Jon Cryer Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What is Jon Cryer’s Net Worth and Salary?

An American actor in television and film, Jon Cryer boasts a net worth of $70 million. He first captured widespread attention portraying “Duckie” Dale in John Hughes’ 1986 teen classic “Pretty in Pink.” Before this significant role, he appeared both on Broadway and in smaller film ventures. Throughout the late 1980s and into the 1990s, Cryer maintained a steady career in both TV and film, featuring in series like “The Famous Teddy Z” and films such as “Hot Shots!” and “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.” Although he was consistently working, it wasn’t until 2003 that he found another major success.

In 2003, he landed his most notable role as Alan Harper in “Two and a Half Men,” a series that ran for 12 seasons. His depiction of the neurotic, love-challenged chiropractor garnered him two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, one in 2009 and another in 2012.

Post “Two and a Half Men,” which concluded in 2015, Cryer remained active in television, notably taking on the role of Lex Luthor in The CW’s “Supergirl” and guest-starring in series such as “NCIS” and “Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television.” He has also lent his voice to animated series and authored a memoir titled “So That Happened,” which was published in 2015.

Early Life

Born Jonathan Niven Cryer on April 16th, 1965, in New York City, Jon grew up in an acting-oriented family. His father was a seasoned actor while his mother worked as a playwright, actress, and singer. Alongside two sisters, Jon grew up surrounded by artistic influence. Although initially hesitant about his career choice, Jon was determined to become an actor by the time he turned 12.

During high school, he took acting workshops every summer. After completing high school in 1983, he went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London for a summer course focusing on Shakespeare’s works.

Career

Jon Cryer began his career with a role in the Broadway play Torch Song Trilogy. Initially, Matthew Broderick was set to play the part, but Cryer stepped in, earning his first professional credit. He later took on the lead in 1984’s No Small Affair after again replacing Broderick, a scenario that would reoccur in other productions due to his resemblance to Broderick.

After appearing in several minor television and film roles, Cryer’s significant breakthrough emerged in 1986 with Pretty in Pink. This role earned him teen idol status and established him as a heartthrob among young audiences nationwide. This film not only succeeded commercially but also developed a cult following over time. Despite his hope to leverage this success with a leading role in the 1989 series The Famous Teddy Z, unfavorable reviews led to its cancellation after a single season.

Entering the 1990s, Cryer launched his career with a strong performance in Hot Shots!, a film that received favorable reviews and solidified his position within the “Brat Pack.” In 1993, he auditioned for Chandler’s role on Friends, but his audition tape…

Unfortunately, he didn’t reach the network in time. In 1995, Cryer participated in another TV series that did not succeed, titled Partners, which was canceled after a single season.

Following this, Jon Cryer took on the roles of writer and producer for the film Went to Coney Island on a Mission From God… Be Back By Five. The film debuted at the Los Angeles Film Festival and garnered positive feedback. Subsequently, he joined the casts of Getting Personal and The Trouble With Normal, both of which also faced cancellation after just one season. However, it was in 2003 that Cryer finally began to gain traction with Two and a Half Men. Although CBS executives were initially opposed to casting Cryer, his friendship with Charlie Sheen became the pivotal factor for his selection. The show enjoyed a run until 2013, with Jon Cryer being the sole actor present in every episode. For his performances in the series, he was awarded two Emmys.

While working on Two and a Half Men, Cryer still managed to engage in additional projects, including the films Tortured and Shorts. Post the conclusion of Two and a Half Men, he featured in three episodes of NCIS during the 2015-2016 season. In 2018, Jon Cryer secured the role of Lex Luthor for the TV series Supergirl. Due to the character’s significant role in the “Arrowverse,” Cryer is set to appear in multiple crossover episodes across other series. Notably, in 1987, Cryer portrayed Lenny Luthor, Lex Luthor’s nephew, in Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.

Moreover, Cryer has guest-starred in several other television series, such as The Outer Limits, Family Guy, The Practice, American Dad!, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Hannah Montana, The Cleveland Show, Robot Chicken, and Will & Grace.

Salary Highlights

During the middle seasons of Two and a Half Men, Jon was making $550,000 per episode. Before season 11, his pay increased to $650,000 per episode. At this juncture, he was netting over $15 million annually in base salary, excluding syndication and re-run royalties. In just the last two seasons, Jon earned upwards of $30 million. Throughout his tenure on the show, his earnings exceeded $100 million. In the first year of the show’s syndication deal sales, he accrued tens of millions more. When everything is considered over the following decades, it is estimated that he will have made $200 million from the series.

Personal Life

In 1999, Jon Cryer wed actress Sarah Trigger. The couple welcomed one child before their divorce in 2004. In 2007, Cryer entered into marriage with reporter Lisa Joyner, and they adopted a child in 2009.