Net Worth Ranker
What Is Justin Theroux’s Net Worth?
Justin Theroux, an accomplished American actor, screenwriter, and director, has cultivated a substantial net worth estimated at $40 million. This financial standing reflects his successful career spanning across film, television, and writing. Theroux’s journey began with his film debut in 1996 in “I Shot Andy Warhol,” and since then, he has built a diverse and impressive portfolio.
Career Highlights and Earnings
Theroux’s career is marked by appearances in over 60 movies and television shows. Some of his notable roles include those in “Strangers with Candy” (2005), “Wanderlust” (2012), and “The Spy Who Dumped Me” (2018). He also gained significant recognition for his television work, particularly his roles in “Six Feet Under” (2003–2004) and “The Leftovers” (2014–2017). During his time on “The Leftovers,” Theroux reportedly earned $75,000 per episode, showcasing the financial rewards of his leading role and the critical acclaim the series received.
In addition to acting, Justin Theroux has contributed significantly to the film industry as a director and screenwriter. He directed the 2007 film “Dedication” and the 2011 TV movie “Documental.” Furthermore, his screenwriting credits include major films such as “Tropic Thunder” (2008), “Iron Man 2” (2010), “Rock of Ages” (2012), and “Zoolander 2” (2016). These writing endeavors have not only added to his creative repertoire but have also contributed to his overall net worth through writing fees and potential royalties.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 10, 1971, in Washington, D.C., Justin Paul Theroux grew up in a family with a strong presence in the arts and law. His father, Eugene, worked as a lawyer at Baker & McKenzie, while his mother, Phyllis, is an author, journalist, and essayist. Justin’s upbringing in a family of writers, including uncles Paul, Alexander, Peter, and Joseph, and cousins Marcel and Louis Theroux, who are documentary filmmakers and journalists, instilled in him a deep appreciation for storytelling and the arts.
Theroux’s formal education played a crucial role in shaping his artistic path. He began acting at Buxton School in Massachusetts, which provided him with early exposure to the performing arts. He then pursued higher education at Bennington College in Vermont, where he earned a B.A. in visual arts and drama in 1993. This educational foundation equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a successful career in the entertainment industry.
Early Career and Film Appearances
Justin Theroux embarked on his professional career in 1995 with a television debut on an episode of “C.P.W.” The following year, he made his first foray into film with a role in “I Shot Andy Warhol.” In 1997, he took on the role of Clarence the Cowboy in “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion,” co-starred with Alyssa Milano in “Below Utopia,” and appeared in the straight-to-video film “Dream House.” These early roles helped Theroux gain experience and exposure in the industry.
The year 1998 proved to be a busy one for Theroux, as he appeared in the movies “Frogs for Snakes” and “Dead Broke,” and guest-starred on “New York Undercover,” “Ally McBeal,” “Spin City,” and “Sex and the City.” These guest appearances on popular television shows allowed him to reach a wider audience and further establish his presence in the industry. In 2000, he secured a more consistent role, playing Nick Pierce on 27 episodes of the CBS police procedural “The District.” That year, Justin also appeared in “American Psycho” and “The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy,” adding to his growing list of film credits. In 2001, he appeared in “The Sleepy Time Gal,” “Mulholland Drive,” and Ben Stiller’s “Zoolander.” His collaborations with Ben Stiller continued with roles in 2003’s “Duplex,” 2008’s “Tropic Thunder,” and 2016’s “Zoolander 2,” and he co-wrote the “Tropic Thunder” and “Zoolander 2” scripts with Stiller. “Tropic Thunder” grossed $195.7 million, which contributed to Theroux’s financial success through writing credits and royalties.
Television Roles and Directorial Ventures
In 2003, Theroux expanded his television work with guest appearances on two episodes of “Alias” and an eight-episode stint on HBO’s “Six Feet Under,” where he played the love interest of Rachel Griffiths’ character. His performance on “Six Feet Under” earned him a 2005 Screen Actors Guild Award nomination in the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series category. In 2005, Theroux appeared in “Strangers with Candy,” a prequel to the Comedy Central series starring Amy Sedaris, Stephen Colbert, and Paul Dinello.
Theroux made his directorial debut in 2006 with the film “Dedication,” which he also produced. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2007, marking a significant milestone in his career. He continued to act in films, appearing in “Miami Vice” and “Inland Empire” in 2006, and he played Jesus Christ in David Wain’s comedy anthology “The Ten” in 2007. In 2008, Theroux returned to television, portraying John Hancock in HBO’s award-winning miniseries “John Adams.” Two years later, he guest-starred on four episodes of NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” as lawyer Justin Anderson, a love interest of Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope. The television series “Parks and Recreation” had an average viewership of approximately 5 million viewers per episode during the seasons Theroux appeared.
Screenwriting Success and Lead Roles
Justin Theroux achieved significant success as a screenwriter, penning the screenplay for 2010’s “Iron Man 2,” which grossed a massive $623.9 million at the box office. This blockbuster’s success greatly enhanced his reputation and financial standing. In the same year, he also served as a creative consultant on the animated feature “Megamind” and voiced Megamind’s Father.
He further showcased his versatility by playing the villainous wizard Leezar in 2011’s “Your Highness” and reuniting with director David Wain for 2012’s “Wanderlust.” In 2013, Theroux landed the lead role on HBO’s “The Leftovers,” a supernatural mystery series based on a novel by Tom Perrotta. The show, which aired from 2014 to 2017, spanned 28 episodes and garnered more than two dozen award nominations. His reported salary of $75,000 per episode for “The Leftovers” underscores the financial impact of his leading roles in acclaimed television series.
Later Career and Box Office Successes
While starring in “The Leftovers,” Justin Theroux appeared in “The Girl on the Train” (2016), which grossed $173.2 million at the box office. He also reprised his role as Evil DJ in “Zoolander 2,” had a cameo in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (2017), and voiced Lord Garmadon in “The Lego Ninjago Movie.” In 2018, Theroux played a neurochemist on Netflix’s “Maniac,” appeared in the films “Mute,” “The Spy Who Dumped Me,” and “On the Basis of Sex,” and voiced Dropkick in “Bumblebee,” which earned $468 million worldwide. His roles in commercially successful films like “The Girl on the Train” and “Bumblebee” have further solidified his financial success.
In 2019, he lent his voice to Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” remake and served as an executive producer on ABC’s “Live in Front of a Studio Audience.” These diverse projects highlight his continued involvement in both acting and production roles, contributing to his ongoing financial growth.
Real Estate Investments
In 2011, Justin Theroux and Jennifer Aniston jointly purchased an 8,500-square-foot Bel Air mansion for $21 million. The couple undertook extensive renovations, completing the project in 2013. The property served as the venue for their secret wedding ceremony in the backyard, and Aniston retained ownership of the mansion after their separation. The value of this Bel Air property, even after accounting for renovation costs and market fluctuations, represents a significant component of their combined net worth at the time and continues to be a valuable asset.
Theroux also owns an apartment in Greenwich Village, where he has reportedly invested around $1 million in renovations and expansions. These renovations led to a dispute with a neighbor starting in 2017, highlighting the complexities and potential costs associated with real estate investments in prime urban locations. The ongoing dispute may also affect the property’s value, impacting Theroux’s overall net worth.
Awards and Recognition
In 2017, Justin Theroux won an Online Film & Television Association Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in “The Leftovers.” He also received a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” in 2019, sharing the honor with fellow executive producers Norman Lear, Jimmy Kimmel, Adam McKay, Will Ferrell, Brent Miller, and Eric Cook. These accolades highlight the recognition he has received for his work in both acting and producing, further enhancing his professional standing and potential future earnings.
“The Leftovers” also earned Theroux nominations from the Critics Choice Television Awards (2016), the Dorian Awards (2016), and the IGN Summer Movie Awards (2017), as well as three Gold Derby Award nominations: Drama Lead Actor in 2016 and 2017 and Drama Actor of the Decade in 2019. These nominations underscore the critical acclaim he has received for his performances, solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile actor and impacting his potential for future high-paying roles.
