Overview

Dev Patel is an English actor and filmmaker, born on April 23, 1990, in Harrow, London. He rose to international fame for his starring role in Danny Boyle’s ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008). His parents are of Gujarati Indian descent, originally from Nairobi, Kenya. Patel began his acting career in the British teen drama ‘Skins’ (2007). Following the success of ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ he has appeared in numerous critically acclaimed films, including ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ (2011), ‘Lion’ (2016), for which he received a BAFTA Award and an Oscar nomination, ‘Hotel Mumbai’ (2018), and ‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’ (2019). In 2024, he made his directorial debut with the action film ‘Monkey Man,’ in which he also starred. Beyond acting, Patel is known for his philanthropic work, supporting causes related to education and children’s welfare. He is also a skilled martial artist with a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

What Is Dev Patel’s Net Worth

Dev Patel, a celebrated British actor, has accumulated a significant net worth through his diverse roles in film and television. As of 2024, Dev Patel’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his successful acting career, which spans across critically acclaimed movies and popular TV shows. His performances in “Slumdog Millionaire,” “Lion,” and “The Newsroom” have significantly contributed to his financial success.

Early Career and “Slumdog Millionaire”

Dev Patel’s journey into acting began in Harrow, London, where he was born on April 23, 1990. His early education at Longfield Primary School and Whitmore High School laid the foundation for his future career. While at Whitmore High School, Patel’s talent shone brightly, particularly in his GCSE Drama performance as Sir Andrew Aguecheek in a school production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” He also earned an A+ for his “self-penned portrayal of a child in the Beslan school siege,” a role that deeply moved his drama teacher, Niamh Wright, and a visiting examiner.

Before his breakthrough role, Dev balanced his passion for acting with his dedication to tae kwon-do. His acting career gained momentum when he was cast in the television series “Skins.” However, it was his collaboration with director Danny Boyle in “Slumdog Millionaire” that catapulted him to international fame. Boyle sought a non-traditional leading man of Indian descent, and Patel perfectly fit the role of Jamal, a young man from the Mumbai slums who participates in the game show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” His performance garnered rave reviews and contributed significantly to the film’s success at the box office and awards ceremonies, including the Academy Awards.

While specific financial details from “Slumdog Millionaire” are not publicly available, it’s evident that the film’s success significantly boosted Dev Patel’s career and, consequently, his net worth. The film grossed over $377 million worldwide, opening numerous doors for him in the entertainment industry.

Notable Film and Television Roles

Following the success of “Slumdog Millionaire,” Dev Patel took on a variety of roles in both film and television. In 2010, he appeared in M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Last Airbender,” which, despite mixed reviews, provided him with further exposure to a wider audience. The following year, he starred in “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (2011), a commercially successful film that grossed over $136 million worldwide. This role solidified his presence in the industry and contributed to his growing financial portfolio.

Between 2012 and 2014, Patel played Neal Sampat in Aaron Sorkin’s HBO series “The Newsroom.” While specific salary details from his work on “The Newsroom” are not publicly disclosed, leading roles in HBO series typically command substantial compensation. His performance alongside Robert Sheehan and Zoë Kravitz in “The Road Within” (2014) further showcased his versatility as an actor, although the film itself received mixed reviews.

In 2016, Patel starred in “Lion,” portraying Saroo Brierley, a boy from India who gets lost and is later adopted by an Australian family. This role was a critical turning point in his career, earning him a BAFTA award for Best Supporting Actor and an Academy Award nomination. The film was based on Saroo Brierley’s memoir “A Long Way Home.” “Lion” premiered to rave reviews at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival, generating significant “Oscar buzz.” The film’s box office success, grossing over $140 million worldwide, undoubtedly contributed to Patel’s financial prosperity. Although his specific earnings from the film are not public knowledge, it’s reasonable to assume that his role earned him a substantial amount, given his performance and the film’s overall success.

More recently, Patel starred as David Copperfield in Armando Iannucci’s “The Personal History of David Copperfield” (2019), a well-received adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel. In 2021, he portrayed Gawain in “The Green Knight,” adding to his diverse filmography. These roles continue to bolster his reputation and, by extension, his net worth.

Personal Life and Financial Matters

While Dev Patel’s acting career has been a major contributor to his net worth, other aspects of his personal life have also garnered media attention. His relationship with “Slumdog Millionaire” co-star Freida Pinto lasted for approximately six years, ending in 2014. Although their relationship did not have a direct financial impact, it raised Patel’s profile, indirectly benefitting his career.

There is no publicly available information regarding Dev Patel’s specific real estate holdings, investments, or endorsements. As such, it is difficult to provide a detailed breakdown of his assets beyond his earnings from acting roles. His net worth of $10 million is primarily derived from his salaries and potential residuals from his film and television work. It is possible that he has made private investments or endorsements, but these are not publicly documented.

Financial Summary

In summary, Dev Patel’s estimated net worth of $10 million is a testament to his successful career as an actor. His roles in films such as “Slumdog Millionaire,” “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” and “Lion,” as well as his work in television shows like “The Newsroom,” have significantly contributed to his financial standing. While specific financial details of his contracts and investments remain private, his accomplishments in the entertainment industry have undoubtedly secured his financial future.

© 2025 Net Worth Ranker / All Rights Reserved