What Is Matt Roloff’s Net Worth?
Matt Roloff, an American entrepreneur, television personality, farmer, and author, boasts a net worth of $6 million. His financial standing is largely attributed to his prominent role in the TLC reality program “Little People, Big World,” which premiered on March 4, 2006, and has aired over 340 episodes across 21 seasons. Roloff also serves as an executive producer for the show. The show provides a glimpse into the lives of the Roloff family and how they navigate life with dwarfism, resonating with a broad audience and contributing significantly to Roloff’s financial success.
Roloff Farms: A Significant Asset
In 1990, Matt and his then-wife, Amy Roloff, invested in a fixer-upper farmhouse in Helvetia, Oregon, which marked the beginning of Roloff Farms. The property was initially purchased for $185,000. Over the years, the farm expanded to encompass 109 acres. Roloff Farms is not just a family residence; it’s a tourist destination, particularly during pumpkin season, attracting approximately 30,000 visitors annually. The farm features a range of attractions, including a Medieval castle, a volleyball court, a soccer field, a three-story treehouse, underground tunnels, a mine shaft, and a lake with a pirate ship, alongside pumpkin patches and restored barns.
In 2022, Matt Roloff listed a 16-acre section of the farm, complete with attractions, for $4 million.
Career Ventures and Earnings
Beyond “Little People, Big World,” Matt Roloff has diversified his income streams through various ventures. As a motivational speaker and member of the National Speakers Association, he has delivered speeches at numerous universities and events. Roloff has also made appearances on television shows such as “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” and “The View,” increasing his public profile and earning potential. In 2012, TLC aired a six-episode spinoff called “Little People Big World: Wedding Farm” which Matt served as executive producer. Roloff has also written three books: “Against Tall Odds: Being a David in a Goliath World” (1999), “Little Family, Big Values: Lessons in Love, Respect and Understanding for Families of Any Size” (2007), and a children’s book, “Little Lucy, Big Race,” (2018) contributing to his overall net worth.
Early Life and Background
Matthew James Roloff was born on October 7, 1961, in San Francisco, California. Throughout his childhood, Matt underwent fifteen operations due to his diastrophic dysplasia. In the early 1980s, Matt worked as an extra in the film “Under the Rainbow,” and later appeared as Ewok with Crutches in the 1985 “Star Wars” TV movie “Ewoks: The Battle for Endor.” In the late 1980s, he transitioned to the tech industry, working for Silicon Valley companies as a computer programmer before moving to Beaverton, Oregon, to join Sequent Computer Systems. These early experiences in entertainment and technology laid the groundwork for his future success.
Real Estate Investments
Matt Roloff’s real estate portfolio is primarily centered around Roloff Farms in Helvetia, Oregon. The initial purchase of the farmhouse and subsequent land acquisitions demonstrate his strategic approach to property investment. The addition of various attractions and amenities to the farm has significantly increased its value. After his divorce from Amy Roloff, Matt bought out her share of the property in 2019, consolidating his ownership. In 2022 Matt put the primary 16-acre section of the property, featuring all of the above amenities, on the market for $4 million.
Personal Life and Relationships
Matt Roloff married Amy Knight on September 12, 1987, after meeting her at a Little People of America convention. They have four children: twins Zachary and Jeremy (born in 1990), daughter Molly (born in 1993), and son Jacob (born in 1997). Matt and Amy announced their trial separation in March 2014 and finalized their divorce in May 2016, after 26 years of marriage. Since 2016, Matt has been in a relationship with Caryn Chandler, who previously worked as his assistant for a decade. These personal relationships have played a significant role in Matt’s life and have been documented on “Little People, Big World,” further contributing to his public profile.
Community Involvement and Advocacy
Matt Roloff is actively involved in community service and advocacy for people with dwarfism. He is the president and co-founder of the Coalition for Dwarf Advocacy and the former president of Little People of America. Additionally, he co-founded Direct Access Solutions, a company that markets a Short Stature Accessibility Kit to the hospitality industry. Matt has also visited U.S. troops in Iraq on several occasions and played a crucial role in securing medical care for an Iraqi family whose three children had dwarfism. These philanthropic efforts demonstrate Roloff’s commitment to giving back and making a positive impact on the world, enhancing his reputation and influence.
Legal Issues
Matt Roloff has faced legal challenges, including DUI charges in 2003 and 2007. The 2003 charge was dropped after he completed an alcohol diversion program. In 2007, he was charged with DUI again, but the case was dismissed due to jury misconduct. These legal issues have been public knowledge, impacting his public image and requiring him to navigate the scrutiny of the media and public opinion.