Overview

Salvatore Paul “Tory” Belleci, born on October 30, 1970, is an American television personality and model maker. He is widely recognized for his role on Discovery Channel’s MythBusters, where he showcased his daredevil antics and impressive building skills. Before MythBusters, Tory honed his skills in the special effects industry, beginning in 1994 after graduating from San Francisco State University’s film school. For nearly a decade, he contributed as a model maker, sculptor, and painter at Industrial Light and Magic, crafting models for major Hollywood productions, including the Star Wars prequels. His contributions include the pod racers and Federation battleship models. He has also worked on films like Starship Troopers, Galaxy Quest, Terminator 3, The Matrix 2 & 3, and Van Helsing. Tory joined MythBusters in 2003, initially working behind the scenes before becoming a part of the on-screen build team in the second season. Beyond MythBusters, Tory has hosted shows such as Science Channel’s ‘Pumpkin Chunkin’ and ‘The Explosion Show,’ Netflix’s ‘White Rabbit Project,’ and Travel Channel’s ‘Thrill Factor.’ He has also made appearances on ‘The Rachel Ray Show,’ ‘The Late Show with Craig Ferguson,’ ‘Iron Chef,’ and ‘Hell’s Kitchen.’ In 2021, Belleci returned to host Motor MythBusters. He has also written and directed several short films, including ‘Sand Trooper,’ which was featured at the Slamdance Film Festival and aired on SyFy Channel.

Industrial Light & Magic (formerly)

Model Maker

What Is Tory Belleci Net Worth

Tory Belleci, an American filmmaker and model maker, has an estimated net worth of $2 million. He is widely recognized for his role on the Discovery Channel series, MythBusters. Belleci’s career extends beyond MythBusters, as he has contributed to major motion pictures and various other projects in the entertainment industry. His diverse skill set and experience have allowed him to accumulate his wealth through various avenues.

Early Career and Transition to MythBusters

After graduating from San Francisco State University’s film school in 1994, Tory Belleci began his career working with Jamie Hyneman at M5 Industries. Initially, he worked as a stage manager, handling tasks such as running errands and shop maintenance. This early role allowed him to gain experience and recognition within the industry. Later, Belleci joined Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), where he spent eight years as a model builder, sculptor, and painter. During his time at ILM, he contributed to films such as *Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace* and *Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones*, designing podracers and federation battleships. His work in these high-profile films significantly enhanced his reputation and skill set, laying the groundwork for his future success and increasing his net worth. Belleci’s transition from ILM to MythBusters in 2003 marked a turning point in his career. Starting behind the scenes, he later became a featured member of the show’s build team in the second season, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry. While precise details of his MythBusters salary remain undisclosed, his consistent presence on the show contributed significantly to his overall net worth.

MythBusters and Subsequent Projects Contributing to Tory Belleci Net Worth

Tory Belleci’s role on Discovery Channel’s MythBusters significantly boosted his net worth. Although the specific salary figures for his time on the show are not publicly available, his consistent presence as part of the build team from the second season onward indicates a steady income over more than a decade. Belleci’s contributions were essential to the show’s success, making him a recognizable figure in the science entertainment genre. After his departure from MythBusters, Belleci continued to engage in various projects that contributed to his income. In 2014, he participated in the Gumball 3000 race alongside Deadmau5, driving a Ferrari 458 Spider named “Purrari” from Miami to Ibiza. The team won the “Spirit of the Gumball” award. Beyond television, Belleci has been involved in several other ventures. He is a writer and director, having created the 1999 short film *Sandtrooper*, which was featured at the Slamdance Film Festival and aired on the Sci-Fi Channel. His diverse activities, including television appearances, filmmaking, and participation in events like the Gumball 3000, have collectively supported his $2 million net worth.

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