What Is Bronson Pinchot’s Net Worth?
Bronson Pinchot, the American actor celebrated for his portrayal of Balki Bartokomous on the ABC sitcom “Perfect Strangers” from 1986 to 1993, has accumulated a net worth of $2 million. This figure reflects his decades-long career in television, film, audiobook narration, and other ventures.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Born on May 20, 1959, in New York City, Bronson Pinchot spent his formative years in South Pasadena, California. He attended Yale University on a full scholarship, a testament to his academic excellence as valedictorian of his high school. While initially drawn to fine art, his path shifted toward acting after being discovered by an agent during a college play. He graduated with honors, majoring in theater studies at Morse College.
Pinchot’s professional acting career began with a role in the 1983 film “Risky Business.” The 1980s saw him appear in several films, including “Beverly Hills Cop,” “The Flamingo Kid,” and “After Hours.” In 1986, he was initially cast in “Short Circuit,” replacing Fisher Stevens, but left the production to take on a more significant role. This role came in the form of Balki Bartokomous on the hit comedy series “Perfect Strangers,” which aired from March 1986 to August 1993, bringing Bronson Pinchot widespread recognition.
Post-“Perfect Strangers” Career and Ventures
Following the conclusion of “Perfect Strangers,” Pinchot secured the lead role in CBS’s “The Trouble with Larry.” The show premiered shortly after the finale of “Perfect Strangers” but was short-lived, lasting only three episodes due to poor reviews and ratings. Despite this setback, producers Tom Miller and Bob Boyett rehired Pinchot for guest appearances on “Step by Step” and a starring role in “Meego,” which also had a limited run of six episodes.
Throughout the 1990s and beyond, Bronson Pinchot continued to work in television and film, with guest roles in “The Young and the Restless,” “True Romance,” “Courage Under Fire,” “The Tale of Despereaux,” and “Shake It Up.” He also ventured into voice acting, beginning with Chip Kidd’s “The Learners” in 2008. In 2009, he voiced Max the VW Beetle in Volkswagen’s “Das Auto” ads. In 2010 alone, he narrated “Matterhorn,” “Blood Oath,” “Patricia Highsmith: Selected Novels and Short Stories,” “Strangers on a Train,” and Christopher Healy’s “The Hero’s Guide.” By 2014, Pinchot had narrated over 100 audiobooks, earning him Audible’s Narrator of the Year award in 2010. The actor’s versatility is reflected in his diverse range of roles and projects.
In October 2018, Bronson Pinchot returned to the screen as George Hawthorne, the villainous principal of Baxter High, in the Netflix series “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” appearing in eight episodes until 2020. During this period, he also took on roles in “A Million Little Things,” “Lodge 49,” “Project Blue Book,” and “Black Monday,” showcasing his continued presence in the entertainment industry.
Real Estate and Personal Life
In the late 1990s, Bronson Pinchot undertook the restoration of a 1939 mansion in Hartford, Pennsylvania, originally built by Joab Tyler and later owned by state Senator Edward E. Jones. He purchased six properties in the area to help revive the town’s 19th-century aesthetic. This endeavor led to a DIY reality TV show called “The Bronson Pinchot Project,” which was canceled after two seasons. In 2015, he filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, listing liabilities between $100,000 and $500,000, and subsequently put all six properties up for sale. In April 2017, he purchased two tiny homes, one measuring 77 square feet and the other 153 square feet.
While Bronson Pinchot has been engaged twice, he has never married as of this writing. These personal ventures and investments have played a role in shaping his financial landscape.
Bronson Pinchot’s Net Worth: Summary
Bronson Pinchot’s $2 million net worth reflects his successful career in television, film, voice acting, and his real estate ventures. His role as Balki Bartokomous in “Perfect Strangers” remains a defining moment in his career, contributing significantly to his recognition and financial stability. His diverse roles, audiobook narration, and personal investments have all played a part in shaping his financial standing.