Seth MacFarlane, born October 26, 1973, is an American actor, animator, writer, producer, director, comedian, and singer. He is best known for creating and starring in “Family Guy” and “The Orville,” and co-creating “American Dad!” and “The Cleveland Show.”
MacFarlane directed and starred in “Ted,” its sequel, and “A Million Ways to Die in the West.” A Rhode Island School of Design graduate, he worked for Hanna-Barbera before creating “Seth MacFarlane‘s Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy.” He has won five Primetime Emmys, received five Grammy nominations, and hosted the 2013 Oscars.
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Seth MacFarlane’s Net Worth
Seth MacFarlane has a net worth of $300 million. From 2005 to 2008, Fox paid him $2 million annually for show-running duties. In 2009, he secured a 5-year, $100 million deal to oversee his animation projects, the largest TV contract at the time.
Additionally, DVD and merchandise rights bring him an estimated $20 million yearly. This highlights the immense financial potential in the animation business, as demonstrated by MacFarlane, Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Matt Groening’s.
Early life
Seth MacFarlane, born in Kent, Connecticut, developed an interest in illustration early, drawing cartoon characters at age two. By nine, he published a weekly comic strip for a local newspaper. He graduated from Kent School in 1991 and attended the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), majoring in animation.
His thesis film, “The Life of Larry,” inspired “Family Guy.” After graduation in 1995, MacFarlane was hired by Hanna-Barbera. His parents, Ronald and Ann, both worked in education, and his sister, Rachael, is a voice actress. MacFarlane also performed stand-up comedy during his time at RISD.
Career
Seth MacFarlane’s television career began with his recruitment by Hanna-Barbera, thanks to his writing talents showcased in “The Life of Larry.” He worked on several Cartoon Network series, including “Dexter’s Laboratory,” “Cow and Chicken,” and “Johnny Bravo,” where he honed his style. He also did freelance writing for Disney and Nelvana, contributing to “Jungle Cubs” and “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.”
MacFarlane’s most notable creation, “Family Guy,” was pitched to Fox while he was still at Hanna-Barbera. After a successful pilot, Fox ordered the series, which debuted in 1999. MacFarlane voices many of the main characters and has seen the show grow into a billion-dollar franchise despite multiple cancellations and controversies. “Family Guy” led to other projects, including a live-action/animated film in development and a feature film that has been discussed but delayed due to other commitments.
His next major project was “American Dad!,” which started in 2005 and moved from Fox to TBS in 2014. The series, co-created with Matt Weitzman and Mike Barker, features a distinctive voice and identity, with MacFarlane voicing several characters.
MacFarlane also created “The Cleveland Show,” a “Family Guy” spin-off, which ran for four seasons. He launched “Seth MacFarlane’s Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy” in 2008 and began producing the sci-fi series “The Orville” in 2016, where he stars as Captain Ed Mercer.
In addition to his animated series, MacFarlane has produced live-action content, including “The Winner,” “Dads,” “Blunt Talk,” and “Bordertown.” He co-produced “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey” and its sequel, “Cosmos: Possible Worlds.” He has also hosted multiple Comedy Central Roasts and the 85th Academy Awards, receiving mixed critical responses for the latter.
Personal life
Seth MacFarlane, who lives in Beverly Hills, is unmarried and childless. In a 2004 interview, he likened himself to Family Guy’s Brian Griffin. MacFarlane narrowly avoided the September 11 attacks due to a hangover and a scheduling error, missing Flight 11 by minutes.
His mother, Ann Perry Sager, died of cancer in 2010. From 2012 to 2013, he dated actress Emilia Clarke. MacFarlane is an outspoken atheist, citing a critical thinking approach and echoing George Carlin’s view of belief in “the invisible man living in the sky.“
How much do voice actors get paid on Family Guy?
Voice actors on Family Guy earn approximately $100,000 per episode, translating to around $2 million per year.
Conclusion
Seth MacFarlane’s journey is a testament to dedication, hard work, and sheer talent. From drawing cartoon characters as a child to becoming a Hollywood mogul, his journey is nothing short of inspirational.
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FAQs about Seth MacFarlane’s Net Worth
- What is Seth MacFarlane’s primary source of income?
- Primarily, it’s from his work on television, especially Family Guy.
- How successful are Seth MacFarlane’s movies?
- Extremely. For instance, ‘Ted’ alone grossed over $500 million.
- Did MacFarlane have any formal education in animation?
- Yes, he graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in animation.
- Is MacFarlane involved in any other ventures besides film and television?
- Yes, he’s also an accomplished singer with several albums to his name.
- Has MacFarlane received any significant awards?
- Among other accolades, he has won several Primetime Emmy Awards for ‘Family Guy’ and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2020.
