Nancy Cartwright Net Worth

Nancy Cartwright’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Voice of Bart Simpson

Nancy Cartwright’s Net Worth and ‘The Simpsons’ Salary

Nancy Cartwright, the immensely talented voice actress behind the iconic Bart Simpson and several other beloved characters, has amassed a significant net worth throughout her illustrious career. As of 2024, Nancy Cartwright’s net worth is estimated to be around $60 million. This impressive figure is a testament to her long-standing success in the entertainment industry, particularly her pivotal role in the animated sitcom, ‘The Simpsons’. However, it is worth noting that Cartwright’s net worth is slightly lower than some of her fellow cast members due to her substantial contributions to Scientology, estimated at over $20 million over the years.

Cartwright’s voice acting prowess extends beyond ‘The Simpsons’. She provides the voices for several of the show’s most memorable characters, including Ralph Wiggum, Todd Flanders, Nelson Muntz, and Maggie Simpson. The financial success of ‘The Simpsons’ has undoubtedly contributed to Cartwright’s financial standing. According to the latest contract, each principal voice actor on ‘The Simpsons’ earns a staggering $400,000 per episode, which translates into approximately $9 million per season. This substantial salary reflects the enduring popularity and cultural impact of the show.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Nancy Jean Cartwright was born on October 25, 1957, in Dayton, Ohio. Growing up in Kettering, Ohio, with her parents and five siblings, Cartwright displayed an early aptitude for performance. As a fourth grader, she won a school speech competition with a rendition of Rudyard Kipling’s “How the Camel Got His Hump.” This early success foreshadowed a future career in the performing arts. During her high school years at Fairmont West High School, Cartwright further honed her skills, participating in school plays, the marching band, and the Forensic League, where she served as president. She excelled in public speaking competitions, securing first place in the National District Tournament’s “Humorous Interpretation” category for two consecutive years.

After graduating in 1976, Cartwright received a scholarship to Ohio University. She continued to participate in public speaking competitions, placing fifth in the exposition category at the National Speech Tournament with a speech entitled “The Art of Animation.” Her professional career took an important turn when she was hired to do voice-overs for advertisements at Dayton radio station WING. A Warner Bros. Records representative, impressed by her talent, provided her with a list of animation industry contacts. This connection proved pivotal, leading her to Daws Butler, the voice of Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, and Elroy Jetson, who became her mentor. Following Butler’s guidance, Cartwright moved to Los Angeles and earned a theater degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1981, setting the stage for her flourishing career.

‘The Simpsons’ and Iconic Roles

The year 1987 marked a turning point in Nancy Cartwright’s career when she auditioned for a role in a series of animated shorts for ‘The Tracey Ullman Show.” Initially intending to audition for the role of Lisa Simpson, Cartwright found Bart Simpson’s character description more appealing and requested to try out for that part instead. Her audition impressed creator Matt Groening, who immediately offered her the role. The success of the shorts led to the creation of the Fox TV series, ‘The Simpsons,’ in 1989. As of this writing, ‘The Simpsons’ has aired over 700 episodes across 32 seasons, becoming the longest-running American sitcom, animated series, and scripted primetime series.

Cartwright’s portrayal of Bart Simpson has become a cultural phenomenon, earning her international recognition and critical acclaim. Beyond the television series, she has voiced Bart in ‘The Simpsons Movie’ (2007) and numerous video games, including “The Simpsons: Bart vs. the Space Mutants” (1991) and “The Simpsons: Tapped Out” (2012). Her ability to capture the mischievous spirit of Bart has made her a beloved figure in the world of animation. Her success and fame are strongly correlated with the success of the show, making her one of the most recognizable voice actors in the world.

Other Voice Acting and Acting Roles

While Bart Simpson remains her most famous role, Nancy Cartwright has lent her voice to a multitude of other animated projects. She voiced Chuckie Finster in Nickelodeon’s “Rugrats” and reprised the role in “All Grown Up!” (2003–2008), the film “Rugrats Go Wild” (2003), and the Paramount+ reboot of “Rugrats” in 2021. She also provided the voice of Rufus the naked mole rat in the Disney Channel series “Kim Possible” (2002–2007) and its accompanying TV movies, as well as the “Kim Possible” revival film in 2019. Her versatility as a voice actress has allowed her to portray a wide range of characters, showcasing her impressive talent and adaptability.

Cartwright’s acting credits extend beyond voice work. She has appeared in films such as “Twilight Zone: The Movie” (1983) and “Godzilla” (1998), as well as television shows including “Cheers” (1985), “Mr. Belvedere” (1987), “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1995), and “24” (2007). In addition to her on-screen performances, Cartwright has also ventured into production. She formed two production companies, SportsBlast and Spotted Cow Entertainment, and wrote and produced the 2017 film “In Search of Fellini.” This demonstrates her commitment to her craft and her desire to contribute to various aspects of the entertainment industry.

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Personal Life and Scientology

Nancy Cartwright’s personal life has included both joyous and challenging moments. She married writer Warren Murphy in 1988, and they had two children, Lucy and Jack, before divorcing in 2002. She later began a relationship with fellow Scientologist Stephen Brackett in 2007. Tragically, Brackett died in May 2009.

A significant aspect of Cartwright’s life is her involvement with the Church of Scientology, which she joined in the early 1990s. She has been a dedicated member and has donated extensively to the organization. In 2007, she received the Patron Laureate Award after donating $10 million. As of May 2023, her total donations to Scientology have reached an estimated $21 million. Her involvement with Scientology highlights her personal beliefs and commitment to the organization’s principles.

Cartwright has also been involved in philanthropic efforts. She contributed to ASIFA-Hollywood’s Animation Archive Project and received the Make-a-Wish Foundation’s Wish Icon Award in 2007 for her dedication to the Foundation’s fundraising and wish-fulfillment efforts. She created a scholarship at her alma mater, Fairmont High School, to support graduates interested in pursuing studies in speech, debate, drama, or music. Her commitment to helping others reflects her desire to give back to her community and support aspiring artists.

Awards and Achievements

Throughout her career, Nancy Cartwright has received numerous awards and nominations for her outstanding work. She has been nominated for three Primetime Emmys for “The Simpsons,” winning the Outstanding Voice-Over Performance in 1992. In 1995, she won an Annie Award for Outstanding Voice Acting in the Field of Animation for “The Simpsons,” as well as a Drama-Logue Award for “In Search of Fellini.” In 2002, she received the Faith Hubley ‘Web of Life’ Award at the High Falls Film Festival. She has received four Behind the Voice Actors Award nominations for “The Simpsons,” taking home the prize for Best Female Lead Vocal Performance in a Television Series in 2012. The show has also earned her seven Online Film & Television Association Award nominations for Best Voice-Over Performance/Best Voice-Over Performance in an Animated Program.

Cartwright’s exceptional talent and dedication to her craft have made her a respected figure in the entertainment industry. Her contributions to animation and acting have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide, solidifying her place as a true icon. Her honorary doctorate from Ohio University in 2012 and her ongoing involvement in various projects further demonstrate her commitment to excellence.

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