Jon Gries’ Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Career and Finances of the ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ Star

Introduction: Unveiling Jon Gries

Jon Gries is a versatile actor, writer, and director who has carved a unique path through Hollywood. Known for his memorable roles in both film and television, Gries has cultivated a dedicated fanbase over a career spanning several decades. This article delves into the financial success, career highlights, and personal life of Jon Gries, offering a comprehensive overview of his journey in the entertainment industry.

What is Jon Gries’ Net Worth?

As of late 2024, Jon Gries’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million. This figure reflects his earnings from a prolific career that includes acting in numerous films and television series, as well as his work as a writer and director. While specific details of his financial portfolio are not public, his net worth is a testament to his sustained presence and success in the entertainment world. His most recognizable role, Uncle Rico in “Napoleon Dynamite,” undoubtedly contributed significantly to his financial standing and overall popularity.

Early Life and Beginnings

Jon Gries was born on June 17, 1957, in Glendale, California. He was born into a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. His father was Tom Gries, a director, writer, and producer. This upbringing provided Jon with early exposure to the world of filmmaking, which undoubtedly influenced his career path and passion for acting.

Film Career: The Early Years (1968-1999)

Jon Gries’s film career began at a very young age, setting the stage for a long and diverse career. He landed his first acting role at the age of 11 in his father’s 1968 Western film, “Will Penny.” While this early role marked the beginning of his on-screen journey, he didn’t appear in another film until the late 1970s. During this time, he appeared in a variety of films, including “Born of Water,” “The Chicken Chronicles,” “Sunnyside,” “More American Graffiti,” and “Swap Meet.”

The 1980s proved to be a formative decade for Gries, as he began to establish himself in the industry. His film roles during this period include:

• “Joysticks” (1983)
• “Real Genius” (1985), where he played Lazlo Hollyfeld
• “TerrorVision”
• “Running Scared”
• “Number One with a Bullet”
• “The Monster Squad” (1987), in which he played a werewolf
• “Fright Night Part 2” (1988), where he again played a werewolf
• “Kill Me Again”
• “Pucker Up and Bark Like a Dog”

The 1990s saw Gries continuing to build his resume with appearances in films such as “The Grifters” (directed by Stephen Frears), “Ed and His Dead Mother,” and “Get Shorty.” Other notable films from this era include “Men in Black” and “Twin Falls Idaho.” These roles demonstrated his versatility and ability to fit into a variety of genres.

Film Career: The 2000s and Beyond

The new millennium brought Gries a new wave of opportunities, with roles in various films that continued to showcase his talent. Early roles in the 2000s include “The Beatnicks,” “Jackpot,” and multiple films in 2003, such as “Northfork,” “The Big Empty,” “The Snow Walker,” and “The Rundown.”

The year 2004 marked a significant milestone in his career, with his iconic role as Uncle Rico in the cult classic “Napoleon Dynamite.” This performance earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination and significantly boosted his recognition. Following the success of “Napoleon Dynamite,” Gries continued to work steadily, appearing in:

• “Confessions of an Action Star” (2005)
• “Stick It” (2006)
• “Taken” (2008), playing Mark Casey. He reprised this role in the film’s two sequels.
• “American Pastime” (2007)
• “The Astronaut Farmer” (2006)

The image below showcases Jon Gries.

(Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

Gries’s film career continued with roles in “Crazy on the Outside,” “Natural Selection,” and many others through the 2010s, including a role in “Bad Turn Worse” and “Skinwalker Ranch.” He has also been involved in several films in the 2014-2016 period such as “Faults,” “Pass the Light,” and “Operation Chromite.”

His more recent film credits have included “All About the Money,” “Americons,” and “Glass Jaw,” demonstrating a continued commitment to the craft and a sustained presence in the industry.

Television Career: From Guest Spots to Recurring Roles

Jon Gries has had a notable television career in addition to his film work. He began his television journey with a role in the 1976 TV film “Helter Skelter.” Throughout the 1980s, he made guest appearances on popular shows such as “The White Shadow,” “The Jeffersons,” and “The Twilight Zone.”

In 1990, Gries appeared in the television film “Rainbow Drive” and had guest roles on shows like “Falcon Crest.” His first main role in a regular series came from 1992 to 1994, where he played Shawn McDermott in the Fox sitcom “Martin.” Following this, he made guest appearances on shows such as “The X-Files,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” and “Seinfeld.”

A significant role came in 1996 with the NBC series “The Pretender,” where he played Broots until the show’s cancellation in 2000. He reprised this role in the television films “The Pretender 2001” and “The Pretender: Island of the Haunted.”

In the 2000s, Gries continued to make his mark on television. He appeared in an episode of “24” in 2002 and made appearances on “Carnivàle” and “Las Vegas.” From 2007 to 2010, he played Roger Linus on ABC’s “Lost.” Other notable TV credits during this time include “Cold Case,” “Sons of Anarchy,” “Psych,” and “Supernatural.”

In 2012, he reprised his iconic role as Uncle Rico in the animated sitcom “Napoleon Dynamite.” From 2016 to 2020, Gries starred as Dr. Roberts on the Adult Swim sitcom “Dream Corp LLC.” In 2021, he took on the recurring role of Greg Hunt in the HBO anthology series “The White Lotus,” adding another critically acclaimed role to his extensive resume.

Personal Life and Real Estate

While Jon Gries has had a long and successful career in Hollywood, he maintains a certain level of privacy when it comes to his personal life. Not much information about his relationships has been publicly shared, but it’s known that he dated actress Kimberly Rose McConnell at one point.

In 1994, Gries purchased a home in Los Angeles for $239,500. It is estimated that this property is now worth between $1.5 and $2 million, reflecting the appreciation of real estate in the area over the years.

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Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Jon Gries

Jon Gries’s career, spanning several decades, is a testament to his talent, versatility, and enduring appeal. From his early roles in Westerns to his iconic portrayal of Uncle Rico in “Napoleon Dynamite,” Gries has consistently delivered memorable performances that have resonated with audiences. With a net worth of $2 million, and a long list of film and TV credits, Gries is far from finished. His continued presence in the entertainment industry ensures that his legacy will continue to grow for years to come.