Net Worth Ranker
What Is Eli Roth’s Net Worth?
Eli Roth, a prominent figure in the horror film industry as a director, actor, and writer, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $20 million. This figure primarily stems from his successful career in filmmaking, including directing, producing, and acting roles.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on April 18, 1972, in Newton, Massachusetts, to Cora, a painter, and Sheldon Roth, a psychiatrist and professor at Harvard Medical School, Eli Roth’s early exposure to film, particularly Ridley Scott’s “Alien” (1979), ignited his passion for filmmaking. He began creating amateur films with his brothers, Adam and Gabriel. Roth’s educational background includes attending Newton South High School and later enrolling at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts as a film student. To finance his studies, he engaged in various jobs, including working as an online cybersex operator for Penthouse Magazine and as a production assistant on films. He also interned for producer Frederick Zollo. Following his graduation from NYU, Roth briefly served as Howard Stern’s assistant. One of his early Hollywood roles was as an extra on the television legal drama “The Practice.” He further honed his skills by writing, producing, directing, editing, and animating the television series “Chowdaheads.” He also appeared as an extra in the horror comedy film “Terror Firmer.” In 2000, he continued his work in animation by writing, directing, producing, and animating a series of stop-motion shorts titled “The Rotten Fruit.” These early experiences provided a foundation for his future success as a filmmaker.
Directing Career
Eli Roth’s directorial debut came with the 2002 horror comedy “Cabin Fever,” co-written with his college roommate Randy Pearlstein in 1996. The film, centered on a group of young adults infected by a flesh-eating virus, was a box-office success for Lionsgate. “Cabin Fever” grossed over $30 million worldwide on a budget of just $1.5 million. This success cemented Roth’s status as a rising figure in the horror genre. His second film, “Hostel,” released in 2005, was also a commercial success, grossing over $80 million worldwide on a budget of approximately $4.8 million. The film sparked considerable controversy due to its graphic content and is often credited with popularizing the “torture porn” subgenre. Roth directed its sequel, “Hostel: Part II,” in 2007, which, although not as commercially successful as its predecessor, still grossed over $35 million worldwide. After a six-year hiatus from directing, Roth returned with the 2013 cannibal horror film “The Green Inferno,” inspired by his fondness for Mondo exploitation horror films. In 2015, he directed the psychological thriller “Knock Knock,” a remake of the 1977 film “Death Game,” starring Keanu Reeves. Roth also directed the 2018 remake of the vigilante action film “Death Wish,” starring Bruce Willis. Later that year, he directed the fantasy comedy “The House with a Clock in its Walls,” based on the 1973 novel by John Bellairs, which grossed over $131 million worldwide against a production budget of $42 million. Roth’s recent directing credits include the documentary “Fin” and an adaptation of the video game “Borderlands”.
Producing and Writing Ventures
In addition to his directorial work, Roth has been involved in numerous producing and writing projects. In 2005, he served as a producer on the horror comedy remake “2001 Maniacs.” In 2010, he produced the supernatural horror film “The Last Exorcism,” which grossed over $69 million worldwide on a budget of $1.8 million, and later produced its sequel, “The Last Exorcism Part II.” Roth also wrote and produced the martial arts film “The Man with the Iron Fists” and the disaster film “Aftershock.” He has also produced films such as “Clown,” “The Stranger,” and “Haunt,” as well as the film adaptation of the television show “Baywatch.” In 2016, Roth wrote and executive produced the remake of his debut film, “Cabin Fever.” These producing and writing ventures contribute to Roth’s overall net worth.
Acting Career
Roth has appeared in many of the films he has directed, often in cameo roles. He has also had notable acting roles in films directed by Quentin Tarantino, such as “Death Proof” and “Inglourious Basterds.” In “Inglourious Basterds,” Roth played Donny “The Bear Jew” Donowitz, a Bostonian soldier known for his violent acts against Nazis. His role in “Inglourious Basterds” earned him critical acclaim and further recognition as an actor. These acting roles contribute to Eli Roth’s Net Worth.
Television Work
Roth has also ventured into television, directing the pilot episode of the Netflix horror series “Hemlock Grove.” He also directed the pilot of the 2015 supernatural horror series “South of Hell.” In 2018, Roth began hosting the program “Eli Roth’s History of Horror,” which explores the history and evolution of the horror genre. These television projects add to Roth’s diverse portfolio and contribute to his overall income.
Other Ventures
Beyond film and television, Roth has been involved in various other endeavors. He curated the horror exhibit “Can’t Look Away” at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, which ran from 2011 to 2014. In 2012, he opened a haunted house in Las Vegas called Eli Roth’s Goretorium; however, the attraction closed in 2013 due to the bankruptcy of its parent company. In 2015, Roth partnered with Jack Davis to launch the digital entertainment company Crypt TV, which creates short-form horror content. Roth’s various ventures contribute to Eli Roth’s Net Worth.
Real Estate
In 2007, Eli Roth purchased a home in the Hollywood Hills for $2.54 million. He listed the property for sale in October 2020 for $3.475 million and ultimately sold it in April 2021 for $3.19 million. This real estate transaction reflects a component of his overall asset portfolio. The profit made from the sale of this house increased Eli Roth’s Net Worth.
