What is Tom Wopat’s Net Worth?
Tom Wopat, an American actor and singer, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $2 million. His financial standing is primarily a result of his extensive career in television, film, theater, and music. Wopat’s most notable role as Luke Duke in “The Dukes of Hazzard” significantly contributed to his wealth, along with other acting roles and his music career.
Early Career and Television Roles
Born on September 9, 1951, in Lodi, Wisconsin, Tom Wopat’s early life laid the foundation for his later success. While specific financial details from his upbringing are not publicly available, his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison preceded his breakthrough role. His net worth began accumulating with his appearance on “One Life to Live,” but skyrocketed after landing the role of Luke Duke on the CBS action comedy series “The Dukes of Hazzard,” which aired from 1979 to 1985. While the exact salary he received per episode is not publicly disclosed, the show’s immense popularity provided substantial income. Royalties from reruns and subsequent appearances in “The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!” and “The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood” further augmented his earnings.
Beyond “The Dukes of Hazzard,” Wopat secured roles in various television series, including “Fantasy Island,” “Blue Skies,” and “Peaceable Kingdom.” From 1995 to 1998, he played Jeff Robbins on the sitcom “Cybill,” contributing steadily to his income. Guest appearances on shows such as “Home Improvement,” “All My Children,” “100 Centre Street,” and “Smallville” added further revenue streams. His recurring role as Sheriff Jim Wilkins on “Longmire” from 2012 to 2017 provided a consistent income over several years. Although individual episode fees for these roles are not public, the cumulative effect of these appearances bolstered his net worth over time.
Film and Theater Contributions
In the 21st century, Wopat transitioned into film, starting with a role in “Bonneville” (2006). He later appeared in “The Understudy” (2008), “Jonah Hex” (2010), and “Main Street” (2010). A significant role came with Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” (2012), where he played US Marshall Gill Tatum. His participation in “Django Unchained,” in particular, would have come with a salary commensurate with the film’s high profile and box office success, although the specific amount remains undisclosed. Other film roles include “Mariachi Gringo” (2012), “All in Time” (2015), and “Fair Haven” (2016,” where he played a leading role, increasing both his visibility and earnings.
Wopat’s theater career began in 1977 with his Broadway debut in “I Love My Wife.” He later starred in productions like “City of Angels” and “Guys and Dolls.” In 1999, he was part of the opening cast of the Broadway revival of “Annie Get Your Gun,” earning a Tony Award nomination. His involvement in revivals such as “Chicago” and “42nd Street” solidified his reputation on Broadway. While specific salary details for each theatrical production are not publicly available, lead roles in such high-profile shows typically command substantial compensation. His move to David Mamet’s play “Glengarry Glen Ross” in 2005 showcased his versatility and contributed to his earnings from stage performances. His performances in musicals like “A Catered Affair,” “Catch Me if You Can,” and “Sondheim on Sondheim” further diversified his income streams.
Music Career and Album Sales
Tom Wopat launched his music career in 1983 with his self-titled debut album. His 1987 album, “A Little Bit Closer,” featured successful country singles such as “The Rock and Roll of Love” and “Susannah.” While specific sales figures and royalties from his albums are not publicly disclosed, the success of “A Little Bit Closer” undoubtedly contributed significantly to his net worth. Other albums, including “Don’t Look Back,” “Learning to Love,” “The Still of the Night,” and “I’ve Got Your Number,” added to his music-related income over the years. The release of “Home for Christmas” with John Schneider provided an additional revenue stream from album sales and potential holiday-themed performances. While the exact earnings from each album and single remain private, his consistent presence in the music industry has been a steady contributor to his overall financial status.
Legal Issues and Personal Life
In August 2017, Tom Wopat faced legal issues when he was arrested for indecent assault, battery, and drug possession in Waltham, Massachusetts. These legal issues likely incurred significant legal fees and potential settlements, which may have impacted his net worth. He pleaded guilty to two counts of assault in July 2018 and was sentenced to a year of probation. The financial implications of these legal proceedings, including court costs and potential loss of income due to reputational damage, would have had a tangible effect on his financial situation. Wopat’s personal life, including his marriages to Vickie Allen and Kirsten S. Larvick, and having five children, also plays a role in his overall financial planning and expenses.
Real Estate and Assets
Information regarding Tom Wopat’s real estate holdings and other assets is not widely available in the public domain. Details such as the specific locations and values of any properties he owns, as well as any investments in stocks, bonds, or other financial instruments, remain private. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a detailed breakdown of his assets beyond his career-related income and estimated net worth.
Earnings Summary and Financial Milestones
While precise annual income figures and detailed financial milestones are not publicly accessible, key points in Tom Wopat’s career correlate with significant increases in his net worth. His role in “The Dukes of Hazzard” from 1979 to 1985 established his fame and provided a consistent income stream. His successful album “A Little Bit Closer” in 1987 further boosted his earnings through record sales and royalties. His performances in Broadway productions, such as “Annie Get Your Gun” in 1999 and subsequent revivals, contributed to his financial stability. His participation in films like “Django Unchained” in 2012 added to his income through acting fees and potential residuals. These milestones, combined with his numerous television appearances and music releases, cumulatively built his estimated $2 million net worth.
In summary, Tom Wopat’s $2 million net worth reflects a diverse and enduring career across television, film, theater, and music. His early success in “The Dukes of Hazzard,” combined with consistent work in various entertainment mediums, has enabled him to accumulate and maintain his financial standing.