Jeremy Clarkson's Net Worth and Salary
Jeremy Clarkson, a distinguished English television presenter, journalist, and writer, boasts a net worth of $70 million. Renowned globally, Clarkson is best known for hosting the highly popular sports car show 'Top Gear,' which remains one of the most watched television programs worldwide.
Early Life
Born on April 11, 1960, in Doncaster, England, to Shirley and Edward, Jeremy Charles Robert Clarkson had an interesting start to life. His parents initially struggled to afford his private school tuition. By a stroke of serendipity, the Paddington Bear toy they created for their children became highly popular, eventually leading to securing worldwide licensing rights from the toy's creator Michael Bond. This extensive success funded Clarkson's schooling and laid an interesting foundation for his future endeavors.
Young Clarkson attended Repton School, where he faced bullying and unhappiness. However, his educational journey intertwined with future talents like 'Top Gear' Executive Producer Andy Wilman and renowned Formula One engineer Adrian Newey. His behavioral issues culminated in his expulsion.
Career
Clarkson began his career in his family's Paddington Bears business before transitioning into journalism, writing for notable newspapers such as the Rotherham Advertiser and the Shropshire Star, where he first reported on cars. Progressing from writing about Peugeots and Fiats to luxury cars like the Lamborghini, Clarkson's journey in journalism eventually led him to form the Motoring Press Agency in 1984 with fellow journalist Jonathan Gill.
His major breakthrough came as the presenter of 'Top Gear' in 1988. Credited with transforming the show into BBC Two's most-watched program, Clarkson firmly established his television credentials. Besides 'Top Gear,' he hosted the first UK version of 'Robot Wars' and a talk show named 'Clarkson,' featuring interviews with prominent personalities. His fame further soared with co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond through the coveted 'Top Gear: Polar Special,' where they first reached the North Pole in a car.
However, controversy struck in March 2015 when Clarkson was suspended from 'Top Gear' following an altercation with producer Oisin Tymon. The incident halted the airing of the show’s subsequent episodes. Post-suspension, Clarkson's revelation of his cancer scare garnered attention. Eventually, Clarkson's contract with the BBC ended, leading to his new venture with Amazon alongside Richard Hammond and James May, culminating in the debut of 'The Grand Tour.'
(Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)
Personal Life
Clarkson's personal life includes a brief marriage to Alex Hall in 1989, followed by his second marriage to Frances Cain in 1993, with whom he had three children before their divorce in 2014. Clarkson, an avid fan of the progressive rock band Genesis, attended their 2007 reunion concert and contributed the sleeve notes for a box set reissue.
His collection of luxury vehicles is extensive, featuring brands like Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Lotus, and Ferrari. Despite his various properties, Clarkson made headlines for his critical environmental views, often mocking green movements and their propositions.
Salary Highlights
Although Clarkson’s 'Top Gear' salary was a modest $4 million annually, he substantially benefited from owning 30% of the show's rights, accruing additional earnings through dividends and bonuses, significantly impacting his net worth.
Real Estate
In 2012, Clarkson purchased a five-bedroom cottage on a 312-acre property in the Cotswolds for $5.5 million, which he famously blew up in 2018 on 'The Grand Tour.' Plans for a new mansion have been underway since.
