Net Worth Ranker
What Is Martin Kove’s Net Worth?
Martin Kove, the American actor celebrated for his portrayal of antagonist John Kreese in the “Karate Kid” media franchise, boasts a net worth of $2 million. This financial standing reflects his extensive career in film and television, spanning several decades.
Early Career and Film Roles Contributing to Martin Kove’s Net Worth
Born on March 6, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York City, Martin Kove’s journey to accumulating a $2 million net worth began with his early roles in the film industry. His first appearance was in Paul Morrissey’s 1971 film, “Women in Revolt.” Subsequently, he featured in James Ivory’s “Savages” in 1972, showcasing his versatility early on. That same year, he appeared in Wes Craven’s “The Last House on the Left.” In 1975, Kove reunited with Ivory for “The Wild Party.” Further solidifying his presence, Kove portrayed gangster Peter Gusenberg in the biographical crime film “Capone” in 1975, and also took part in action films like “Death Race 2000” and “White Line Fever,” expanding his portfolio and gradually building his financial base.
In 1976, Kove’s appearance in the comedy “The Four Deuces” added another layer to his acting credentials. The decade concluded with roles in the 1977 fantasy Western “The White Buffalo” and the 1979 action film “Seven,” each contributing incrementally to his growing net worth. These varied roles demonstrate Kove’s early commitment to his craft, setting the stage for more significant financial gains in the following years.
The “Karate Kid” Franchise and Subsequent Film Successes
The 1980s marked a pivotal period for Kove. In 1982, he appeared in the British horror film “Blood Tide.” Two years later, he debuted as Cobra Kai sensei John Kreese in “The Karate Kid” (1984). This role not only defined a significant part of his career but also contributed substantially to his net worth. He reprised his role in “The Karate Kid Part II” (1986) and “The Karate Kid Part III” (1989), each appearance adding to his financial achievements.
In 1985, Kove played helicopter pilot Michael Reed Ericson in “Rambo: First Blood Part II.” Further enhancing his profile, Kove starred in “Steele Justice” (1987) as Vietnam War veteran John Steele. These roles collectively increased his visibility and financial stability in the film industry during the 1980s. His ability to secure diverse roles and maintain a steady presence in popular films helped solidify his financial foundation.
In the early 1990s, Kove’s film career continued with roles in “White Light,” “Project Shadowchaser,” and “Shootfighter: Fight to the Death.” He also appeared in “Wyatt Earp” and “Future Shock,” diversifying his portfolio and maintaining a consistent income stream. In 1996, Kove played Admiral Danny Teegs in “Timelock,” venturing into science fiction. Later, he played a criminal in “Joseph’s Gift,” a modern-day retelling of the Biblical story of Joseph. These consistent roles, while varying in prominence, contributed to a steady income, crucial in maintaining and incrementally growing his net worth.
After the turn of the millennium, Kove ventured into horror with “Crocodile 2: Death Swamp” and “Curse of the Forty-Niner.” In 2005, he starred in the science-fiction action film “Glass Trap,” followed by “Max Havoc: Ring of Fire” in 2006. He finished the decade with “The Dead Sleep Easy” (2007) and “Middle Men” (2009). In the 2010s, Kove appeared in “Savage” and “The Life Zone” (2011). He returned in 2014 with “Falcon Song,” “Eternity: The Movie,” and “Tapped Out.” His inclusion in “The Extendables,” “The Dog Who Saved Summer,” “Traded,” “Jokers Wild,” “Bring Me a Dream,” and “Paint it Red” kept him active in the industry. These roles, collectively, sustained his financial stability and contributed to his overall net worth.
In 2019, Kove appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and Joe Begos’s “VFW.” He also appeared in the 2020 film “Elvis from Outer Space.” These appearances in well-regarded films, especially “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” likely provided significant boosts to his income, reflective of the higher profiles and budgets often associated with such projects.
Television Career and Earnings
Kove’s television career, initiated in the 1970s, also played a vital role in building his $2 million net worth. He appeared in episodes of “Rhoda,” “Gunsmoke,” “Switch,” “Kojak,” and “The Rockford Files.” His first main role was in 1977 as George Baker in “Code R.” He also had a main role in “We’ve Got Each Other.” He ended the decade with appearances in “Barnaby Jones,” “Quincy, M.E.,” “Starsky and Hutch,” and “CHiPs.” His consistent presence on television during this period ensured a steady income, which helped in establishing his financial foundation.
The 1980s marked a significant phase in Kove’s television career. He began with a recurring role on “The Edge of Night.” In 1982, he secured a main role as police detective Victor Isbecki on “Cagney & Lacey,” a role he held until the show’s conclusion in 1988. During this time, he also appeared in episodes of “The Optimist,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “The Twilight Zone.” His long-term role on “Cagney & Lacey” provided a stable and significant income, boosting his overall earnings considerably.
Following “Cagney & Lacey,” Kove starred as an alien military officer in “Hard Time on Planet Earth.” In the early 1990s, he appeared in “Renegade” and “Kung Fu: The Legend Continues,” and reprised his role as Victor Isbecki in “Cagney & Lacey: The Return.” Later, he appeared in “Assault on Devil’s Island” and “Assault on Death Mountain,” and had a three-episode role on “Diagnosis: Murder.” In 2001, Kove appeared in the television war film “Under Heavy Fire.” He also appeared in “Hard Ground,” “Barbarian,” and “War Wolves.” In the 2010s, Kove made guest appearances on “Criminal Minds” and “The Goldbergs.” He reprised his role as John Kreese on “Cobra Kai,” a sequel to the “Karate Kid” films. Later, in 2021, Kove competed on “Dancing with the Stars.” These diverse television appearances sustained his income and contributed to his ongoing financial success.
His return to the role of John Kreese in “Cobra Kai” brought renewed attention and financial opportunities, reaffirming the character’s significance in his career. “Cobra Kai,” in particular, offered a resurgence in popularity and undoubtedly contributed substantially to his income during its run.
Real Estate and Personal Life
In February 2021, Martin Kove invested $1.23 million in a 3,000 square foot home on 11 acres in Franklin, Tennessee. This real estate purchase represents a significant asset contributing to his overall net worth. The decision to invest in real estate reflects a strategic move to secure his financial future and diversify his assets beyond his acting income.
Kove is the father of fraternal twins Jesse and Rachel, born in late 1990. Jesse, following in his father’s footsteps, appeared on “Cobra Kai.” While not directly impacting his net worth, his family and their endeavors are integral to Kove’s life and personal investments.
