Net Worth Ranker
What Is Larry Thomas’ Net Worth?
Larry Thomas, the American actor best known for his role as the “Soup Nazi” on *Seinfeld*, has a net worth that’s been reported with some variation. While some sources like Celebrity Net Worth state his net worth as $500,000, others suggest it could be as high as $1.5 million. These figures reflect his earnings from acting roles, personal appearances, and related ventures. Despite the range in estimates, his role as the “Soup Nazi” has undoubtedly provided lasting recognition and various income opportunities.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Laurence Tomashoff on October 27, 1956, in Brooklyn, New York, Larry Thomas comes from a Jewish family with Russian and Romanian roots. His early life involved attending Hebrew school and experiencing a bicoastal upbringing after his parents divorced and he moved to California with his mother and sister at the age of 11. Before fully committing to acting, Thomas held jobs as a bail bondsman and court investigator, showcasing a diverse background. He honed his acting skills by studying under Jeffrey Tambor, who played a pivotal role in recommending him to casting director Marc Hirschfield. Thomas’s big break came when he secured the role of Yev Kassem, the “Soup Nazi,” on *Seinfeld*, improvising the iconic line “No soup for you!” during his audition.
Earnings and Career Highlights
Larry Thomas’s initial compensation for playing the “Soup Nazi” on *Seinfeld* was $2,610 for the initial episode. He received around $3,500 for his appearance in the series finale. He earned additional payments when the episode re-aired. He also earned residuals from the show’s syndication. While the exact figures from residuals remain private, Thomas mentioned making around $20,000 a year from residuals in addition to his income from his day job. Beyond *Seinfeld*, Thomas has appeared in various films such as *Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery* (1997) where he played a blackjack dealer, and *Postal* (2007) where he portrayed Osama Bin Laden. His appearance on Cameo has also proven to be lucrative, with reports indicating he makes over six figures annually by creating personalized videos for fans. The Cameo CEO Steven Galanis called Thomas “Cameo gold” and stated that Thomas is popular on the platform because of the nostalgia that he inspires.
Acting Roles and Recognition
Larry Thomas is widely recognized for his role as Yev Kassem, the strict soup vendor known as the “Soup Nazi” on *Seinfeld*. He secured the role by improvising the memorable line, “No soup for you!”. His performance earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 1996 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. While he didn’t win, the nomination highlights the impact of his performance on popular culture. He reprised his “Soup Nazi” role in *Seinfeld’s* series finale. Beyond *Seinfeld*, Thomas’s acting career includes roles in *Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery*, where he played a blackjack dealer, and *Arrested Development*, where he played a Saddam Hussein lookalike. He also took on the role of Osama bin Laden in the film *Postal*. He has also starred in the movies *Terror on Tour*, *When Actors Attack*, *Frankie D*, *Paranormal Calamity*, *Not Another B Movie*, *Changing Hands*, *Redemption: For Robbing the Dead*, *3 of a Kind*, *You Don’t Say!*, *Doctor Spine*, *Spades*, and *Mind Over Mindy*. Thomas has also appeared in episodes of the TV series *Grace Under Fire*, *Caroline in the City*, *Arli$$, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, General Hospital*, *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation*, and *Scrubs*.
Personal Life
Larry Thomas was born in Brooklyn, New York, and later moved to California with his mother and sister following his parents’ divorce. Information about his current marital status remains private. He has a son named Benjamin. He once took Benjamin on Kenny Kramer’s Reality Tour, highlighting his enduring connection to *Seinfeld*. Thomas’s journey to acting wasn’t immediate as he initially worked as a bail bondsman and court investigator. He is active on Cameo, making personalized videos for fans. Thomas continues to make personal appearances as the “Soup Nazi” at various events and autograph-signing shows across the country.
