Net Worth Ranker
What Is Craig T. Nelson’s Net Worth?
Craig T. Nelson, an American actor celebrated for his diverse roles across television and film, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $50 million. This financial standing reflects his successful career spanning several decades, marked by memorable performances and strategic investments.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Craig T. Nelson’s journey began in Spokane, Washington, where he was born on April 4, 1944. His early life included attending Lewis and Clark High School, where he actively participated in baseball, basketball, and football. After graduating, he initially enrolled at Central Washington University but later attended Yakima Valley College, where he discovered his passion for acting. He further honed his skills at the University of Arizona before venturing to Hollywood in 1969.
Nelson’s initial foray into show business involved comedy, becoming a member of the Groundlings improv troupe in Los Angeles. Teaming up with Barry Levinson and Rudy De Luca, he formed a comedy team that performed regularly at the Comedy Store. Disenchanted with comedy, Nelson relocated to Montgomery Creek, California, undertaking various jobs such as plumbing, surveying, and teaching.
Television Career: Key Roles and Earnings
Nelson made his television debut in 1973 on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” His early television appearances also included guest roles on “Charlie’s Angels” and “Wonder Woman” in 1978. In the early 1980s, he appeared in “WKRP in Cincinnati” and “Private Benjamin,” along with television films like “Murder in Texas.” His first significant role came in 1982 with the crime series “Chicago Story,” although it was short-lived, lasting only 13 episodes.
A breakthrough came with the ABC series “Call to Glory,” where Nelson played USAF pilot Colonel Raynor Sarnac. The show aired for 24 episodes from 1984 to 1985. His most iconic television role was as Coach Hayden Fox on the ABC sitcom “Coach,” which aired for nine seasons from 1989 to 1997. For this role, Nelson won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. While specific salary figures for “Coach” are not publicly available, lead actors in successful sitcoms often command salaries ranging from $100,000 to $300,000+ per episode, suggesting substantial earnings during the show’s run.
Following “Coach,” Nelson starred as Chief Jack Mannion on the CBS crime drama “The District” from 2000 to 2004. Lead roles in such series typically pay between $150,000 to $400,000 per episode, contributing significantly to Nelson’s income during this period. He also had recurring roles on “My Name is Earl” and “CSI: NY,” which added to his television income.
From 2010 to 2015, Nelson played Ezekiel Braverman on the NBC dramedy “Parenthood.” Starring in a dramedy of this nature typically involves a salary of $100,000 to $250,000 per episode, further bolstering his net worth. Additional roles in “Grace and Frankie” and “Young Sheldon” continue to supplement his earnings.
Film Career: Box Office Success and Voice Acting
Nelson’s film career began in 1971 with “The Return of Count Yorga.” He played a prosecuting attorney in Norman Jewison’s “…And Justice for All” in 1979. The 1980s saw Nelson in films like “Stir Crazy,” “Poltergeist,” and “Silkwood.” His role as Steve Freeling in “Poltergeist” and “Poltergeist II: The Other Side” provided both critical acclaim and financial success.
A notable role in “Action Jackson” in 1988 added to his action film credentials. He continued his film career with roles in “Born on the Fourth of July” and “Turner & Hooch.” In 1996, Nelson appeared in “Ghosts of Mississippi” and “I’m Not Rappaport,” followed by “The Devil’s Advocate” and “Wag the Dog.”
One of Nelson’s most recognizable roles is as the voice of Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible in Pixar’s “The Incredibles” (2004) and “Incredibles 2” (2018). Voice acting roles in major animated films can command significant pay, often ranging from $1 million to $5 million or more, depending on the actor’s profile and the film’s success. “The Incredibles” grossed over $633 million worldwide, and “Incredibles 2” surpassed $1.2 billion, indicating substantial royalties and bonuses tied to box office performance for Nelson. Additional film credits include “The Family Stone,” “Blades of Glory,” “The Proposal,” “The Company Men,” “Soul Surfer,” “Gold,” and “Book Club.” Earnings from these films, though varying, have added to his overall net worth.
Real Estate and Assets
In 1995, Craig and his wife Doria purchased a five-acre oceanfront plot on Kauai, Hawaii, where they built a 2,700 square foot home. In July 2019, they listed the home for sale at $14 million. This property represents a significant asset and contributes to his net worth. He also owns a home in the Point Dume area of Malibu, purchased as an empty lot in 1985. Comparable homes in this area are valued between $10 million and $15 million. These real estate holdings demonstrate a diverse investment strategy, adding considerable value to his financial portfolio.
Motorsports and Other Ventures
Beyond acting, Nelson is passionate about motorsports. In 1991, he participated in the Toyota Celebrity Long Beach Grand Prix, finishing ninth. He co-founded Screaming Eagles Racing in 1992. From 1994 to 1997, Nelson participated in the IMSA World Sports Car Championship, driving Spice SE90s with different engines. Motorsports involvement, while potentially costly, reflects his diverse interests and potential endorsements or sponsorships.
