Matt LeBlanc Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is Matt LeBlanc’s Net Worth and Salary?

Born an American actor and producer, Matt LeBlanc has a net worth of $85 million. He is most famously recognized for his portrayal of Joey Tribbiani on the iconic TV sitcom “Friends,” which aired from 1994 to 2004.

Prior to gaining fame, LeBlanc featured in numerous commercials and participated in minor roles on television programs like “TV 101” and “Married… with Children.” These early endeavors paved the way for his breakthrough in “Friends.” As Joey, a hopeful actor with a kind heart, LeBlanc’s charming innocence and flawless comedic timing endeared him to audiences globally, leading to three Emmy nominations.

Following “Friends,” LeBlanc took the lead in “Joey,” a series that depicted his character’s efforts to succeed in Hollywood. While this show did not replicate the massive success of “Friends,” it showcased LeBlanc’s dedication to his role. After a brief break from television, he re-emerged in 2011 with the Showtime/BBC series “Episodes,” where he played a fictionalized version of himself and received critical acclaim, earning a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy.

Adding to his range, LeBlanc co-hosted the popular automotive show “Top Gear” from 2016 to 2019. His enthusiasm for cars and engaging on-screen personality brought an exciting twist to the show. In 2016, he made his return to network television with CBS’s sitcom “Man with a Plan,” portraying a father who assumes greater responsibilities at home when his wife resumes her job. The series ran for four seasons, highlighting LeBlanc’s aptitude for family-centric comedy.

Early Life

Born as Matthew Steven LeBlanc on July 25, 1967, in Newton, Massachusetts, Matt attended Newton North High School, sharing his class with comedian Louis C.K. After graduating in 1985, he enrolled at the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston but chose to leave after his second semester to chase an acting career.

Early Acting Career

In the 1980s, LeBlanc featured in various national television commercials for well-known brands like Heinz and Coca-Cola. His first television role came in 1988 in the short-lived series “TV 101.” In 1991, he achieved a recurring role in the beloved Fox sitcom “Married…with Children” as Vinnie Verducci. Additionally, he appeared in music videos for artists including Bon Jovi, Alanis Morissette, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Bob Seger.

“Friends”

LeBlanc’s breakthrough arrived when he auditioned for the role of the goofy and bighearted “ladies’ man” Joey Tribbiani, a part he played from 1994 over the span of ten seasons. At the time, he was reportedly down to his last $11 before securing the role. This opportunity catapulted him to fame alongside his co-stars, making LeBlanc a household name. He garnered three Emmy nominations for his performance. Matt also played a key role in the spin-off series “Joey” from 2004 to 2006. During this period, he made guest appearances on Lisa Kudrow’s “Web Therapy.” Following the cancellation of “Joey,” he took a five-year break from acting.

Other Work

Some of his most prominent film appearances include “Ed,” “All The Queen’s Men,” “Lost In Space,” “Lovesick,” and “Charlie’s Angels.” From 2011 to 2017, LeBlanc starred in the series “Episodes,” created by Jeffrey Klarik and “Friends” co-creator David Crane. In 2016, he began hosting “Top Gear,” and that same year, he took on the role of Adam Burns in the CBS television series.

The series “Man with a Plan” featured Matt, who departed from “Top Gear” in May 2018 after a three-year tenure. LeBlanc has received numerous accolades, such as a Golden Globe Award for “Episodes,” a Screen Actors Guild Award for “Friends,” and People’s Choice Awards for “Joey” and “Man with a Plan.” In May 2020, the show “Man with a Plan” was canceled. In 2021, he made appearances on “Friends: The Reunion” as well as “Top Gear: A Tribute to Sabine Schmitz.”

Personal Life

LeBlanc wed his long-term girlfriend, British-born American model Melissa McKnight, in May 2003. They welcomed their daughter, Marina, in 2004. However, the marriage ended in divorce in October 2006. Post-divorce, Matt was in a relationship with actress Andrea Anders from 2006 until 2015, having met her on the “Joey” set.

Real Estate

In 2007, shortly after his divorce from Melissa McKnight, Matt purchased a property in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles for $7.4 million. He vacated the residence in 2012 and subsequently leased it for $13,000 a month as per real estate listings. In 2016, he attempted to sell the home for $10 million. Eventually, a buyer was found in 2017, who paid just under the original $7.4 million Matt invested ten years prior. LeBlanc also possesses two adjoining homes in Encino, California, along with a sprawling 1,000-acre ranch in Santa Ynez, California, which he acquired in 2002.

Matt LeBlanc “Friends” Salaries

During the inaugural season of “Friends,” each actor received $22,500 per episode, totaling $540,000 for that season. Their earnings increased to $40,000 per episode in the second season, bringing the total to $960,000. With contracts expiring before the third season, the cast collaborated to negotiate collectively, resulting in a rate of $75,000 per episode for season three ($1.875 million for the season), $85,000 for season four ($2.04 million), $100,000 in season five ($2.5 million), and $125,000 for season six ($3.125 million). Prior to season seven, the cast successfully negotiated for significant raises, with each earning $750,000 per episode across seasons seven and eight ($18 million per season). For the final two seasons, nine and ten, each cast member commanded $1 million per episode, equating to $24 million for season nine and $18 million for season ten. Cumulatively, each star of “Friends” amassed around $90 million solely from base salaries, excluding backend bonuses or ongoing royalties.

“Friends” Royalties

In the contract negotiations of 2000, the cast insisted on backend points, enabling them to earn royalties from the show’s syndication. Before this, only a few other TV stars, like Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Cosby, had ownership stakes in their series. “Friends” has consistently produced over $1 billion annually in syndication royalties and streaming agreements. Reports suggest that each cast member, in some years, can earn between $10 million and $20 million just from royalties.