What Is Dominic West’s Net Worth?
Dominic West, a celebrated English actor renowned for his performances across television, film, and theatre, has accumulated a substantial net worth over his career. According to available information, Dominic West’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. This valuation reflects his earnings from various roles, including his notable appearances in “The Wire,” “The Affair,” and “The Crown,” alongside his work in films such as “Chicago,” “300,” and “Colette.”
Dominic West’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on October 15, 1969, in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, Dominic West’s upbringing provided a foundation for his future acting endeavors. He is one of seven children born to Thomas, who owned a plastics factory, and Pauline, an actress. West’s educational journey included attending Eton College, a prestigious institution known for producing notable figures in British society. Following his graduation, he embarked on a gap year, which included a four-month stint herding cattle in Argentina, providing a unique life experience before pursuing higher education. West then enrolled at Trinity College Dublin, where he studied English Literature, further honing his understanding of narrative and storytelling. His formal training culminated at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, from which he graduated in 1995, equipping him with the skills necessary to launch his professional acting career.
West’s career began with a role in “Richard III,” where he played Henry, Earl of Richmond. This debut was followed by roles in “True Blue,” “E=mc2,” and “Surviving Picasso” in 1996. During the late 1990s, he broadened his acting portfolio with appearances in “The Gambler,” “Diana & Me,” “Spice World,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.” In “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” he played Lysander, and in “Star Wars,” he was cast as Jerus Jannick, demonstrating his versatility across different genres.
Dominic West’s Television Career
Dominic West’s television career is marked by a series of impactful roles, beginning with his debut in the 1998 BBC medical drama “Out of Hours,” where he played a leading role in all six parts. This early exposure paved the way for more significant roles, including appearances in a 1999 television film adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” and in the 2001 film “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby.” However, it was his role in the critically acclaimed crime drama “The Wire” that truly catapulted him to fame.
From 2002 to 2008, West starred as Jimmy McNulty in “The Wire,” a role that earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim. His portrayal of the complex and often flawed American police detective became a defining moment in his career. During his time on the show, he also directed the 2008 episode “Took,” showcasing his talents both in front of and behind the camera. Following “The Wire,” West continued to take on challenging roles, including portraying Oliver Cromwell in the four-part series “The Devil’s Whore.”
From 2011 to 2012, West delivered a lauded performance as Hector Madden in the BBC period drama “The Hour,” earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. During this period, he also received acclaim for his portrayal of serial killer Fred West in the ITV two-part series “Appropriate Adult.” Further recognition came in 2013 when he played actor Richard Burton in the biographical television film “Burton & Taylor.” In 2014, West began starring as Noah Solloway in the Showtime drama series “The Affair,” a role that earned him his second Golden Globe nomination. “The Affair” spanned five seasons, concluding in 2019, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished actor.
In addition to these major roles, West’s television credits include a BBC adaptation of “Les Misérables,” the Sky One series “Brassic,” the Australian limited series “Stateless,” and the Netflix series “The Crown,” where he portrayed Prince Charles in the final two seasons. Each of these roles contributed to his reputation as one of the most versatile actors in the industry, and also contributed to Dominic West’s net worth.
Dominic West’s Film Career
Dominic West’s film career showcases his versatility and range across various genres. After graduating from Guildhall, West quickly transitioned to film, debuting in “Richard III” (1995) as Henry, Earl of Richmond. The following year, he appeared in “True Blue,” “E=mc2,” and “Surviving Picasso,” establishing his presence on the big screen. The late 1990s saw West taking on diverse roles in “The Gambler,” the romantic comedy “Diana & Me,” the musical comedy “Spice World,” and the Shakespearean adaptation “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” where he played Lysander. He also took on the role of Jerus Jannick in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.”
In the 2000s, West continued to expand his filmography with roles in “28 Days,” “Rock Star,” “Ten Minutes Older,” and the Academy Award-winning musical “Chicago.” His versatility was further demonstrated in “Mona Lisa Smile,” the horror thriller “The Forgotten,” and the action film “300,” where he portrayed Spartan politician Theron. Towards the end of the decade, West appeared in “Hannibal Rising” and “Punisher: War Zone.”
The 2010s saw West in “Centurion” and “From Time to Time,” along with lending his voice to the satirical puppet film “Jackboots on Whitehall.” He also starred in “Johnny English Reborn” and “The Awakening,” and voiced a character in the animated film “Arthur Christmas.” In 2012, he appeared in the science-fiction fantasy “John Carter.” Between 2014 and 2018, West played a gay activist in “Pride,” Ernest Hemingway in “Genius,” a holding company CEO in “Money Monster,” and French writer Henry Gauthier-Villars in “Colette.” His other notable credits include “Testament of Youth,” “The Square,” and the 2018 adaptation of “Tomb Raider.” These roles have contributed to Dominic West’s net worth.
Dominic West’s Theatrical Ventures
In addition to his film and television work, Dominic West has maintained a strong presence in the theater, showcasing his versatility as a performer. In 2006, he appeared in a production of Harley Granville Barker’s “The Voysey Inheritance” at the Royal National Theatre, demonstrating his commitment to classical and contemporary works. A few years later, he took on the leading role in a production of Pedro Calderon de la Barca’s “Life is a Dream,” further cementing his reputation as a serious and dedicated actor.
West also played the titular role in the classic Simon Gray comedy “Butley,” and portrayed Iago in a production of “Othello” at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. These roles highlight his ability to tackle complex characters and deliver compelling performances on stage. Other notable theatrical credits include Jez Butterworth’s “The River,” a production of the Lerner and Loewe musical “My Fair Lady,” and a revival of Christopher Hampton’s version of “Les Liaisons Dangereuses.” His involvement in these diverse theatrical projects underscores his dedication to the art of acting and his willingness to explore various genres and styles.
Dominic West’s Personal Life and Real Estate
Dominic West’s personal life is intertwined with his professional endeavors. He has a daughter with a former girlfriend, Polly Astor, daughter of British politician Michael Astor. Following the end of that relationship, West reconnected with Catherine FitzGerald, whom he had previously dated while studying at Trinity College Dublin. They married in 2010 and have four children together.
Catherine FitzGerald comes from an aristocratic family, the FitzGerald dynasty, with a long and storied history. Her late father, Desmond FitzGerald, was the 29th Knight of Glin, and the family has owned Glin Castle in County Limerick for over 700 years. The knighthood of Glin became extinct upon her father’s passing in 2011, as he had only daughters. In 2015, Catherine, her mother, and her sisters considered placing Glin Castle up for auction with a starting bid of $8 million. However, they did not receive an acceptable offer and decided to keep the castle within the family.
Today, Dominic West and Catherine FitzGerald reside in Glin Castle as their primary family home in Ireland. They also own a home in Shepherd’s Bush, London. The value of Glin Castle and their London residence contribute to Dominic West’s overall assets, further influencing Dominic West’s net worth.