Laurence Fishburne Net Worth

Laurence Fishburne’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Wealth of a Hollywood Icon

Laurence Fishburne, a name synonymous with cinematic excellence, has captivated audiences for decades with his powerful performances and commanding presence. But what is the net worth of this celebrated actor, screenwriter, and producer? This article provides an in-depth look at Fishburne’s impressive career, financial success, and lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on July 30, 1961, in Augusta, Georgia, Laurence John Fishburne III, known professionally as Laurence Fishburne, embarked on his acting journey at a young age. His mother, Hattie, was a junior high school math and science teacher, and his father, Laurence Jr., served as a juvenile corrections officer. Following his parents’ divorce, Laurence moved with his mother to Brooklyn, New York. He attended Lincoln Square Academy during his youth, where he honed his skills.

Fishburne’s professional acting career began in 1973 with a role on the ABC soap opera “One Life to Live,” where he portrayed Joshua Hall. His feature film debut came in 1975 with “Cornbread, Earl and Me,” a coming-of-age drama exploring themes of race and community. He played a young boy witnessing a tragic event. In 1979, he secured a supporting role in Francis Ford Coppola’s epic war film, “Apocalypse Now.” Despite being only 14 when filming began, the production took so long that he was 17 upon completion, demonstrating his commitment to the craft early on.

Film Career: Iconic Roles and Blockbuster Success

Laurence Fishburne’s film career is a tapestry of diverse and compelling roles, showcasing his versatility and talent. His breakthrough role came in the early 1990s, solidifying his status as a leading man.

• “Boyz n the Hood” (1991): Fishburne delivered a powerful performance as Jason “Furious” Styles in John Singleton’s seminal coming-of-age drama. This role earned him critical acclaim and introduced him to a wider audience. The film, also starring Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Morris Chestnut, grossed nearly $60 million and received two Academy Award nominations.
• “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1993): He took on the challenging role of Ike Turner in this biographical drama. His portrayal alongside Angela Bassett, as Tina Turner, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
• “The Matrix” Trilogy (1999-2003): Fishburne achieved global recognition playing Morpheus, the philosophical mentor in the groundbreaking “Matrix” trilogy. The role became iconic, defining his career and influencing popular culture.
• Other Notable Films: Fishburne’s filmography includes a wide range of genres, from action and drama to science fiction and comedy. Some of his other notable films include “Apocalypse Now” (1979), “School Daze” (1988), “Deep Cover” (1992), “Event Horizon” (1997), “Mystic River” (2003), and roles in superhero films like “Man of Steel,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” and the “John Wick” franchise.

Getty

Salary Highlights: Earnings from The Matrix, CSI, and More

Laurence Fishburne’s financial success reflects his prominent position in the entertainment industry. His earnings have been substantial, driven by both his film roles and television work.

• “The Matrix” Trilogy: While the exact earnings for the first “Matrix” film were modest, Fishburne’s compensation significantly increased for the sequels. He earned $15 million for the second and third installments, plus 3.75% of the backend, bringing his total earnings to approximately $40 million for those two films alone. This highlights the financial rewards associated with successful franchises.
• “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”: During his time on the hit television show, Fishburne commanded a salary of $350,000 per episode, translating to roughly $8 million per season at his peak.
• “Hannibal”: For his role in the psychological thriller “Hannibal,” Fishburne earned $175,000 per episode across 36 episodes, totaling around $6.3 million.
• “Black-ish”: As both a star and executive producer on the ABC sitcom “Black-ish,” Fishburne earns $200,000 per episode.

Television and Theatre: Expanding His Artistic Horizons

Beyond his film work, Fishburne has also made significant contributions to television and theatre. His versatility has allowed him to explore diverse roles and showcase his talents across different mediums.

• Television: Following his early roles in “One Life to Live,” Fishburne appeared in episodes of numerous popular television shows, including “Trapper John, M.D.,” “M*A*S*H,” “Hill Street Blues,” and “Miami Vice.” He also starred in television films and had a recurring role in “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.” His most notable television role was as Dr. Raymond Langston in “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and as Jack Crawford in “Hannibal.” Additionally, his role as Earl Johnson in “Black-ish” further solidified his presence on the small screen.
• Theatre: Fishburne has an extensive theatre background, with performances in plays like “Eden,” “Short Eyes,” and “Two Trains Running,” for which he won a Tony Award in 1992. He starred in productions of “Riff Raff,” “The Lion in Winter,” and “Fences.” In 2008, he starred in the Broadway production of “Thurgood” and received the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding One-Person Show, highlighting his versatility and talent.

Getty

Personal Life and Real Estate: Fishburne’s Life Beyond the Screen

Laurence Fishburne’s personal life provides a glimpse into his life outside of his acting career.

• Relationships and Family: Fishburne has been married twice. His first marriage was to Hajna O. Moss in 1985, and they divorced in the 1990s. They have two children: Langston, born in 1987, and Montana, born in 1991. In 2002, he married actress Gina Torres, and they have a daughter, Delilah, born in 2007. They divorced in 2018.
• Real Estate: In October 2001, Fishburne purchased a 6,000-square-foot home in Los Angeles for $2.25 million. Today, the estimated value of this property ranges between $5-6 million, reflecting the increase in real estate value.
• Recognition and Awards: He was awarded the Harvard Foundations Artist of the Year Award at the Cultural Rhythms annual show. The city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, also recognized his contributions by giving him the key to the city and declaring February 24th “Laurence Fishburne Day.”

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne’s net worth of $30 million is a testament to his successful career and the financial rewards he has earned through film, television, and theatre. From his early roles to his iconic performances in “The Matrix” and other blockbusters, Fishburne has consistently captivated audiences with his acting prowess and his ability to embody a wide range of characters. His achievements extend beyond acting, including producing and writing, demonstrating his diverse talent. As he continues to grace our screens and stages, Laurence Fishburne’s legacy as a Hollywood icon is assured, inspiring aspiring actors and entertaining audiences for generations to come.