As of 2026, James Woods has an estimated net worth of approximately $25 million to $30 million. This wealth is the result of a prolific career spanning over five decades in film, television, and voice acting, supplemented by strategic investments and a successful secondary career as a professional poker player. While his peak earning years occurred during the 1980s and 1990s—where he commanded multi-million dollar salaries for lead roles in films like Casino and Hercules—Woods has maintained his financial standing through consistent residuals, voice work for the Family Guy franchise, and high-stakes tournament winnings. Beyond entertainment, his portfolio includes significant real estate holdings in California and Rhode Island, alongside private equity interests cultivated through his high-IQ background and MIT education.
The Early Years: Broadway and Breakouts
James Woods began his financial journey not in Hollywood, but on the stages of New York City, where he established his reputation as a formidable talent.
After dropping out of MIT just weeks before graduation to pursue acting, Woods made his Broadway debut in 1970 in Borstal Boy. Early theater work provided a steady, albeit modest, income that allowed him to transition into film. His breakout role in the 1979 film The Onion Field significantly increased his market value, earning him his first Golden Globe nomination and moving his salary into the high five-figure range—a substantial sum for a character actor at the time.
By the early 1980s, Woods had become a “prestige” actor. His roles in Videodrome (1983) and Once Upon a Time in America (1984) solidified his status as a lead performer who could carry a film both artistically and commercially. This era marked his transition into the six-figure salary bracket per project, setting the stage for his multi-million dollar deals in the following decade.
Peak Earnings: The 1990s Movie Star
The 1990s represented the pinnacle of James Woods’ commercial power, characterized by high-profile film roles and lucrative studio contracts.
During this decade, Woods appeared in a string of hits including The Specialist, Casino, and Nixon. For a major studio production like The Specialist (1994), industry estimates suggest Woods earned between $1 million and $2 million, a standard rate for a high-tier antagonist or supporting lead. His voice work for Disney’s Hercules (1997) as Hades became a career-defining role, providing not just an upfront fee but a perpetual stream of residuals through merchandise, theme park attractions, and video game sequels.
Estimated 1990s Salary Highlights
The Specialist (1994): $1,500,000
Hercules (1997): $1,000,000 (Base plus royalties)
Ghosts of Mississippi (1996): $750,000 (Prestige rate)
These earnings were often reinvested into a diversified portfolio, protecting his net worth from the typical “boom and bust” cycle of Hollywood careers. His disciplined approach to financial management, often attributed to his high analytical intelligence, allowed him to enter the 21st century with a solid eight-figure foundation.
Television Success: The Shark Era
In the mid-2000s, Woods made a strategic move to “Peak TV,” which provided the most consistent paycheck of his later career.
From 2006 to 2008, Woods starred as Sebastian Stark in the legal drama Shark. At the height of the show’s success, he was reportedly earning $200,000 to $250,000 per episode. With 38 episodes produced over two seasons, this single project generated approximately $8 million to $9.5 million in gross earnings before taxes and agency fees.
The success of Shark demonstrated Woods’ ability to transition from film star to television lead, a move that significantly bolstered his net worth at a time when mid-budget film roles were becoming scarce. Even after the show’s cancellation, the international syndication deals continue to provide “mailbox money” in the form of residuals that contribute to his 2026 valuation.
Professional Poker and Alternative Income
Unlike many actors who lose money on hobbies, James Woods turned his passion for poker into a legitimate secondary revenue stream.
Woods is a frequent competitor at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and other high-stakes circuits. According to the Hendon Mob Poker Database, his total live earnings as of early 2026 exceed $450,000. While this represents a small fraction of his total net worth, it highlights his analytical skill and ability to maintain a positive cash flow outside of traditional acting roles.
His most significant poker cashes include a 24th-place finish at the 2006 LA Poker Classic for nearly $40,000 and several deep runs in WSOP events between 2015 and 2025. In the poker world, Woods is respected as a “thinking player” rather than a celebrity novelty, often competing in grueling 12-hour sessions against the world’s best professionals.
Real Estate and Asset Portfolio
A substantial portion of Woods’ $25–$30 million net worth is tied up in prime American real estate.
Woods has owned several high-value properties over the years, most notably in the Los Angeles area and Rhode Island. In 2015, he listed his historic Rhode Island estate for approximately $1.39 million, and he has a history of buying and selling properties in the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills. These assets act as a hedge against inflation and have appreciated significantly over the decades.
2026 Asset Breakdown
Primary Residence (CA): Estimated value of $5 million – $7 million.
Investment Properties: $3 million – $5 million.
Liquid Assets/Equities: $10 million – $12 million.
IP and Residuals: $5 million (Valuation of future royalty streams).
Practical Information and Career Data
For researchers or fans tracking the financial trajectory of veteran actors, these data points provide context for James Woods’ longevity.
Key Financial Metrics
Total Career Gross Box Office: Over $2.3 billion for films in which he had a credited role.
Highest Single Project Payday: Approximately $4 million (inclusive of backend/residuals for Shark Season 1).
2026 Estimated Annual Residual Income: $300,000 – $600,000 (driven by Family Guy, Hercules, and Casino).
What to Expect in 2026
In 2026, James Woods remains a controversial yet financially stable figure. While his political activism has reduced his frequency in mainstream studio films, his voice work and “legacy status” ensure a steady income. He is often seen at high-profile poker events in Las Vegas and continues to engage with a massive social media following, which serves as a platform for his personal brand.
FAQs
What is James Woods’ net worth in 2026?
His net worth is estimated to be between $25 million and $30 million, depending on the current valuation of his real estate holdings and private investments.
How much did James Woods make from Family Guy?
While exact figures are private, voice actors of his stature for recurring guest roles typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 per episode, plus significant residuals for reruns.
Is James Woods still acting?
Yes, though he is more selective. In 2026, he focuses primarily on voice acting and independent projects, alongside his presence in the professional poker circuit.
What was his highest-paying movie?
The Specialist (1994) and Casino (1995) are widely considered his highest upfront film paydays, with salaries in the seven-figure range.
How much has he won playing poker?
His documented live tournament winnings are approximately $458,000, though this does not include private cash games or online play.
Did he attend MIT?
Yes, he majored in political science and was a member of the student theater group before dropping out just before graduation in 1969 to pursue acting.
Does he get royalties for Hercules?
Yes, as the voice of Hades, he receives ongoing royalties for the character’s use in video games (like Kingdom Hearts), toys, and streaming.
How many Oscars was James Woods nominated for?
He has two Academy Award nominations: Best Actor for Salvador (1986) and Best Supporting Actor for Ghosts of Mississippi (1996).
What is his annual income today?
Industry analysts estimate his annual income from all sources (residuals, poker, investments) to be between $1 million and $2 million.
Why did his net worth increase in recent years?
The appreciation of his California real estate and the continued growth of his investment portfolio have offset his reduced frequency of leading film roles.
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