What Is Sterling K. Brown’s Net Worth?
Sterling K. Brown, a highly acclaimed American actor, has built a substantial net worth estimated at $20 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his successful career in television and film, marked by prominent roles and critical acclaim.
Earnings from “This Is Us” and Other Ventures
A significant portion of Sterling K. Brown’s wealth stems from his role as Randall Pearson on the NBC hit series “This Is Us.” Initially, he earned $100,000 per episode for the first two seasons, totaling $3.6 million for the first 36 episodes. Recognizing his value to the show and its popularity, his salary was increased to $250,000 per episode starting in 2018, ahead of the third season, and continuing through the series finale in 2022. This amounted to $17.5 million for the remaining 70 episodes. Overall, before syndication royalties, Brown earned an impressive $21.1 million from his work on “This Is Us.”
Beyond “This Is Us,” Brown has garnered income from various other television roles, including his Emmy-winning performance in “American Crime Story” and recurring roles in shows like “Army Wives” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” His film appearances in blockbusters like “Black Panther” and critically acclaimed films like “Waves” have also contributed to his earnings. While specific figures for these individual projects aren’t publicly available, they undoubtedly augment his overall financial success.
Sterling K. Brown’s impact on the entertainment industry is significant and reflected in his net worth. His dedication to his craft and ability to portray diverse characters have solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors.
Sterling K. Brown: Early Career and Education
Born on April 5, 1976, in St. Louis, Missouri, Sterling Kelby Brown experienced a childhood in the suburban community of Olivette. He was raised alongside his two brothers and two sisters. His early education took place at the prestigious Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School. A significant event in his life occurred at the age of ten with the passing of his father, Sterling Sr.
For his higher education, Brown chose to attend Stanford University, where he pursued his passion for acting. In 1998, he successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in acting. Driven by his desire to refine his skills further, he enrolled in graduate school at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. There, he dedicated himself to advanced studies in acting, eventually earning his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree.
Television Career: From “Third Watch” to “This Is Us”
Sterling K. Brown’s television journey began with a recurring role as Officer Edward Dade on NBC’s “Third Watch” from 2002 to 2004. During this period, he also made guest appearances on shows like “Hack,” “Tarzan,” “ER,” “NYPD Blue,” and “JAG.” In 2005, he secured a main role on the short-lived FX sitcom “Starved.”
Following “Starved,” Brown continued to build his television resume with appearances on “Alias,” “Smith,” and “Without a Trace.” He also took on the recurring role of vampire hunter Gordon Walker on “Supernatural.” A significant breakthrough came in 2007 when he landed the role of Dr. Roland Burton on Lifetime’s “Army Wives.” The show enjoyed a successful seven-season run, concluding in 2013. Throughout his time on “Army Wives,” Brown made guest appearances on shows like “Eli Stone,” “Medium,” “The Good Wife,” “Harry’s Law,” “Nikita,” and “NCIS,” and had a recurring role on “Person of Interest.”
In 2016, Brown starred as lawyer Christopher Darden in “The People v. O. J. Simpson,” the first season of FX’s “American Crime Story.” This performance earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. That same year, he began playing Randall Pearson on NBC’s “This is Us,” a role that garnered him further Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Awards.
During his time on “This is Us,” Brown also made guest appearances on “Insecure” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” and had a recurring role on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” in 2019. Additionally, he lent his voice to animated series such as “Big Mouth,” “Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts,” and “Solar Opposites.” These roles, while varying in scope and compensation, collectively contribute to Sterling K. Brown’s income and overall net worth.
Film Career: From “Brown Sugar” to “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.”
Sterling K. Brown made his film debut in 2002 with a small role in the romantic comedy “Brown Sugar.” He followed this with a more substantial role in the 2005 romantic dramedy “Trust the Man.” In 2008, Brown appeared in the action thriller “Righteous Kill,” starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. He then played a parole officer in the dramedy “Our Idiot Brother.”
In 2013, Brown starred in “The Suspect” alongside Mekhi Phifer and William Sadler. His subsequent film credits include the biographical war dramedy “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot,” the biographical baseball film “Spaceman,” and the biographical legal drama “Marshall,” starring Chadwick Boseman. He reunited with Boseman in the 2018 Marvel superhero film “Black Panther.” That same year, he appeared in the dystopian drama “Hotel Artemis” and the science-fiction action sequel “The Predator.”
In 2019, Brown received critical acclaim for his performance in the drama “Waves,” where he played the domineering father of a high school wrestler and a younger girl. He also lent his voice to the animated sequel films “The Angry Birds Movie 2,” voicing Garry, and “Frozen II,” voicing Lieutenant Destin Mattias. In 2020, Brown played a CIA officer turned private intelligence broker in the action thriller “The Rhythm Section,” starring Blake Lively and Jude Law. In 2022, he starred opposite Regina Hall in the comedy “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.,” playing the pastor of a Southern Baptist megachurch.
While the specific salaries for each of these film roles are not publicly available, it is clear that Sterling K. Brown’s consistent work in both mainstream and independent films has played a role in the accumulation of his $20 million net worth. The diversity of his filmography, ranging from superhero blockbusters to smaller, character-driven dramas, demonstrates his versatility as an actor and his appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Personal Life and Marriage to Ryan Michelle Bathe
Sterling K. Brown’s personal life is intertwined with his professional one, particularly through his marriage to actress Ryan Michelle Bathe. The couple’s connection dates back to their college years at Stanford University, where they first met. Their shared passion for acting and their similar backgrounds fostered a strong bond between them.
In 2006, Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle Bathe solidified their relationship by exchanging vows and becoming husband and wife. Together, they have built a family that includes two sons, Andrew and Amaré. While details about their home and lifestyle are generally kept private, it’s known that their family life is a priority for both of them.
Key Milestones and Awards
Sterling K. Brown’s career is marked by several key milestones and awards that have contributed to his recognition and, consequently, his net worth. His 2016 Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for “The People v. O. J. Simpson” was a significant turning point, bringing him wider attention and opening doors to more prominent roles.
His subsequent success on “This Is Us,” earning him further Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and SAG Awards, solidified his status as a leading actor in television. These awards not only brought prestige but also significantly increased his earning potential.
His role in “Black Panther,” a box office phenomenon, further expanded his reach and appeal, contributing to his overall financial success. The critical acclaim he received for “Waves” also added to his reputation as a versatile and talented actor, making him a sought-after performer in both television and film.
Sterling K. Brown’s careful choices in both television and film roles, combined with his undeniable talent and dedication, have been instrumental in building his $20 million net worth and establishing him as a respected figure in the entertainment industry. The numerous accolades and awards he has received serve as a testament to his impact on the acting world.