Steve Whitmire Net Worth
| Net Worth | Salary | Birthdate | Birthplace | Gender | Height | Profession | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10 million | $2 million per year | September 24, 1959 | Atlanta, Georgia | Male | [Height not available] | Voice Actor, Puppeteer | American |
Steve Whitmire is an American voice actor and puppeteer who has a net worth of $10 million. He is most famous for his work as the puppeteer behind the beloved Henson characters, Kermit the Frog and Ernie. Along with providing the voices for Beaker at Statler, he has contributed to the success of several iconic characters. Steve’s most recent salary for performing these characters was $2 million per year.
Highlights
– Steve Whitmire’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million.
– He gained fame as the puppeteer behind Kermit the Frog and Ernie.
– Whitmire’s recent salary for his iconic characters was $2 million per year.
Early Life
Steve Whitmire was born on September 24, 1959, in Atlanta, Georgia. He began his career as a puppeteer at the amusement park Six Flags Over Georgia. His talent and passion for puppetry led him to make appearances on local Atlanta TV, where he performed with his puppet named Otis.
Career
Whitmire’s career took off when he secured a job at The Muppet Show in 1978, at the age of 19. Within the show, he quickly rose through the ranks and found himself as the second performer of Kermit the Frog and Ernie, supporting Jim Henson.
After Jim Henson’s unexpected passing in 1990, Steve Whitmire was chosen by Jim’s son Brian to officially take over the roles of Kermit the Frog and Ernie. Alongside these characters, Whitmire played various other roles such as Rizzo the Rat, Lips, Foo-Foo, and Wembley Fraggle.
Whitmire held the roles of Kermit and Ernie from 1978 until July 2017, when he was fired by Disney. The termination came as a shock to Whitmire, who claimed he did not understand the reason behind Disney’s decision. However, Disney executives reported that Whitmire had been difficult to work with for years, often refusing to work on certain projects and causing challenges during contract negotiations.
Personal Life
Details about Steve Whitmire’s personal life are not widely available. However, his dedication and talent as a puppeteer have established him as one of the industry’s most recognizable figures.
Net Worth Over Time
Steve Whitmire’s net worth has evolved significantly throughout his career. Starting from humble beginnings at Six Flags Over Georgia, his talent and commitment propelled him to join The Muppet Show. As the puppeteer behind Kermit the Frog and Ernie, he became an integral part of the iconic characters’ success.
While his net worth currently stands at $10 million, it is important to note that his firing by Disney in 2017 may have impacted his earnings and potential future projects. Nevertheless, Whitmire’s contributions to the world of puppetry and voice acting have solidified his reputation and earning potential.
Components of Net Worth
Steve Whitmire’s net worth can be attributed to various factors:
1. Salary: As a renowned puppeteer and voice actor, Whitmire earned a substantial salary. His most recent salary for performing the characters of Kermit the Frog and Ernie was $2 million per year.
2. Endorsements and Royalties: Through his work with The Muppets and other endeavors, Whitmire may have received additional income from endorsements and royalties.
3. Investments: Like many celebrities, it is possible that Whitmire has invested a portion of his earnings, potentially further increasing his net worth.
4. Other Ventures: While information about Whitmire’s other ventures is limited, he may have pursued other opportunities within the entertainment industry or related fields, contributing to his net worth.
In conclusion, Steve Whitmire’s net worth of $10 million reflects his successful career as a puppeteer and voice actor. His exceptional talent and dedication to iconic characters like Kermit the Frog and Ernie have made him a beloved figure in the industry. However, his firing by Disney in 2017 may have had an impact on his earning potential and future projects. Nevertheless, Whitmire’s contributions to the world of puppetry have left an indelible mark and secured his place as a notable talent in the entertainment world.