Overview

Jeffrey Duncan Jones, born on September 28, 1946, is an American actor recognized for his versatile performances across film, television, and stage. Jones was born in Buffalo, New York, and his mother encouraged him to pursue acting. He attended Lawrence University, where he participated in theater productions and later studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He began his acting career on stage, appearing in over 125 productions internationally. Jones transitioned to film with a role in “The Revolutionary” (1970). He gained acclaim for his role as Emperor Joseph II in “Amadeus” (1984), earning a Golden Globe nomination. Other notable film roles include “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986) and “Beetlejuice” (1988). On television, he is known for his role in the HBO Western series “Deadwood.”

What Is Jeffrey Jones’ Net Worth?

Jeffrey Jones, an American actor celebrated for his roles in iconic films and television series, has accumulated a net worth of $2 million. His career, spanning stage and screen, showcases a diverse portfolio, though marred by legal issues later in life. This net worth reflects his earnings from acting roles, as well as a real estate transaction.

Early Career and Film Roles

Jones began his acting career on stage, gaining experience in over 125 productions. He made his film debut in “The Revolutionary” (1970), followed by an uncredited role in “A Wedding.” His career gained momentum in the 1980s, with a role in “The Soldier” (1982) and “Easy Money” (1983). A significant turning point came with his portrayal of Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II in Miloš Forman’s “Amadeus” (1984), which garnered him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. No specific monetary details about the film’s contribution to his net worth are available.

The 1980s saw Jones taking on memorable roles in films like “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986), where he played Ed Rooney, and “Beetlejuice” (1988), where he appeared alongside Catherine O’Hara as part of a boorish married couple. These roles solidified his presence in Hollywood and contributed to his rising income. He also played Dr. Walter Jenning in the film “Howard the Duck” (1986). In 1988, Jones played Detective Inspector G. Lestrade in the British comedy “Without a Clue.”

Throughout the 1990s, Jones continued to work in film, with notable roles in “The Hunt for Red October” (1990), “Ed Wood” (1994), and “Sleepy Hollow” (1999). In 1994, he reunited with Tim Burton to play the Amazing Criswell in the biopic “Ed Wood,” marking another collaboration with the director. He also secured roles in films such as “Who’s Harry Crumb?” and “Valmont.”

In the later years of his film career, Jones appeared in “The Devil’s Advocate,” “Stuart Little,” and “Ravenous.” His filmography is extensive, showcasing his ability to take on diverse roles across different genres. However, specific financial details related to these roles, such as salary figures or box office bonuses, are not publicly available.

Television Career and “Deadwood”

Jeffrey Jones’s television career began in 1976 with the PBS miniseries “The Adams Chronicles.” He also appeared in an episode of the CBS Western series “Sara” that same year. Throughout the 1980s, Jones appeared in episodes of “Remington Steele,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “Amazing Stories,” as well as the miniseries “If Tomorrow Comes” and “Fresno.” He also played Thomas Jefferson in the television film “George Washington II: The Forging of a Nation.” At the end of the decade, Jones starred as cartoonist Walter Kellogg in the short-lived CBS sitcom “The People Next Door.” Specific figures for his earnings from these early television roles are not accessible.

A significant role in Jones’s television career was his portrayal of newspaper publisher A.W. Merrick on HBO’s Western series “Deadwood” from 2004 to 2006. This role likely contributed significantly to his income during those years. He reprised the role in the 2019 television film “Deadwood: The Movie.” While exact salary details from “Deadwood” are not public knowledge, it is safe to assume that his recurring role in a popular HBO series provided a steady and substantial income stream during its run. His performance on “Deadwood” was highly acclaimed and helped solidify his reputation as a versatile actor. Further details about potential residuals or other financial benefits from the series are not available.

During the 1990s, Jones primarily focused on voice-acting roles for television, lending his voice to characters in animated series such as “Duckman,” “Eek! Stravaganza,” “Batman: The Animated Series,” and “Aaahh!!! Real Monsters.” In live-action, he appeared in the television film “The Avenging Angel.” These voice-acting roles would have added to his income, though specific figures are not documented.

At the start of the 21st century, Jones continued to do voice work for animated series, including “Invader Zim,” “The Zeta Project,” and “Justice League.” These roles would have contributed to his overall earnings, though precise financial figures are not publicly available.

Legal Issues and Impact

In 2002, Jeffrey Jones faced legal issues when he was arrested for possessing child pornography and soliciting a minor to pose for nude photos. He pled no contest to the solicitation charge, and the child pornography possession charge was dropped. He received five years of probation and was required to attend counseling and register as a sex offender. These legal issues undoubtedly had a negative impact on his career and future earning potential. No specific financial penalties related to these legal issues are publicly documented, but the reputational damage likely resulted in lost opportunities and diminished income. It is important to acknowledge the severity of these actions and their impact on his professional life.

These legal problems significantly impacted his career, leading to fewer roles and potentially affecting his overall net worth due to lost income opportunities. Details about the direct financial consequences, such as legal fees or settlements, are not publicly available. In the aftermath of his arrest, it is likely that Jones faced challenges in securing acting roles, which would have affected his income potential in the years following the incident.

Real Estate

In 1999, Jeffrey Jones purchased a home in the Hollywood Hills above Los Angeles for $569,000. This real estate investment proved to be profitable, as he sold the property in November 2022 to actress/dancer/singer Maddie Ziegler for $2.555 million. The sale generated a significant capital gain, adding to his overall net worth. The difference between the purchase price and the sale price represents a substantial profit, which contributed to his financial standing. The property’s appreciation over the years reflects the favorable conditions of the real estate market in the Hollywood Hills. While specific details about the property, such as its exact address or dimensions, are not available, the transaction provides insight into his real estate investments and their impact on his net worth.

The sale of the Hollywood Hills home in 2022 for $2.555 million likely provided a significant boost to his finances. The proceeds from the sale could have been reinvested or used to cover living expenses and other financial obligations. While it’s not possible to determine the exact tax implications or investment strategies related to the sale, it’s clear that this real estate transaction played a role in shaping his net worth. The successful sale of the property indicates a sound investment decision and an understanding of the real estate market.

The fact that the house was bought by actress Maddie Ziegler indicates the desirability of the location and the property itself, further underscoring the financial benefits of this real estate investment for Jeffrey Jones.

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