily from acting, in both TV and Movie productions. Higgins’ early career decisions and consistent presence in diverse roles have solidified his position as a respected figure in Hollywood, contributing substantially to his financial success.
Early Career and Broadway Debut
Born on February 12, 1963, in Boston, Massachusetts, John Michael Higgins laid the foundation for his career through education and early stage work. He attended Walter Johnson High School and subsequently graduated from Amherst College in 1985. During his college years, Higgins demonstrated his musical talent as the leader of the a cappella group The Zumbyes, honing his performance skills. In the early 1980s, Higgins also shared his theatrical knowledge by teaching theatre with Street 70, a Maryland theatre production company now known as Round House Theatre, where he also taught improv and voice. Higgins made his Broadway debut in 1991, performing in David Hirson’s “La Bête,” marking a significant milestone in his acting career. This initial foray into professional theatre set the stage for his future roles in film and television, broadening his exposure and solidifying his commitment to the performing arts. It’s difficult to quantify this early influence into his net worth, however it certainly played a role in his subsequent career.
Film and Television Career Highlights
Higgins’ film career began in 1986 with a role in “National Lampoon’s Class of ’86.” He gained further recognition with appearances in “Vampire’s Kiss” (1988) and guest roles on television series such as “Miami Vice” (1988), “Mathnet” (1991), and “Seinfeld” (1997). A significant early role was his portrayal of David Letterman in the 1996 HBO movie “The Late Shift,” which garnered a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Made for Television Movie. In 2000, Higgins starred as Scott Donlan in Christopher Guest’s “Best in Show,” which boosted his visibility and led to collaborations with Guest on “A Mighty Wind” (2003), “For Your Consideration” (2006), and “Mascots” (2016). These films, known for their ensemble casts and comedic performances, contributed to Higgins’ rising profile.
From 2000 to 2002, Higgins played Steven Milter on “Ally McBeal,” followed by his role as Wayne Jarvis on “Arrested Development” from 2003 to 2006. These recurring television roles helped to establish Higgins as a reliable character actor, leading to further opportunities in both comedy and drama. Other notable television roles include Phil Knight on “Kath & Kim” (2008–2009), Judge Albert Farnsworth on “Raising the Bar” (2009), Peter Lovett on “Happily Divorced” (2011–2013), Chuck Pierce on “Great News” (2017–2018), and Principal Toddman on “Saved by the Bell” (2020–2022). Since 2018, Higgins has hosted “America Says” on the Game Show Network, a role that showcases his quick wit and hosting abilities.
His film work includes roles in “The Break-Up” (2006), where he played Richard Meyers, an a cappella singer, “Evan Almighty” (2007), “Fred Claus” (2007), “Yes Man” (2008), and “We Bought a Zoo” (2011). A particularly successful venture was his involvement in the “Pitch Perfect” franchise (2012–2017), where he played John Smith. The “Pitch Perfect” films collectively grossed $565 million at the box office, providing Higgins with significant financial gains and wider recognition.
In 2021, Higgins appeared in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza,” which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. This role further solidified his status as a respected actor capable of contributing to critically acclaimed films. His voice acting contributions to animated projects such as “Planes: Fire & Rescue” (2014), “Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law” (2002–2007; 2018), “Bob’s Burgers” (2012–present), “The Legend of Korra” (2013–2014), “All Hail King Julien” (2016–2017), “Big Hero 6: The Series” (2018–2020), and “Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2018–2019) also add to his income.
Recurring Roles and Guest Appearances
In addition to his film roles, Higgins has made numerous guest appearances on television shows, including “Get Real” (2000), “Frasier” (2001), “George Lopez” (2002), “Monk” (2004), “Boston Legal” (2004), “Joey” (2005), “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (2006), “Numbers” (2009), and “Community” (2009–2010). His recurring roles on shows like “Ally McBeal” and “Arrested Development” have provided him with consistent work and increased visibility.
Higgins also appeared in films such as “The Man Who Wasn’t There” (2001), “Jiminy Glick in Lalawood” (2004), “Killer Diller” (2004), “Blade: Trinity” (2004), “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” (2007), “Evan Almighty” (2007), “Still Waiting…” (2009), “The Ugly Truth” (2009), and “Fired Up” (2009). He co-starred with Jim Carrey in “Fun with Dick and Jane” (2005) and “Yes Man” (2008), adding to his repertoire of comedic roles.
His versatility as an actor is evident in his appearances on shows like “Glee” (2010), “Psych” (2010), “The Suite Life on Deck” (2011), “The Good Wife” (2011; 2013), “Wilfred” (2011–2014), “Sullivan & Son” (2012–2014), “Mike & Molly” (2014), “Angie Tribeca” (2016–2018), “2 Broke Girls” (2016), “Drunk History” (2018), and “Single Parents” (2020). This diverse range of roles underscores his ability to adapt to various genres and characters, contributing to his sustained success in the entertainment industry.
Voice Acting and Hosting Career
Higgins has lent his voice to numerous animated projects, including “Planes: Fire & Rescue” (2014), where he voiced the character of Cad Spinner. He also voiced characters in “Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law” (2002–2007; 2018), “Bob’s Burgers” (2012–present), “The Legend of Korra” (2013–2014), where he voiced Councilman Tarrlok, “All Hail King Julien” (2016–2017), “Big Hero 6: The Series” (2018–2020), and “Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2018–2019), where he voiced Warren Stone. These voice acting roles diversify his income streams and demonstrate his adaptability as a performer.
Since 2018, Higgins has hosted “America Says” on the Game Show Network. As the host of “America Says,” Higgins earns a steady income, and this role provides him with consistent visibility. The hosting gig requires him to engage with contestants, deliver comedic lines, and manage the flow of the show, further enhancing his public persona. The show’s popularity on the Game Show Network has contributed to Higgins’ recognition as a television host. While specific salary details for his hosting role are not publicly available, hosting gigs on successful game shows typically provide substantial financial benefits, adding to Higgins’ overall net worth.
Awards and Recognition
Higgins received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for “Tween Fest” in 2017. In 2019, he earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Game Show Host for “America Says.” Additionally, Higgins and his “A Mighty Wind” co-stars won a Florida Film Critics Circle Award for Best Ensemble Cast and a Seattle Film Critics Award for Best Music. These accolades recognize his talent and contributions to the entertainment industry.
For his work on “The Legend of Korra,” Higgins received four Behind the Voice Actors Award nominations in 2014, winning the BTVA People’s Choice Voice Acting Award for Best Male Vocal Performance in a Television Series in a Supporting Role – Action/Drama and Best Vocal Ensemble in a Television Series – Action/Drama. These awards highlight his success in voice acting and his ability to create memorable characters in animated series.
In 2006, Higgins received an Online Film & Television Association Award nomination for Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for “Arrested Development,” and the “For Your Consideration” cast received a Gotham Award nomination for Best Ensemble Performance. These nominations acknowledge his comedic talent and the ensemble work he has been a part of throughout his career. For his stage work, John won a Drama Logue Award for Outstanding Performance for a Los Angeles production of “Changes of Heart” in 1996. These awards and nominations reflect his consistent contributions to the entertainment industry and his ability to excel in diverse roles.
Personal Life and Real Estate
John Michael Higgins married Margaret Welsh on February 1, 2003. They have two children: daughter Maisie, born on August 3, 2003, and son Walter, born on August 29, 2006. Margaret Welsh is an actress known for television series such as “American Dreamer” and “Jake in Progress.”
In 2001, Higgins purchased a 2,280 square foot home in Los Angeles for $300,000. The home features five bedrooms and five bathrooms. This real estate investment is a tangible asset that contributes to his overall net worth. The property’s location in Los Angeles suggests that it has likely appreciated in value since its purchase in 2001, adding to Higgins’ financial portfolio. While specific details about the property’s current market value are not publicly available, real estate appreciation in Los Angeles is generally significant, making this a valuable asset. The ongoing expenses associated with property ownership, such as property taxes and maintenance costs, would also be factored into Higgins’ overall financial planning.
Earnings and Financial Outlook
John Michael Higgins has amassed a net worth of $2.5 million through his consistent work in film, television, and theatre. His roles in successful franchises like “Pitch Perfect,” recurring television roles, and voice acting contributions have all played a part in his financial success. His hosting duties on “America Says” provide him with a steady income stream, further solidifying his financial stability. While specific details about his earnings from individual projects are not publicly available, his extensive career demonstrates his ability to secure diverse and lucrative roles. The combination of his acting, voice acting, and hosting work positions him for continued financial success in the entertainment industry. Higgins’ real estate investment in Los Angeles further contributes to his financial portfolio, providing him with a tangible asset that has likely appreciated in value over time.
Higgins’ financial choices, including his decision to invest in real estate and his consistent participation in diverse entertainment projects, reflect a strategic approach to wealth management. His career trajectory suggests that he will continue to secure roles in film, television, and voice acting, maintaining a steady stream of income. As a seasoned performer, Higgins has established himself as a reliable and versatile actor, positioning him for continued success in the entertainment industry. While unforeseen circumstances can impact financial stability, Higgins’ track record and diverse skill set suggest a positive financial outlook. His ability to adapt to various roles and genres, combined with his consistent work ethic, contributes to his long-term financial security.
Financial Milestones and Investments
While specific financial milestones and investment details are not publicly available, John Michael Higgins’ career trajectory offers insights into his financial planning. His early career choices, such as his Broadway debut and his roles in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries, reflect a strategic approach to building his profile in the entertainment industry. His subsequent roles in successful franchises like “Pitch Perfect” and recurring television roles demonstrate his ability to secure lucrative opportunities that contribute to his financial growth.
Higgins’ decision to purchase a home in Los Angeles in 2001 for $300,000 suggests a prudent approach to wealth management. Real estate investments, particularly in high-demand areas like Los Angeles, can provide long-term financial security through property appreciation. While specific details about his investment portfolio are not publicly available, it is likely that Higgins has diversified his investments to mitigate risk and maximize returns. Financial advisors typically recommend a mix of stocks, bonds, and real estate to achieve long-term financial goals. Higgins’ consistent work in the entertainment industry, combined with his real estate investment, positions him for continued financial stability and growth. His ability to secure diverse and lucrative roles suggests that he is well-positioned to manage his finances effectively and achieve his long-term financial goals. The current value of the 2,280 square foot home is not known, but can be estimated at over 1 million, given housing prices in Los Angeles in 2025.
