What is Jake Busey's Net Worth and Salary?
Jake Busey is an American actor, musician, and film producer with a net worth of $500 thousand. He gained prominence in the 90s with movies like The Frighteners and Starship Troopers. After appearing in Tomcats, his career hit a rough patch. Despite challenging times, director Robert Rodriguez cast him in From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series (2014), helping him get back on track. Jake is also known for portraying Sean H. Keyes in the Predator franchise. Fun fact: Jake is the son of renowned actor Gary Busey.
Early Life
William Jakob Busey was born on June 15, 1971, in Los Angeles, California. Raised in Malibu, he spent his childhood on film sets, watching his father, Gary Busey, work. Jake was also exposed to the music scene early, as his father interacted with bands like Leon Russell, Willie Nelson, and Little Feat. By age five, Jake began pursuing acting and music, starting with the drums.
Jake Busey and Gary Busey Circa 1980's (Photo by Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch via Getty Images)
Career
Busey's debut role was in Straight Time, starring alongside his father and Dustin Hoffman at seven. As an adult, he appeared in Contact and Starship Troopers, playing Ace Levy in the latter, which was based on Robert Heinlein's novel. The movie grossed $121 million, despite mixed reviews. Later critics appreciated its political satire. He also appeared in The Frighteners.
In the 2000s, Busey featured in science fiction film H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds and movies like Tomcats, Identity, The Hitcher II, Road House 2, and Cross. He had smaller roles in films like Christmas with the Kranks and Enemy of the State. Additionally, Jake was in TV series Shasta McNasty.
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In this period, Jake struggled due to the 2008 mortgage crisis and his house burning down. Living paycheck to paycheck, he occasionally stayed in his car. However, he met longtime girlfriend April Hutchinson during these tough times, welcoming their first child in 2012.
Busey's career revived with a role in Rodriguez's TV series, From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series. His role as Professor Aiden Tanner in 26 episodes provided financial relief. Subsequently, he became a voice actor for video games like Spec Ops: The Line and XCOM 2: War of the Chosen.
In 2016, Jake starred in Deserted and continued his TV career with roles in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Stranger Things.
Tougher Times
The 2008 financial crisis and a stalled career pushed Jake to lows, including living in his car. Robert Rodriguez and sobriety helped him rebound with From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series, leading to more steady work in Stranger Things, Ray Donovan, and Mr. Robot. In 2018, he starred in the film reboot The Predator.
Personal Life
In his personal life, Busey enjoys playing drums and singing in Los Angeles-based band Sons of the Lawless. He's also a licensed pilot. Jake has been in a long-term relationship with April Hutchinson, and they have a daughter born in 2012.
