Net Worth Ranker
What Is John O’Hurley’s Net Worth?
John O’Hurley, the versatile American actor, author, host, and producer, has cultivated a notable career that has resulted in a net worth of $12 million. His financial success is attributed to a combination of acting roles, hosting gigs, literary works, and strategic business investments. A significant portion of his fame stems from his portrayal of J. Peterman on the iconic sitcom “Seinfeld” (1995–1998), a role that has had lasting impact on his career and financial prospects.
Sources of John O’Hurley’s $12 Million Net Worth
O’Hurley’s acting career, spanning over 150 credits, has been a consistent source of income. His roles in films such as “Love Stinks” (1999), “An American Carol” (2008), and “7 Days to Vegas” (2019), as well as television series including “Loving” (1984–1986), “Santa Barbara” (1990–1991), “Valley of the Dolls” (1994), and “Devious Maids” (2015), have contributed significantly to his earnings. Details regarding the exact compensation for each role are not publicly available, but his extensive filmography indicates a steady stream of income over several decades.
Beyond acting, O’Hurley’s voice work in animated projects such as “Tarzan & Jane” (2002), “Buzz Lightyear of Star Command” (2000), “Duck Dodgers” (2003–2005), “Phineas and Ferb” (2008–2015), and “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated” (2010–2013) has provided additional revenue streams. The compensation for voice acting roles varies, but recurring roles in popular animated series can be quite lucrative.
His hosting career, which includes stints on game shows like “To Tell The Truth” (2000–2002) and “Family Feud” (2006–2010), has also been a major contributor to his net worth. While the exact salary figures for his hosting roles are not disclosed, prominent game show hosts can command substantial salaries, often in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars per year.
Since 2002, O’Hurley has hosted Purina’s National Dog Show, an annual event that draws a large audience. This long-term hosting gig provides a consistent source of income, although the specific financial details of his contract with Purina are not publicly available.
O’Hurley’s literary endeavors have also contributed to his net worth. His book “It’s Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump” became a “New York Times” bestseller in 2006, generating significant royalties. While precise sales figures are not accessible, becoming a “New York Times” bestseller typically results in substantial earnings for the author. His subsequent books, “Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework, First You Have to Do It” (2007) and “The Perfect Dog” (2013), have also added to his literary income.
One of O’Hurley’s most intriguing business ventures is his investment in the real J. Peterman Company. This investment, inspired by his “Seinfeld” character, demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to capitalize on his on-screen persona. While the specific details of his investment and returns are confidential, his involvement as a member of the board of directors suggests a significant financial stake in the company.
His participation in “Dancing with the Stars” in 2005, where he finished in second place, likely earned him a substantial appearance fee. Although the exact amount is not known, celebrity contestants on “Dancing with the Stars” can earn tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on their popularity and performance.
The 2006 video “Learn to Dance with John and Charlotte,” which he produced, represents another entrepreneurial venture. The financial success of this video would depend on sales and distribution, but it adds to his diverse portfolio of income-generating activities.
In 2004, John O’Hurley collaborated with cellist Marston Smith on the album “Peace of Our Minds.” The album reached #10 on the “Billboard” Classical Albums chart and sold out quickly on QVC. Though the precise revenue generated from the album sales isn’t available, this success demonstrates O’Hurley’s ability to generate income from his musical talents.
Real Estate and Other Assets Contributing to John O’Hurley’s Net Worth
In 2004, O’Hurley purchased a 5,391 square foot home in Beverly Hills for $3.05 million. This property served as a significant asset, and in 2019, he listed it for $6.5 million. The house eventually sold for $4.5 million in July 2021, indicating a substantial profit from the initial investment.
The Beverly Hills property, featuring Juliet balconies, arched doorways, a graduated planter wall, and a tile roof, included a one-bedroom guest house and a saltwater swimming pool. The sale of this property significantly contributed to O’Hurley’s overall net worth.
Early Career and Education
John O’Hurley was born on October 9, 1954, in Kittery, Maine. His early life included attending Natick High School in Massachusetts and Kingswood-Oxford School in Connecticut. He later moved to DuBois, Pennsylvania, during his freshman year of high school. In 1976, O’Hurley earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from Providence College in Rhode Island. These formative years provided the foundation for his future career in entertainment.
From 1983 to 1984, O’Hurley starred as Greg Schaeffer on the crime drama “The Edge of Night.” He also played Keith Lane and Jonathan Matalaine on the soap opera “Loving” in the mid-1980s, marking early steps in his television career. These roles provided him with initial exposure and income in the entertainment industry.
O’Hurley continued to build his acting resume with appearances in TV movies such as “Billy the Kid” (1989) and “White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd” (1991), as well as the film “Night Eyes 2” (1991). He also starred as Stephen Slade on the soap opera “Santa Barbara” from 1990 to 1991. These roles helped to establish him as a working actor in Hollywood and contributed to his growing net worth.
In 1994, O’Hurley played Allen Cooper on the syndicated drama “Valley of the Dolls.” The following year, he landed the role of J. Peterman on “Seinfeld,” appearing in 20 episodes. This role proved to be a breakthrough, significantly raising his profile and opening doors to further opportunities. While specific salary details for his “Seinfeld” appearances are not publicly available, the show’s popularity would have commanded substantial compensation.
Throughout the late 1990s, O’Hurley made guest appearances on various television shows, including “Melrose Place” (1996), “Coach” (1996), “Weird Science” (1996), “Mad About You” (1996), “Boy Meets World” (1996), “The X-Files” (1997), and “Ellen” (1998). He also played Robert McSwain on the ABC sitcom “Over the Top” in 1997. These appearances added to his income and visibility in the industry.
During this period, O’Hurley also appeared in films such as “The Power Within” (1995), “The Killing Secret” (1997), “Murder Live!” (1997), and “Love Stinks” (1999). These roles, while not always leading to mainstream success, contributed to his steady earnings as a working actor.
From 2003 to 2004, O’Hurley played Roger Heidecker on the UPN sitcom “The Mullets.” Beginning in 2006, he hosted four seasons of “Family Feud,” a role that significantly raised his profile and earning potential. Although the exact salary details are not known, hosting a popular game show like “Family Feud” can be a very lucrative endeavor.
In 2007, O’Hurley starred as King Arthur in “Spamalot” at the Wynn Las Vegas. He reprised the role at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles in 2008 and The Muny Theater in St. Louis in 2013. These stage performances provided him with additional income and exposure to different audiences. The compensation for such roles varies, but starring in a major production like “Spamalot” would have generated substantial earnings.
O’Hurley appeared in the 2008 satirical comedy “An American Carol.” In 2010, he made his Broadway debut as Billy Flynn in “Chicago,” marking a significant milestone in his career. Broadway performances can be financially rewarding, particularly for well-known actors like O’Hurley. The specific salary for his role in “Chicago” is not publicly disclosed, but it undoubtedly contributed to his net worth.
He had a recurring role as Kit Sterling on the soap opera “All My Children” in 2011 and voiced Walter Bunny on “The Looney Tunes Show” from 2011 to 2013. These roles added to his income and continued to diversify his sources of revenue.
O’Hurley guest-starred on “Wizards of Waverly Place” (2010) and “The Mentalist” (2013). He also appeared in the films “Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure” (2011), “Christian Mingle” (2014), and “Swing Away” (2016). These smaller roles helped to sustain his career and provided consistent income.
In 2015, O’Hurley played Dr. Christopher Neff in seven episodes of the Lifetime series “Devious Maids.” In 2019, he starred in the film “7 Days to Vegas.” These more recent roles continue to contribute to his ongoing earnings as an actor.
O’Hurley has also lent his voice to video games, including “Fable II” (2008), “Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet” (2010), and “SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated” (2020). Voice acting in video games can be a lucrative field, depending on the size and popularity of the game.
Throughout his career, John O’Hurley has diversified his income streams through acting, hosting, writing, and business ventures. This diversification has contributed to his $12 million net worth, providing him with financial stability and opportunities for continued growth.
John O’Hurley is a conservative. He once mentioned “It’s very difficult to be a conservative in Hollywood. Even though there are many of us, you do feel you are an island fighting the storm… all viewpoints must be observed and respected.”
O’Hurley is a classically trained vocalist, and he taught himself to play piano. He began composing music as a teenager. These musical talents have added another layer to his multifaceted career.
