Animated shows geared for an older audience have long been a popular part of TV, and these shows all do things in their own way. Some only attract minimal interest, but as we have seen with shows like Family Guy and South Park, these things can become hugely successful.
The Simpsons was the show that really got the ball rolling for the others that followed, and it's amazing to see that it's still on the air. The voice cast is legendary at this point, and they've all made their millions. Fans, however, want to know who among the cast has the highest net worth.
Let's take a look and see who's on top!
'The Simpsons' Is An Iconic Show That's Still Ongoing
The Simpsons, having been on TV since the 1980s, is one of the greatest shows that has ever existed, and we don't just mean in the animation game. Overall, there aren't many shows in history that come close to matching its legacy, and at this point, few ever will.
The series has had some ups and downs, and sure, it might not be the force that it once was, but no one can deny the impact that it's had on pop culture. Many animated shows around today still owe this series a debt of gratitude.
When this show does eventually call it a day, there will be an unfillable void on TV. Thankfully, the episodes are readily available for streaming, which will ensure that its legacy stays alive.
Because the show has been so successful for so long, it goes without saying that its lead performers have all been able to rake in millions of dollars. Most, however, have no idea just how much these voice actors have made.
'The Simpsons' Voice Actors Have Made Millions Throughout The Years
There is money to be made in voice acting, but it could take some time for performers to really start making the big bucks. For the cast of The Simpsons, it took years for them to start making over $100,000 per episode.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, "The six principal voice actors agree to $100,000 an episode for the 13th and 14th seasons, rising to $125,000 an episode for the 15th. Each also gets a $1 million bonus in lieu of future syndication payments."
As time went on and as the show continued to be a success, this number would continue to grow, which helped the cast increase their net worth dramatically.
In 2008, "The actors demand a substantial increase in pay, as much as $500,000 an episode. They finally settle and sign a deal that pays as much as $440,000 an episode. As part of his deal, Castellaneta also becomes a writer and consulting producer on the series," per The Hollywood Reporter.
Their pay has dipped since, but clearly, these actors all made a mint thanks to their work on the show.
The money that the primary cast of The Simpsons has made is nothing short of astounding, but in the grand scheme of things, only one of them can lay claim to being at the top of the net worth mountain.
Hank Azaria Has The Highest Net Worth At $90 Million
With an estimated net worth of $90 million, actor Hank Azaria is the Simpsons actor with the highest net worth. Aside from being a mainstay on the show for decades, Azaria has had a prolific career in Hollywood, which has had a profound impact on his wealth and his overall success.
Azaria, unlike some of his colleagues from The Simpsons, has had a ton of success on the big screen. The actor has been able to appear in movies like Pretty Woman, Heat, The Birdcage, Anastasia, and Mystery Men, which is just his work from the 90s. His work in film was slowed over time, but this did not stop him from landing in the Night at the Museum franchise, as well as the Smurfs franchise.
A quick look at some of Azaria's colleagues will show that they are quite wealthy, too. Yeardley Smith is worth $85 million, as are Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, and Harry Shearer. Nancy Cartwright comes in just a shade under them at a whopping $80 million. Clearly, voice acting pays when you're on a classic.
The Simpsons remains one of the most impressive feats in TV history, and the cast of the show has been cashing in for years now. Even once the show ends, they will still be collecting checks for years on end, keeping their wealth intact.