Judd Hirsch, a name synonymous with classic American television, has been a staple in the entertainment industry for decades.
Known for his iconic roles in series like Taxi and Numb3rs, Hirsch has built a substantial career in acting that spans over half a century.
Let’s dive into the details of his career, sources of income, and other aspects that contribute to his financial standing.
Judd Hirsch’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Judd Hirsch, the veteran American actor, has an estimated net worth of around $12 million. Hirsch is best known for his iconic roles in TV shows like Taxi and Dear John, as well as his appearances in films such as Independence Day and A Beautiful Mind.
His long and successful career in both television and film has earned him multiple awards and widespread recognition, contributing to his impressive net worth.
In addition to acting, Hirsch has also been involved in theater, further diversifying his career and income sources.
Early Life and Education
Judd Seymore Hirsch was born on March 15, 1935, in The Bronx, New York City. Raised in a Jewish family, Hirsch’s early life was spent moving between Brooklyn and The Bronx.
He graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in 1952 and went on to earn a degree in physics from City College of New York.
Before venturing into acting, Hirsch served in the United States Army Reserve and worked as an engineer for Westinghouse.
Career Highlights
Judd Hirsch’s acting career began in the theater, but he quickly transitioned to television and film, where he gained significant recognition.
- Television Success: Hirsch is perhaps best known for his role as Alex Rieger on the television comedy series Taxi (1978–1983). This role earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
- Film Appearances: His film career includes notable performances in Ordinary People (1980), which earned him an Academy Award nomination, as well as roles in Independence Day (1996) and its sequel Independence Day: Resurgence (2016).
- Theater Contributions: Hirsch has also been a prominent figure in theater, winning Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Play for I’m Not Rappaport (1986) and Conversations with My Father (1992).
Sources of Income
Hirsch’s wealth primarily comes from his extensive acting career across multiple platforms:
- Television and Film: With over 90 film and television projects under his belt, Hirsch has consistently worked in the industry, contributing significantly to his net worth.
- Theater: His success on Broadway has not only earned him critical acclaim but also added to his financial portfolio.
- Real Estate Investments: In addition to acting, Hirsch has invested in real estate. He owns a multi-structured compound on a 77-acre property in Napanoch, New York, which he put on the market for $6.2 million in 2021.
Real Estate Ventures
Hirsch’s real estate investments are noteworthy. He purchased land in Napanoch, New York, during the 1980s and spent a decade developing it into a compound with multiple structures. This property highlights his interest in real estate as an additional revenue stream.
Awards and Recognition
Judd Hirsch’s talent has been recognized with numerous awards:
- Emmy Awards: Two wins for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Taxi.
- Tony Awards: Two wins for Best Actor in a Play.
- Golden Globe Award: Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for Dear John.
FAQs
1. When and where was Judd Hirsch born?
Judd Seymore Hirsch was born on March 15, 1935, in the Bronx, New York City. His parents, Joseph Sidney Hirsch (an electrician) and Sally Kitzis, were Jewish immigrants. Hirsch spent his early years moving between the Bronx and Brooklyn, attending DeWitt Clinton High School before studying physics in college.
2. What is Judd Hirsch’s educational background?
Hirsch earned a physics degree from the City College of New York in 1955. After serving in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1958, he worked briefly as an engineer at Westinghouse. He later pursued acting, graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1962.
3. When did Judd Hirsch begin his acting career?
Hirsch began acting professionally at age 36. His Broadway debut came in 1966 with Barefoot in the Park. His breakout TV role was Alex Reiger in Taxi (1978–1983), which earned him two Emmy Awards and widespread recognition.
4. What are Judd Hirsch’s most famous roles?
His iconic roles include Alex Reiger in Taxi, Dr. Berger in Ordinary People (1980), Julius Levinson in Independence Day (1996), and Uncle Boris in The Fabelmans (2022). He also starred in TV series like Dear John (1988–1992) and NUMB3RS (2005–2010).
5. How many awards has Judd Hirsch won?
Hirsch has won two Primetime Emmys (Taxi), two Tony Awards (I’m Not Rappaport, Conversations with My Father), and a Golden Globe (Dear John). He received Academy Award nominations for Ordinary People (1981) and The Fabelmans (2023), setting a 42-year Oscar nomination gap record.
6. Who are Judd Hirsch’s spouses?
Hirsch married Elisa Sadaune (1963–1967), with whom he has a son, Alex. He later wed Bonni Sue Chalkin (1992–2005), having two children: Montana and London. Since 2005, he has been married to actress Kathryn Danielle, with no children from their union.
7. Did Judd Hirsch serve in the military?
Yes, Hirsch served a six-month tour in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1958 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, as a surveyor. His military service preceded his engineering career and eventual transition to acting.
8. What recent projects has Judd Hirsch been involved in?
Recent works include The Fabelmans (2022), earning his second Oscar nod, and recurring TV roles in The Goldbergs and Hunters. He also appeared in Uncut Gems (2019) and continues guest-starring in series like Superior Donuts and Modern Love.
9. What is unique about Judd Hirsch’s Oscar nominations?
Hirsch holds the record for the longest gap between Academy Award nominations (42 years). He was first nominated for Ordinary People (1981) and later for The Fabelmans (2023), both in the Best Supporting Actor category.
10. What was Judd Hirsch’s career before acting?
Before acting, Hirsch worked as a surveyor in the Army and later as an engineer at Westinghouse. His physics degree and technical background contrasted sharply with his eventual artistic success, which began after studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
