Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ed O’Neill’s Net Worth?
Ed O’Neill, the celebrated American actor, has amassed a substantial net worth of $65 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to his successful and enduring career in television and film, spanning several decades.
Earnings from Television Roles
O’Neill’s portrayal of Al Bundy in “Married… with Children” from 1987 to 1997 marked a significant turning point in his career and contributed substantially to his financial success. While specific salary figures for the earlier seasons of “Married… with Children” are not publicly available, the show’s immense popularity and longevity undoubtedly provided O’Neill with a steady and increasing income stream over its 11-season run.
A decade later, O’Neill secured another prominent role as Jay Pritchett in “Modern Family,” which aired from 2009 to 2020. During his time on “Modern Family,” Ed was one of the highest-paid actors on television. For the seasons filmed between 2014 and 2018, O’Neill earned $190,000 per episode. In 2018, O’Neill and the other principal stars negotiated raises, bringing their salaries to $500,000 per episode. Over a 24-episode season, this equated to approximately $12 million per season. His role as Jay Pritchett not only boosted his visibility but also significantly enhanced his net worth. The show’s critical acclaim and consistent ratings ensured a lucrative income for O’Neill throughout its run.
Film Appearances and Voice Acting
In addition to his television roles, O’Neill has appeared in various films, contributing to his overall income. Some of his notable film credits include “Little Giants” (1994), “The Bone Collector” (1999), and “Sun Dogs” (2017). While specific salary figures for these film roles are not publicly available, they undoubtedly added to his earnings.
O’Neill is also a highly sought-after voice actor, lending his talents to animated films and television shows. He voiced Mr. Litwak in “Wreck-It Ralph” (2012) and “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (2018), as well as Hank the Octopus in “Finding Dory” (2016). These voice acting roles have not only expanded his creative repertoire but also provided additional income streams. While specific compensation details for these roles are not publicly disclosed, voice acting in major animated films typically commands significant fees.
Beyond animated films, O’Neill has also provided voice-overs for commercials, most notably for the allergy medication Zyrtec since 2012. The financial terms of these endorsement deals are typically confidential, but they are known to be lucrative for established actors.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Edward Leonard O’Neill was born on April 12, 1946, in Youngstown, Ohio. His early life was marked by a strong interest in sports, particularly football. After graduating from Ursuline High School, he transferred to Worthington High School and then attended Ohio University on a football scholarship. After his sophomore year of college, he transferred to Youngstown State University, where he continued to play football as a defensive lineman. In 1969, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed O’Neill as an undrafted free agent, but he was released during training camp.
Following his brief stint in professional football, O’Neill returned to Youngstown State University and joined the school’s theater program. After graduating, he worked as a social studies substitute teacher at Ursuline High School before deciding to pursue acting full-time. In 1977, he moved to New York City, where he worked as a busboy while studying at the Circle in the Square Theatre School. These early experiences, while not directly contributing to his current net worth, laid the foundation for his future success in the entertainment industry.
Breakthrough and Subsequent Roles
In 1979, O’Neill landed the role of lead understudy in the Broadway play “Knockout.” He eventually had the opportunity to perform on stage when the lead actor left the production. Movie director William Friedkin saw his performance and cast him in his film “Cruising” (1980), which starred Al Pacino. He then appeared in various projects, such as a 1985 Red Lobster commercial, a guest appearance in “The Equalizer,” and the pilot for the show “Popeye Doyle” (1986), as well as failed pilots for the show “Farrell for the People.” However, his breakout role came with the Fox sitcom “Married… with Children,” which premiered in 1987. His portrayal of Al Bundy resonated with audiences and propelled him to national recognition.
The success of “Married… with Children” opened doors for O’Neill to appear in other film and television projects. During this time, he starred in films such as “Dutch” (1991) and “Little Giants” (1994). He also had smaller roles in films like “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane” (1990), “Wayne’s World” (1992), and “Wayne’s World 2” (1993). These roles, while varying in size and prominence, contributed to his overall income and visibility in the entertainment industry.
Following the conclusion of “Married… with Children” in 1997, O’Neill continued to work steadily in television and film. He appeared in projects such as “The Bone Collector” (1999) and the miniseries “The 10th Kingdom.” He also guest-starred on various television shows, including “In Living Color,” “8 Simple Rules,” “Dragnet,” “The West Wing,” “John from Cincinnati,” and “Star-ving.”
In 2009, O’Neill returned to the sitcom world with “Modern Family,” which became a massive success and ran for 11 seasons. His role as Jay Pritchett earned him multiple Emmy nominations and further solidified his status as a leading television actor. The financial rewards from “Modern Family,” particularly in its later seasons, significantly contributed to his net worth.
His other film work includes “Lucky Numbers” (2000), “Nobody’s Baby” (2001), “Spartan” (2004), “Redbelt” (2008), “Entourage” (2015), “Sun Dogs” (2017), and “The Last Shift” (2020). While specific salary details for these roles remain private, they represent a diverse range of projects that have contributed to his financial success.
Additional Ventures and Recognition
In addition to his acting roles, O’Neill has also ventured into other areas, such as voice-over work for commercials and animated projects. His voice-over work for Zyrtec commercials has been particularly lucrative and long-lasting, further contributing to his financial stability.
O’Neill’s contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011, solidifying his place among the industry’s elite. He has been nominated for two Golden Globe Awards for “Married… with Children” and three Primetime Emmy Awards for “Modern Family.” He also won four Screen Actors Guild Awards for “Modern Family” and two Behind the Voice Actors Awards for his work on “Wreck-It Ralph.”
Personal Life
O’Neill’s personal life has also played a role in his overall well-being and stability. He is married to actress Catherine Rusoff, and together they have two daughters. In December 2007, O’Neill received his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a testament to his dedication and discipline. He was introduced to the practice by his friend, the writer/director John Milius, and has been practicing the sport for over 20 years. While his personal life does not directly impact his net worth, it provides a sense of balance and fulfillment that complements his professional achievements.
