What Is Breckin Meyer’s Net Worth?
Breckin Meyer, a multifaceted American talent known for his acting, writing, producing, and drumming, has cultivated a notable career spanning several decades. His estimated net worth stands at $4 million, reflecting his diverse contributions to the entertainment industry.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Born on May 7, 1974, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Breckin Erin Meyer spent his formative years moving between California, West Virginia, Texas, and New Jersey. His early exposure to the entertainment world was significantly influenced by his classmate, Drew Barrymore, who he credits with his first kiss. Barrymore’s agent recognized Meyer’s potential, leading to his initial foray into television commercials as a child. In 1983, Meyer showcased his early talent as a contestant on the CBS game show “Child’s Play.” Although he was accepted into California State University, Northridge, after attending Beverly Hills High School, he decided to pursue a career in acting.
Meyer’s professional acting journey began in 1986, voicing Spud on the CBN Family Channel series “Potato Head Kids.” He then appeared in guest roles on shows like “The Wonder Years” (1988), “Chicken Soup” (1989), and “L.A. Law” (1990), and in TV movies such as “…Where’s Rodney?” and “Camp Cucamonga,” both in 1990. His film debut came in 1991 with “Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare,” where he played Spencer Lewis. Between 1992 and 1993, he portrayed Chas Walker on ABC’s “The Jackie Thomas Show,” followed by a starring role as Mike Solomon in the NBC sitcom “The Home Court” from 1995 to 1996.
His breakthrough role arrived in 1995 with the hit film “Clueless,” where he played Travis Birkenstock, a skateboarding stoner. That same year, he also appeared in the film “Payback”. This role significantly boosted his visibility and opened doors to more prominent opportunities.
Film and Television Successes
Breckin Meyer’s career trajectory continued upward, with numerous roles in both film and television. In 1996, he guest-starred in a different role on the “Clueless” TV series and appeared in “The Craft” and “Escape from L.A.” Meyer portrayed Pat Tyson in the 1997 biographical film “Prefontaine.” In 1998, he had an uncredited role in “Can’t Hardly Wait” and co-starred in “54” alongside Ryan Phillippe, Salma Hayek, Neve Campbell, and Mike Myers.
He further solidified his presence in the late 1990s with roles in films such as “Go” (1999), “The Insider” (1999), and “Tail Lights Fade” (1999). In 2000, he starred as Josh Parker in “Road Trip,” which grossed $119.8 million worldwide against a $16 million budget. From 2000 to 2010, Meyer lent his voice to the animated series “King of the Hill” as Joseph Gribble.
In the early 2000s, Meyer continued to secure leading roles, including Adam Schwartz in NBC’s “Inside Schwartz” (2001–2002). He also starred in films like “Josie and the Pussycats” (2001), “Rat Race” (2001), and “Kate & Leopold” (2001). From 2003 to 2004, he played Tom Wagner in ABC’s “Married to the Kellys.” A significant role came in 2004 when he played Jon Arbuckle in “Garfield: The Movie.” He reprised the role in 2006’s “Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties.” “Garfield: The Movie” grossed $203.2 million, and the sequel earned $143.3 million.
Since 2005, Meyer has been a prominent voice actor on the Adult Swim stop-motion animated series “Robot Chicken.” He has also contributed to the show’s “Star Wars” and DC Comics specials, earning multiple Emmy nominations and Annie Awards for his writing. His acting credits also include roles in “Herbie: Fully Loaded” (2005), “Blue State” (2007), “Stag Night” (2008), and “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” (2009). Meyer also guest-starred on “House” (2008), “Heroes” (2008), and “Party Down” (2009).
From 2011 to 2014, Meyer starred as Jared Franklin in TNT’s “Franklin & Bash” alongside Mark-Paul Gosselaar. He also created the TBS series “Men at Work,” which aired 30 episodes between 2012 and 2014. In 2018, he had a recurring role as Trey Kirkman on ABC’s “Designated Survivor,” and in 2019, he played Charlie West on the ABC legal drama “The Fix.” Meyer’s later film appearances include “Changeland” (2019), “Unpregnant” (2020), “Happily” (2021), and “The Enormity of Life” (2021). He also played Vance in nine episodes of NBC’s “Good Girls” in 2021.
Writing, Producing, and Musical Ventures
Beyond acting, Breckin Meyer has made significant contributions as a writer and producer. He wrote and produced the TBS sitcom “Men at Work” (2012–2014) and produced the 2019 film “Changeland.” He also wrote the “Franklin & Bash” episodes “Jango and Rossi” (2012) and “Honor Thy Mother” (2014). His multifaceted talents extend to music, where he has played drums for bands such as The Street Walkin’ Cheetahs and The Nightwatchman. Meyer has also performed with notable artists like Slash, Cypress Hill, Ben Harper, and Perry Farrell.
Awards and Recognition
Meyer’s contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with several award nominations. He has been nominated for five Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on “Robot Chicken,” including Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming Less Than One Hour) for “Robot Chicken: Star Wars” (2008) and “Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II” (2009), Outstanding Animated Program for “Robot Chicken: Star Wars III” (2011), and Outstanding Short-Format Animated Program (2014) and Outstanding Short Form Animated Program (2020) for “Robot Chicken.”
He has won two Annie Awards for Best Writing in an Animated Television Production or Short Form for “Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II” (2009) and Best Writing in a Television Production for “Robot Chicken: Star Wars III” (2011). Meyer also received a Teen Choice Award nomination for Film – Choice Chemistry (shared with Amy Smart) for “Road Trip” (2000). In 1988, he shared a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Animation Voice Over Group with his “Potato Head Kids” castmates.
Real Estate Investments
Breckin Meyer’s real estate portfolio reflects his financial success. In March 2019, Meyer purchased a 4,142 square foot home in L.A.’s Valley Village neighborhood for $2.2 million. He sold his 2,118 square foot Hollywood Hills home for $1.725 million in August of the same year. The Hollywood Hills home, which featured three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, had been initially listed for $1.995 million earlier in the year. These real estate transactions demonstrate Meyer’s savvy investment decisions.
Personal Life
Breckin Meyer married director/screenwriter Deborah Kaplan on October 14, 2001. Kaplan co-wrote and co-directed two films Meyer appeared in: “Can’t Hardly Wait” and “Josie and the Pussycats.” The couple had two daughters, Caitlin and Clover, before divorcing in 2014. Meyer maintains close friendships with Seth Green and Ryan Phillippe, and the three have launched a production company together, further solidifying their collaborations in the entertainment industry.