Net Worth Ranker
What Is Will Forte’s Net Worth?
Will Forte, a versatile actor, comedian, producer, and screenwriter, has accumulated a net worth of $14 million. This financial standing reflects his successful career spanning television, film, and writing. Forte’s journey from a financial broker to a celebrated entertainer highlights his adaptability and comedic talent.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Orville Willis Forte IV on June 17, 1970, in Alameda, California, Will Forte was raised in Moraga before his family relocated to Lafayette when he was 13. His father, Orville Forte III, worked as a financial broker, while his mother, Patricia, was an artist and former schoolteacher. He attended Acalanes High School, participating in both the varsity football and swim teams, before pursuing higher education at UCLA, where he earned a BA in history.
Initially following his father’s career path, Forte worked as a financial broker at Smith Barney Shearson in Beverly Hills. However, finding the work unfulfilling, he transitioned to comedy and writing. He began taking classes with the Groundlings improvisational sketch comedy troupe. To support himself, he also tutored children. This period led him to create the comic book “101 Things to Definitely Not Do If You Want to Get a Chick,” marking his entry into professional writing with “The Jenny McCarthy Show.” Subsequently, he spent nine months writing for the “Late Show with David Letterman.” Returning to Los Angeles, Forte performed with the Groundlings’ Main Company and wrote for sitcoms such as “3rd Rock from the Sun” and “That ’70s Show.”
Saturday Night Live (SNL) Years
In 2001, while performing with the Groundlings, Lorne Michaels, the creator of “Saturday Night Live,” recognized Forte’s talent and invited him to audition. Although offered a position on “SNL,” Forte initially declined, preferring the financial security of “That ’70s Show.” However, he eventually joined the cast the following year after Will Ferrell’s departure. His early years on “SNL” were challenging, marked by stage fright and discomfort in certain roles, including his portrayal of President George W. Bush. There was a time when he was nearly dismissed after his third season. Eventually, he grew into his role and became a popular performer on the show.
During his tenure on “SNL,” Forte became known for his quirky characters such as Jeff Montgomery, Tim Calhoun, Greg Stink, and the Falconer. He also performed celebrity impressions of figures like Peyton Manning, Tom DeLay, Newt Gingrich, Harry Reid, John Edward, Chad Lowe, and David Petraeus. His most recognizable character, MacGruber, a special operations agent who is easily sidetracked, led to a feature film in 2010, the same year Forte left “SNL.”
Post-SNL Television Career
After “SNL,” Forte took on a recurring role as the cross-dressing Paul L’astnamé on the NBC sitcom “30 Rock.” He also made appearances on “How I Met Your Mother,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “Up All Night.” Additionally, he provided voice work for animated series like “Sit Down, Shut Up,” “The Cleveland Show,” “American Dad!,” and “Allen Gregory.” In 2012, Forte began voicing characters on Disney XD animated series, “Gravity Falls” and “Lab Rats.” He continued to lend his voice to other animated shows, including “Bob’s Burgers,” “The Awesomes,” “The Simpsons,” “Moonbeam City,” “Alien News Desk,” “The Great North,” “No Activity,” and “HouseBroken.” In 2015, Forte began his role as Philip Tandy “Phil” Miller on the post-apocalyptic comedy series “The Last Man on Earth,” which he created, wrote, and executive produced. For his work on this show, he received three Emmy Award nominations: two for acting and one for writing. Forte’s other television credits include the television films “7 Days in Hell” and “Tour de Pharmacy,” and the streaming series “Flipped,” “Sweet Tooth,” and “MacGruber.” These various television roles contribute to Will Forte’s net worth.
Film Career Highlights
Forte made his film debut in 2004, playing Young Bobby in the remake of “Around the World in 80 Days.” Following this, he appeared in “Beerfest” in 2006. In 2007, he had his first leading role in “The Brothers Solomon,” which he also wrote, starring alongside Will Arnett. He then took on supporting roles in comedies like “Baby Mama,” “Brief Interviews with Hideous Men,” and “Fanboys.” In 2009, he voiced Joe Towne in the animated film “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” and in 2010, he reprised his “SNL” character MacGruber in a film adaptation. Forte has also appeared in numerous other comedy films, including “A Good Old Fashioned Orgy,” “Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie,” “Rock of Ages,” “That’s My Boy,” and “The Watch.” In 2013, Forte took on a dramatic role in the romance film “Run & Jump.” That same year, he appeared in “Life of Crime” and received critical acclaim for his performance in Alexander Payne’s “Nebraska,” where he played the son of Bruce Dern’s character. In 2014, Forte voiced Abraham Lincoln in the animated comedy “The Lego Movie” and had a starring role in Peter Bogdanovich’s screwball comedy “She’s Funny That Way.” Other film credits include “Don Verdean,” “Staten Island Summer,” “The Ridiculous 6,” “Keanu,” “A Futile and Stupid Gesture,” “Extra Ordinary,” “Booksmart,” “Good Boys,” “The Willoughbys,” and “Scoob!” Each film role adds to Will Forte’s net worth, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Real Estate Investments
Two weeks before joining SNL, Will Forte purchased a bungalow in Santa Monica, California, for $850,000. Due to his move to New York for “SNL,” he rarely lived in the house for about a decade. In September 2020, he listed this home for sale at $2.5 million. In January 2020, Forte spent $6.25 million on an oceanfront home in Carmel Highlands, California. These real estate investments contribute to Will Forte’s net worth. The Santa Monica property represents a significant appreciation in value over the years, demonstrating a smart investment strategy. The Carmel Highlands property, with its oceanfront location, is a prime piece of real estate, further bolstering his financial portfolio. The specifics of these real estate transactions provide tangible insight into how Will Forte’s net worth is comprised of diverse assets.
