Net Worth Ranker
What Is Jonathan Banks’ Net Worth?
Jonathan Banks, a celebrated American actor, has accumulated a net worth of $8 million throughout his extensive career in television and film. His financial standing is largely attributed to his memorable roles in critically acclaimed series such as “Wiseguy,” “Breaking Bad,” and its spin-off, “Better Call Saul.” Beyond these iconic roles, Banks has diversified his acting portfolio with appearances in numerous films and voice-over work, contributing to his overall financial success.
Jonathan Banks’ Earnings from Television Roles
Banks’ television career has been particularly lucrative, especially his involvement in “Better Call Saul.” During the final two seasons of the show, his salary reached $100,000 per episode. Given that most seasons of “Better Call Saul” consisted of ten episodes, this translates to approximately $1 million per season solely from this project. His role as Mike Ehrmantraut in both “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” significantly boosted his income and solidified his reputation as a highly sought-after actor in the television industry.
Before his major success with “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” Banks built a steady television career with roles in various series and television films. He started his screen-acting career in 1976 with “The Macahans” and “Barnaby Jones.” In 1987, his role as FBI Special Agent Frank McPike on “Wiseguy” earned him an Emmy Award nomination, marking a significant milestone in his early career. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Banks continued to secure guest appearances on shows like “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Matlock,” and “The District,” which helped sustain his income and provided a solid foundation for his later successes.
Jonathan Banks’ Film Career and Income
While Banks is widely recognized for his television work, his film career has also contributed to his financial success. He debuted on the big screen with a small part in the 1978 film “Coming Home.” Throughout the 1980s, he appeared in notable films such as “Airplane!,” “Stir Crazy,” and “Beverly Hills Cop.” Although his early film roles were often smaller, they provided valuable experience and exposure in the film industry. In later years, Banks secured more substantial roles in films like “Mudbound” (2017) and “The Commuter” (2018), which likely resulted in higher earnings. Voice acting in animated films like “Incredibles 2,” where he voiced Rick Dicker, added another dimension to his income streams.
Real Estate Assets: Jonathan Banks’ Malibu Home
In 1990, Jonathan Banks invested in a home located in the Malibu hills, paying $1.185 million for the property. As of today, the real estate market in Malibu has significantly appreciated, and this home is estimated to be worth at least $5 million, potentially reaching a value closer to $6-7 million. This property represents a substantial portion of his net worth and highlights his successful investments outside of his acting career.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on January 31, 1947, in Washington, DC, Jonathan Banks was raised in Chillum Heights, Maryland. His father was a civil servant, and his mother was a teacher at Indiana State University and a secretary in federal government offices. Banks attended Northwood High School in Silver Spring and later enrolled at Indiana University Bloomington. After graduating from Indiana University, Banks initially worked as a stage manager for a touring company of the musical “Hair,” which allowed him to travel to Australia and New Zealand. In 1974, he moved to Los Angeles to continue working in theater, marking the beginning of his professional acting career. These early experiences helped shape his work ethic and provided him with a diverse skill set that would prove invaluable in his later career.
Detailed Look at Television Appearances
Jonathan Banks’ television career is marked by a series of diverse roles and guest appearances, which contributed to his steady income over the years. In the late 1970s, he appeared in episodes of “Family” and “Carter Country,” along with roles in television films like “Alexander: The Other Side of Dawn.” The early 1980s saw him in episodes of “Little House on the Prairie,” “Best of the West,” and “Hill Street Blues.” His portrayal of mobster Dutch Schultz in the miniseries “The Gangster Chronicles” showcased his versatility as an actor. In 1985, he starred as Commander Nuveen Kroll in the science-fiction series “Otherworld.” These roles, although not as high-profile as his later work, provided consistent employment and built his reputation in the industry. His recurring role on the primetime soap opera “Falcon Crest” in 1987 further expanded his exposure and solidified his position as a working actor in Hollywood.
“Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul”: A Financial Turning Point
The role of Mike Ehrmantraut in “Breaking Bad,” starting in 2009, was a financial turning point for Jonathan Banks. This role not only earned him critical acclaim but also significantly boosted his income. His portrayal of the pragmatic and morally ambiguous hitman resonated with audiences and critics alike, leading to an Emmy Award nomination. The success of “Breaking Bad” paved the way for the spin-off series “Better Call Saul,” where Banks reprised his role as Mike Ehrmantraut. The increased visibility and demand for his talent resulted in a substantial increase in his salary. As mentioned earlier, he earned $100,000 per episode in the final two seasons of “Better Call Saul,” translating to approximately $1 million per season. This consistent income over several years substantially contributed to his overall net worth. The “Breaking Bad” franchise not only provided financial stability but also elevated his status in the industry, opening doors for other lucrative opportunities.
Voice Acting and Other Ventures
In addition to his live-action roles, Jonathan Banks has also ventured into voice acting, providing characters for animated series such as “Skylanders Academy,” “Tangled: The Series,” “F is for Family,” and “A Tale Dark & Grimm.” While the specific earnings from these voice acting roles are not publicly available, they contribute to his overall income stream and diversify his portfolio. Voice acting can provide a steady source of income and requires less time commitment compared to on-screen roles. Beyond acting, Banks’ investments, such as his Malibu home, also play a significant role in his financial standing. These investments, combined with his acting income, have allowed him to accumulate a substantial net worth over the course of his career. Detailed information about other potential business ventures or investments that Banks may have is not publicly available.
Accolades and Recognition
Jonathan Banks’ career is highlighted by numerous accolades and nominations, which have not only recognized his talent but also enhanced his marketability and earning potential. His Emmy Award nominations for “Wiseguy,” “Breaking Bad,” and “Better Call Saul” demonstrate the high regard in which he is held by his peers and the industry. While an Emmy win often leads to increased opportunities and higher salaries, even nominations can significantly boost an actor’s profile. The recognition he has received for his roles has undoubtedly contributed to his ability to secure higher-paying roles and negotiate favorable contracts. The combination of critical acclaim, audience appreciation, and industry recognition has been instrumental in building his net worth and solidifying his legacy as a respected actor.
