Eriq La Salle’s Net Worth: From ‘ER’ Star to Hollywood Director

Introduction: The Multifaceted Career of Eriq La Salle

Eriq La Salle is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for his versatile talents as an actor, director, producer, and writer. With a career spanning several decades, La Salle has captivated audiences on both the big and small screens. From his memorable roles in iconic films like “Coming to America” to his breakthrough performance as Dr. Peter Benton in the long-running medical drama “ER,” La Salle has consistently demonstrated his ability to inhabit diverse characters and excel in various creative roles. This comprehensive article delves into the life, career, and net worth of Eriq La Salle, exploring his journey from aspiring actor to established Hollywood figure.

Eriq La Salle’s Net Worth: A Financial Overview

Eriq La Salle’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million. This figure reflects his successful career across multiple facets of the entertainment industry. His earnings stem from acting roles in both film and television, as well as his work behind the camera as a director and producer. The substantial income generated from his long-running role on “ER,” coupled with his subsequent projects, has contributed significantly to his financial standing. Additionally, his real estate ventures and other investments have also played a role in shaping his net worth. La Salle’s financial success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive industry.

Early Life and Career Beginnings: The Foundation for Success

Eriq La Salle was born on July 23, 1962, in Hartford, Connecticut. He was raised by his mother, Ada. His early life and education laid the groundwork for his future success in the performing arts. He attended Weaver High School and furthered his artistic pursuits at the Artists Collective, Inc., an interdisciplinary cultural institution in Hartford. For his higher education, La Salle attended the prestigious Juilliard School’s Drama Division for two years before transferring to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 1984. Following his graduation from NYU, La Salle began his professional career with roles in theater productions.

His early work included performances in Shakespeare in the Park’s production of “Henry V,” followed by roles in both Broadway and off-Broadway shows. These experiences provided valuable training and exposure, allowing him to hone his skills and build a foundation for his transition into film and television. His early career marked the beginning of a journey that would see him become a household name and a respected figure in Hollywood.

Film Career: From ‘Rappin” to ‘Logan’

La Salle’s film career began in 1985 with his debut in “Rappin’,” a sequel to “Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo.” That same year, he appeared in the Italian thriller “Cut and Run.” Over the next few years, he took on roles in the mystery thriller “Where Are the Children?” and the crime drama “Five Corners.” In 1988, he landed one of his most memorable roles, starring alongside Eddie Murphy, Shari Headley, Arsenio Hall, and James Earl Jones in the romantic comedy “Coming to America.” This film marked a significant breakthrough for La Salle, introducing him to a wider audience and solidifying his presence in the industry.

In the 1990s, La Salle continued to diversify his filmography with roles in the psychological horror film “Jacob’s Ladder,” the erotic thriller “Color of Night,” and the crime film “Drop Squad.” The early 2000s saw him appear in the psychological thriller “One Hour Photo” and the psychological drama “Crazy as Hell,” where he also served as director and producer. Later film credits include appearances in “Biker Boyz,” “The Seat Filler,” the gangster film “Johnny Was,” and the superhero film “Logan.” Each role added to his versatility as an actor, demonstrating his ability to tackle a variety of genres and characters, and further establishing him as a respected figure in Hollywood.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Television Career: The Rise to Stardom on ‘ER’

La Salle’s television career began in 1985 with his appearance in the television crime film “Out of the Darkness.” Over the next few years, he guest-starred in episodes of “Spenser: For Hire,” “One Life to Live,” and “ABC Afterschool Special.” His career continued to flourish with roles in “Another World,” “Mariah,” “Vietnam War Story,” “Leg Work,” “Knightwatch,” and “Gideon Oliver.” He also appeared in television films such as “What Price Victory,” “Magic Moments,” and “When We Were Young.”

In the early 1990s, La Salle guest-starred in several popular shows, including “B.L. Stryker,” “A Different World,” “L.A. Law,” “Screenplay,” and “Quantum Leap.” These roles helped him gain wider recognition and further showcased his acting abilities. He also starred in the television films “Hammer, Slammer, & Slade,” “Eyes of a Witness,” and “Empty Cradle.” In 1994, La Salle landed the role that would catapult him to international fame: Dr. Peter Benton on the NBC medical drama “ER.” His performance as the complex and dedicated surgeon was a critical and commercial success. He played the character for eight seasons (1994-2002) and made a return appearance in the series’ final season in 2009. For his work on “ER,” La Salle received critical acclaim, including Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, and won three NAACP Image Awards. The role solidified his place as a television star and a beloved figure for millions of viewers worldwide.

‘ER’ Salary and Financial Peak

In 1999, as George Clooney was preparing to depart from “ER,” Eriq La Salle negotiated a new contract that significantly boosted his earnings. This deal paid him $27 million over three seasons, which amounted to $9 million per year. Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to approximately $14 million today. The deal made him one of the highest-paid actors on television, earning around $410,000 per episode. This substantial increase from his previous earnings of $85,000 per episode highlights the significant financial rewards that came with his success on “ER.” This period marked a financial peak in his career, securing his place as a highly sought-after actor in Hollywood.

Getty

Directing and Producing: Expanding Creative Horizons

La Salle’s creative talents extend beyond acting; he is also an accomplished director and producer. In 1996, while still starring on “ER,” he made his directorial debut with the HBO television film “Rebound: The Legend of Earl ‘The Goat’ Manigault,” in which he also had a supporting role. This marked the beginning of his journey as a director. Three years later, he directed an episode of the television drama “Soul Food.” In 2002, he made his feature film directorial debut with the psychological drama “Crazy as Hell.” Following this, La Salle directed episodes of “The Twilight Zone,” “Without a Trace,” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” as well as an episode of “ER” during its final season. He went on to direct numerous episodes of other popular shows, including “CSI: NY,” “Ringer,” “Crisis,” “Madam Secretary,” “The Night Shift,” “Under the Dome,” “CSI: Cyber,” “The Messengers,” “Rosewood,” “Lucifer,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Chicago Med,” “The Quad,” and “The Librarians.” Additionally, La Salle directed and executive produced several episodes of “Chicago P.D.” His success in directing and producing underscores his versatility and his commitment to storytelling from multiple perspectives.

Personal Life: Keeping a Private Profile

La Salle has generally maintained a private personal life. He is known for keeping a distance from the media and keeping details of his private relationships out of the public eye. In the 1990s, he was in a relationship with Angela Johnson, and the couple became engaged in December 1997, but they later called off the engagement. Currently, details about his current relationship status remain unknown. His desire for privacy has allowed him to focus on his career and creative endeavors without the constant scrutiny of the media. This commitment to privacy has contributed to his ability to maintain a sense of normalcy and focus on the craft of acting and directing.

Real Estate: Homes in Bel-Air and Beverly Hills

La Salle has also made significant investments in real estate. In 2016, he purchased a home in Bel-Air for $3.03 million; the home was initially listed for $3.495 million. Previously, in 2010, he listed his longtime 6,000-square-foot Beverly Hills mansion for $8 million. He had bought the house in 1988 for $1.7 million, the same year he appeared in “Coming to America.” In 2006, he invested at least $1 million in a complete remodel of the property. He sold this home in August 2013 for $6 million. The new owner later demolished La Salle’s previous home and rebuilt a modern 6,000-square-foot mansion, which, as of July 2020, was listed for $44.5 million but has not been sold as of this writing.

In 2013, he also sold a lakefront house in Lake Arrowhead, California, for $2.7 million, and he sold a different house in Los Angeles for $1.6 million, resulting in a loss of nearly $500,000 from the original purchase price. These real estate transactions reflect his investment strategies and his management of significant assets accumulated throughout his successful career.

Conclusion: Eriq La Salle’s Enduring Legacy

Eriq La Salle’s career exemplifies versatility and dedication in the entertainment industry. From his memorable roles in film and television to his successful ventures as a director and producer, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to his craft. His substantial net worth is a testament to his hard work and the diverse range of his skills. As an actor, director, and producer, Eriq La Salle has left an indelible mark on Hollywood, ensuring his legacy as a prominent and respected figure in the entertainment industry.