Net Worth Ranker
What Is Dylan McDermott’s Net Worth?
Dylan McDermott, the accomplished American actor renowned for his extensive work across film, television, and theater, has amassed a considerable fortune throughout his career. As of 2025, Dylan McDermott’s net worth is estimated to be $20 million. This substantial net worth reflects his success in various roles, including his notable performance as Bobby Donnell in “The Practice,” and his appearances in “American Horror Story,” alongside various other film and television projects.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Mark Anthony McDermott on October 26, 1961, in Waterbury, Connecticut, Dylan McDermott’s early life was marked by significant personal challenges. His parents, Diane and Richard McDermott, were teenagers at the time of his birth. By 1967, they had divorced, and Dylan and his sister were primarily raised by their maternal grandmother, Avis Marino. Tragedy struck when his mother, Diane, was murdered in February 1967. The case was initially ruled accidental but was later investigated as a murder, with John Sponza, her then-partner, as the prime suspect. Sponza, allegedly linked to organized crime, was himself found murdered in 1972.
McDermott graduated from Holy Cross High School in Waterbury in 1979. During his teenage years, he spent time with his biological father, Richard, in New York City. Richard owned the West Fourth Street Saloon in Greenwich Village, where Dylan often worked. It was during this time that he began to emulate his acting idols, Marlon Brando and Humphrey Bogart. A pivotal influence in his life was his father’s third wife, playwright Eve Ensler, who legally adopted him at the age of 15. Ensler encouraged him to pursue acting, even writing roles for him in her plays. He adopted the name “Dylan” in honor of a name Ensler had chosen for an unborn child. With Ensler’s support, McDermott attended acting school at Fordham University and the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. These early experiences laid the foundation for his future acting career, supported by his family and education. Dylan McDermott’s net worth is not impacted by these early life details.
Breakthrough Roles and Television Success
Dylan McDermott’s acting career began with his screen debut in the 1987 war film “Hamburger Hill.” He also appeared in other projects during the late 1980s, including “Steel Magnolias” (1989), where he starred alongside Julia Roberts, “Twister” (1989), and “Neon Empire” (1989). However, his breakthrough role came in 1993 with the hit film “In the Line of Fire,” where his performance alongside Clint Eastwood garnered critical acclaim. This role significantly boosted his profile, leading to his casting in the television series “The Practice.”
In “The Practice,” McDermott played the role of lawyer and law firm head Bobby Donnell from 1997 to 2004, appearing in eight seasons. This role propelled him into the spotlight, earning him recognition as one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” in both 1998 and 2000. His portrayal of Bobby Donnell earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama and a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Despite his success, budgetary constraints led to his departure from the show before the final season. It is estimated that during his time on “The Practice,” McDermott earned approximately $150,000 per episode, contributing significantly to Dylan McDermott’s net worth.
Following “The Practice,” McDermott starred in the four-part mini-series “The Grid” in 2004, playing an FBI Special Agent in an anti-terrorist unit. In 2006, he returned to theater, appearing in Eve Ensler’s play “The Treatment,” portraying a returned soldier with post-traumatic stress disorder. His subsequent television roles included “Big Shots” (2007-2008) and the TNT drama “Dark Blue” (2009-2010), where he played a veteran LAPD cop. His diverse roles in television continued to solidify his status as a versatile actor. The financial specifics of his earnings from these shows have not been publicly disclosed, but they have undoubtedly supported Dylan McDermott’s net worth.
American Horror Story and Subsequent Projects
Dylan McDermott’s appearances in the FX anthology series “American Horror Story” further boosted his career. He played the role of psychologist and cheating husband Ben Harmon in the first season and returned as Johnny Morgan in the second season. In 2013, he appeared in three films: “The Campaign,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” and “Nobody Walks.” McDermott continued his presence on television with roles in the CBS shows “Hostages” (2013) as FBI agent Duncan Carlisle and “Stalker” (2014) as Detective Jack Larsen. Each of these roles contributed to Dylan McDermott’s net worth, though the exact figures for his compensation are not publicly accessible. However, his consistent work in prominent television series has added to his financial success.
Beyond acting, McDermott launched his first photography exhibition, “The Dylan Project, Make Some Noise!” in Montreal, Quebec, at Avenue Art Gallery. This exhibition, in collaboration with Art Agent Marina Cutler, supported The V-Day Organization, which aids women who have suffered violent acts of aggression. Through this exhibition, McDermott combined his support for the organization with his love of photography, raising funds and awareness for the cause. While the financial gains from this exhibition were primarily directed towards charity, such ventures contribute to McDermott’s public image and indirectly support Dylan McDermott’s net worth by enhancing his brand.
Personal Life and Relationships
Dylan McDermott married actress Shiva Rose on November 19, 1995. They have two daughters, Colette and Charlotte. His daughter Colette’s birth is prominently featured in Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues,” reflecting his close relationship with Ensler. In September 2007, it was confirmed that McDermott and Rose had separated. McDermott filed for divorce in May 2008, and the divorce was finalized in January 2009. The financial details of the divorce settlement have not been publicly disclosed. In early 2014, McDermott began dating his “Stalker” co-star Maggie Q after meeting on-set, and they announced their engagement in January 2015. However, they split in February 2019 after a four-year engagement. These personal relationships, while significant, do not directly impact Dylan McDermott’s net worth, but they form part of his public life and overall story.
Throughout his career, Dylan McDermott has consistently demonstrated his talent and versatility, earning numerous accolades and maintaining a prominent presence in the entertainment industry. While specific financial details regarding his earnings from various projects are not always publicly available, it is clear that his long-standing success has resulted in a considerable Dylan McDermott’s net worth of $20 million. This net worth reflects his achievements in television, film, and theater, as well as his dedication to his craft.
