Jonathan Banks Net Worth

Jonathan Banks: Net Worth, Career, and Life of the Iconic Actor

Jonathan Banks’ Net Worth: A Financial Overview

Jonathan Banks, a celebrated actor with a career spanning decades, has amassed a significant net worth. As of the latest estimates, his net worth is approximately $8 million. This figure reflects his successful work in television, film, and voice acting, highlighting his enduring appeal and consistent demand in the entertainment industry.

Better Call Saul Salary: A Breakdown

A substantial portion of Jonathan Banks’ earnings came from his role in the critically acclaimed series “Better Call Saul.” During the final two seasons of the show, Banks earned a salary of $100,000 per episode. Considering that each season typically comprised around ten episodes, this translates to roughly $1 million per season. This substantial income underscores the value he brought to the series and his pivotal role in its success.

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Early Life and Education

Jonathan Banks’ journey began on January 31, 1947, in Washington, D.C. His upbringing was shaped by his parents; his father worked as a civil servant, and his mother, a teacher at Indiana State University, also held a secretarial position in the federal government. Growing up in Chillum Heights, Maryland, Banks attended Northwood High School in Silver Spring. He then pursued his higher education at Indiana University Bloomington, laying the foundation for his future career.

Career Beginnings: From Stage Management to Hollywood

Following his graduation, Banks embarked on a unique path, becoming a stage manager for a touring company of the musical “Hair.” This experience took him to Australia and New Zealand, broadening his horizons and introducing him to the world of performing arts. In 1974, he relocated to Los Angeles, California, where he continued his work in theater, honing his skills and preparing for his eventual transition to the screen.

Television Career: Roles That Defined a Generation

Jonathan Banks’ television career is marked by a series of memorable roles that solidified his status as a respected actor. His screen-acting debut came in 1976 with the television film “The Macahans” and the series “Barnaby Jones.” He built momentum quickly, appearing in numerous guest roles, including appearances on “Family,” “Carter Country,” and the television films “Alexander: The Other Side of Dawn” and “The Night They Took Miss Beautiful.”

The 1980s saw him guest-starring on “Lou Grant” and “The Waltons,” followed by appearances in shows such as “Little House on the Prairie,” “Best of the West,” and “Hill Street Blues.” Banks also took on roles in television films like “The Invisible Woman” and “Murder Me, Murder You.” A significant role came in the miniseries “The Gangster Chronicles,” where he portrayed mobster Dutch Schultz. His versatility was further showcased when he starred as Commander Nuveen Kroll in the science-fiction series “Otherworld” in 1985. A breakthrough role came in 1987 with his portrayal of FBI Special Agent Frank McPike in the CBS crime drama “Wiseguy.” The series, which ran for four seasons, earned Banks an Emmy Award nomination. Following “Wiseguy,” he continued to appear in popular series like “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Matlock,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” and “Due South.” Banks later took a main role on the NBC sitcom “Fired Up” and had a supporting role in the TNT television film “Dollar for the Dead.”

The new millennium brought guest roles on “Diagnosis: Murder” and “The Trouble with Normal.” He subsequently made appearances on “The District,” “Alias,” “Joan of Arcadia,” “E-Ring,” “Ghost Whisperer,” and “Without a Trace,” among other shows. From 2006 to 2007, Banks played Conrad Detweiler on the short-lived series “Day Break.” He followed this with guest roles on shows like “Dexter,” “ER,” “Shark,” “Lie to Me,” and “Castle.” In 2009, Banks began his iconic role as Mike Ehrmantraut in the second season of the crime drama “Breaking Bad.” He continued in this role until the series concluded in 2013, earning an Emmy Award nomination. He reprised the role in the “Breaking Bad” spinoff, “Better Call Saul,” from 2015 to 2022, and received four more Emmy Award nominations. Other notable roles included Professor Buzz Hickey in the final season of “Community” and former US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper in the miniseries “The Comey Rule.” Banks has also ventured into voice acting, lending his voice to animated series like “Skylanders Academy,” “Tangled: The Series,” “F is for Family,” and “A Tale Dark & Grimm.”

Film Career: A Versatile Presence on the Big Screen

Jonathan Banks’ film career showcases his range and adaptability. He made his big-screen debut with a small part in the 1978 film “Coming Home.” Later that year, he had roles in “The Cheap Detective” and “Who’ll Stop the Rain.” The 1980s saw him in the parody “Airplane!” and the comedy “Stir Crazy.” He continued to gain recognition with roles in “Frances,” “48 Hrs.,” “Gremlins,” “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension,” and “Beverly Hills Cop.”

In 1986, Banks appeared in “Armed and Dangerous,” followed by “Cold Steel” in 1987. His filmography in the 1990s includes “Freejack,” “Boiling Point,” the remake of “Flipper,” and “Foolish.” The early 2000s saw him in “Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles,” “Proximity,” “Dark Blue,” and “R.S.V.P.” He portrayed a landlord in the 2006 comedy “Puff, Puff, Pass” and a dentist in the 2007 drama “Reign Over Me.” Later, he appeared in “Watercolor Postcards” and “Identity Thief.” In 2014, he was in “Bullet,” “Authors Anonymous,” and “Horrible Bosses 2.” Banks played Harper in the 2016 action film “Term Life” and “Pappy” McAllan in the 2017 film “Mudbound.” In 2018, he appeared in “The Commuter,” “Incredibles 2,” and “Redbad.” He also reprised his role as Mike Ehrmantraut in “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie.”

Personal Life: Relationships and Family

Jonathan Banks’ personal life includes two marriages. He married Marnie Fausch in 1968, and they had a daughter before divorcing in 1970. Two decades later, he married Gennera Cebian, with whom he has fraternal twins.

Malibu House: Real Estate Ventures

In 1990, Banks purchased a home in the Malibu hills for $1.185 million. Today, this property is estimated to be worth at least $5 million, potentially reaching as high as $6-7 million, reflecting the significant appreciation in real estate values in the area.

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Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Jonathan Banks

Jonathan Banks has established himself as a cornerstone of the entertainment industry, with a career that spans decades and showcases his versatility and talent. From his early stage management days to his iconic roles in “Wiseguy,” “Breaking Bad,” and “Better Call Saul,” Banks has consistently delivered compelling performances. His estimated net worth of $8 million reflects his success. His ability to captivate audiences with his nuanced portrayals and dedication to his craft ensures that his legacy will endure for years to come.