Net Worth Ranker
What Is Nev Schulman’s Net Worth?
As of 2025, Nev Schulman’s estimated net worth is approximately $2 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to his roles as the host and executive producer of “Catfish: The TV Show.” While this is a significant source of income, he also earns from his earlier career in photography, his book “In Real Life: Lies & Identity in the Digital Age,” and appearances in various media projects.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Yaniv “Nev” Schulman was born on September 26, 1984, in New York City, to a Jewish family. He has an older brother, Ariel Schulman, who is a filmmaker and actor. Nev’s initial artistic focus was on dance; he studied it for five years. However, he transitioned to photography in high school and began his career by photographing dance in the contemporary ballet community in New York City in 2004. His photographs have since appeared in prominent publications, including Vogue, The New York Times, Dance Magazine, and the New York Sun. Before his breakthrough with “Catfish,” Schulman was also the youngest member of Supermarché, a film production agency.
“Catfish” Documentary and MTV Success
In 2010, Nev Schulman gained widespread recognition for being the subject of the documentary “Catfish.” The film, produced by his brother Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost, chronicled Nev’s online relationship with a woman and his eventual discovery that she was not who she claimed to be. The documentary premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and received critical acclaim. Following the success of the documentary, Nev became the host and executive producer of “Catfish: The TV Show” on MTV in 2012. In this series, he and filmmaker Max Joseph (later replaced by Kamie Crawford) help individuals who have formed online relationships meet in person and uncover the truth about their connections. The show’s ninth season premiered in April 2024.
Additional Ventures and Activities
Beyond “Catfish,” Nev Schulman has engaged in other ventures that contribute to his public profile and likely his income. In 2014, he published a book titled “In Real Life: Lies & Identity in the Digital Age.” He also appeared in the 2018 film “Nobody’s Fool” as himself. In 2020, he showcased his dancing skills on the 29th season of “Dancing with the Stars,” where he partnered with Jenna Johnson and finished as the runner-up. Nev is also a founding member of the Young Leadership Committee for Leave Out Violence (LOVE), a youth charity organization.
Personal Life and Recent Events
Nev Schulman met his wife, Laura Perlongo, on Instagram, and they got engaged in May 2016. They married on July 22, 2017, and have three children: Cleo James, Beau Bobby Bruce, and Cy Monroe. The family resides in Los Angeles. In August 2024, Schulman was involved in a bicycle accident in the Hamptons, where he broke his neck. Remarkably, he recovered swiftly and ran the New York City Marathon in November 2024, guiding his friend Francesco Magisano, a blind athlete. This accomplishment underscores his determination and resilience. In 2020, Nev received the first perfect score of the season on “Dancing with the Stars” for his Paso Doble routine. He has also been seen wearing a Star of David necklace to show his Jewish pride.
Photography Career
Before his success on television, Nev Schulman established himself as a photographer in New York City. His work has been featured in several prominent publications, including Vogue, The New York Times, Dance Magazine, the New York Sun, Lucky, and New York Magazine. Schulman’s photography career began in high school, and he initially focused on capturing images of dance, which reflected his passion for the art form. This early work helped him build a portfolio and gain recognition in the artistic community. While his television career has taken center stage, his background in photography continues to contribute to his overall brand and likely provides additional income through freelance projects and high-profile features.
