Net Worth Ranker
What Is DJ Qualls’s Net Worth?
DJ Qualls, an American actor and comedian recognized for his distinct character roles, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $3 million as of 2025. This wealth is primarily derived from his extensive career in film and television, marked by notable performances and consistent work across various projects.
Early Life and Education
Donald Joseph Qualls was born on June 10, 1978, in Nashville, Tennessee, growing up in Manchester, Tennessee, with his four siblings. At the age of 14, Qualls was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a diagnosis that significantly impacted his adolescence. He underwent chemotherapy treatment for two years, which he believes affected his physical growth. Qualls attended Coffee County Central High School, actively participating in the Red Raid Band before graduating in 1995. He pursued higher education at King’s College London, where he studied English literature, showcasing his academic interests beyond his burgeoning acting career. After finishing his degree in London, he returned to Tennessee and enrolled at Belmont University in Nashville. During this period, he also began acting in a local theater company, laying the foundation for his professional acting career.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough Roles
Qualls’s career began with a minor role as an extra in the 1994 HBO film “Against the Wall.” He then had a small role in the 1998 miniseries “Mama Flora’s Family.” However, his breakthrough came with the 2000 comedy film “Road Trip,” where he played the character of Kyle Edwards. Initially auditioning for a small part, Qualls impressed the producers, leading to a more significant role that significantly boosted his recognition in Hollywood. The film grossed over $119 million worldwide, providing Qualls with substantial exposure and opportunities.
Following “Road Trip,” Qualls’s unique appearance led to modeling opportunities with Prada and collaborations with photographers such as David LaChapelle and Steve Klein. He also secured a role in the 2000 film “Cherry Falls.” In 2001, he appeared in “Chasing Holden” as Neil Lawrence, further solidifying his presence in the film industry. In 2002, Qualls took on the role of Archie in “Comic Book Villains,” alongside appearances in “Big Trouble,” “Lone Star State of Mind,” “The New Guy,” and “The Core.” He also made cameos in Britney Spears’ music video for “Boys” and Simple Plan’s video for “I’m Just a Kid” in 2002, broadening his reach into popular culture.
Notable Film and Television Roles
In 2005, Qualls starred in the film “Hustle & Flow,” which earned him a nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at the 12th Screen Actors Guild Awards. “Hustle & Flow” had a production budget of $2.8 million and grossed over $22.2 million worldwide. He also appeared in “Little Athens” that year. Throughout the 2000s, he continued to appear in various films, including “I’m Reed Fish,” “Delta Farce,” “Familiar Strangers,” “Road Trip: Beer Pong,” and “Last Day of Summer.” Qualls transitioned into television with appearances in series such as “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “Criminal Minds,” “Monk,” “Numb3rs,” “My Name is Earl,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Breaking Bad,” displaying his versatility across different genres. In 2010, Qualls secured a recurring role in “Memphis Beat,” appearing in 20 episodes. His role as a quirky police officer earned him positive reviews and helped him showcase his comedic timing. From 2011 to 2020, he played Garth Fitzgerald IV in “Supernatural,” appearing in multiple episodes across seasons 7 through 15, becoming a fan favorite with his recurring presence.
In 2012, Qualls was featured in the Paramount Pictures web series “Circle of Eight.” The following year, he landed the leading role in the FX series “Legit,” where he portrayed Billy Nugent, a 33-year-old man with muscular dystrophy. The series ran for 26 episodes over two seasons before its cancellation in 2014. His performance in “Legit” was critically acclaimed, showcasing his ability to handle both comedic and dramatic elements. Between 2014 and 2018, Qualls appeared in 28 episodes of “Z Nation” as Citizen Z, playing a pivotal role in the post-apocalyptic series. Concurrently, from 2015 to 2018, he was a series regular in “The Man in the High Castle,” where he portrayed Ed McCarthy. This role, set in an alternate history where the Axis powers won World War II, demonstrated his capacity to handle complex and nuanced characters. In 2016, Qualls appeared in the films “November Rule” and “Buster’s Mal Heart.” In 2017, he was featured in the short film “Silence Please!” and appeared in two episodes of “Fargo.” His appearance on “Fargo” highlighted his ability to fit into critically acclaimed, high-quality television productions. Qualls continued to take on diverse roles, appearing in the show “Creepshow” in 2019 and “Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities” in 2022, further adding to his extensive list of credits.
Personal Life and Public Persona
In 2006, DJ Qualls was romantically linked to actress Nikki Reed, though their relationship ended in 2007. On January 2020, Qualls publicly came out as gay on his Twitter account. He had previously kept this part of his life private due to concerns about the potential negative impact on his career. His announcement was made shortly after appearing on Comedy Central’s “The Jim Jefferies Show,” where he discussed the issue. Since then, he has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing on his career and public appearances. His decision to come out was met with widespread support, further enhancing his public image as an authentic and courageous individual.
Real Estate Holdings
In 2010, DJ Qualls purchased a 2-bedroom condo in Studio City, California, for $580,000. As of 2025, the estimated value of this property is a little over $1 million, reflecting the appreciation of real estate in the area. This real estate investment is a significant component of Qualls’s asset portfolio, contributing to his overall net worth. The property serves as his primary residence and provides him with a stable asset in the competitive Los Angeles real estate market.
Additional Income Streams
Besides his acting roles, DJ Qualls’s income is supplemented by appearances at fan conventions and comedy shows. While specific figures for these earnings are not publicly available, such engagements can provide a steady stream of income, particularly given his established fan base from shows like “Supernatural” and “Z Nation”. These appearances also help maintain his visibility and relevance in the entertainment industry. In addition to these income streams, Qualls has also been involved in various endorsement deals and promotional activities throughout his career. Although specific details regarding these deals are not publicly disclosed, they contribute to his overall financial success and net worth.
Net Worth Summary
DJ Qualls’s $3 million net worth is a testament to his consistent work in the entertainment industry. His ability to transition between comedic and dramatic roles, coupled with his steady presence in both film and television, has ensured his financial stability. His early breakthrough in “Road Trip” laid the foundation for a career that has spanned over two decades, marked by diverse roles and memorable performances. His real estate investment in Studio City, California, also contributes to his overall financial health, providing a stable asset in a competitive market. While specific details of his earnings from individual projects and endorsements are not publicly available, his continuous work and strategic investments have allowed him to accumulate a substantial net worth, solidifying his position as a successful actor and comedian.
