Will Forte, the beloved American actor, comedian, writer, and producer, has carved out a truly unique space in Hollywood over the past two decades. Best known for his quirky characters on Saturday Night Live and his Emmy-nominated performance in The Last Man on Earth, Forte has built an impressive and multifaceted career across television, film, animation, and even real estate. As of 2025, Will Forte’s net worth is estimated to be $14 million — a testament to both his comedic talent and enduring versatility in the entertainment industry.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how Will Forte earned his fortune, from his early writing gigs and iconic SNL characters to his voiceover roles, dramatic turns in film, and smart real estate investments. Whether you’re a fan of MacGruber or just curious about Will Forte’s net worth, this article has everything you need to know.
Will Forte Net Worth Overview
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): $14 Million
- Primary Income Sources:
- Television (SNL, The Last Man on Earth)
- Film roles (comedy & drama)
- Voice acting and animated movies
- Writing and producing credits
- Real estate
Will Forte’s $14 million net worth reflects not just his time on screen, but his work behind the scenes as a writer and producer. His diverse career has allowed him to create multiple income streams, sustaining his financial success long after his SNL tenure.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Orville Willis Forte IV on June 17, 1970, in Alameda, California, Will Forte grew up in a middle-class household in Moraga, later moving to Lafayette. His father was a financial broker, and his mother was a schoolteacher-turned-artist.
While Forte initially considered a career in sports or finance, he majored in history at UCLA and even worked as a financial broker for Smith Barney Shearson. But the job left him unfulfilled, and it wasn’t long before he pursued his true passion: comedy writing and performance.
Early Writing Gigs
Forte’s comedy breakthrough came when he:
- Took improv classes with The Groundlings, a legendary Los Angeles-based comedy troupe
- Wrote a comic book titled 101 Things to Definitely Not Do If You Want to Get a Chick
- Landed writing gigs for shows like The Jenny McCarthy Show and Late Show with David Letterman
- Contributed to successful sitcoms like 3rd Rock from the Sun and That ‘70s Show
These formative years built the foundation for Forte’s comedic voice and financial growth.
Saturday Night Live: The Breakthrough
In 2002, Will Forte officially joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, following a performance that caught the eye of SNL creator Lorne Michaels.
Iconic SNL Characters
During his eight-season run (2002–2010), Forte became known for his:
- Eccentric character MacGruber
- Awkward politician Tim Calhoun
- Creepy neighbor Jeff Montgomery
- Offbeat impressions (e.g., George W. Bush, Peyton Manning, Newt Gingrich)
Though his early years on the show were rocky — almost resulting in his firing — Forte found his groove and became a fan-favorite for his commitment to bizarre, high-risk comedy.
Financial Impact
As an SNL cast member, Forte earned an estimated $7,000–$15,000 per episode, depending on tenure. With over 150 episodes under his belt, his total earnings from SNL are estimated at $1.5–$2 million during that period.
Post-SNL TV Career and The Last Man on Earth
After leaving SNL in 2010, Forte ventured into diverse television roles, from sketch comedy to Emmy-nominated performances.
The Last Man on Earth (2015–2018)
Forte created, wrote, and starred in The Last Man on Earth, a post-apocalyptic comedy on Fox. The show earned:
- 3 Emmy nominations
- Widespread critical acclaim
- A loyal cult following
Forte’s work on the series as Philip Tandy “Phil” Miller demonstrated his versatility as a writer and actor. His earnings as creator, executive producer, and star likely exceeded $100,000 per episode, significantly boosting his overall net worth.
Other TV Roles
- Paul L’Astname on 30 Rock
- Guest appearances on Parks and Recreation, How I Met Your Mother, and Up All Night
- Streaming roles in Flipped, Sweet Tooth, and MacGruber (Peacock reboot)
These roles added millions to his long-term career earnings.
Will Forte’s Movie Career: Comedy and Drama
Comedy Highlights
Forte has starred in or contributed to a number of successful comedy films:
- MacGruber (2010)
- The Brothers Solomon (2007)
- That’s My Boy (2012)
- Keanu (2016)
- A Futile and Stupid Gesture (2018)
Critically Acclaimed Drama
Forte showed his dramatic range in Alexander Payne’s Nebraska (2013), earning rave reviews for his portrayal of a patient son navigating a troubled father-son relationship.
Estimated Film Earnings
While exact salaries are not always disclosed, leads in indie and mid-budget films often earn $250,000–$1 million depending on the scale and production.
Voice Acting Roles and Animation Success
Will Forte has also found consistent success as a voice actor, a field known for strong residuals and reliable income streams.
Notable Voice Credits:
- Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
- The Lego Movie (2014) – as Abraham Lincoln
- The Willoughbys (2020)
- Scoob! (2020) – as Shaggy
Animated Series Work
- Gravity Falls
- Bob’s Burgers
- The Simpsons
- The Cleveland Show
- HouseBroken
- The Great North
Animated series often pay $10,000–$75,000 per episode, depending on the actor’s role and show popularity. These recurring gigs significantly contribute to Forte’s annual income.
Will Forte’s Earnings from Writing and Producing
In addition to performing, Forte has made a name as a writer and producer, particularly with:
- The Last Man on Earth
- The Brothers Solomon
- MacGruber (film and reboot series)
- 7 Days in Hell and Tour de Pharmacy (HBO mockumentaries)
Forte’s WGA (Writers Guild of America) credits mean that he earns royalties and residuals for reruns, syndication, and streaming — a consistent source of passive income.
Real Estate Holdings and Investment Strategy
Forte has also demonstrated savvy in the real estate market.
Santa Monica Home
- Purchased: 2002 for $850,000
- Listed: 2020 for $2.5 million
- Status: Sold or under offer (as of 2021)
Though he barely lived in the home due to his move to NYC for SNL, the property’s appreciation added a significant profit margin to his financial portfolio.
Investing in Southern California real estate has proven to be a smart move for Forte — aligning with the strategies of other Hollywood professionals.
Personal Life and Family
In 2015, Forte dated actress January Jones, his co-star from The Last Man on Earth. Later, he began a relationship with Olivia Modling, whom he married in July 2021.
They welcomed their daughter, Zoe Forte, in February 2021, and the family maintains a relatively private life, away from the Hollywood spotlight.
Forte is known for being modest and down-to-earth, often avoiding celebrity excess and maintaining a clean reputation throughout his career.
Awards, Recognition, and Cultural Impact
Though best known for quirky roles, Will Forte has earned critical acclaim and industry respect.
Award Nominations
- 3 Emmy nominations for The Last Man on Earth
- Multiple WGA nominations for writing
- Indie Spirit Award nomination for Nebraska
- Annie Award nomination (voice acting)
Forte’s work continues to influence comedic writing and performance, especially among fans of absurdist and character-driven humor.
Conclusion: How Will Forte Built His $14M Net Worth
Will Forte’s net worth of $14 million is a product of decades of work — from live sketch comedy to scripted TV, animated films, voice acting, and producing. By diversifying his roles and staying creatively involved behind the scenes, Forte has built a financial future rooted in artistic integrity and smart investments.
From his days at The Groundlings to leading Emmy-nominated series and voicing beloved animated characters, Forte has achieved sustained success while remaining one of comedy’s most original voices.
FAQs About Will Forte’s Net Worth
Q: What is Will Forte’s current net worth?
A: As of 2025, Will Forte’s net worth is estimated at $14 million.
Q: How did Will Forte make his money?
A: Through TV shows like SNL and The Last Man on Earth, film roles, voice acting, writing, producing, and real estate.
Q: Is Will Forte still acting?
A: Yes, Forte continues to act in films, TV shows, and voice roles. He also works behind the scenes as a writer and producer.
Q: Did Will Forte create The Last Man on Earth?
A: Yes, Forte was the creator, executive producer, writer, and star of the Fox series.
Q: Is Will Forte married?
A: Yes, he married Olivia Modling in 2021, and they have one daughter, Zoe.
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