Net Worth Ranker
What Is Dennis Franz’s Net Worth?
Dennis Franz, renowned American actor, has cultivated a substantial net worth estimated at $35 million. This impressive figure is largely attributed to his prolific acting career, with significant contributions from his iconic role as Detective Andy Sipowicz on “NYPD Blue,” and his earlier work on “Hill Street Blues.” His real estate holdings also make up a portion of his net worth.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Dennis Franz Schlachta on October 28, 1944, in Maywood, Chicago, Illinois, Dennis began his journey far from the glitz of Hollywood. He attended Proviso East High School, graduating in 1962, and actively participated in sports. He furthered his education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in speech and theater in 1968. Following graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army, serving 11 months with the 82nd Airborne Division in Vietnam. His early experiences shaped his perspective and undoubtedly influenced his approach to acting.
Franz initiated his acting career at Chicago’s Organic Theater Company. Despite his versatility, his physical appearance often led to typecasting as a police officer, a role he embraced and perfected. His portrayal of Detective Andy Sipowicz on “NYPD Blue” was, remarkably, his 27th time playing a police officer, underscoring his affinity for the role. He also had guest roles on popular TV shows such as “The A-Team.”
“NYPD Blue” and Peak Earnings
Dennis Franz’s most significant financial success stemmed from his role as Andy Sipowicz on “NYPD Blue.” He appeared in 261 episodes from 1993 to 2005. At the height of his popularity on the series, Dennis Franz earned $300,000 per episode. This translated to approximately $7.2 million per season. This figure does not include potential royalties or residuals earned from the show’s continued syndication and streaming.
Franz’s performance as Sipowicz was critically acclaimed, earning him four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. The character’s impact was further solidified when Bravo network ranked Detective Sipowicz #23 on its list of the 100 greatest TV Characters.
Other Notable Roles and Appearances
Before “NYPD Blue,” Dennis Franz held significant roles in other television programs. He played Detective Sal Benedetto on “Hill Street Blues” from 1982 to 1983, though the character was written out due to the storyline. He returned to “Hill Street Blues” in 1985 as Lt. Norman Buntz, a role he maintained until 1987. He later reprised the character in the short-lived spin-off “Beverly Hills Buntz.”
In 1996, Franz provided the voice of Captain Klegghorn in the Disney cartoon “Mighty Ducks: The Animated Series,” which aired from 1996 to 1997. He also made a cameo appearance as himself on “The Simpsons” in 1994. In May 2001, Dennis participated in the celebrity edition of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” winning $250,000 for the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance. In the early 2000s, Franz served as a commercial spokesman for Nextel. He also appeared as Earl in the Dixie Chicks’ music video “Goodbye Earl” and portrayed airport police captain Carmine Lorenzo in “Die Hard 2” (1990). Franz’s most recent film role was Nathaniel Messinger in “City of Angels” (1998).
Real Estate Portfolio
Dennis Franz’s real estate holdings contribute significantly to his overall net worth. In 2003, Dennis and his wife, Joanie Zeck, purchased a townhouse in Century City, California, for $715,000. While they attempted to sell it in 2007 for $1.4 million, it is unclear whether the property was sold at that time or later off-market.
In 2010, the couple acquired a 1.6-acre property in Montecito, California, for $2.15 million. They renovated the property and listed it for sale in 2014 for $7.45 million. The property was eventually sold in June 2017 for $5.89 million.
Franz’s primary residence in Southern California is an 8,000-square-foot property in Santa Barbara, purchased in 1996 for an undisclosed amount. This property is currently estimated to be worth between $12 million and $14 million.
The couple also owns a waterfront mansion in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, featuring 400 feet of waterfront on 82 acres. In 2007, Dennis challenged the county assessor’s valuation of the mansion, which was initially pegged at $5.1 million. Franz contended that the property was worth closer to $3 million. According to Zillow, this property is now estimated to be worth $13 million.
Personal Life and Other Ventures
Dennis Franz married Joanie Zeck in 1995. Joanie had two daughters from a previous marriage, who became Franz’s stepdaughters. Dennis and Joanie spend summers at their lake home in northern Idaho.
Beyond acting, Franz has engaged in other ventures. In May 2001, he appeared on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” and won $250,000 for the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance. He also served as a commercial spokesman for Nextel in the early 2000s.
While specific details about other investments or ventures remain private, it is likely that Dennis Franz has diversified his financial portfolio through various investment strategies to secure his financial future.
Net Worth Over Time
Determining the exact trajectory of Dennis Franz’s net worth over time is challenging due to the private nature of financial information. However, based on available data and industry trends, it is plausible to estimate a general progression.
Early Career (1970s-1980s): During this period, Franz’s net worth was likely modest but steadily increasing. He was working consistently in theater, television, and film, building his reputation and earning a steady income.
Hill Street Blues Era (1980s): His roles on “Hill Street Blues” would have significantly boosted his earnings, contributing to a noticeable increase in his net worth.
NYPD Blue Peak (1990s-2000s): This was undoubtedly the period of greatest wealth accumulation. His high per-episode salary, combined with residuals and royalties, would have resulted in a substantial surge in his net worth.
Post-NYPD Blue (2005-Present): While he retired from acting in 2005, residuals, royalties, and real estate investments continue to contribute to his net worth.
It is important to note that these are estimated figures, and the actual net worth trajectory may vary depending on investment decisions, personal spending habits, and other financial factors.
