Net Worth Ranker
What Is Matthew Macfadyen’s Net Worth?
Matthew Macfadyen, a distinguished English actor, has cultivated a notable career spanning theatre, television, and film. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be $5 million. This financial standing is the result of his diverse roles and successes within the entertainment industry. Macfadyen’s income is derived from acting roles in various productions, including television series, films, and stage performances.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 17, 1974, in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, David Matthew Macfadyen’s early life was influenced by his parents’ professions. His mother, a drama teacher and former actress, instilled in him an appreciation for the performing arts. His father, an oil executive, led the family to live in various locations, including Jakarta, Indonesia, due to his work assignments. Despite the international moves, Macfadyen attended schools in England and Scotland. At the age of 17, he enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), marking a pivotal step in his acting journey. He completed a three-year program at RADA in 1995, providing him with formal training and experience in the craft of acting.
Early Career and Stage Work
Following his graduation from RADA in 1995, Macfadyen immersed himself in theatre work, collaborating extensively with the British theatre company Cheek by Jowl. During this period, he showcased his talents in productions such as “The Duchess of Malfi,” “The School for Scandal,” and “Much Ado About Nothing.” His performances with Cheek by Jowl allowed him to hone his skills and gain exposure in the theatre world. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Macfadyen also worked with the Royal National Theatre, taking on roles in “Henry IV” (parts one and two) and joining the cast of the play “The Pain and the Itch.” These roles further established his reputation as a versatile stage actor. The financial details of his early theatre work are not publicly available, but these roles were crucial in building his foundational skills and industry connections, contributing to his present net worth.
Television Career Breakthroughs
Matthew Macfadyen transitioned into television in 1998 with his debut in “Wuthering Heights.” He secured starring roles in TV dramas such as “Warriors” and “The Way We Live,” broadening his experience and visibility. By the turn of the millennium, he appeared in “Perfect Strangers,” and in 2002, he took on a role in “The Project.” A significant breakthrough came with his role in “Spooks” (later known as “MI-5” in the United States), where he appeared in the first two seasons and part of the third. These early television roles laid the groundwork for his later successes and contributed to the growth of his net worth. In 2007, Macfadyen’s role in “Secret Life” earned him a Best Actor award from the Royal Television Society, as well as a BAFTA nomination, further enhancing his reputation and demand in the industry.
Film Career and Box Office Success
Macfadyen’s film debut was in 2000 with “Maybe Baby,” but he gained wider recognition for his role in “Enigma” in 2001. His career reached a defining moment in 2005 when he portrayed Mr. Darcy in “Pride & Prejudice.” The film was a significant box office success, grossing nearly $122 million worldwide on a budget of $28 million. Macfadyen’s performance was critically acclaimed, earning him a nomination for British Newcomer of the Year at the London Film Critics’ Circle. Subsequent roles in films like “Death at a Funeral,” “Incendiary,” and “Frost/Nixon,” where he played John Birt, added to his profile and financial success. The commercial success of “Pride & Prejudice” not only elevated his status but also significantly contributed to his net worth, with potential bonuses and increased opportunities following the film’s positive reception.
Notable Roles in the 2010s
In the 2010s, Matthew Macfadyen continued to secure prominent roles, including the Sheriff of Nottingham in the 2010 film “Robin Hood.” He also starred in the TV serial “The Pillars of the Earth” and joined the cast of “Any Human Heart.” In 2012, he took on the role of Edmund Reid in “Ripper Street,” which ran for several seasons and boosted his visibility. His performance in “Criminal Justice” earned him a British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting Actor, further solidifying his reputation. In 2012, he also appeared in “Anna Karenina.” The financial details for these roles are not fully disclosed, but they added steadily to his income and net worth, reflecting his consistent presence in high-quality productions. His role in “Ripper Street” continued to enhance his net worth as Amazon approved the show for fourth and fifth seasons in 2015.
Theatre Return and “Succession” Breakthrough
After a period focused on television and film, Macfadyen returned to theatre work with “Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense,” performed in London’s West End. The play won the Olivier Award in 2014 for Best New Comedy, adding to his accolades. In 2018, Macfadyen joined the cast of “Succession,” a role that proved to be a significant turning point in his career. His portrayal of Tom Wambsgans garnered widespread acclaim and exposure, especially in the United States. This role also earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, enhancing his reputation and earning potential. The play “Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense” winning the Olivier Award would have had a positive impact on Macfadyen’s career and, subsequently, his earnings.
“Succession” Salary and Earnings
Matthew Macfadyen’s role in “Succession” significantly impacted his financial standing. During the first two seasons of the show, Macfadyen and other main cast members earned $100,000 per episode. With ten episodes in each season, his total earnings for the first two seasons amounted to $2 million. By the third season, his salary was increased to $350,000 per episode, resulting in $3.5 million for that season. These substantial earnings from “Succession” contributed significantly to his overall net worth, reflecting the show’s success and Macfadyen’s integral role in its popularity. Based on the 10 episodes per season model, it can be estimated that Macfadyen earned $3.5 million for the third season of “Succession” alone. This income boost, thanks to his increased per-episode salary, shows the direct correlation between a successful show and an actor’s financial growth.
Personal Life and Marriage to Keeley Hawes
While working on “Spooks,” Matthew Macfadyen met his co-star, Keeley Hawes. They married in 2004 and have two children. Keeley Hawes is also an accomplished actress, further highlighting their shared involvement in the entertainment industry. While the details of their combined assets are not publicly available, their marriage suggests a shared financial life, with both contributing to their family’s financial well-being. Their relationship and family life add a personal dimension to Macfadyen’s profile but do not directly impact the calculation of his individual net worth.
