Net Worth Ranker
What Is William Levy Net Worth?
William Levy, a prominent Cuban-American actor and model, has accumulated a net worth of $4 million. His financial standing is primarily derived from his successful career in telenovelas, American television, and film, supplemented by earnings from modeling and endorsements.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
William Levy’s journey into the entertainment world began with modeling, where his distinct features and charisma quickly garnered attention. He signed with Next Models Agency, a significant step that opened doors to various opportunities within the industry. His early work as a model provided a foundation for his transition into acting, helping him build a public profile and develop essential skills for on-screen performance.
His significant breakthrough came with his role in the telenovela “Cuidado con el ángel.” This role showcased his acting abilities and cemented his position as a leading man in the genre. The telenovela aired in Mexico in June 2008 and began broadcasting in the United States on Univision in September 2008, attracting an average of 5 million viewers each night. Following this success, Levy starred in “Sortilegio,” another popular telenovela, which aired on Univision and drew 6.6 million viewers for its finale, surpassing the viewership of ABC and CBS in the same time slot. These roles not only increased his visibility but also significantly contributed to his earnings through salary and potential residuals.
Transition to American Television and Film
Beyond his success in telenovelas, William Levy expanded his career into American television and film. He participated in the 14th season of “Dancing with the Stars,” where he was paired with two-time champion Cheryl Burke. The pair finished in third place. His involvement in “Dancing with the Stars” introduced him to a wider audience in the United States, boosting his recognition and appeal, potentially leading to increased endorsement opportunities and future roles. Levy’s foray into Hollywood included roles in films such as “Addicted” and Tyler Perry’s “The Single Moms Club.” These roles allowed him to demonstrate his versatility as an actor and tap into different markets, further diversifying his income streams.
Alleged Financial Issues and Public Statements
Despite his successful career, William Levy has faced reported financial challenges. In 2012, reports surfaced about a potential foreclosure on his townhome in Miami. While these reports were not definitively confirmed, they raised questions about his financial management. In 2019, “People En Espanol” claimed that Levy owed $200,000 in back taxes to the IRS, dating back to the 2017 tax year. When contacted by the “Miami Herald,” Levy denied these reports, stating that he was “doing great” and was in the process of opening two restaurants. These conflicting reports highlight the complexities of managing finances in the entertainment industry, where income can fluctuate significantly.
Early Life and Education
William Levy was born on August 29, 1980, in Cojimar, Cuba, as William Gutiérrez-Levy. Raised by a single mother, Barbara, his family background included a Jewish maternal grandfather, although he grew up in a secular household. During his teenage years, Levy and his family, including his brother, Jonathan Gutierrez Levy, and sister, Barbara Gutierrez Levy, immigrated to Miami, Florida. He attended Barbara Goleman Senior High School in Miami Lakes. After high school, Levy attended St. Thomas University, where he studied business administration and played baseball on a scholarship for two years. He later moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting studies, further honing his skills in Miami and Mexico City. These early experiences and education laid the groundwork for his career in entertainment, providing him with both business acumen and acting skills.
Career Highlights in Detail
Levy’s career began with modeling for Next Models Agency, which led to appearances in two reality shows on Telemundo: “Isla de la Tentación” and “Protagonistas de Novela 2.” In 2005, he performed in the play “La Nena Tiene Tumbao” at the Centro de Bellas Artes in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Subsequently, he appeared in Univision productions like “Olvidarte Jamas,” “Mi Vida Eres Tu,” and “Acorralada.” His role in the Spanish-language film “Retazos de Vida” in 2008, directed by Viviana Cordero, marked his entry into film. This role led to his casting in “Pasion” by TV producer Carla Estrada, marking his breakthrough in Mexican telenovelas. Following “Pasion,” he starred in “Cuidado con el Angel” alongside Maite Perroni, which became a major success. These roles significantly contributed to his rising profile and income, laying the foundation for his future ventures.
Further expanding his career, Levy lent his voice to the Spanish version of the animated film “Planet 51,” which won Best Animated Spanish Language Film at the Premios Goya in 2009. From November 2009 to February 2010, he toured Mexican cities with the play “Un Amante a la Medida,” which later toured the United States in June 2010. In October 2010, Levy starred in the Mexican telenovela “Triunfo del Amor,” again with Maite Perroni. In 2011, he appeared in Jennifer Lopez’s music video “I’m Into You,” which premiered on NBC’s “Today,” increasing his exposure to English-speaking audiences. These projects, combined with his television roles, diversified his income streams and solidified his reputation as a versatile entertainer.
“Dancing With the Stars” and Mainstream Recognition
William Levy’s participation in the 14th season of “Dancing With the Stars” significantly boosted his mainstream recognition. Paired with Cheryl Burke, he showcased his dance skills and charisma, finishing the season in third place. This exposure introduced him to a broad American audience, potentially leading to new opportunities in television, film, and endorsements. His performance on the show expanded his fan base and elevated his status in the entertainment industry, contributing to his overall net worth by increasing his marketability.
Film and Television Roles After “Dancing With the Stars”
Following “Dancing With the Stars,” William Levy continued to pursue diverse roles in film and television. In December 2012, he was cast as Captain Damian Fabre in “La Tempestad,” a remake of “La Tormenta,” which aired in 2013. He starred in the erotic drama “Addicted” the same year and was recognized by “Variety” as one of Hollywood’s Top 10 Latino Actors. In 2014, he appeared in Tyler Perry’s film “The Single Moms Club,” further exposing him to American audiences. In 2017, he played the lead role of Warrior in Brent Ryan Green’s film “The Veil.” In 2018, he portrayed Mateo Ferrera in the Fox musical drama series “Star” for two seasons. These roles showcased his range as an actor and helped sustain his income streams, contributing to his overall financial stability.
Levy’s career continued with a cameo in the 2017 film “Girls Trip” and roles in “Cinderelo” (2018) and “El Fantasma de mi novia” (2018). In 2019, he played Victor Faust in “En Brazos In de un Asesino.” In May 2021, he starred in the Columbian telenovela “Cafe con aroma de Mujer.” Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and nominations, including four Premios Juventud wins. These ongoing projects and accolades have solidified his position in the entertainment industry and contributed to his earnings and net worth.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
William Levy has maintained an on-again, off-again relationship with Elizabeth Gutiérrez since 2003. Together, they have two children: a son, Christopher Alexander, born in 2006, and a daughter, Kailey Alexandra, born in March 2010. In February 2022, Levy announced their separation via Instagram, although he later deleted the posts, leaving the status of their relationship unclear. Beyond his personal life, Levy is involved in philanthropic activities, donating his time to the Alianzas que Construyen Televisa Foundation, which focuses on fixing houses for low-income families in Mexico. His commitment to philanthropy reflects his desire to give back to the community and contribute to social causes.
Real Estate Investments
In October 2017, William Levy and Elizabeth Gutiérrez jointly purchased a property in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for $700,000. They reportedly invested at least $1 million, and possibly more, to demolish the existing structure and build a new mansion on the lot. This real estate investment represents a significant asset that contributes to their overall net worth. Details about the exact specifications and features of the mansion are not publicly available, but the substantial investment indicates a high-value property.
