What Is Neil Patrick Harris’ Net Worth?
Neil Patrick Harris, a multifaceted American entertainer renowned for his work as an actor, producer, singer, and director, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $50 million. His financial success is a result of a career that began in childhood and encompasses a wide array of projects across film, television, and stage.
Early Career and “Doogie Howser, M.D.”
Harris’s early career included roles in films such as “Clara’s Heart” (1988) after being discovered at a drama camp, and “Purple People Eater” (1988). However, his breakthrough came with the television series “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” which premiered in 1989. The show ran for four seasons and earned Harris a Golden Globe nomination. Although specific salary figures for his work on “Doogie Howser, M.D.” are not publicly available, the success of the series significantly boosted his profile and established him as a prominent young actor, which would have increased his earning potential in subsequent roles.
Transition to Adult Roles and Stage Success
Following “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” Harris transitioned to adult roles in film and stage productions. He appeared in “Starship Troopers” (1997) and took on roles in stage productions such as “Rent.” His career gained momentum in the 2000s with roles in Broadway productions like “Proof,” “Cabaret,” and “Assassins.” While specific salary details for these stage productions are not publicly documented, his involvement in these high-profile shows would have contributed significantly to his income and reputation as a versatile performer.
“How I Met Your Mother” and Peak Earnings
Neil Patrick Harris experienced a resurgence in television with his role as Barney Stinson on the CBS sitcom “How I Met Your Mother,” which aired from 2005 to 2014. At the peak of the series, Harris earned $225,000 per episode. With 24 episodes per season, his annual salary for “How I Met Your Mother” amounted to $5.4 million. Over the show’s nine seasons, this translates to a total of approximately $48.6 million, before accounting for royalties and syndication earnings. This role solidified his status as a major television star and significantly increased his net worth.
Voice Acting and Other Projects
In addition to his on-screen work, Harris has an extensive voice-acting portfolio. He provided the voice for Nightwing in the animated movie “Batman: Under the Red Hood,” and has lent his voice to films such as “Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore,” “The Smurfs,” “The Smurfs 2,” “Justice League: The New Frontier,” “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” and “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.” He has also worked on television series like “The Legend of Tarzan,” “Justice League,” “Spider-Man: The New Animated Series,” “Family Guy,” “Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” “Robot Chicken,” and “The Penguins of Madagascar.” Specific compensation details for his voice acting roles are not publicly available, but such work contributes steadily to his overall income.
Hosting Roles and Awards
Neil Patrick Harris has established himself as a sought-after host for major award shows. He has hosted the Tony Awards four times, earning a Primetime Emmy Award for each year. In 2009 and 2013, he hosted the Emmy Awards, and in 2015, he hosted the Academy Awards. While specific hosting fees are not always disclosed, individuals with his level of experience and celebrity can command substantial sums, potentially ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars per event. For example, hosting the Academy Awards is a particularly prestigious and lucrative opportunity.
Post “How I Met Your Mother” Activities
After “How I Met Your Mother,” Harris continued to engage in diverse projects. He played a more serious role in the film “Gone Girl” (2014) and starred in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” on Broadway, for which he won a Tony Award. In 2015, he appeared in two episodes of “American Horror Story.” From 2016 to 2019, he played Olaf in Netflix’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” In 2021 he was in the fourth “Matrix” film. These projects demonstrate his versatility and continued relevance in the entertainment industry. Specific financial details for these roles are not always publicly available, but they contribute to his consistent earnings.
Real Estate Holdings
Neil Patrick Harris has made significant investments in real estate. In 2013, he and his husband, David Burtka, purchased an 8,000-square-foot townhome in Harlem for $3.6 million. After extensive renovations, they listed the property for sale in August 2021 for $7.3 million and sold it in May 2022 for $7.1 million, netting a substantial profit. Previously, they owned a home in Sherman Oaks, California, which they sold in 2014 for $3 million. In 2017, they acquired a 13.5-acre property in East Hampton, NY, for $5.5 million. Real estate investments are a key component of maintaining and growing his net worth.
Personal Life and Marriage
Neil Patrick Harris began a relationship with actor David Burtka in 2004. In 2010, they welcomed twins via a surrogate mother. Following the passage of the Marriage Equality Act, they married in 2014. While his personal life doesn’t directly impact his net worth, his high profile and status as an openly gay man hosting the Academy Awards have further cemented his position in popular culture.
Further Ventures and Investments
Beyond his acting and hosting roles, Neil Patrick Harris is an accomplished magician, incorporating magic into many of his performances. He hosted the World Magic Awards in 2008. He is also involved in the video game industry, providing voice work for games such as “Saints Row 2,” “Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions,” and “Saints Row IV.” In 2010, he hosted the Spike Video Game Awards. These ventures, while not as high-profile as his television work, contribute to his diversified income streams.
Net Worth Milestones
Neil Patrick Harris’s net worth has steadily increased over the years due to his consistent work in various entertainment sectors. Starting with his early success in “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” his net worth began to accumulate in the early 1990s. The peak of his “How I Met Your Mother” earnings significantly boosted his net worth between 2005 and 2014. His continued success in stage productions, hosting roles, voice acting, and film appearances has helped him maintain and grow his financial standing. His real estate investments have also contributed to his overall wealth, such as the profit gained from the sale of his Harlem townhome.