A well known comedian and actor, Jack Black has starred in several films over the years including School of Rock (2003), Nacho Libre (2006), Kung Fu Panda (2008), and Bernie (2011). A two-time Golden Globe nominee, he has also made several guest appearances on television- for instance, he has appeared in the popular shows The Simpsons (2007), The Office (2009), and iCarly (2010). As of 2017, he has accumulated well over 130 credits to his name!
In addition to acting, Black is also the lead singer of the rock group, Tenacious D. Formed with his close buddy Kyle Gass in 1994, the band released their self-titled debut album in 2001. Since then, they not only have dropped two additional albums, but have also won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. Their most recent album titled, Rise of the Fenix was made available in 2012.
With all that he has going for him, it’s obvious that he’s doing pretty well for himself. According to sources, Jack Black currently has an estimated net worth of $40 million. Curious to know where he earned the big bucks from? We’ll be discussing some of his greatest projects below- so hang on tight!
Jack Black’s Net Worth 2018 – $40 Million
How did Jack Black Make His Money and Wealth?
Born on August 28, 1969 in Santa Monica, California, Jack Black (Real Name: Thomas Jacob Black) is the son of Judith Love, and Thomas William Black. Raised in the city of Hermosa Beach, he attended a Hebrew school throughout his youth, having been raised in Jewish faith. Following his parents’ divorce when he was ten, he moved back to Culver City where he lived with his father.
Later as a teen, he went to Poseidon School, a private secondary school in Los Angeles that is designed for those struggling with the traditional schooling system. After a few years there, he transferred to Crossroads School where his natural flair for drama became apparent. After graduating in 1987, he went to the University of California, Los Angeles briefly before dropping out to pursue a career in the show biz.
Getting into acting in the early 90’s, Black played a variety of minor roles in the series, The Golden Palace (1992), Great Scott! (1992), Life Goes On (1993), and Northern Exposure (1993). Around that same time, he also made his big screen debut in the Golden Globe nominated film, Bob Roberts (1992), where he had the chance to work with veteran actors Alan Rickman, Tim Robbins, and Giancarlo Esposito.
It wasn’t until many years later in 2000 that he received a breakthrough role in the romantic comedy, High Fidelity. Directed by Stephen Frears, the movie starred Black as Barry Judd, a “wild” employee at Rob Gordon’s record store. Aside from John Cusack, who played as the store owner, the cast also included Iben Hjejle, Todd Louiso, Lisa Bonet, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Made available nationwide on March 31, 2000, High Fidelity saw many positive reviews upon its release, with many critics having praised its entertaining story. Featured in Empire Magazine’s list of 500 Greatest Movies of All Time, the comedy eventually grossed $47.1 million at the box office from a budget of $30 million. For the film, Black was reportedly paid a salary of $250,000.
The following year, the actor starred opposite of Gwyneth Paltrow in the romantic comedy, Shallow Hal (2001). Directed by the Farrelly brothers, its plot centred around Black’s character, a shallow man who falls in love with an over-weight woman.
A huge box office hit, the film took in over $22.5 million during its opening weekend in the United States, putting it at number two behind Pixar’s Monsters, Inc (2001). Despite mix reviews, it eventually became a commercial success with a worldwide gross of $141.1 million. For his portrayal of Hal Larson, Black received a Teen Choice Award for Choice Comedy Actor. Not only did the movie net him the award, but it also earned him a hefty salary of $2 million.
Then in 2003, Black was cast in Richard Linklater’s comedy film, School of Rock. Propelling him further into stardom, it starred the actor as Dewey Finn, a struggling rock musician who works as an elementary school teacher after being kicked out of his rock band. Aside from Black, the movie’s cast list also included Joan Cusack, Sarah Silverman, Miranda Cosgrove, Mike White, and Joey Gaydos Jr.
Released in theatres on October 3, 2002, School of Rock quickly shot to number one at the box office with an opening gross of $19 million. Given nothing but positive reviews, the film later went on to earn a grand total of $131.3 million at the box office worldwide. Responsible for his first Golden Globe Award nomination, the comedy also earned him an MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance.
Continuing to appear on the big screen, he starred in the sports comedy film, Nacho Libre in 2006 (which he also helped to produce). Based loosely on the story of Fray Tormenta, it followed the life of a monk named Ignacio (played by Black). Joining the actor on set were Ana de la Reguera, Hector Jimenez, Peter Stormare, and Carla Jimenez.
Released in the United States on June 16, 2006, Nacho Libre took in $28.3 million during its opening weekend. By the end of its theatrical run, it had grossed over $99.2 million across the globe. For his stellar performance in the movie, he earned himself three Teen Choice Award nominations, an MTV Movie Award nomination and a Kids’ Choice Award nomination.
From there, his next big project came in the form of the animated film, Kung Fu Panda (2008). Providing the voice of Po, an accident-prone panda who aspires to become a kung fu artist, he once again shot to superstardom. An immense hit, it quickly topped the box office during its opening weekend, with a gross of $60.2 million in the United States. One of the highest-grossing animated films at the time, it eventually earned a total of $631 million worldwide.
A few years later, he reprised his role as the giant panda in the direct sequel, Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011). Even more successful than its predecessor, it soon because the highest-grossing film in both North America and China; by the end of its box office run, it had pulled in over $665 million.
Altogether, the two Kung Fu Panda films had earned Black a Kid’s Choice Award, a Teen Choice Award nomination, and a People’s Choice Award nomination.
That same year, he received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Bernie Tiede in the black comedy, Bernie (2011). Directed by Richard Linklater, it performed exceptionally well in the United States, having earned itself stellar reviews from many well-known critics. From a production budget of $6 million, the movie earned over $10 million in ticket sales. For his performance, Black earned himself his second Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor that year.
Since then, he has appeared in several other films including The Big Year (2011), Sex Tape (2014), The D Train (2015), Goosebumps (2015), and Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016).
Though he’s best known for his roles in Hollywood, Black has also taken part in countless TV series over the years such as Tom Goes to the Mayor (2004), The Simpsons (2007), The Office (2009), Comedy Bang! Bang (2012), among many others.
Most recently this year, he participated in the CBS game show, The Price is Right (2017).
On top of his successful career in film and television, Black is also an established musician, being a member of the rock band, Tenacious D.
In 2001, they released their eponymous debut album which gave rise to the hit single, Tribute. Not only did the project reach number 33 on the Billboard Top 200, but it also went platinum in the United States.
Since then, Tenacious D have released two additional albums, The Pick of Destiny (2006) and Rise of the Fenix (2012), both of which have gone on to chart in the US alongside other countries.
Currently it is estimated that Jack Black has an estimated net worth of $40 million. Considering what’s been discussed earlier, the bulk of this fortune undoubtedly came from his successful career in Hollywood. On top of that, his income is also supplemented by his work on television and as a musician.
Jack Black’s Personal Life and FAQ
Is Jack Black Married?
Yes, the actor is married to Tanya Haden. After going to school together as teens, they reunited at a friend’s birthday party in the early 2000’s. The two later got engaged in 2005, after a period of dating; they tied the knot in Big Sur, California on March 14, 2006.
Does Jack Black Have Any Children?
Yes, he has two children with his wife. The couple’s first son, Samuel Jason Black was born on June 10, 2006; they later welcomed a second son named Thomas David Black in 2008.
Did Jack Black Go to College?
Yes, he went to college at one point. After completing his secondary education at Crossroads School, he went to UCLA. Prior to obtaining his bachelor’s degree however, he dropped out during his second year to pursue a full-time career in the show business.
Where Does Jack Black Live? Pictures of Jack Black’s House
The two-time Golden Globe nominee currently lives in a 3.266 square foot property in Beverly Hills, California.
According top public records, Black had purchased the two bedroom, three bathroom home for $3 million back in April of 2005.
What Kind of Car Does Jack Black Drive?
The actor reportedly drives a Lexus LS Hybrid.
Career Accomplishments by Jack Black
Throughout his multi-decade career in the show biz, Jack Black has amassed well over 130 credits as an actor. As mentioned earlier, some of his most noteworthy works include High Fidelity (2000), School of Rock (2003), King Kong (2005), Kung Fu Panda (2008), and Bernie (2011).
In total, his films have grossed a total of $1.6 billion as of 2017.
Recognized for his work, he has received countless industry accolades including two Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture. In addition to that, he’s been nominated for five Kids’ Choice Awards, five MTV Movie Awards, three People’s Choice Awards, eleven Teen Choice Awards, among many others.
How Much Did Jack Black Make Last Year?
Unfortunately, we do not have any information on his 2016 earnings at this time.
Recent Events
According to his IMDb page, Black will be starring in a few upcoming films including The House with a Clock in its Walls, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot.
As far as recent releases go, he appeared in the drama film, Unexpected Race (2017), which was released earlier this month.