Net Worth Ranker
What Is Charles S. Dutton’s Net Worth?
Charles S. Dutton, the acclaimed American actor, boasts a net worth of $4 million. This financial standing reflects a career spanning decades, marked by notable roles in television and film. While the exact breakdown of his net worth isn’t publicly detailed, it’s reasonable to assume that his earnings come primarily from acting roles, potentially supplemented by directing work and other ventures within the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on January 30, 1951, in Baltimore, Maryland, Charles Stanley Dutton’s early life presented significant challenges. Raised primarily in a public housing project following his parents’ divorce when he was four, Dutton faced adversity from a young age. Before completing middle school, he dropped out and engaged in amateur boxing. In 1967, at just 16 years old, he was convicted of manslaughter, receiving a five-year prison sentence. Though paroled after less than a year due to his age, he was soon arrested again on handgun and robbery charges. This probation violation led to a further three years in prison. An altercation with a prison guard resulted in an additional eight-year sentence. Dutton’s turning point came during his second prison term when, facing solitary confinement, he discovered a book of plays by black playwrights. This chance encounter sparked his passion for acting, leading him to form a drama group with fellow inmates and eventually pursue his GED. His commitment to education continued with a two-year college program completed while incarcerated. Released on parole in 1976, Dutton enrolled at Towson State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama in 1978. He then pursued a Master’s degree in acting from Yale School of Drama, graduating in 1983.
Breakthrough and Television Success
Dutton’s career took off after graduating from Yale. His Broadway debut in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” garnered him a Theatre World Award and a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor. By 1988, he ventured into film with a role in “Crocodile Dundee II,” playing the character Leroy Brown. He also secured a role in the miniseries “The Murder of Mary Phagan.” Continuing his theatre involvement, he appeared in “The Piano Lesson,” earning another Tony Award nomination for Best Actor. A significant role followed in David Fincher’s “Alien 3.” The film, produced on a budget of approximately $50 million, grossed nearly $160 million at the box office. While “Alien 3” received mixed reviews, it served as a platform for Dutton, leading to numerous roles throughout the 1990s. These included appearances in films like “Get on the Bus,” “A Time to Kill,” “Cookie’s Fortune,” “Cry, the Beloved Country,” “Surviving the Game,” “Menace II Society,” and “A Low Down Dirty Shame.” Dutton gained widespread recognition for his role in the television show “Roc.” For his acting he received a Golden Globe nomination, and a number of other awards and accolades would soon follow.
Film and Television Roles in Detail
Charles S. Dutton’s filmography is diverse and reflects his range as an actor. In “Alien 3” (1992), he played Dillon, a religious inmate on the Fiorina 161 prison planet. While specific salary details for this role aren’t publicly available, appearing in a major franchise film like “Alien” likely contributed substantially to his income at the time. “Rudy” (1993), a sports drama based on the true story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, saw Dutton portray Fortune, a groundskeeper at Notre Dame Stadium. Dutton’s performance in “Rudy” was praised, adding to his growing reputation as a talented character actor. “Menace II Society” (1993), a crime drama directed by Allen and Albert Hughes, featured Dutton as Mr. Butler, a high school teacher. The film, made on a relatively modest budget of $3.5 million, grossed over $27 million, indicating its commercial success. “A Time to Kill” (1996), based on the John Grisham novel, showcased Dutton as Sheriff Ozzie Walls. The film, with a budget of $40 million, earned over $150 million at the box office, proving to be a major hit. Dutton’s role in “Cookie’s Fortune” (1999), a comedy-drama directed by Robert Altman, allowed him to showcase his comedic abilities. Details regarding his compensation for these individual film roles remain confidential. However, his consistent presence in successful films throughout the 1990s undoubtedly bolstered his earnings.
Television Career and Accolades
In the 2000s, Charles S. Dutton shifted his focus towards television, earning Emmy Awards for his performances in “The Practice” and “Without a Trace.” He also appeared in the HBO series “Oz.” In 2000, Dutton directed the HBO miniseries “The Corner,” further demonstrating his versatility within the industry. Dutton received three Primetime Emmy Awards. His first Primetime Emmy Award was for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role in “The Practice” in 2002. The second one was for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role in “Without a Trace” in 2003. He received his third one for Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special for “The Corner” in 2000.
Directorial Work
Charles S. Dutton expanded his career to include directing, most notably with “The Corner,” an HBO miniseries released in 2000. “The Corner” is a six-part miniseries that delves into the lives of a drug-addicted couple and their son in West Baltimore. Dutton’s involvement as a director in this project showcases his commitment to telling stories that reflect social issues. While specific financial details related to his directorial role in “The Corner” are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that he earned a fee for his services, which would have contributed to his income at the time. Directing offers additional income streams beyond acting. For “The Corner,” Dutton secured the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special. Dutton directed episodes of other series, but no specific financial information is available regarding these directorial endeavors.
Later Career and Projects
In 2013, Dutton played Detective Margolis in the horror film “The Monkey’s Paw.” While specific details of his compensation for this role remain confidential, his continued activity in film demonstrates his sustained presence in the entertainment industry. Dutton’s continued acting work and potentially other ventures within the entertainment industry contribute to this net worth. Unfortunately, additional information regarding his income from more recent projects or other ventures is not publicly accessible.
