Norman Reedus at a Glance
- Categories: Celebrities > Actors, Celebrities
- Net Worth: $25 Million
- Birthdate: Jan 6, 1969 (55 years old)
- Birthplace: Hollywood
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Actor, Model, Painter, Sculptor, Photographer, Voice Actor
- Nationality: United States of America
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
What Is Norman Reedus’ Net Worth? A Deep Dive into His Career and Earnings
Norman Reedus is a multifaceted American actor, model, and television personality. He has captivated audiences with his compelling performances, particularly in the hit series “The Walking Dead.” Beyond his acting prowess, Reedus has also made a mark in the modeling world and has a passion for photography and motorcycle culture. This article delves into Norman Reedus’s net worth, exploring his diverse career, financial success, and personal life.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Norman Mark Reedus on January 6, 1969, in Hollywood, Florida, Reedus’s background is a tapestry of diverse heritages, including Italian, English, Irish, and Scottish. His early life included a brief stint at Bethany College in Kansas, followed by a period working at a Harley-Davidson shop in Venice, California. During his time in California, Reedus explored his artistic side, contributing artwork to various shows as a painter, photographer, sculptor, and video artist. This early immersion in the arts laid the foundation for his later creative endeavors.
Reedus’s journey into acting began unexpectedly. While attending a party in Los Angeles, he was approached and offered a role in the play “Maps for Drowners” at the Tiffany Theater on Sunset Boulevard. This initial foray into acting marked a significant turning point, propelling him toward a successful career in the entertainment industry.
“The Walking Dead”: A Career-Defining Role
In 2010, Reedus joined the cast of AMC’s post-apocalyptic horror drama “The Walking Dead.” He took on the role of Daryl Dixon, a character initially created for the show and not present in the original comic book series. Reedus’s audition impressed the showrunners so much that they created the role specifically for him after being impressed by his audition for the character Merle Dixon. Daryl quickly became a fan favorite, known for his survival skills, loyalty, and complex personality. Initially a recurring character, Daryl’s popularity led to his promotion to a full-time role, eventually becoming the show’s main protagonist from season 9 onwards. Reedus’s portrayal of Daryl Dixon has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, solidifying his status as a leading actor.
In 2023, Reedus reprised his role as Daryl Dixon in the spin-off series “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon”, further expanding the character’s story and appeal.
“The Walking Dead” Salary: From Recurring to Top Earner
Norman Reedus’s salary on “The Walking Dead” reflects his growing importance to the series. Initially, as a recurring character, his earnings were modest. However, as Daryl Dixon’s role expanded, so did Reedus’s compensation. By 2017, he was earning $650,000 per episode, a substantial increase from his earlier seasons. This figure rose to $1 million per episode by 2019, making him one of the highest-paid actors on television. With approximately 22 to 24 episodes per season, depending on the season, his annual earnings from the show reached $22 to $24 million. This significant income contributed greatly to his overall net worth.
Other “Walking Dead” cast members’ net worths include:
“Ride with Norman Reedus”: Exploring the Open Road
In 2015, AMC expanded its relationship with Reedus by ordering the travel series “Ride with Norman Reedus.” This show allows Reedus to indulge his passion for motorcycles and explore different cities and cultures across America. Each episode features Reedus and a guest as they embark on a motorcycle journey, visiting various locations and immersing themselves in local biker culture. The show has proven popular, with six seasons as of April 2020, offering viewers a glimpse into Reedus’s personal interests and his engaging personality.

Rich Polk/Getty Images
Other Projects: Modeling, Music Videos, and Photography
Beyond acting, Norman Reedus has enjoyed a successful career as a model. He has been featured in campaigns for renowned brands such as Prada, Alessandro Dell’Acqua, Durban, Levi’s, Lexus, and Morgenthal Fredrics, showcasing his versatility and appeal. In the mid-1990s, Reedus also made a name for himself by appearing in several music videos for well-known artists, including:
- “Wicked As It Seems” by Keith Richards
- “Violently Happy” by Björk
- “Flat Top” by Goo Goo Dolls
- “Strange Currencies” by R.E.M.
- “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead
Even after becoming a successful actor, Reedus continued to appear in music videos, further demonstrating his diverse talents. Some of his later music video appearances include:
- “Judas” by Lady Gaga
- “Gypsy Woman” by Hilary Duff
- “No Cities to Love” by Sleater-Kinney
In addition to his modeling and music video work, Reedus has also ventured into photography. In 2013, he released a photography book titled “The Sun’s Coming Up… Like a Big Bald Head,” showcasing his artistic eye and further diversifying his creative portfolio. Reedus also runs Bigbaldhead, a New York-based film production company, demonstrating his continued involvement in various aspects of the entertainment industry.
Personal Life: Relationships, Family, and Accidents
Norman Reedus’s personal life has also garnered public interest. He was in a relationship with model Helena Christensen from 1998 to 2003. They have a son, Mingus Lucien Reedus, born in October 1999. In 2015, Reedus met German actress and model Diane Kruger while co-starring in the film “Sky.” They began dating in July 2016 and welcomed their daughter in November 2018.
In 2005, Reedus was involved in a serious traffic accident in Berlin, Germany, after leaving an R.E.M. concert. The driver of the vehicle suddenly swerved into traffic, and a semi-truck hit their car. Reedus was thrown through the windshield, landing on the sidewalk and sustaining severe injuries to his nose and face. He underwent reconstructive surgery, including the insertion of four screws and a titanium left eye socket.
Real Estate: A Look at Norman Reedus’ Properties
Norman Reedus has invested in real estate, owning several properties across the United States. In 2013, he purchased a New York City penthouse for $3.8 million. In 2015, he acquired a second home in upstate New York for just under $3 million. Further expanding his real estate portfolio, Reedus and Diane Kruger purchased a townhouse in NYC’s West Village for $11.75 million in 2018. In March 2020, they added a home in the Hollywood Hills to their collection, paying $8.5 million.