Overview

Kenneth Edward Olin, born on July 30, 1954, is an accomplished American actor, television director, and producer. He is widely recognized for his role as Michael Steadman in the acclaimed ABC drama series ‘Thirtysomething’ (1987–1991), which earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination. After gaining fame as an actor, Olin transitioned to working behind the camera, establishing himself as a successful director and producer. His notable production credits include popular series such as ‘Alias’ (2001–2006), ‘Brothers & Sisters’ (2006–2011), and ‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022). In addition to his work as a producer, Olin has also directed episodes of various television shows, including ‘Thirtysomething’, ‘Alias’, ‘Brothers & Sisters’, and ‘This Is Us’. He continues to contribute to the entertainment industry through his work as a director and producer.

NBC (This Is Us)

Producer/Director

What Is Ken Olin’s Net Worth?

Ken Olin, an accomplished American actor, director, and producer, has amassed a substantial net worth of $25 million. This figure represents the combined net worth he shares with his wife, actress Patricia Wettig, since their marriage in 1982. While specific details regarding the breakdown of their individual contributions to this combined net worth are not publicly available, it’s understood to be a reflection of their decades-long careers in the entertainment industry.

Ken Olin’s Career Highlights and Earnings

Olin’s career took off in the late 1970s, with early appearances in television series such as “Hill Street Blues” and “Falcon Crest.” While these roles contributed to his early income, the financial details of his contracts and earnings from these specific appearances are not publicly documented. However, these roles served as crucial stepping stones in his career trajectory, ultimately leading to his breakout role.

His most iconic role came with the television drama series “thirtysomething” (1987-1991), where he portrayed Michael Steadman. While his exact salary per episode is not publicly disclosed, it’s safe to assume that this role was a significant contributor to his net worth given the show’s success and Olin’s central role. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination, further boosting his profile and future earning potential. The show aired for 85 episodes. Wettig appeared in 64 episodes of the show, suggesting that both partners drew a significant portion of their wealth at this time.

After “thirtysomething,” Olin transitioned into directing and producing, directing episodes of acclaimed series such as “Alias,” “Brothers & Sisters,” and “This Is Us.” While the specific directing fees he commanded per episode are not publicly available, experienced television directors can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000+ per episode, depending on the show’s budget, their experience, and their negotiating power. His involvement as an executive producer on “Alias” and “Brothers & Sisters” would have also provided him with a share of the show’s profits, further contributing to his overall net worth. He received Emmy nominations for directing episodes of both “Alias” and “Brothers & Sisters,” suggesting that his involvement in these shows were highly successful and lucrative.

Real Estate Ventures

The Olin/Wettig’s are active real estate investors, supplementing their income from entertainment with savvy property dealings. While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact profit margins on each transaction, the available information indicates a pattern of strategic buying and selling.

In 2013, they sold a home in Santa Monica for just under $7 million. The original purchase price and any renovation costs are unknown, making it impossible to determine the exact profit from this sale. Similarly, in 2017, they sold a co-op in New York City for $2.6 million. Without knowing the purchase price and any associated expenses, the profit or loss from this sale cannot be calculated.

In 2019, they purchased a home in Venice, California, for $4.5 million. In July 2024, they listed this same Venice home for $4.995 million. If sold at the asking price, this would represent a potential gross profit of $495,000 before considering realtor fees, closing costs, and any improvements made to the property during their ownership. While these figures provide insights into their real estate activities, they don’t offer a complete picture of their overall real estate portfolio or its contribution to their total net worth.

They also own a property in the Hamptons. Details of its address, purchase price, and current market value are not publicly available, so it is impossible to accurately asses its impact on the couples’ overall net worth.

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