Net Worth Ranker
What Is Don Gummer’s Net Worth
Don Gummer, an accomplished American sculptor, boasts a net worth of $80 million. However, it’s crucial to note that a significant portion of this net worth is attributed to his long-time marriage with the renowned actress Meryl Streep. The couple, who wed in 1978, announced their separation in October 2023, revealing they had been living apart for six years prior.
While Meryl Streep’s acting career undeniably contributes significantly to the couple’s combined wealth, Don Gummer has carved out a successful career as a sculptor. He has gained recognition for his diverse range of works, encompassing both tabletop and wall-mounted pieces, as well as grand, free-standing sculptures. Gummer’s early free-standing works often utilized bronze as the primary material. In the 1990s, he began experimenting with other materials, incorporating stained glass and aluminum into his sculptures to create unique and visually striking pieces.
Since his debut solo exhibition in 1973, Gummer’s artwork has graced the walls and spaces of numerous galleries and museums across the Midwest and East Coast. He has participated in more than two dozen solo shows, showcasing his talent and artistic evolution. His work has also been featured in numerous group exhibitions, further solidifying his reputation within the art world. Art critic Irving Sandler praised Gummer’s creations, stating that they “give postmodern life to classic principles of abstract composition.” Sandler’s observation highlights Gummer’s ability to blend traditional artistic concepts with contemporary aesthetics, resulting in sculptures that are both timeless and innovative.
Don Gummer’s Early Life and Artistic Development
Donald James Gummer, born on December 12, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky, spent his formative years in Indiana. He was raised by his mother, Dorothy Ann, and father, William, alongside his six brothers: Mark, William, Richard, Jack, and Steven. Gummer received his early education at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, where he likely began to cultivate his interest in art and design.
From 1964 to 1966, Gummer pursued formal art studies at the Herron School of Art, further developing his foundational skills and exploring various artistic mediums. He then continued his education at Boston’s School of the Museum of Fine Arts from 1966 to 1970, immersing himself in a vibrant artistic community and refining his sculpting techniques. Gummer’s pursuit of artistic excellence culminated in the acquisition of both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts from the prestigious Yale School of Art. At Yale, he had the privilege of studying under the guidance of David von Schlegell, a renowned sculptor and abstract artist, who undoubtedly influenced Gummer’s artistic style and approach.
Don Gummer’s Sculpting Career and Exhibitions
Don Gummer’s professional sculpting career officially began in 1973 with his first solo exhibition. Since then, his work has been showcased in numerous solo exhibitions at galleries and museums. These venues include Artists Space in New York City, Daniel Weinberg Gallery in Santa Monica, California, Kitakyushu International Center in Japan, and the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio. These exhibitions provided Gummer with invaluable opportunities to display his sculptures to a wider audience, gain critical acclaim, and establish himself as a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene.
In addition to gallery and museum exhibitions, Gummer’s sculptures have also been commissioned for public spaces, allowing his art to be enjoyed by a broader audience. One notable example is his “Fountain for Villa Astaldi,” which is located in Rome, Italy. His work was also exhibited at Rome’s Galleria delle Esposizioni Benucci. These international exhibitions further highlight Gummer’s global recognition and the appeal of his sculptures to diverse audiences.
Gummer’s work has also been featured in several group exhibitions, including “Eight Sculptors” at Albright Knox Gallery in Buffalo, New York; “Art in Our Time” at H.H.K. Foundation for Contemporary Art in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and “A Sculpture on the Wall” at the Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art in Ridgefield, Connecticut. These group exhibitions provided Gummer with opportunities to showcase his work alongside other talented sculptors, fostering artistic exchange and expanding his professional network.
Gummer’s commissioned works include “Primary Compass” at the Butler Institute of American Art, which adds to the cultural landscape of the institution and provides visitors with a thought-provoking artistic experience. Another notable commissioned work is his sculpture “The Optimist,” which was placed at the Preston Arts Center entrance in Henderson, Kentucky. The city of Indianapolis commissioned a 25-foot tall stained glass and stainless steel sculpture called “Southern Circle,” which weighs approximately 20,000 pounds. This monumental sculpture serves as a landmark within the city, adding to its artistic identity and providing a visually stunning focal point for residents and visitors alike. Specific financial details regarding these commissions are not publicly available.
Don Gummer’s Personal Life: Marriage, Family, and Separation
Don Gummer’s personal life has been marked by two significant marriages. On December 27, 1967, he married Peggy Jenel Lucas, but the couple divorced in 1974. Subsequently, on September 30, 1978, Gummer married Meryl Streep, embarking on a long-lasting and highly publicized relationship. Together, Gummer and Streep have four children: three daughters, Grace Gummer, Louisa Jacobson, and Mamie Gummer, and a son, Henry Wolfe Gummer. All three daughters have pursued acting careers, following in their mother’s footsteps, while their son, Henry, is a musician.
Grace Gummer’s marriage to Grammy-winning record producer and DJ Mark Ronson further connects the family to the entertainment industry. In October 2023, Don Gummer and Meryl Streep publicly announced that they had been separated for six years, signaling the end of their long-term partnership. According to a statement released by their publicist, “Don Gummer and Meryl Streep have been separated for more than 6 years, and while they will always care for each other, they have chosen lives apart.”
Despite their separation, Don Gummer and Meryl Streep share a passion for philanthropy, demonstrating their commitment to giving back to the community. They have generously donated to numerous arts organizations and schools, including the Silver Mountain Arts Foundation and Harlem’s Opus School. These philanthropic endeavors reflect their shared belief in the importance of supporting the arts and education, contributing to the cultural enrichment of society.
Don Gummer’s Real Estate Investments
Don Gummer’s real estate investments, often made in conjunction with Meryl Streep, provide insights into their financial decisions and lifestyle choices. In 1995, the couple purchased a New York City townhouse for $2.175 million. After holding the property for a decade, they sold it in 2005 for $9.1 million, realizing a significant profit on their initial investment. In 2006, Gummer and Streep acquired a four-bedroom penthouse in New York City for $10.13 million. The penthouse was eventually listed for sale in 2018 with an initial asking price of $25 million. However, they later reduced the asking price to $18.25 million in September 2018. The property was finally sold in February 2020 for $16 million.
In December 2017, Gummer and Streep expanded their real estate portfolio with the purchase of a mid-century modern home in Pasadena, California, for $3.6 million. This acquisition suggests their interest in owning property on the West Coast, potentially for leisure or work-related purposes. In addition to these urban and suburban properties, Gummer and Streep also own a 90-acre country home in Salisbury, Connecticut. This expansive property likely provides them with a private retreat, offering a respite from the demands of their respective careers and allowing them to enjoy the tranquility of the natural environment.
Details of specific mortgage amounts, property tax payments, or renovation costs for these properties are not publicly accessible. However, the purchases and sales of these properties demonstrate a strategic approach to real estate investment, with the potential for generating both income and capital appreciation.
Additional Factors Influencing Don Gummer’s Net Worth
While Don Gummer’s sculpting career and his marriage to Meryl Streep are the primary factors contributing to his $80 million net worth, other elements may play a role in his overall financial picture. These factors include potential inheritances, investment income, and earnings from the sale of artwork. It is plausible that Gummer inherited assets or funds from family members, which would have contributed to his wealth. Additionally, he may have made investments in stocks, bonds, or other financial instruments, generating income and increasing his net worth over time.
The sale of his sculptures undoubtedly generates income for Gummer. The value of his artwork can fluctuate depending on various factors, such as the size, materials, and complexity of the piece, as well as the demand for his work in the art market. While specific sales figures for his artwork are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that the sale of his sculptures contributes to his overall net worth.
It is important to note that these are potential factors that could influence Don Gummer’s net worth. The exact details of his financial assets and liabilities are not publicly available, and the $80 million figure is an estimated net worth based on publicly accessible information.
