Net Worth Ranker
What Is Chuck Zito’s Net Worth?
Chuck Zito, an American actor, producer, amateur boxer, martial artist, and former Hells Angels chapter president, boasts a net worth of $2 million. This financial standing reflects a diverse career spanning entertainment, security services, and even motorcycle club leadership.
Chuck Zito’s Diverse Career and Income Streams
Zito’s journey to a $2 million net worth started early with boxing, guided by his father, a welterweight fighter known as Al LaBarba. While his amateur record showed promise at 36-5, Zito himself admits he didn’t fully commit to the rigorous training needed for professional success. However, this boxing background proved valuable in his later career.
In the 1970s, Zito founded the New Rochelle Motorcycle Club, later becoming president of the Hells Angels’ New York Nomads chapter. Although his involvement with the Hells Angels brought legal challenges, including arrests for weapons possession and allegations of involvement in a bombing, it also provided a unique network and experiences that indirectly contributed to his future ventures.
Transitioning from the motorcycle club scene, Zito leveraged his physical prowess and reputation to establish Charlie’s Angels Bodyguard Service. This business catered to high-profile clients such as Liza Minnelli, Sean Penn, Mickey Rourke, Sylvester Stallone, and Charlie Sheen. Specific earnings from this venture are not publicly available, but the clientele suggests substantial income.
The move into Hollywood as a stuntman and actor in the 1980s further diversified Zito’s income streams. He began as a stunt double for Mickey Rourke in “Year of the Dragon” (1985) and eventually amassed over 60 acting credits. Some of Zito’s acting roles include “Neon City” (1991), “Carlito’s Way” (1993), “Jimmy Hollywood” (1994), and “Man on the Moon” (1999). His recurring role as Chucky “The Enforcer” Pancamo on HBO’s “Oz” (1998-2003) likely provided a stable income during those years. He also appeared in “Carlito’s Way: Rise to Power” (2005), “Homefront” (2013), and “Vault” (2019).
In 2012, Zito had a recurring role as Frankie Diamonds on the FX series “Sons of Anarchy.” Notably, in 2010, Zito sued FX for $5 million, claiming they stole his idea for “Sons of Anarchy.” While he ultimately lost the case, the lawsuit indicates his belief in the potential value of his ideas within the entertainment industry. Zito also produced and starred in the 2018 film “Honor Amongst Men.” He is credited as a stuntman or stunt coordinator on over 70 film and television projects, though specific compensation details remain undisclosed.
Beyond acting and stunt work, Zito’s memoir, “Street Justice” (2002), and his radio shows, “Chuck Zito’s View” and “Chuck Zito’s Italian Bad Boy Hour,” contributed to his overall earnings. Revenue from book sales and radio hosting would have added to his annual income, although precise figures are unavailable. Chuck Zito’s net worth is supported by a number of revenue streams.
Legal Issues and Personal Life Impacting Chuck Zito’s Net Worth
Zito’s personal life and legal troubles have likely influenced his financial standing. His 1985 arrest, along with over 130 Hells Angels and associates, on drug trafficking and racketeering charges led to a 10-year prison sentence, though he served six. This period of incarceration undoubtedly hindered his earning potential. The legal battles surrounding his activities with the Hells Angels, though not resulting in charges for the alleged bombing, resulted in convictions for weapons possession, disorderly conduct, and controlled substance possession. These legal entanglements likely incurred legal fees and potentially affected his career prospects.
In 2002, Zito pleaded guilty to violating a protective order filed by his ex-wife, Kathy, after calling her and their daughter, Lisa, during the September 11th attacks. He chose to serve 12 days in jail rather than attend violence education classes, showcasing a strong-held personal code, which may have influenced some career decisions.
Details regarding Chuck Zito’s real estate holdings or personal investments are not publicly available. It’s unclear whether he owns property or has investments in stocks, bonds, or other assets. Without access to this information, it is impossible to provide a comprehensive breakdown of his assets. Nevertheless, the sum of his income from bodyguarding, stunt work, acting, radio shows, and book sales supports his $2 million net worth.
While specific details about Chuck Zito’s lifestyle are limited, it is safe to assume that his earlier lifestyle as a Hells Angel likely included expenses associated with motorcycles, club activities, and associated costs. Similarly, as a bodyguard to celebrities, Zito likely incurred expenses related to travel, security, and professional upkeep. More recently, as an actor and producer, his expenses would have shifted to include representation fees, promotional costs, and other related expenditures. These costs would have played a part in determining Chuck Zito’s net worth.
In 2018, the short film “Father and Father,” in which Zito starred, won Best Comedy at the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival and Best Comedy Scene at the Hollywood Dreamz International Film Festival and Writers’ Celebration, earning nominations for Best Villain and Best Spoof. It also won the Best Comedy Short award at the Action on Film International Film Festival, where it also received a nomination for Best Spoof. While the awards garnered recognition and acclaim, the direct financial impact on Zito’s overall earnings is likely modest.
