Net Worth Ranker
What Is Summer Glau’s Net Worth?
Summer Glau, the American actress and producer, has carved a notable career in Hollywood, resulting in a net worth of $4 million. This financial standing reflects her diverse roles across television and film, including memorable performances in cult classics and mainstream hits.
Early Career and Key Roles Contributing to Summer Glau’s Net Worth
Glau’s journey to a $4 million net worth began with her early training as a ballet dancer. From the age of three, she dedicated herself to dance, receiving a scholarship at a ballet company. This rigorous training, however, was cut short when she broke her toe, leading her to transition into acting. She moved to Los Angeles in 2002 to pursue acting full-time. Her TV debut as a prima ballerina in a 2002 episode of “Angel” marked the start of her professional acting career.
A defining moment in Glau’s career came when Joss Whedon cast her as River Tam in the space Western “Firefly” (2002). Although the series was short-lived, lasting only 14 episodes, it gained a cult following and significantly boosted her profile. The show was ranked #5 on “TV Guide’s” list of shows that were “Cancelled Too Soon” in 2013, highlighting its lasting impact. The film sequel, “Serenity” (2005), further solidified her presence in the science fiction genre and earned her a Saturn Award and an SFX Award, contributing to her rising net worth. Her salary for “Firefly” is not publicly available, but the exposure it provided was invaluable.
From 2005 to 2007, Glau played Tess Doerner on the USA Network’s “The 4400,” adding to her consistent work in television. The recurring role provided steady income and broadened her audience reach. Concurrently, she appeared in seven episodes of CBS’s action-drama “The Unit” (2006–2007), further diversifying her acting portfolio. These roles helped sustain her career momentum and financial stability during this period.
In 2008, Glau secured a leading role as Cameron Phillips in Fox’s “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.” This series, which aired 31 episodes over two seasons, was a significant milestone, earning her another Saturn Award. While specific salary details are not publicly available, lead roles in network television series typically offer substantial compensation, significantly bolstering Summer Glau’s net worth. The show’s cancellation in 2009 was a setback, but her performance was widely praised, enhancing her reputation in the industry.
Continued Success and Diverse Projects Impacting Summer Glau’s Net Worth
Following “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” Glau continued to diversify her acting roles, appearing in guest spots on popular shows like “The Big Bang Theory” (2009), where she played herself. She also took on a four-episode arc as Bennett Halverson on Joss Whedon’s “Dollhouse” (2009–2010). These appearances, while not as financially lucrative as leading roles, helped maintain her visibility and marketability in the industry.
In 2011, Glau starred in “The Cape” and had a recurring role in “Alphas” from 2011 to 2012. These roles contributed to her income stream, though specific salary figures are not disclosed. In 2013, she appeared in “Knights of Badassdom,” co-starring Peter Dinklage, Steve Zahn, and Ryan Kwanten. While the film received mixed reviews, it provided another avenue for her to showcase her acting skills and earn income. Summer Glau’s role in “Knights of Badassdom” was a departure from her more serious roles, adding a comedic element to her filmography.
From 2013 to 2014, Glau played Isabel Rochev/Ravager on The CW’s “Arrow.” Her recurring role in the popular superhero series exposed her to a wider audience and provided a steady income. This role further solidified her presence in the science fiction and action genres. In 2014, she starred in and produced the Crackle series “Sequestered,” which earned International Academy of Web Television Award nominations for Best Dramatic Series and Best Ensemble Performance (Drama). Her involvement in “Sequestered” as both an actress and producer demonstrates her entrepreneurial spirit and her desire to take on more creative control. While the financial details of the series are not public, her dual role likely increased her earnings from the project.
Glau’s voice acting work, such as her role as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl in the 2010 direct-to-video animated movie “Superman/Batman: Apocalypse,” contributed to her net worth. Voice acting can be a lucrative field, especially for established actors. In 2021, she narrated and voiced every character on the RPG podcast “Ctrl Alt Destroy,” showcasing her versatility as a performer. The financial terms of her podcast work are not known.
Recognition, Awards, and Personal Ventures
Summer Glau’s Saturn Awards for “Serenity” and “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” not only recognize her talent but also enhance her marketability and earning potential. These awards contribute to her reputation and open doors to more opportunities in the industry. In 2014, she won Best Actress in a Short Film for “Inside the Box” at the Northeast Film Festival, adding to her accolades. These achievements, while not directly translating into immediate financial gains, contribute to her long-term career success and net worth.
Glau married Val Morrison in 2014. While her marital status does not directly impact her net worth, her family life may influence her career choices and financial priorities. With two daughters, Milena Jo (born January 2015) and Sunny Izabo (born October 2017), she may be more selective about the roles she takes, balancing work with family responsibilities. Her commitment to her family underscores her personal values and influences her overall life decisions.
In summary, Summer Glau’s $4 million net worth is the result of a successful and diverse career in television and film. From her early start as a ballerina to her breakout roles in “Firefly” and “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” she has consistently demonstrated her talent and versatility. Her continued work in guest roles, recurring series, and voice acting, combined with her awards and recognition, has contributed to her financial stability and success. Summer Glau’s net worth reflects her dedication, hard work, and strategic career choices in a competitive industry.
