Net Worth Ranker
What Is Michael Weatherly’s Net Worth?
Michael Weatherly, the multifaceted American actor, director, and producer, has cultivated a substantial net worth of $45 million. This financial achievement is the culmination of a career spanning several decades, with notable roles in television series such as “NCIS,” “Dark Angel,” and “Bull.” His earnings extend beyond acting, encompassing directorial ventures, production credits, and even musical contributions to the “NCIS” soundtrack.
Michael Weatherly’s Earnings and Career Highlights
Weatherly’s ascent to financial prominence began with his early role as Cooper Alden on the ABC soap opera “Loving” in 1992. This early exposure paved the way for a diverse career, encompassing over 40 acting credits. Among his notable roles, his portrayal of Special Agent Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo Jr. on the CBS series “NCIS” stands out as a defining moment. During his last few seasons on “NCIS,” Weatherly commanded a salary of $250,000 per episode, reflecting his integral role in the show’s success.
Following his departure from “NCIS,” Weatherly transitioned to the lead role of Dr. Jason Bull in the CBS drama “Bull.” His salary for “Bull” reportedly reached $300,000 per episode in 2016, placing him among the highest-paid actors in the television industry at the time. This translated to an annual income of approximately $9 million, underscoring his continued demand and value within the entertainment landscape.
Beyond his acting roles, Weatherly has diversified his income streams through directing and producing ventures. He has directed episodes of both “NCIS” and “Bull,” showcasing his versatility and creative input. Additionally, he served as a producer on “Bull,” further contributing to his overall earnings and influence within the show’s production. Weatherly also directed the short film “Under the Sun” (2013) and the documentary “Jamaica Man” (2017), demonstrating his commitment to storytelling beyond acting.
Weatherly’s musical talents have also contributed to his overall income. He wrote and performed the songs “Under the Sun” and “Bitter and Blue” for the “NCIS” soundtrack, showcasing his diverse artistic abilities. While specific figures for royalties and sales from these songs are not publicly available, they represent an additional avenue of revenue generation for the actor.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Michael Weatherly was born Michael Manning Weatherly Jr. on July 8, 1968, in New York City. His father, Michael, was a U.S. importer of the Swiss Army Knife, a business that afforded the family financial security. Weatherly’s early life was marked by exposure to affluence, which likely provided him with opportunities to pursue his artistic aspirations. He attended Fairfield Country Day School and later graduated from Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts, in 1986.
Weatherly briefly attended Boston University, American University, and Menlo College before dropping out to pursue his acting career. His decision to forego formal education in favor of pursuing his passion for acting demonstrates his early commitment to his craft and his willingness to take risks in pursuit of his dreams. Weatherly’s acting debut came in 1991 with an episode of “The Cosby Show.” That same year, he also had an uncredited role as Preppy Killer on the soap opera “Guiding Light.” These early roles, though minor, provided him with valuable experience and exposure to the entertainment industry. His breakthrough role came with the ABC soap opera “Loving” from 1992 to 1994, where he appeared in more than 290 episodes. This sustained exposure helped him hone his acting skills and build a fanbase.
Following his success on “Loving,” Weatherly reprised the role of Cooper Alden on “The City” from 1995 to 1996. After moving to Los Angeles, he co-starred with Jennifer Garner on the 1998 Fox series “Significant Others,” which, despite its short run of six episodes, provided him with valuable experience in a primetime television setting. In 1997, Weatherly played Rodney Dangerfield’s son in the movie “Meet Wally Sparks,” and in 1998, he appeared in the film “The Last Days of Disco.” These roles helped broaden his acting portfolio and expose him to different genres and audiences.
In 2000, Weatherly began starring as cyber-journalist Logan Cale on “Dark Angel,” which aired for 43 episodes over two seasons. This role marked a significant step forward in his career, as it showcased his ability to portray complex and nuanced characters in a science fiction setting. The show also provided him with greater visibility and helped solidify his status as a rising star. Weatherly’s portrayal of Tony DiNozzo on “NCIS” began with the April 2003 “JAG” episode “Ice Queen.” He went on to portray the character in 306 episodes of “NCIS,” as well as in a 2014 episode of “NCIS: New Orleans” and a 2015 episode of “NCIS: Los Angeles.” This long-running role cemented his place as a household name and provided him with a stable and lucrative income stream.
While starring on “NCIS,” Weatherly appeared in the films “Her Minor Thing” (2005) and “Charlie Valentine” (2010). He also portrayed actor Robert Wagner in the ABC television film “The Mystery of Natalie Wood” (2004) and guest-starred on “Major Crimes” (2012). After leaving “NCIS,” Weatherly began starring as Dr. Jason Bull on the CBS show “Bull.”
Real Estate Holdings
In 2012, Michael Weatherly invested $3.5 million in a three-bedroom home located in the Hollywood Hills. This property served as his primary residence until his relocation to New York City in 2017, where “Bull” was filmed. Following his move, Weatherly placed the Hollywood Hills home on the rental market for $25,000 per month, generating a passive income stream from the property. The property includes a swimming pool, spa, and tennis court.
Personal Life
Michael Weatherly’s personal life has been marked by both relationships and controversies. He married Amelia Heinle, his “Loving” co-star, on September 26, 1995. They had a son, August, born on January 10, 1996, before divorcing in 1997. Weatherly then began a relationship with his “Dark Angel” co-star Jessica Alba in early 2000, and they became engaged in 2001, but the couple split in August 2003.
On September 30, 2009, Weatherly married Dr. Bojana Jankovic, an internist. They welcomed daughter Olivia on April 10, 2012, and son Liam on October 29, 2013. Weatherly’s niece is actress Alexandra Breckenridge, known for her roles in television shows such as “American Horror Story” and “True Blood.” Weatherly and Jankovic have supported nonprofit organizations, including Healthy Child Healthy World, the Tryall Fund, and the Environmental Working Group.
In January 2018, actress Eliza Dushku, who had a recurring role in “Bull,” received a $9.5 million settlement from CBS due to her allegations of inappropriate behavior by Weatherly on set. Dushku claimed that Weatherly made inappropriate comments about her appearance and made a rape joke and a comment about a threesome in front of members of the cast and crew. Weatherly issued a statement apologizing for his behavior, but Dushku criticized his apology as “more deflection, denial, and spin.” In 2019, Weatherly and “Bull” showrunner Glenn Gordon Caron underwent leadership training as a result of the sexual harassment allegations.
Awards and Nominations
Michael Weatherly’s work has been recognized with several awards and nominations throughout his career. His documentary “Jamaica Man” was named Best Documentary at the 2018 New York City Independent Film Festival and won the DOC LA Award for Best Documentary Portrait in 2017. Weatherly received two “Soap Opera Digest” Award nominations for “Loving,” Hottest Male Star in 1994, and Outstanding Younger Lead Actor in 1995. “Dark Angel” earned him Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series nominations from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films in 2001 and 2002, as well as a TV – Choice Actor nomination at the 2001 Teen Choice Awards.
