Net Worth Ranker
What Is Jeff Kinney’s Net Worth?
Jeff Kinney, the American game designer, cartoonist, producer, actor, and children’s book author, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $80 million. This financial success is primarily attributed to his creation of the widely acclaimed “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” children’s book series.
The “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” Phenomenon: A Detailed Breakdown
The “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series has become a global phenomenon, contributing significantly to Jeff Kinney’s net worth. As of today, the series comprises numerous books that have collectively sold over 150 million copies worldwide. These sales generate substantial royalties for Kinney annually. The series’ widespread appeal has also led to several feature film adaptations, both live-action and animated, further boosting his income. In 2010, the first movie adaptation grossed over $75 million in the US alone.
Kinney’s contract with Abrams Books, signed in early 2006 at New York Comic Con, marked a pivotal moment. The subsequent release of the first “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book in 2007 brought immediate success. His continued writing and publishing of further installments, such as “Rodrick Rules,” “Dog Days,” “The Long Haul,” “The Getaway,” “The Deep End,” and “Diper Överlöde,” have sustained the series’ popularity and profitability.
The success of the book series also led to film adaptations. The initial live-action adaptations, released between 2010 and 2012, featured Zachary Gordon as Greg Heffley, accompanied by cast members like Rachael Harris, Steve Zahn, Devon Bostick, and Robert Capron. A reboot in 2017, adapting “The Long Haul,” saw a new cast including Jason Drucker as Greg Heffley, alongside Alicia Silverstone, Tom Everett Scott, Charlie Wright, and Owen Asztalos. Additionally, Disney has produced animated film adaptations of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” with screenplays penned by Kinney himself.
In 2019, Kinney expanded the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” universe with a spinoff series, “Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson’s Journal,” written from the perspective of Greg Heffley’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson. Further additions to this spinoff series include “Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure” and “Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories.” Kinney has also released supplementary books, such as “The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary” and “The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself-Book,” designed to complement the film adaptations.
Other Ventures Contributing to Jeff Kinney’s Net Worth
Beyond the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, Jeff Kinney has engaged in other ventures that contribute to his net worth. Notably, he co-created the children’s online role-playing game “Poptropica” in 2007 with Pearson Education’s Family Education Network. This game, centered around problem-solving quests on various islands, had amassed over 75 million registered users by 2012. In 2015, “Poptropica” was sold to the education-technology investment group Sandbox Partners.
In 2015, Kinney also opened a local bookstore and café in Plainville, Massachusetts, called An Unlikely Story. This venture serves as both a business and a community hub. He also hosted 10 episodes of the 10th season of the local quiz bowl show “High School Quiz Show” on WGBH in Boston, demonstrating his involvement in local media and entertainment.
Jeff Kinney’s Early Life and Education
Jeff Kinney was born on February 19, 1971, in Fort Washington, Maryland. He grew up with three siblings: a younger brother and an older brother and sister. His early education took place at Potomac Landing Elementary School, followed by Bishop McNamara High School, from which he graduated in 1989. Kinney then attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where he created a comic strip called “Igdoof” for the student newspaper. He graduated in 1993 with a BA degree in criminal justice.
Estimated Annual Earnings
Jeff Kinney consistently ranks among the highest-paid authors globally, reportedly earning around $20 million per year from book advances, royalties, and other ventures. This income is primarily derived from the continued success of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, along with his involvement in other projects.
