Net Worth Ranker
What Is Lea Thompson’s Net Worth?
Lea Thompson, an accomplished American actress, producer, and director, has a net worth of $25 million. This is a combined net worth with her husband, Howard Deutch, a producer and director with whom she has been married for many years.
Lea Thompson’s Career Highlights and Earnings
Lea Thompson’s rise to prominence in the 1980s established her as a recognizable face in Hollywood. Her breakthrough role came as Lorraine Baines McFly in the “Back to the Future” trilogy (1985-1990). In this role, she played both the teenage love interest and middle-aged mother of Marty McFly, portrayed by Michael J. Fox. The “Back to the Future” films were significant box office successes, contributing substantially to Thompson’s early career earnings. While specific salary figures for her role in the trilogy are not publicly available, the films’ combined gross revenue exceeded $900 million worldwide, indicating substantial compensation for key cast members like Thompson.
Before “Back to the Future,” Thompson appeared in notable films such as “All the Right Moves” (1983) opposite Tom Cruise and “Red Dawn” (1984). Her career continued with starring roles in “Howard the Duck” (1986), “Some Kind of Wonderful” (1987), and “Caroline in the City” (1995-1999), a successful NBC sitcom where she played the title character for four seasons. While specific per-episode salary details for “Caroline in the City” are not publicly disclosed, leading roles in successful network sitcoms typically command substantial salaries, potentially ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 per episode or more, depending on the actress’s experience and the show’s popularity.
Thompson transitioned to television directing in the 2000s, working on shows like “Switched at Birth” and “The Goldbergs.” She directed her first feature film, “The Year of Spectacular Men” (2017), which starred her daughters Zoey and Madelyn Deutch. Directing fees in television can vary widely, but experienced directors can earn between $20,000 to $50,000 per episode, depending on the show’s budget and the director’s experience. As a first-time feature film director, Thompson’s earnings from “The Year of Spectacular Men” would likely have been more modest, potentially supplemented by backend profit participation.
Early Life, Career Beginnings, and Endorsements
Lea Thompson was born on May 31, 1961, in Rochester, Minnesota. Her siblings include Coleen, Shannon, Andrew, and Barry. Thompson studied ballet as a girl and, by the age of 14, was dancing professionally. She won scholarships to institutions such as San Francisco Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre. At the American Ballet Theatre, she decided to pursue acting after being told she was “too stocky” for the main dance company. This early experience in ballet, while not directly contributing to her net worth, provided her with discipline and stage presence that would prove valuable in her acting career.
In the 1980s, Thompson appeared in advertisements for Burger King alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar and Elisabeth Shue. Elisabeth Shue would later be Thompson’s costar in the “Back to the Future” film sequels. While specific compensation details for these commercials are not publicly available, commercial endorsements can provide significant income for actors, particularly those on the rise. Endorsement deals can range from a few thousand dollars for local commercials to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars for national campaigns featuring established stars.
Thompson’s film debut was in 1983, playing Kelly Ann Bukowski in “Jaws 3-D.” In the same year, she starred opposite Tom Cruise in “All the Right Moves.” These early roles helped establish her as a promising young actress and contributed to her growing income. The film “Red Dawn,” released in 1984, further solidified her status in Hollywood, setting the stage for her iconic role in “Back to the Future.”
Film Career: “Back to the Future” and Beyond
In 1985, Lea Thompson debuted her most famous role as Lorraine Baines-McFly in “Back to the Future.” The film was a massive hit, spawning two sequels, “Back to the Future Part II” and “Back to the Future Part III,” in which Thompson reprised her role. Although specific salary details for each film are not public, it is reasonable to assume that Thompson’s compensation increased with each installment, reflecting her growing star power and the franchise’s continued success. The “Back to the Future” trilogy remains a cultural touchstone, and Thompson’s association with the franchise has undoubtedly contributed to her enduring recognition and earning potential.
In the latter half of the 1980s, Thompson’s film credits included “SpaceCamp,” “Howard the Duck,” “Some Kind of Wonderful,” “Casual Sex?,” and “The Wizard of Loneliness.” “Howard the Duck,” while not a critical success, provided Thompson with an opportunity to showcase her singing talents and likely contributed to her income. “Some Kind of Wonderful,” a John Hughes-penned romantic drama, further enhanced her reputation as a versatile actress.
In the 1990s, Thompson appeared in “Dennis the Menace,” “The Beverly Hillbillies,” and “The Little Rascals,” all based on classic television series. These roles, while not as high-profile as “Back to the Future,” helped maintain her presence in the industry and provided steady income. In the 2000s, she was in films such as “Spy School,” “Exit Speed,” “Rock Slyde,” and “Splinterheads.” In 2010, Thompson had a leading role in “Adventures of a Teenage Dragon Slayer,” followed by appearances in “Thin Ice,” “The Trouble with the Truth,” and Clint Eastwood’s “J. Edgar” in 2011.
Thompson’s later film credits include “Ping Pong Summer,” “Left Behind,” “Sierra Burgess is a Loser,” the 2018 adaptation of “Little Women,” “Dinner in America,” and “Unplugging.” Additionally, she made her directorial debut with “The Year of Spectacular Men” in 2017. Each of these roles and projects contributed to her overall income, though the specific earnings from each vary depending on the film’s budget, her role, and any backend profit participation agreements.
Television Career: From “Caroline in the City” to Directing
Lea Thompson’s television career began in 1989 with the television film “Nightbreaker,” starring Emilio Estevez and Martin Sheen. From 1995 to 1999, she starred in the NBC sitcom “Caroline in the City,” playing Caroline Duffy. This role was a significant success for Thompson, providing her with consistent work and high visibility. While specific salary figures are not publicly available, leading roles in successful network sitcoms typically command substantial salaries. For instance, considering that the show ran for four seasons and 97 episodes, Thompson’s salary could have ranged from $50,000 to $150,000 per episode by the later seasons, translating to millions of dollars over the show’s run.
After “Caroline in the City,” Thompson starred in the legal drama “For the People” (2002-2003), playing Chief Deputy District Attorney Camille Paris. Although this show had a shorter run, it still contributed to her income and maintained her presence on television. She also starred opposite Tony Danza in “Stealing Christmas” and appeared in episodes of “Ed” and “Law & Order: SVU.”
In 2005, Thompson began starring in the “Jane Doe” series of Hallmark Channel television films, playing a secret agent-turned-housewife. These films provided her with steady work and a consistent income stream. From 2011 to 2017, Thompson had a main role in the family drama series “Switched at Birth.” During this time, in 2014, she competed on “Dancing with the Stars,” finishing in sixth place. While the prize money for “Dancing with the Stars” is significant (reportedly around $345,000 for contestants who make it past the initial rounds), the primary benefit is the increased exposure and potential for future opportunities.
In addition to acting, Thompson directed multiple television films and episodes of television shows. She directed two “Jane Doe” films and four episodes of “Switched at Birth.” Between 2016 and 2021, she directed seven episodes of “The Goldbergs.” Her other directing credits include episodes of “American Housewife,” “Mom,” “Schooled,” “The Kids Are Alright,” “Young Sheldon,” “Katy Keene,” and “Stargirl.” Directing fees can vary widely, but Thompson’s experience directing multiple episodes of established shows would likely have earned her between $20,000 to $50,000 per episode, depending on the show’s budget and her specific contract.
Personal Life, Real Estate, and Assets
Lea Thompson married filmmaker Howard Deutch in 1989, after meeting him while acting in his 1987 film “Some Kind of Wonderful.” Together, they have two daughters, Madelyn and Zoey Deutch, who are also actors. The success of her daughters in the entertainment industry likely contributes to the family’s overall financial well-being, although their individual earnings are separate from Lea Thompson’s net worth.
In September 1996, Howard and Lea purchased a 6.6-acre property in Studio City, California, for $1.425 million. The property features a 6,500-square-foot main house built in 1933. As of today, this home is estimated to be worth around $7 million. This real estate investment represents a significant portion of their combined net worth and demonstrates sound financial planning.
While information on other specific assets, such as private jets or luxury cars, is not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that Lea Thompson and Howard Deutch have other investments and assets that contribute to their overall net worth. These may include stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments.
Net Worth Milestones and Summary
Lea Thompson’s net worth of $25 million is a result of her successful career as an actress, producer, and director. Key milestones in her net worth accumulation include her role in the “Back to the Future” trilogy, her starring role in the sitcom “Caroline in the City,” and her transition to directing television and film. Her real estate investment in Studio City, California, has also contributed significantly to her overall wealth.
While specific details of her annual income and individual investments are not publicly available, her consistent work in the entertainment industry over several decades has allowed her to build a substantial net worth. Her ability to adapt to different roles and continue working in both acting and directing positions her well for continued financial success in the future. The combined net worth with her husband, Howard Deutch, reflects their shared success and financial stability.
