Simon Helberg: A Star You Can't Help But Love

How Much Is Simon Helberg Really Worth?

Alright, let’s talk about Simon Helberg. You might know him as Howard Wolowitz from "The Big Bang Theory," but did you know he’s worth an impressive $55 million? Yep, that’s right. Simon's rise to fame wasn’t overnight—it was hard work and dedication. Over his career, he became one of the highest-paid actors in television, earning $1 million per episode of "The Big Bang Theory." That’s some serious dough! At his peak, Simon was raking in about $22 million a year, and who could blame him? His portrayal of Howard was nothing short of iconic.

Simon's Journey: The Early Years

Simon Helberg wasn’t always a Hollywood star. Born on December 9, 1980, in Los Angeles, California, Simon grew up surrounded by creativity. His dad, Sandy Helberg, was an actor, and his mom, Harriet Helberg, was a casting director. Interestingly, his grandparents were Polish Jews who survived the Holocaust before moving to the U.S. after World War II. Simon started off with a passion for karate, earning his black belt at the tender age of 10. But eventually, his love for theater took over. He attended The Tisch School of the Arts and even roomed with actor Jason Ritter at New York University. Talk about starting with a bang!

Before the Fame: Simon's Early Career

Before Simon became a household name, he cut his teeth in the world of comedy with comedian Derek Waters in the early 2000s. Together, they formed the sketch comedy duo Derek & Simon and even starred in a web series called "Derek & Simon: The Show." Their work caught the attention of comedian Bob Odenkirk, who helped them create content for the comedy website Super Deluxe. Along the way, Simon also worked on short films like "Derek & Simon, The Pity Card," which featured Zach Galifianakis and Bill Hader.

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Simon’s early career wasn’t just about comedy. He dabbled in TV and film, appearing in shows like "Popular," "Cursed," "Son of the Beach," and "Undeclared." He even had a stint on "MADtv" in 2002 and appeared alongside Hilary Duff in "A Cinderella Story." In 2004, Simon landed roles in "Reno 911!" and George Clooney’s blockbuster "Good Night, and Good Luck." His talent for impersonations shone through in "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," where he nailed impressions of Nicolas Cage, Tom Cruise, and Ben Stiller. And let’s not forget his quirky role in the cult classic "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story." Simon was clearly building a solid foundation for his future success.

"The Big Bang Theory": The Breakout Role

Simon’s big break came in 2007 when he was cast as Howard Wolowitz on "The Big Bang Theory." This role turned him into a household name overnight. By 2014, his salary per episode skyrocketed to $800,000, and between 2015 and 2016, he earned a staggering $23 million. Over its 12-season run, Simon appeared in all 279 episodes, earning seven Emmy Awards and countless nominations. He even took home a Critics' Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Howard Wolowitz became one of the most beloved characters on TV, and Simon’s performance was nothing short of genius.

How Much Did Simon Make on "The Big Bang Theory"?

By the later seasons of "The Big Bang Theory," Simon was earning $1 million per episode. That’s roughly $22 to $24 million a year for at least two seasons. Before that, he was making $800,000 per episode, which is still no small change. It’s no wonder Simon became one of the highest-paid actors in television history. His work on the show not only paid off financially but also cemented his place in pop culture.

Simon’s Other Ventures

While "The Big Bang Theory" was his bread and butter, Simon didn’t stop there. He appeared in Judd Apatow’s sitcom "Undeclared" and played Moist in the web series "Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog." In 2009, he starred as Rabbi Scott Ginsler in the Coen brothers’ film "A Serious Man." Simon also lent his voice to Napoleon in "The Tom and Jerry Show" and worked alongside his wife on the comedy "We’ll Never Have Paris." His big-screen breakthrough came in 2016 when he starred alongside Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant in "Florence Foster Jenkins." His role as pianist Cosme McMoon earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. And that’s not all—Simon is set to star in "Annette" opposite Adam Driver and "As Sick as They Made Us," directed by his "Big Bang Theory" co-star Mayim Bialik.

Simon’s Personal Life: Family and Philanthropy

Simon isn’t just a talented actor; he’s also a devoted family man. He’s been married to actress Jocelyn Towne since July 2007, and they have two adorable kids. Beyond his family, Simon is an accomplished pianist and a proud Liberal Democrat. He’s been a vocal supporter of Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaigns and a long-time advocate for Save the Children. Simon’s commitment to giving back shows that he’s more than just a celebrity—he’s a caring individual who uses his platform for good.

Simon’s Real Estate Empire

Simon’s success hasn’t just been in acting—it extends to real estate too. In 2011, he and Jocelyn paid $2.9 million for a home once owned by Charlie Sheen. In 2017, they splurged on a 6.5-acre horse property in Carpinteria, California, for $5.1 million. But their biggest purchase came in 2019 when they bought a stunning home in LA’s Los Feliz neighborhood for $6.9 million. This home, previously owned by Vince Vaughn and Kate Bosworth, hit the market in 2022 for $9.875 million. They later dropped the price to just under $9 million, but it’s still looking for the right buyer. In 2022, Simon and Jocelyn added an 8,000-square-foot mansion in Pasadena to their collection, paying a cool $8.4 million for the historic property. With seven bedrooms and six bathrooms, this 1906 beauty sits on 1.27 acres of land. Talk about living large!

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