What Is Atticus Shaffer’s Net Worth?
Atticus Shaffer, the American actor recognized for his role as Brick Heck on ABC’s “The Middle,” has accumulated a net worth of $4 million. This financial standing reflects his extensive work in television and film over the years, including his significant role in all 215 episodes of “The Middle” from 2009 to 2018. His income is primarily derived from acting roles, voice-over work, and potentially residuals from his various appearances.
Atticus Shaffer’s Career and Earnings
Shaffer’s career began with appearances on television shows such as “The Class” in 2007. He also had guest roles on “Days of Our Lives” and “Human Giant” in the same year, marking the early stages of his acting career. These roles likely provided modest income, but they were crucial stepping stones towards his later success.
In 2008, Shaffer expanded his acting portfolio with roles in films like “Hancock” and “An American Carol.” Though specific salary details for these films are not publicly available, such roles in mainstream movies contribute to an actor’s overall earnings and recognition.
His breakthrough role as Brick Heck in “The Middle” (2009-2018) was a significant contributor to his net worth. Over nine seasons and 215 episodes, Shaffer’s consistent presence on the show provided a stable income. While the exact per-episode salary is not disclosed, starring in a successful network sitcom typically leads to increasing compensation over time, especially as the series gains popularity and continues for multiple seasons.
Beyond “The Middle,” Shaffer has an extensive list of voice acting credits. He voiced Albert Glass on “Fish Hooks” (2010–2014) and Peedee Fryman on “Steven Universe” (2013–2018). He also voiced Ono on “The Lion Guard” (2016–2019), Grumpy Toad on “Pete the Cat” (2017–2022), and Melvin on “Harvey Girls Forever!” (2018–2020). These roles provide a steady income stream and expand his reach within the entertainment industry. Voice acting roles can vary greatly in pay, depending on the production budget, the prominence of the role, and the actor’s experience. However, consistent work in animated series and films can contribute significantly to an actor’s earnings.
Shaffer’s voice work extends to films such as “Frankenweenie” (2012), “Super Buddies” (2013), and “Monkey Up” (2016). In “Frankenweenie,” he voiced Edgar “E” Gore, a role that garnered him a Behind the Voice Actors Award in 2013. In 2021, Atticus voiced several roles in the Netflix film “Arlo the Alligator Boy.” These roles further diversify his income sources and contribute to his overall net worth. The financial terms for voice-over work in films are often based on union rates and can vary depending on the film’s budget and the actor’s negotiating power.
Guest appearances on television series such as “Never Have I Ever” in 2020 and “Firebuds” in 2022 add to Shaffer’s income, although these roles are typically less lucrative than starring roles or recurring voice acting work. These guest appearances help maintain his visibility and offer opportunities for future engagements.
Early Life and Personal Details
Born on June 19, 1998, in Santa Clarita, California, Atticus Ronald Shaffer was named after Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird.” He was raised by his parents, Debbie and Ron Shaffer. Shaffer’s childhood was marked by osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder that causes brittle bones and short stature. This condition required him to take extra precautions to avoid injuries.
Shaffer is 4 foot 8 inches tall due to his condition. In 2010, he spoke about living with osteogenesis imperfecta, stating, “It’s a small portion of me and nothing more. I take extra precautions where I step to make sure it’s safe. And I shouldn’t do anything with heavy lifting or anything that could make me slip and fall.”
Atticus is a Christian and was baptized in 2015. He has mentioned doing daily Bible study with his mother, alternating between the Old Testament and the New Testament. This personal aspect of his life reflects his values and influences his approach to his career and interactions.
Shaffer maintains video gaming profiles on YouTube and Twitch under the name “AtticusShafferVlog,” where he plays games like “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” and “The Long Dark.” These platforms allow him to engage with fans and potentially generate income through advertising or donations, though the financial impact is likely modest compared to his acting career. He is a self-proclaimed “huge nerd” who enjoys video games, “The Walking Dead,” and movies. He also enjoys creating stop-motion animation with Lego.
Awards and Nominations
Atticus Shaffer has received recognition for his voice acting work, including a Behind the Voice Actors Award for Best Male Vocal Performance by a Child for “Frankenweenie” in 2013. This award acknowledges his talent and contribution to the film’s success.
He received two Behind the Voice Actors Awards nominations for “The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar” in 2016, and “The Lion Guard” in 2017, highlighting his consistent performance in voice acting. These nominations recognize his ensemble work and contribution to the series.
In 2011, Atticus and his “The Middle” co-stars Charlie McDermott and Eden Sher were nominated for a Young Artist Award for Outstanding Young Ensemble in a TV Series. In 2013, Shaffer earned an Annie Award nomination for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production for “Frankenweenie.”