What Is Neal McDonough’s Net Worth?
Neal McDonough, an American actor and producer, has accumulated a net worth of $4 million over his career. McDonough’s wealth is primarily derived from his extensive work in television and film over several decades, with significant roles in popular series and movies. While specific details about his earnings per project are not publicly available, his consistent presence in the entertainment industry suggests a steady income stream contributing to his net worth.
Early Life and Education
Neal McDonough was born on February 13, 1966, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, to Irish immigrant parents, Catherine and Frank McDonough, who owned and operated a motel. Growing up in a Catholic family alongside his brothers, McDonough attended Barnstable High School before pursuing higher education at Syracuse University. Despite receiving baseball scholarship offers from other institutions, he chose Syracuse due to its theater department. As a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1988. McDonough further honed his acting skills at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, setting the stage for his career.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough Roles
McDonough’s acting career commenced in the early 1990s, initially with a minor role in “Darkman” (1990). He subsequently secured guest appearances in television shows such as “JAG,” “Murphy Brown,” and “NYPD Blue,” and film roles in “Angels in the Outfield” and “Star Trek: First Contact.” His performance in “A Perfect Little Man” earned him the Best Actor Award at the Atlantic City Film Festival, signaling his growing prominence in the industry.
In 1996, McDonough voiced Bruce Banner in 21 episodes of “The Incredible Hulk.” He then appeared in multiple episodes of “Martial Law” and the 1999 television film “Balloon Farm.” His breakthrough came in 2001 with the role of First Lieutenant Lynn “Buck” Compton in HBO’s miniseries “Band of Brothers,” appearing in eight episodes. The series, based on Stephen E. Ambrose’s non-fiction book, received critical acclaim, winning Emmy and Golden Globe awards for best miniseries in 2001, enhancing McDonough’s profile significantly. Although specifics on his salary for each episode aren’t public, his involvement in such a high-profile project undoubtedly contributed to his financial standing at the time.
Television Success and Awards
In 2002, McDonough secured a recurring role as Deputy District Attorney David McNorris in the series “Boomtown,” appearing in 24 episodes. This role led to his Satellite Award win for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Drama Series in 2004. The same year, he starred as Dr. Stephen Connor in “Medical Investigation” for 20 episodes. While precise figures for his per-episode earnings from these series are not disclosed, consistent work in well-regarded shows boosted his earnings and net worth.
He also appeared in the popular movie “Minority Report” in 2002. In 2006, McDonough appeared in “The Guardian,” “The Last Time,” “Machine,” and “Flags of Our Fathers.” From 2008 to 2009, McDonough played Dave Williams in the fifth season of “Desperate Housewives.” Although his exact salary for “Desperate Housewives” is not publicly available, main cast members of the show were reportedly earning substantial salaries per episode, and McDonough’s role would have significantly added to his annual income during that period.
Continued Film and Television Roles
In 2011, McDonough took on the role of Timothy ‘Dum Dum’ Dugan in “Captain America: The First Avenger,” a role he reprised in subsequent Marvel projects, including the 2013 short film “Agent Carter,” a 2014 episode of “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” and a 2015 episode of “Agent Carter.” While specific salary details for these roles are not public, being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe would have contributed positively to his earnings.
McDonough’s career continued with a role in the third season of “Justified” on FX in 2012, where he played a Detroit mobster. His performance earned him a Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination and a Satellite Award win for Best Supporting Actor in a Series. He was subsequently cast in “Mob City” in 2013 and “Suits,” appearing in 17 episodes between 2014 and 2019. Although precise figures are not available, his recurring role in “Suits,” a highly successful show, would have substantially augmented his income during that period. He also had recurring roles in “Arrow,” “The Flash,” and “Legends of Tomorrow” between 2015 and 2021. These consistent roles in popular series further solidified his financial stability and contributed to his increasing net worth.
Recent Projects and Contributions
Through the late 2010s and early 2020s, McDonough continued to secure recurring television roles in series such as “Project Blue Book,” “Yellowstone,” “Altered Carbon,” “The 100,” and “American Horror Story: Double Feature” in 2021. Again, while specific financial details regarding his earnings from these projects are not publicly accessible, consistent work in notable series would contribute significantly to his income.
Beyond film and television, McDonough has also ventured into voice acting in video games, reprising his role as Bruce Banner in “The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction” (2005), voicing an admiral in “Rogue Warrior” (2009), and a character in “Captain America: Super Soldier” (2011). He also provided voice work for “Skylanders: SuperChargers” and “Call of Duty: Black Ops III” in 2015. While earnings from voice acting might not be as substantial as live-action roles, they contribute to his diversified income portfolio.
McDonough also portrayed Jesus in “The Truth & Life Dramatized Audio New Testament Bible.” While this may have been more of a passion project than a high-paying endeavor, such involvements reflect his values and broaden his range of work.
Personal Life and Career Decisions
McDonough’s personal life choices, particularly his devout Catholicism, have influenced his career decisions. His refusal to perform kissing or sex scenes out of respect for his wife and faith has led him to turn down roles and, in one instance, be fired from ABC’s “Scoundrels.” This decision, which reportedly cost him around $1 million per year, temporarily impacted his career and required him to sell his Los Angeles home. While this incident reduced his immediate income and net worth, McDonough maintained his principles, which has shaped his career trajectory.
McDonough married Ruvé Robertson, a South African model, in 2003 after meeting in the United Kingdom while filming “Band of Brothers.” They have five children, born between 2005 and 2014: Morgan, Catherine, London, Clover, and James. The family resides in Tsawwassen, British Columbia. Given the cost of raising five children and maintaining a household, his financial planning and decisions are significant aspects of maintaining his net worth.
Real Estate Investments
In July 2005, Neal McDonough purchased a home in Los Angeles for $2.675 million. He listed the property in March 2013 for $2.899 million but eventually sold it in November of that year for $2.65 million. The sale resulted in a slight loss, reflecting the fluctuations in the real estate market. While this property transaction did not increase his net worth, it provides insight into his investment decisions and real estate holdings at the time.
Further details about additional real estate holdings or investments that McDonough may have are not publicly available. Real estate can be a significant component of an individual’s net worth, but without specifics, it is difficult to quantify its contribution to McDonough’s overall financial picture.
Salary Details
While specific salary details for Neal McDonough’s various roles are not publicly available, industry standards can provide some insight. For main roles in successful television series, actors can earn tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars per episode. Recurring roles may command lower but still substantial fees. In the film industry, salaries vary greatly depending on the size and scope of the project, the actor’s role, and the overall budget.
Neal McDonough’s consistent work in both television and film suggests a steady stream of income over the years. While the exact figures remain private, it is reasonable to assume that his earnings from high-profile projects such as “Band of Brothers,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Suits,” and various Marvel productions have significantly contributed to his $4 million net worth.
In addition to acting salaries, McDonough may also receive residuals, which are payments made to actors for the reuse of their work in television and film. These residuals can provide a consistent source of income, particularly for successful projects that continue to be broadcast or streamed over time.
Net Worth Analysis
Neal McDonough’s $4 million net worth primarily reflects his earnings from a successful acting career. Given that his career has spanned several decades, it is likely that his net worth has fluctuated over time due to various factors, including income, expenses, investments, and market conditions.
While specific information on his investment portfolio is not publicly available, it is common for actors and other high-earning professionals to invest in a variety of assets, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and private equity. These investments can provide additional income and help to grow their net worth over time.
In addition to his acting and investment income, McDonough may also have other sources of revenue, such as endorsements, sponsorships, or business ventures. However, without more information, it is difficult to assess the extent to which these sources contribute to his net worth.
Overall, Neal McDonough’s $4 million net worth reflects his successful career and careful financial planning. While specific details about his earnings and investments remain private, his consistent work in the entertainment industry suggests a steady income stream and prudent financial management.