What is Don Cheadle's Net Worth and Salary?
Don Cheadle is an American actor with an impressive net worth of $40 million. He is renowned for his roles in films like "Boogie Nights," "Traffic," "Crash," and the "Ocean's" trilogy. Cheadle earned an Academy Award nomination for his part in "Hotel Rwanda" and gained global fame as James Rhodes in the Marvel superhero films. On television, he shines in the Showtime series "House of Lies" and "Black Monday," receiving critical acclaim.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in 1964 in Kansas City, Missouri, Don Cheadle's parents are clinical psychologist Donald Sr. and teacher Bettye. Growing up with two siblings, Colin and Cindy, Cheadle's family moved often. He attended Hartley Elementary in Lincoln, Nebraska, and later East High School in Denver, Colorado, where he played saxophone, sang in the choir, and acted in school productions. Cheadle graduated with a BFA in theater from the California Institute of the Arts in 1986.
Cheadle's professional journey began in the mid-80s when he got his Screen Actors Guild card with his role in the comedy film "Moving Violations." He went on to act in the war film "Hamburger Hill," the crime film "Colors," and appeared in various television shows like "Fame," "L.A. Law," and "Hill Street Blues."
Frazer Harrison /Getty Images
Film Career
Cheadle's breakthrough role came in 1995 with "Devil in a Blue Dress," earning him Best Supporting Actor awards. In 1997, he starred in "Volcano" and "Rosewood" and showcased his talent in "Boogie Nights," "Bulworth," and "Out of Sight." His collaboration with Steven Soderbergh on "Traffic," "Ocean's Eleven," and its sequels solidified his career. Other notable films during this period include "Mission to Mars," "The Family Man," "Rush Hour 2," and "The United States of Leland."
2004 was a landmark year for Cheadle, with critically acclaimed roles in "Hotel Rwanda" and "Crash." He continued to impress with roles in "Reign Over Me," "Talk to Me," "Darfur Now," and "Traitor."
Marvel Cinematic Universe and Further Film Career
Cheadle joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2010, portraying James Rhodes or War Machine in "Iron Man 2" and reprised this role in several more Marvel films throughout the decade. Outside the MCU, he starred in "Brooklyn's Finest," "The Guard," "Flight," and the biopic "Miles Ahead," where he played legendary musician Miles Davis.
Television Career
In the early 90s, Cheadle appeared in "China Beach," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," and "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper." He was a regular on "Picket Fences" and received Emmy nominations for "The Rat Pack" and "A Lesson Before Dying." In the 2000s, he earned more nominations for "Things Behind the Sun" and "ER."
Cheadle's performance in "House of Lies" earned him a Golden Globe and four consecutive Emmy nominations. His work on "Black Monday" also received acclaim. Additionally, he was announced as a cast member of the ABC remake of "The Wonder Years" in 2021.
Personal Life and Activism
Don Cheadle has two children with his longtime partner, actress Bridgid Coulter. He is also deeply involved in activism, campaigning to end the genocide in Darfur and co-founding the Not On Our Watch Project. He is an advocate for climate change issues, working with the United Nations and serving on the Advisory Board of Citizens' Climate Lobby. In 2010, he was appointed a UN Environment Program Goodwill Ambassador.
