What Is Patton Oswalt’s Net Worth?
Patton Oswalt, a multifaceted American entertainer known for his stand-up comedy, acting, voice-over work, and writing, has accumulated a net worth of $10 million as of 2025. This financial standing is a result of his diverse career spanning several decades.
Early Career and Stand-Up Success
Oswalt’s journey in comedy began in the late 1980s. He honed his skills in various comedy shows and released his debut comedy album in 1996. His comedic style, which often incorporates pop culture, current events, and personal anecdotes, gained him widespread recognition in the 1990s. While specific sales figures from his early albums are not publicly available, his consistent output and touring schedule contributed to a steady increase in his financial stability.
In addition to stand-up, Oswalt began writing for “MADtv”. He also secured an HBO comedy special in 1996, further solidifying his presence in the comedy scene. These early successes laid the foundation for his future endeavors in television and film.
Television and Film Roles
Oswalt’s career took a significant turn with his role as Spence Olchin on the CBS sitcom “The King of Queens” (1998-2007). While the specific salary he earned per episode is not publicly disclosed, the show’s popularity and his extended tenure undoubtedly contributed significantly to his income. The series aired for nine seasons, providing a consistent source of revenue for Oswalt.
His voice acting role as Remy in the Pixar film “Ratatouille” (2007) marked another milestone. Although his exact compensation for this role isn’t public knowledge, lead voice roles in major animated films typically command substantial fees, potentially reaching into the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars depending on the actor’s profile and the film’s budget.
Beyond these prominent roles, Oswalt has made numerous appearances on television shows such as “Parks and Recreation” (2009-2015). He also starred in comedy specials and television series like “The Comedians of Comedy” (2005) and “The Heart, She Holler” (2011-2014). These projects, while varying in scale, further diversified his income streams.
Oswalt has also appeared in films such as “Magnolia” and “Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa”, each contributing to his overall earnings. Furthermore, his role as the narrator for the television show “The Goldbergs” has provided a consistent income stream.
Other Work and Creative Ventures
Oswalt’s talents extend beyond performance. He has authored several books, including memoirs “Zombie Spaceship Wasteland” and “Silver Screen Fiend: Learning About Life from an Addiction to Film,” as well as “The Overrated Book” and “The Rock Bible: Unholy Scripture for Fans & Bands” (co-authored). While precise sales figures for these books are not publicly accessible, their success as published works would have generated royalties and advanced payments.
His foray into comic book writing includes “JLA: Welcome to the Working Week,” a backup story for “Batman,” and contributions to comics based on “The Simpsons” and “Firefly.” Additionally, he played the multiple roles of the Koenig brothers (Eric, Billy, Sam, and Thurston) in “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and voiced the title character in the series “M.O.D.O.K.” These ventures showcase his engagement with “nerd” culture and have expanded his reach within the entertainment industry.
Oswalt has also lent his voice to various video games, including “Grand Theft Auto,” “Minecraft: Story Mode,” and “Ghostbusters VR: Now Hiring,” and reprised his role in the “Ratatouille” game. Voice acting in video games can provide lucrative opportunities, especially for established actors with recognizable voices.
His appearances in music videos, such as American Hi-Fi’s video in 2001, Weezer, and “Weird Al” Yankovic, and a starring role in The Coup’s video for “Magic Clap” (2013), highlight his appeal and recognition within the music scene.
Real Estate
In 2009, Patton Oswalt and his then-wife, Michelle McNamara, purchased a home in Los Angeles for $1.615 million. This property, previously owned by “Big Bang Theory” actress Mayim Bialik, was sold by Oswalt in 2017 for $2.6 million, resulting in a profit of nearly $1 million before taxes and other transaction costs.
Personal Life
Oswalt’s personal life has also influenced his career. His marriage to writer Michelle Eileen McNamara in 2005 and her tragic death in 2016 have been significant events. Following McNamara’s death, Oswalt completed her true crime book, “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark,” which led to an arrest in the Golden State Killer case and was adapted into an HBO documentary. The success of the book and documentary likely contributed to his income through royalties and related projects. In 2017, he became engaged to actress Merdith Salenger.