Aaron Sorkin Net Worth

Aaron Sorkin’s Net Worth: A Look at the Playwright’s Wealth and Career

What Is Aaron Sorkin’s Net Worth?

Aaron Sorkin, the celebrated American playwright, screenwriter, and producer, has amassed a net worth of $90 million. This figure reflects a career spanning several decades, marked by critical acclaim, numerous awards, and a significant impact on both stage and screen. Sorkin’s financial success is a testament to his exceptional talent for crafting compelling narratives and memorable characters.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 9, 1961, in Manhattan, New York, Aaron Sorkin’s upbringing provided a foundation for his future creative endeavors. His mother was a schoolteacher, and his father worked as a copyright lawyer, introducing him to both education and the legal world – themes that would subtly influence his work. His early interest in acting, cultivated during his time at Scarsdale High School, where he was actively involved in the drama and theatre club, set the stage for his career path. He served as the drama club’s vice president during his junior and senior years, graduating in 1979. Sorkin’s formal education in musical theatre at Syracuse University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1983, further honed his skills and broadened his artistic horizons.

The Genesis of a Writer’s Career

After graduating from Syracuse University, Sorkin moved to New York City, embarking on a journey filled with the typical struggles of a young artist. He took on various odd jobs, including delivering singing telegrams and driving a limousine, to make ends meet. However, a pivotal moment occurred while house-sitting for a friend. Discovering an IBM Selectric typewriter, Sorkin began writing, laying the groundwork for his career as a playwright. The plays “Removing All Doubt” and “Hidden in this Picture” showcased his burgeoning talent and earned him representation from a theatrical agent, marking the official beginning of his professional career.

From Theater to Hollywood: “A Few Good Men”

Sorkin’s initial success came on the stage. His play, “A Few Good Men,” a courtroom drama, garnered significant attention. He sold the rights to producer David Brown for a substantial sum, reportedly well into six figures, a testament to the play’s potential. Brown produced the play on Broadway at the Music Box Theater, where it ran for an impressive 497 performances. The play’s success led to an adaptation for the big screen. Though initially facing hurdles in securing star actor involvement, the film adaptation, directed by Rob Reiner, starred Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore. Released in 1992, the film was a massive box office success, marking Sorkin’s successful transition from stage to screen.

Sorkin wrote several drafts for the script for “A Few Good Men,” learning the craft on the fly from a book about screenplay format.

“The West Wing”: A Television Masterpiece

Sorkin’s venture into television solidified his reputation as a creative force. His concept for “Sports Night,” though critically acclaimed, was canceled after two seasons due to low ratings. Sorkin then conceived and developed “The West Wing,” a political drama that offered an inside look at the workings of a fictional U.S. presidency. Starring Martin Sheen as the President, the show premiered in 1999 and ran for seven seasons, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. During the first four seasons, Sorkin wrote nearly every episode, totaling 87 screenplays. His departure from the show at the end of the fourth season, due to creative conflicts, was a significant event. Despite its challenges, “The West Wing” earned critical acclaim, with the pilot debuting in the fall of 1999 and garnering nine Emmy nominations for its debut season (winning five). Aaron’s departure from the show at the end of season four was due to conflicts with Warner Bros. Television. Sorkin never watched any episodes after this, describing the experience as “like watching somebody make out with my girlfriend.”

Cinematic Triumphs: “The Social Network,” “Moneyball,” and Beyond

Returning to screenwriting, Sorkin continued to make a significant impact in film. He adapted “Charlie Wilson’s War” in 2007, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Screenplay. A pivotal moment in his film career came with “The Social Network” (2010), a film exploring the creation of Facebook and its founder, Mark Zuckerberg. Directed by David Fincher, the film earned Sorkin an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, as well as Golden Globe and BAFTA awards. He was also nominated for Golden Globe and BAFTA awards in the same categories for co-writing “Moneyball,” which starred Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. His other notable film credits include “Molly’s Game” (2017), his directorial debut, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, and “The Trial of Chicago 7” (2020), which he wrote and directed. The latter, released on Netflix, garnered positive reviews, showcasing his continued ability to create compelling and relevant stories.

Oscar winner Aaron Sorkin / John Phillips/Getty Images for BFI

Sorkin then conceived the idea to write about the behind-the-scenes happenings on a sports show. Thus, “Sports Night” debuted on the ABC network in the fall of 1998. Although the series was highly critically acclaimed, it was canceled after just two seasons due to low ratings. Aaron was getting tons of offers to continue the show on another station and for another network, but he declined–he was already working on “The West Wing” by this point.

The show was a political drama that starred Martin Sheen as the president of the United States. The pilot debuted in the fall of 1999 and ran for seven seasons. “The West Wing” garnered nine Emmy nominations for its debut season (winning five). Sorkin wrote 87 screenplays of the show, which is nearly every episode during the show’s first four Emmy-winning seasons. Aaron left the show at the end of season four due to conflicts with Warner Bros. Television. Sorkin never watched any episodes after this, describing the experience as “like watching somebody make out with my girlfriend.” In 2005, he returned to the theater and wrote several plays for the next few years.

In 2007, Sorkin returned to screenwriting when he adapted “Charlie Wilson’s War.” The film was released in 2007 and earned five Golden Globe nominations, including Best Screenplay for Sorkin.

In 2008, he won his first Oscar for his screenplay for the movie “The Social Network,” which was based on Facebook and founder Mark Zuckerberg and directed by David Fincher. Aaron also snagged a Golden Globe and BAFTA. A year later, he received nominations for all three awards in the same categories for co-writing “Moneyball.” The film starred Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

While he was still working on the screenplay for “The Social Network,” Sorkin was contemplating a drama about the behind-the-scenes events at a cable news program. Talks began in 2010 and in September, HBO ordered a 10-episode series of “The Newsroom,” which premiered in June 2012 and starred Jeff Daniels. Just one day after the second episode aired, HBO renewed the series for a second season. The series concluded after three highly acclaimed seasons.

In 2015, Sorkin wrote the screenplay for Danny Boyle’s biopic “Steve Jobs,” for which he won a Golden Globe for Best Screenplay. Aaron made his directorial debut with “Molly’s Game,” and he received his third Oscar nod for Best Adapted Screenplay. In 2020, Sorkin wrote and directed “The Trial of Chicago 7.” He had originally written it in 2007 but shelved the project. It was released on Netflix in October 2020 and was met with positive reviews.

Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

Personal Life: Challenges and Triumphs

Sorkin’s personal life has also been subject to public interest. He was married to Julia Bingham from 1996 to 2005, and they have one daughter, Roxy. His dating history includes relationships with Kristen Chenoweth and reportedly, Maureen Dowd and Kristin Davis. Early in his career, Sorkin faced personal challenges, including struggles with substance abuse. He began using marijuana and cocaine in 1987, and in 1995, he entered rehab at the Hazelden Institute in Minnesota. While he made great strides to overcome these obstacles, an arrest in 2001, at the Hollywood Burbank Airport for possession of illegal substances, led to a drug diversion program. Despite these setbacks, Sorkin’s perseverance and commitment to recovery are evident. In a 2012 commencement speech at Syracuse University, he revealed that he had been drug-free for eleven years.

Real Estate Holdings

Sorkin’s real estate investments reflect his financial success. In 2005, he purchased a home in Beverly Hills for his ex-wife Julia Bingham, paying $5 million. In 2008, he acquired a property in the Hollywood Hills for $6.1 million, situated above the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles.

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Conclusion

Aaron Sorkin’s net worth of $90 million reflects a career marked by creativity, critical acclaim, and significant contributions to the entertainment industry. From his early days as a playwright to his success in film and television, Sorkin has consistently demonstrated a talent for crafting compelling stories and engaging characters. His journey, including both professional triumphs and personal challenges, continues to inspire and influence the world of entertainment.