What Is Wood Harris’s Net Worth?
Wood Harris, an accomplished American actor, producer, and musician, has an estimated net worth of $500,000. His financial standing is primarily attributed to his extensive work in the entertainment industry, spanning film, television, and music. While specific details regarding his earnings from each project are not publicly available, an overview of his career highlights provides insight into his income streams and how they contribute to his net worth.
Early Life and Education
Born Sherwin David Harris on October 17, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois, Wood Harris’s early life laid the foundation for his future success. He attended St. Joseph High School in Chicago, where he actively participated in the school’s basketball team. This early involvement in sports showcases his dedication and teamwork skills, traits that would later benefit him in his acting career. Following high school, Harris pursued higher education at Northern Illinois University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts. This academic background provided him with a formal understanding of acting techniques and the dramatic arts. Continuing his educational journey, Harris attended New York University, obtaining a Master of Arts degree. During this time, he expressed an interest in exploring opportunities within the music industry, demonstrating his diverse talents and aspirations.
Career Highlights and Earnings
Wood Harris’s career began with a significant role in the 1994 basketball film “Above the Rim,” where he starred alongside Tupac Shakur and Duane Martin. Although specific financial details of his early roles are not publicly disclosed, this opportunity marked the beginning of his journey in the entertainment industry. He further honed his skills by participating in several off-Broadway productions, expanding his acting repertoire and gaining valuable experience. As his career progressed, Harris secured roles in high-profile films such as “As Good As It Gets” (1998), featuring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt, and Woody Allen’s “Celebrity” (1998). These appearances in blockbuster movies increased his visibility and contributed to his growing reputation as a versatile actor. His performance in the short film “Morningside Prep” earned him the New York Film Festival’s 1st Run Best Actor Award, highlighting his talent and dedication to his craft. In 2000, Harris landed the lead role in the film “Hendrix,” portraying the iconic guitarist. This role demonstrated his ability to take on challenging characters and further solidified his position in the industry. Also in 2000, he starred in “Remember the Titans,” for which he received nominations for the NAACP Image Award and the Blockbuster Movie Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture. Securing these nominations reflected his rising star power and critical acclaim.
From 2005, Wood Harris portrayed drug kingpin Avon Barksdale in HBO’s acclaimed drama “The Wire.” This role is widely regarded as his breakthrough, earning him significant recognition and critical praise. Harris appeared in the first three seasons of the show, as well as one episode in season five, becoming a central figure in the series’ narrative. The exact salary Harris received for his role in “The Wire” has not been publicly disclosed. However, lead actors in popular HBO dramas typically earn substantial salaries per episode. Based on industry standards, it is plausible that Harris earned tens of thousands of dollars per episode, accumulating a significant income over the course of his appearances in the series. This breakthrough role not only enhanced his reputation but also contributed substantially to his net worth.
In 2005, Harris expanded his creative endeavors by producing his first album, titled “Beautiful Wonderful.” The financial success of this album is not publicly documented, but it represents an additional stream of income beyond his acting career. In 2008, he was cast in Martin Guigui’s “Sweetwater,” a film about the first black player in the NBA. The following year, he starred as the fictional rapper A-maze in the film “Just Another Day.” In 2012, Harris narrated the ESPN “30 for 30” film “Benji” and participated in the Broadway revival of Tennessee Williams’ play “A Streetcar Named Desire,” playing Harold “Mitch” Mitchell. These diverse roles in film, narration, and theater demonstrate his versatility and continued engagement with various forms of entertainment, each contributing to his overall earnings. In 2015, Harris played Gale in Marvel’s “Ant-Man” and reunited with Michael B. Jordan in “Creed,” where he played Tony “Little Duke” Evers. He reprised his role in “Creed II” in 2018. Although the specific salaries for these roles in “Ant-Man” and the “Creed” franchise are not public knowledge, appearances in major franchise films typically come with lucrative compensation packages. Given the success of these films, it is likely that Harris earned substantial amounts for his participation. Later in 2018, he played Reeby in “Gangland: The Musical.” In 2020, Harris played Danny in “Always and Forever,” and in 2021, he appeared in “Ransun Games” and “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” adding to his extensive filmography and income.
Television Roles
Wood Harris has made numerous appearances in television shows, further diversifying his income streams. His notable TV appearances include his role as Damon Cross in “Empire” from 2018 to 2020. The specific earnings from his role in “Empire” are not publicly available. However, recurring roles in successful television series can be a significant source of income, often involving per-episode fees that accumulate over multiple seasons. Harris has also appeared in “Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television,” “The New Edition Story,” “The Watsons Go to Birmingham,” and “Winning Time,” among others. Each of these roles contributes to his overall earnings, supplementing his income from film and other projects. In “The New Edition Story,” he starred as Brooke Payne. Recurring roles such as these provide stable income and contribute to his overall net worth. While specific numbers are not available, it’s clear these television roles have played a vital part in his financial portfolio.
Real Estate Assets
Details regarding Wood Harris’s real estate assets are not publicly available. Public records do not disclose specific addresses or valuations of properties owned by Harris. However, it is common for individuals in the entertainment industry to invest in real estate, which can significantly contribute to their overall net worth. Owning property in areas such as New York or California, where Harris spends his time, can represent a substantial asset, providing both a place to live and potential investment income through appreciation or rental opportunities. Without concrete details, it is speculative to include real estate as a specific figure in his net worth, but it remains a potential factor.
Personal Life and Habits
Wood Harris has been married to Rebekah Harris since 2002, and they have two children. The family divides their time between New York and California. Details about his personal spending habits, lifestyle choices, and specific financial decisions are not publicly accessible. Information on his personal life, such as the schools his children attend or specific details about his residences in New York and California, are not publicly documented. While public information on his lifestyle is limited, his long-standing marriage and family life suggest a degree of stability and financial planning.
Philanthropy and Investments
There is no publicly available information regarding Wood Harris’s philanthropic activities or specific investment details. While many celebrities engage in charitable work and make various investments, these activities are often kept private. The lack of public information makes it impossible to assess the impact of any philanthropic endeavors or investments on his net worth. These aspects remain outside the scope of what can be accurately determined based on publicly accessible data.
Net Worth Calculation
Calculating Wood Harris’s net worth involves estimating his assets (what he owns) and subtracting his liabilities (what he owes). In Harris’s case, his assets primarily consist of his earnings from acting roles in film and television, as well as any potential income from his music career. Liabilities could include mortgages, loans, and other debts. Given that specific financial details are not publicly available, the estimated net worth of $500,000 provided by reputable sources is a reasonable approximation based on his career achievements and industry standards. The estimate is derived from a combination of factors, including his high-profile roles in “The Wire,” “Creed,” and other notable productions. Furthermore, his recurring roles in television series and his involvement in various projects contribute to this valuation. This approximation is consistent with the financial profiles of actors with similar career trajectories and levels of success in the entertainment industry.