Net Worth Ranker
What Is Lea Michele’s Net Worth?
As of 2024, Lea Michele’s net worth is estimated to be $12 million. This sum reflects her successful career as an actress, singer, and author, with significant contributions from her work in television, Broadway, music, and book publishing. Her most prominent role as Rachel Berry in the Fox television series “Glee” played a crucial role in building her wealth.
Early Career and Broadway Success
Lea Michele Sarfati, born on August 29, 1986, began her professional career at the age of eight. Her early stage roles in Broadway productions such as “Les Misérables,” “Ragtime,” and “Fiddler on the Roof” provided her with foundational experience. During her time with “Ragtime,” she lived in Toronto and was homeschooled. While attending Tenafly High School, she balanced her studies with extracurricular activities like volleyball, debate, and choir, and also worked part-time at a bat mitzvah dress shop. Although accepted to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, she chose to continue her professional career on stage.
A pivotal moment in Michele’s career came in 2006 with “Spring Awakening,” a Broadway rock musical by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik. Her performance earned her a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Musical. She departed from the musical in 2008 and relocated to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in film and television, occasionally performing at the Upright Cabaret at Mark’s Restaurant in Hollywood.
“Glee” and Television Stardom
From 2009 to 2015, Lea Michele starred as Rachel Berry in the Fox musical series “Glee.” The role, specifically written for her by co-creator Ryan Murphy, showcased her vocal and acting talents. Her rendition of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” and the cast’s performance of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” were particularly successful. “Don’t Stop Believin'” became the top downloaded song on iTunes the day after it was featured in an episode. The popularity of the show’s music led to the release of several soundtracks, and Michele and other cast members performed numerous concerts across the country in 2010.
Beyond “Glee,” Michele voiced the character of Dorothy in an animated film based on “The Wizard of Oz.” In September 2012, she announced her work on her first solo album. Her debut single, “Cannonball,” was released on December 10, 2013, and reached #75 on the “Billboard” Hot 100. She released four additional singles, and her album, “Louder,” was released in January 2014, peaking at #4 on the “Billboard” 200. From 2015 to 2016, she starred in the Fox horror-comedy series “Scream Queens” alongside Jamie Lee Curtis. In March 2016, Michele participated in the charity single “This Is for My Girls,” benefiting the White House’s #62MillionGirls campaign and First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let Girls Learn initiative. Her second album, “Places,” was released in April 2017, debuting at #28 on the “Billboard” 200 chart. That same month, she appeared in Hulu’s “Dimension 404.” She then played political advisor Valentina Barella in ABC’s “The Mayor.” In 2019, she hosted a wellness and health digital series titled “Well, Well, Well with Lea Michele” for the Ellen DeGeneres Network. On October 25, 2019, she released her third album, “Christmas in the City,” and starred in the ABC holiday film “Same Time, Next Christmas.”
Book Publishing and Authorship
Lea Michele is also an author, having released her first book, “Brunette Ambition,” on May 20, 2014. The book signings were held across the United States. It debuted at #3 on the “New York Times” Best Seller List. Her second book, “You First: Journal Your Way to Your Best Life,” was released on September 22, 2015.
Accolades and Recognition
Michele’s performance as Rachel Berry on “Glee” earned her Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Actress—Television Series Musical or Comedy in 2010 and 2011, as well as an Emmy Award nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Comedy Series in 2010. She also received a Satellite Award for Best Actress—Television Series Musical or Comedy, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and three consecutive People’s Choice Awards. For her role in “Scream Queens,” she was nominated for the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Actress in a New TV Series and two Teen Choice Awards.
Real Estate Investments
In 2012, Lea Michele purchased a home in Brentwood, California, for $1.4 million. She later sold the property in 2019 for $3.15 million, realizing a substantial profit on her investment. The real estate transaction contributed positively to Lea Michele’s net worth.
Endorsements and Collaborations
Lea Michele has been featured in commercials for various brands, including L’Oreal, Zola, HP, Dove, Hello Fresh, and Candie’s. These endorsement deals have contributed to her overall income and increased her visibility in the media.
