What Is John Malkovich’s Net Worth?
As of 2024, John Malkovich, the versatile American actor, producer, director, and writer, has accumulated a net worth of $25 million. This substantial wealth reflects his successful and multifaceted career in the entertainment industry, spanning acting roles in over 80 films, directing and producing ventures, and even forays into the world of fashion.
Career Highlights and Earnings
Malkovich’s career trajectory began with his big-screen debut in 1984 in “Places in the Heart,” a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination. Another Academy Award nomination followed for his performance in “In the Line of Fire” (1993). These early accolades laid the foundation for a prolific career, featuring roles in commercially successful films such as “Empire of the Sun” (1987), “The Man in the Iron Mask” (1998), “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” (2005), “Burn After Reading” (2008), and “Warm Bodies” (2013). The box office success of these films undoubtedly contributed to his growing net worth.
One of Malkovich’s most iconic roles came in 1999 with the release of “Being John Malkovich,” a film that garnered critical acclaim and further cemented his status as a leading actor. He also played himself in 2003’s “Adaptation,” showcasing his willingness to experiment with unconventional roles. Beyond acting, Malkovich has also ventured into directing, helming the 2002 film “The Dancer Upstairs” and theatrical productions such as “A Celebration of Harold Pinter” and “Les Liaisons Dangereuses.” His directorial work on “Good Canary” earned him a Molière Award, further demonstrating his versatility as an artist.
Malkovich’s involvement in television has also added to his income stream. He played Javert in the 2000 “Les Misérables” miniseries, Charles Talleyrand in the 2002 “Napoléon” miniseries, Blackbeard on the NBC series “Crossbones” (2014), Grigor Andolov on Showtime’s “Billions” (2018–2019), and Hercule Poirot on the BBC One serial “The ABC Murders.” In 2020, he starred as Dr. Adrian Mallory on Netflix’s “Space Force” and Pope John Paul III on HBO/Sky Atlantic/Canal+’s “The New Pope.” Although specific salary details for these television roles are not publicly available, it can be assumed that they contribute significantly to his overall earnings.
As a producer, Malkovich has been involved in over 20 film and television projects, including the critically acclaimed films “Juno” (2007) and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012). Producing credits often entail a share of the film’s profits, which can further augment an individual’s wealth.
Fashion Ventures and Business Investments
Beyond his work in the entertainment industry, John Malkovich has also explored entrepreneurial ventures. In 2002, he established a fashion company called Mrs. Mudd, releasing menswear collections such as “Uncle Kimono” in 2003 and “Technobohemian” in 2010. While the financial success of Mrs. Mudd is not publicly documented, it demonstrates Malkovich’s diverse interests and willingness to explore opportunities outside of acting.
Malkovich’s business acumen extends to the restaurant industry. He co-owns the restaurant Bica do Sapato and nightclub Lux in Lisbon, Portugal. The success of these establishments likely contributes to his overall income, although specific financial details are not available.
It is worth noting that Malkovich experienced a significant financial setback in 2008 when he lost $2.2 million in the Bernie Madoff investment scandal. While he was later awarded $670,000 by the trustees responsible for liquidating Madoff’s firm, the loss undoubtedly impacted his overall net worth. This highlights the risks associated with investment and the importance of diversifying one’s portfolio.
Real Estate Holdings
In 2006, John Malkovich purchased a home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for $1.585 million. He sold this property in July 2021 for $3.115 million, which was $200,000 over the asking price. This real estate transaction demonstrates Malkovich’s ability to make sound investment decisions in the property market. While details of other real estate holdings are not publicly available, it is possible that he owns additional properties that contribute to his overall net worth.
Early Life and Background
John Gavin Malkovich was born on December 9, 1953, in Christopher, Illinois. His mother, Joe Anne, owned “Outdoor Illinois” magazine and the weekly newspaper “Benton Evening News,” while his father, Daniel, worked as a state conservation director. Malkovich’s upbringing in a family with media and public service backgrounds may have influenced his entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to artistic expression.
Malkovich attended Benton Consolidated High School, where he participated in plays and joined a folk gospel group. After graduating from high school, he briefly attended Eastern Illinois University before transferring to Illinois State University. In 1976, he left college to pursue his passion for acting at Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago. These early experiences in theater laid the foundation for his successful acting career.
Awards and Recognition
John Malkovich’s talent and contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1984, his performance in “Places in the Heart” earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and several other awards, including a Boston Society of Film Critics Award, National Society of Film Critics Award, Kansas City Film Critics Circle Award, and National Board of Review Award. That same year, he also won a Boston Society of Film Critics Award and National Society of Film Critics Award for “The Killing Fields.”
In 1985, Malkovich received a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for “Death of a Salesman.” He also won a New York Film Critics Circle Award and American Comedy Award for “Being John Malkovich,” and a St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association Award for “Burn After Reading.” In 2008, he received a Globe de Cristal Award for Best Play for “Good Canary,” and in 2018, he was awarded a Ukrainian Order of Merit, 3rd class.
Malkovich has also received several lifetime achievement awards, including a Capri Legend Award in 2007, a Donostia Lifetime Achievement Award (San Sebastián International Film Festival) in 1998, a Special Prize for Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema at the 2009 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, and a Belgrade Victor for Outstanding Contribution to Cinema at the 2020 FEST International Film Festival. These accolades underscore his significant impact on the world of cinema and his enduring legacy as an actor and filmmaker.
Personal Life
John Malkovich’s personal life has also been subject to public scrutiny. He married actress Glenne Headly in 1982, but they divorced in 1988 following Malkovich’s affair with Michelle Pfeiffer. In 1989, he began a relationship with Nicoletta Peyran, with whom he has two children, daughter Amandine and son Loewy.
Malkovich lived in France for nearly a decade and is fluent in French. His fluency in French and his co-ownership of businesses in Lisbon, Portugal, demonstrate his interest in international culture and his willingness to embrace new experiences.
John Malkovich’s Enduring Legacy
John Malkovich’s $25 million net worth reflects his successful and multifaceted career in the entertainment industry and beyond. From his early beginnings in theater to his acclaimed roles in film and television, his entrepreneurial ventures, and his real estate investments, Malkovich has demonstrated a keen eye for opportunity and a commitment to artistic excellence.
His ability to adapt to different roles and genres, his willingness to take risks, and his entrepreneurial spirit have all contributed to his enduring success. John Malkovich remains an influential figure in the world of entertainment, and his legacy as an actor, director, producer, and writer is secure.