Dean Norris, famed for his portrayal as DEA agent Hank Schrader in the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad, has crafted a notable and financially rewarding career within the entertainment industry. As of 2025, Norris’s estimated net worth stands at a striking $8 million, a figure amassed through years of dedication to acting, strategic career decisions, and recent entrepreneurial ventures.
Norris’s journey began in South Bend, Indiana, on April 8, 1963, where he was raised in a modest household as one of six children. His father, Jack B. Norris, owned a furniture store, providing a working-class backdrop that would later inform many of the characters he portrayed on screen. Norris attended Clay High School, excelling academically as valedictorian before moving on to Harvard University. Graduating in 1985 with a degree in Social Studies, he honed his acting chops by performing with the prestigious Hasty Pudding Theatricals. His commitment to the craft led him to further training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, reflecting his ambition to master acting.
The late 1980s marked the beginning of Norris’s professional career in film and television. He landed minor roles in various productions, including Lethal Weapon 2 and Total Recall, quickly establishing himself as a reliable character actor. His rugged demeanor and strong on-screen presence allowed him to thrive in roles that often involved law enforcement and military characters. Over the course of the 1990s and early 2000s, Norris accrued over 100 television credits, featuring prominently in well-regarded series such as The X-Files, The West Wing, CSI, and 24. Although often relegated to supporting roles, Norris earned a reputation as a steadfast and dependable actor within Hollywood circles.
The turning point in Norris’s career arrived in 2008, when he was cast as Hank Schrader in Breaking Bad. This role brought him acclaim and significantly broadened his audience. The series, celebrated for its complex narrative and character development, solidified its status as one of the greatest dramas in television history. Norris’s performance, marked by emotional depth and intensity, contributed greatly to the show’s success. Over five seasons, from 2008 to 2013, his character’s journey illustrated the devastating impacts of the drug trade on families, further engaging viewers and critics alike.
Following the conclusion of Breaking Bad, Norris continued to secure leading roles in a variety of projects, including Under the Dome from 2013 to 2015 and Claws from 2017 to 2022. His film portfolio also expanded, with notable appearances in The Book of Henry (2017) and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019). Additionally, Norris made guest appearances in the Breaking Bad spin-off, Better Call Saul, which not only engaged long-time fans but also helped to extend the legacy of his character.
Despite his Hollywood successes, Norris prioritizes family life, maintaining a relatively private existence off-screen. He has been married to Bridget Norris, an entertainment attorney, since 2001, and the couple shares five children. In interviews, Norris frequently emphasizes the importance of family and community. His social media presence showcases his humorous side, with commentary on political issues and glimpses into his daily life. Moreover, Norris maintains a keen interest in philanthropy, particularly related to educational initiatives and youth programs within his Indiana hometown.
Norris’s financial acumen extends to real estate, where he has made significant investments that contribute to his overall wealth. He owns a home in Temecula, California, valued at approximately $1.2 million, offering ample space for his family while ensuring privacy. In a noteworthy entrepreneurial venture, Norris launched Schraderbräu Beer Company in 2021. This business draws inspiration from the fictional homebrew beer his character, Hank, created on Breaking Bad. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the brewery capitalizes on the strong association with the series, boosting both his brand and financial portfolio.
The estimate of Norris’s net worth at $8 million is supported by his diverse income streams. His earnings derive not just from acting salaries but also from residuals, commercial endorsements, and thrumming business profits. Norris reportedly earns between $500,000 and $1 million annually, depending on the nature of his acting roles and business activities. During his tenure on Under the Dome, he was rumored to have earned up to $100,000 per episode, showcasing the financial viability of significant television roles.
His highest paying role remains that of Hank Schrader on Breaking Bad. Initially, he earned between $25,000 and $35,000 per episode, a figure that likely increased to approximately $75,000 per episode in the show’s later seasons. Given that he appeared in 51 episodes, his total earnings from the series are estimated between $2 million and $3.5 million, not accounting for residuals or other promotional payouts. The enduring popularity of Breaking Bad, now available on various streaming services, continues to yield financial benefits for Norris through reruns and merchandise related to the show.
The calculation of Norris’s net worth takes into account a range of financial data, including salaries, real estate investments, and entrepreneurial earnings. Industry estimates from sources such as Celebrity Net Worth and Wealthy Gorilla corroborate the figures, demonstrating his financial stability stemming from more than three decades of consistent work in the industry. This financial position underscores how Norris’s strategic choices in roles and ventures allow him to maintain a stable and lucrative livelihood.
Norris’s career trajectory exemplifies the significance of perseverance within the entertainment field. Transitioning from minor roles to a beloved lead in a television masterpiece, his story illustrates growth through determination and intelligent planning. With his wealth a mere reflection of his comprehensive career choices, Norris stands as a testament to success driven by both expertise and authenticity. Whether admired for his contributions to Breaking Bad, his diverse acting range, or his entrepreneurial pursuits, Dean Norris’s journey underscores the rewards of professionalism and resilience in Hollywood.