Regarding the world of YouTube, few names are as widely recognized as James Rolfe.
Known for his popular “Angry Video Game Nerd” series and various other projects and collaborations, Rolfe has become one of the most influential and respected creators in the online video community.
In this comprehensive biography, we’ll take a closer look at the life and career of James Rolfe, exploring his early beginnings, rise to fame, net worth, endorsements, and more.
About James Rolfe
James Rolfe was born in New Jersey, USA, on July 10, 1980. He grew up alongside his siblings and parents. His father was a science teacher, while his mother worked as a nurse.
Despite their busy schedules, James’ parents always supported his creative endeavors, encouraging him to explore his interests and follow his dreams.
Today, James is married to his wife, April, with whom he has two children.
Early Life
As a child, James Rolfe was fascinated by video games. He spent countless hours playing his favorite titles and exploring new worlds.
He was also a big fan of movies, regularly watching classic films with his family and friends.
It wasn’t long before he began experimenting with making his own movies, using his family’s camcorder to shoot short films and skits with his friends.
He loved creating content and decided to become a content creator very early.
Career
In the early 2000s, James Rolfe discovered the captivating world of YouTube and began creating videos under the moniker “Angry Nintendo Nerd.” His first video, a rant about the classic game “Castlevania II,” quickly went viral, attracting a loyal fan base.
James expanded his content as the years passed, delving into various topics and collaborating with other creators.
Nowadays, James is recognized for his critically acclaimed “Angry Video Game Nerd” series, in which he analyzes and critiques classic video games from the 1980s and 1990s.
He has worked alongside various notable creators, including Doug Walker (the Nostalgia Critic), Mike Matei, and Bootsy Spankins.
James Rolfe’s Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, James Rolfe’s net worth is around $5 million.
His primary source of income comes from his YouTube channel, merchandise sales, and brand endorsements.
He has worked with various brands, including ScrewAttack, Loot Crate, and Rooster Teeth.
Salary
It is estimated that Rolfre earns around $100 thousand per month and around $1 million a year.
Endorsements
James Rolfe has worked with many famous brands and companies in his career, leveraging his huge and dedicated following to promote products and services that go with his values and interests.
Some of his most noteworthy endorsements include:
- ScrewAttack
- Loot Crate
- Rooster Teeth
- Cinemassacre
- The Angry Video Game Nerd Movie
Personal Details
| Full Name | James Rolfe |
| Age | 42 years old |
| Date of Birth | July 10, 1980 |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches |
| Weight | 84 Kg |
| Nationality | American |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Salary | $1 million per year |
Social Media Accounts
| Youtube |
Spouse
Rolfe got married to his longtime girlfriend, April, who is a movie producer, in 2007. The couple is happily married to date and has 2 children.
Age
James Rolfe is currently 42 years old.
Height and Weight
James Rolfe is 5 ft 11 inches tall, weighing around 84 kg.
FAQs
1. Who is James Rolfe?
James Rolfe is an American filmmaker, actor, and internet personality best known for creating the web series Angry Video Game Nerd (AVGN). He is also the founder of Cinemassacre, a platform for nostalgic and comedic entertainment. Rolfe has produced over 300 films and is considered a pioneer in online gaming content.
2. What is the Angry Video Game Nerd series about?
The Angry Video Game Nerd series is a comedic retrogaming review show where James Rolfe, as “The Nerd,” humorously critiques poorly designed or frustrating video games. The series began in 2004 and gained popularity after being uploaded to YouTube in 2006, influencing many future internet reviewers.
3. What inspired James Rolfe to create AVGN?
James Rolfe initially created AVGN as a private joke among friends, reviewing retro games like Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest. Encouraged by collaborator Mike Matei, he uploaded the videos online, where they quickly gained a cult following. His passion for gaming and filmmaking fueled the series’ growth.
4. What other projects has James Rolfe worked on?
In addition to AVGN, Rolfe has created series like Board James, You Know What’s Bullsht?*, and Monster Madness. He has also directed films such as Angry Video Game Nerd: The Movie (2014) and explored horror themes in projects like Jersey Odysseys: Legend of the Blue Hole.
5. Where did James Rolfe study filmmaking?
James Rolfe studied filmmaking at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2004. During his studies, he created numerous short films and honed his storytelling and technical skills.
6. What is James Rolfe’s net worth?
James Rolfe’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. His income primarily comes from his YouTube channel Cinemassacre, merchandise sales, sponsorships, and live appearances.
7. Is James Rolfe married?
Yes, James Rolfe married April Chmura in November 2007. April was a cinematographer for early episodes of AVGN. The couple has two daughters, born in 2013 and 2017.
8. What are some lesser-known facts about James Rolfe?
Rolfe operated a Halloween haunted house attraction during his teenage years and survived a car accident in 2004 without injuries. He has also discussed his experiences with attention deficit disorder (ADD) in one of his AVGN episodes.
9. How does James Rolfe balance work and family life?
James Rolfe prioritizes family life alongside his work on Cinemassacre projects. He credits his wife for supporting him and collaborates with production teams to manage his workload efficiently while spending time with his children.
10. What are James Rolfe’s favorite genres or inspirations?
James Rolfe is passionate about horror films, especially from the 1980s, and is a dedicated fan of Godzilla movies. These interests heavily influence his creative projects like Monster Madness and various film reviews on Cinemassacre.
