Net Worth Ranker
What Is Rick Springfield’s Net Worth?
Rick Springfield, the Australian musician, singer-songwriter, and actor, has amassed a net worth of $10 million. This valuation reflects his decades-long career, balancing success in both the music and entertainment industries. Springfield’s financial standing is primarily built on his music sales, acting roles, and touring revenue.
Rick Springfield’s Musical Career and Earnings
Springfield’s breakthrough came with the 1981 hit “Jessie’s Girl,” which not only topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart but also earned him a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1982. The song was ranked #5 on Billboard’s end-of-the-year list. Though specific royalty details for “Jessie’s Girl” aren’t publicly available, its consistent use in films, television (including a notable cover by the show “Glee” in 2010), and commercials has generated significant revenue over the years. VH1 ranked it #20 on their “Greatest Songs of the Eighties” list in 2006, highlighting its enduring popularity.
Following the success of “Jessie’s Girl,” Springfield released several albums, including “Working Class Dog” (1981), which peaked at #7 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. “Success Hasn’t Spoiled Me Yet” (1982) achieved platinum certification, indicating sales of at least one million copies. “Living in Oz” (1983), while a departure from his earlier pop-rock style, earned him another Grammy nomination, further cementing his status as a successful recording artist.
Throughout his career, Springfield has sold over 25 million records. While specific sales figures for each album and single vary and aren’t fully detailed in publicly accessible data, his consistent touring schedule has also contributed significantly to his income. Concert ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and performance fees are major components of a musician’s earnings, particularly for artists with a dedicated fan base like Springfield.
While details on specific record contract terms (such as royalty rates, advances, and publishing splits) are typically confidential, it’s reasonable to assume that as a seasoned artist, Springfield has negotiated favorable terms over the years. Publishing royalties, in particular, can be a substantial source of income for singer-songwriters, especially for a hit like “Jessie’s Girl.”
Acting Roles and Television Income
Parallel to his music career, Springfield gained fame as an actor, most notably for his role as Dr. Noah Drake on the soap opera “General Hospital” (1981-1983, with several returns in later years). While specific salary details from his “General Hospital” stint aren’t publicly available, soap opera actors who are series regulars typically earn a steady income, which can increase with popularity and tenure on the show. Beyond “General Hospital”, Springfield’s acting credits include a starring role on the detective television show “High Tide” from 1994 to 1997 and appearances in various TV shows and films, including “Ricki and the Flash” (2015) alongside Meryl Streep.
His recurring role on HBO’s “True Detective” in 2015 and his roles in the twelfth season of The CW’s “Supernatural” and FX’s “American Horror Story: Cult” in 2017 would have further contributed to his income. Guest-starring roles in television typically pay per episode, with rates varying depending on the actor’s profile, the show’s budget, and the length of their appearance.
Springfield also starred in the 1984 musical drama “Hard to Hold” and recorded the soundtrack to the film. This dual role as actor and musician for the project would have provided income from both acting fees and royalties from soundtrack sales.
Early Career and Zoot
Richard Lewis Springthorpe, later known as Rick Springfield, was born on August 23, 1949, in Sydney, Australia. His early life involved frequent moves due to his father’s military service. He learned to play the guitar at 13 and played in various bands before joining Zoot in 1969.
As a member of Zoot, Springfield implemented a marketing campaign called “Think Pink—think Zoot”, which consisted of performing exclusively in pink satin clothing. However, the band faced issues as they were not taken seriously as a rock band. While with Zoot, Springfield earned income as a band member. However, the specific financial details of his earnings during that period, such as salary or royalties from record sales, are not available.
Following the disbandment of Zoot, Springfield’s first single, “Speak to the Sky,” achieved success in both Australia and the US. He recorded his debut album, “Beginnings,” in 1972 and subsequently relocated to the US.
In 1973, Springfield signed with Columbia Records and released his second album, “Comic Book Heroes.” Although details regarding his contract with Columbia Records remain confidential, it is typical for record deals to include an advance payment, which the artist then repays through royalties earned from record sales. However, the album didn’t perform well, which likely impacted his earnings.
Springfield also had a main role in the 1974 US educational children’s show “Mission: Magic,” which ran for 16 episodes and featured songs written by Springfield. The release of these bubblegum pop songs as an album in Australia, where the show aired, generated some income. However, his music career at the time was not highly successful, leading him to focus on acting for the rest of the 1970s.
Real Estate Investments
Rick Springfield has made strategic investments in real estate over the years. For much of the 1980s, he resided in an estate in Malibu known as Lavender Hill Farm. In 1989, he sold the 2.5-acre property, located in the gated community Sierra Retreat, to Mel Gibson for $3 million. This sale represents a substantial profit compared to his initial purchase price, although that initial price is not specified in the available data.
In 1996, Springfield acquired a new home in Malibu for $490,000. Today, the estimated value of this home is around $3 million. This significant appreciation in value reflects the overall increase in real estate prices in Malibu over the past two decades.
While details on the mortgage, property taxes, and other ownership costs associated with these properties aren’t publicly available, it’s clear that Springfield’s real estate investments have contributed significantly to his overall net worth.
Other Ventures and Assets
In addition to his music, acting, and real estate ventures, Springfield’s autobiography, “Late, Late at Night: A Memoir” (2010), reached #13 on the “New York Times” Best Seller list and was ranked #23 on “Rolling Stone” magazine’s list of the “Top 25 Greatest Rock Memoirs of All Time.” Book sales and associated royalties would have added to his income stream. While the specific sales figures and royalty rates are not disclosed, becoming a New York Times bestseller generally translates to significant financial gains.
Additionally, In 1995, he was in the Tony-nominated play “Smokey Joe’s Café,” and from 2000 to 2002, he had a residency in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand. The specifics of his earnings from these projects are not available, but would have added to his net worth.
Beyond his known assets, Springfield may have other investments in stocks, bonds, or private companies, but these are not publicly disclosed. Additionally, information on any endorsements, licensing deals, or other commercial ventures he may have undertaken is not readily available.
Personal Life and Financial Decisions
Springfield married Barbara Porter in 1984, who had a small part working on the production of his album “Working Class Dogs.” They have two sons together. While personal life details don’t directly impact net worth calculations, they provide context for understanding financial decisions. For example, family responsibilities often influence investment strategies and estate planning.
In 2018, in response to a question related to the deaths of Chris Cornell and Robin Williams, Springfield revealed that he had contemplated suicide the year before and empathized with their depression. These personal struggles may have influenced his career choices and financial decisions, although the specific impact is not discernible from publicly available information.
Springfield’s openness about his struggles with depression in his autobiography and interviews may have indirectly affected his career and financial standing by impacting his public image and opportunities. However, the specific financial ramifications of these personal revelations are difficult to quantify.
