Net Worth Ranker
What Is Helen Hunt’s Net Worth?
As of March 2025, Helen Hunt’s net worth is estimated to be $75 million. This substantial net worth is primarily the result of her successful acting career, most notably her role in the sitcom “Mad About You,” as well as her work in film and her ventures into directing and screenwriting.
“Mad About You” and Peak Earnings
Helen Hunt’s role as Jamie Buchman in “Mad About You” was a major contributor to her financial success. The show, which ran for eight seasons from 1992 to 1999, catapulted her to fame. In the final season, Hunt, along with her co-star Paul Reiser, became one of the highest-paid television actors at the time. Specifically, both Hunt and Reiser earned $1 million per episode during the show’s final season. With 22 episodes in that season, Hunt’s earnings totaled $22 million for that single season alone. Adjusting for inflation, that $22 million in 1999 is equivalent to approximately $41 million in today’s dollars. This income does not include the rerun syndication royalty’s she still receives to this day.
In 2019, “Mad About You” was revived for a limited run of 12 episodes on Spectrum Originals, further adding to Hunt’s earnings, although the specific figures from the revival have not been publicly released. It’s safe to assume she made over 5 million dollars for the limited series. This series was likely negotiated with royalties, residuals and backend profit from viewership.
Film Career and Accolades
Hunt transitioned from television to film, starring in several commercially successful movies. One of her notable roles was in the 1996 blockbuster “Twister,” where she played a storm-chaser. “Twister” was the second-highest-grossing movie of that year, contributing significantly to her income. A year later, she won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “As Good as It Gets,” where she starred opposite Jack Nicholson. This accolade boosted her reputation and led to further opportunities in film. In 2000, Hunt appeared in several films, including “Dr. T & The Women,” “What Women Want” with Mel Gibson, and “Cast Away” alongside Tom Hanks. These films were box office successes and further solidified her status in Hollywood. She also directed the film “Then She Found Me” in 2007 and starred as a sex surrogate in “The Sessions” in 2012, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for the latter. Her film roles continued with writing, directing and starring in the drama “Ride” in 2014, along with additional directing work for various sitcoms and series.
Hunt’s success is also reflected in her accolades. She won Emmy Awards for her role in “Mad About You” in 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999. She was nominated for seven consecutive years and won in the last four. In 1998, she won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “As Good as It Gets.” These awards recognize her contributions to the entertainment industry and helped elevate her market value.
Real Estate Investments
Helen Hunt’s real estate portfolio has also contributed to her overall net worth. In May 1996, she purchased a 3-acre property in the Hollywood Hills for $7.12 million. She intended to build a family home there with then-husband Hank Azaria, but they separated before construction was completed. The property, which featured a 12,000-square-foot mansion, was sold to Justin Timberlake in 2002 for $8.3 million, resulting in a profit of $1.18 million before fees. In 2001, Hunt acquired a home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles for $4.6 million. She continues to own this property, which has likely appreciated in value over the years. As of August 2024, Hunt added to her real estate holdings by purchasing another mansion in Brentwood for $6.45 million. Additionally, in 2006, she bought a house in Hawaii for $3.7 million. These real estate investments reflect Hunt’s strategy of diversifying her assets.
These real estate transactions demonstrate her ability to invest in valuable properties. The Brentwood home that Hunt still owns is located in one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The area is known for its luxurious homes, excellent schools, and proximity to upscale shopping and dining. The median home value in Brentwood is approximately $4 million, and the average listing price is around $5 million. The homes in this area typically feature large lots, spacious interiors, and high-end amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and private gardens. The neighborhood’s desirability is due to its central location, close to both the beaches of Santa Monica and the cultural attractions of downtown Los Angeles. The area attracts high-profile residents and offers a blend of privacy and accessibility. Purchasing properties in such prime locations has allowed her to benefit from the rising property values in the area.
Financial Summary
In summary, Helen Hunt’s $75 million net worth is a combination of her earnings from “Mad About You,” her film roles, real estate investments, and other ventures. Her salary of $1 million per episode in the final season of “Mad About You” was a significant milestone, making her the highest-paid actress on television at the time. Her successful film career, marked by roles in movies such as “Twister” and “As Good as It Gets,” has further increased her wealth. Her real estate investments, including properties in the Hollywood Hills, Brentwood, and Hawaii, have also played a role in building her net worth. Through strategic investments and consistent work in the entertainment industry, Helen Hunt has amassed a considerable fortune.
