How much does Chi McBride actually earn from his acting career, and where does his money come from? With over three decades in film and television, he’s carved out a strong position in the entertainment industry.
From major TV roles to Marvel voice work, his financial journey reflects smart choices and steady success. In this article, PBC explores Chi McBride net worth, his income sources, salary shifts over time, and more—giving you the clearest picture of his financial life in 2025.
Chi McBride Quick Facts
FACT | DETAIL |
---|---|
Real Name | Kenneth McBride |
Popular Name | Chi McBride |
Birth Date | September 23, 1961 |
Age | 63 (as of March 23, 2025) |
Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | African-American |
Education | Shiloh Academy (Chicago SDA Academy) |
Marital Status | Married |
Spouse | Julissa Marquez |
Children | Yes |
Dating | N/A |
Siblings | N/A |
Parents | N/A |
Height (meters) | 1.94 meters |
Net Worth | $10 million |
Source of Wealth | Film, Television, Voice Acting |
What is the Net Worth Of Chi Mcbride in 2025?
In 2025, Chi McBride’s net worth is estimated at $10 million. His wealth has been built steadily over the years, thanks to his consistent work in television and film.
Shows like Boston Public and Hawaii Five-0 gave him long-term roles, likely leading to stable income and syndication earnings. Unlike some stars with short bursts of fame, he’s maintained a strong industry presence.
He may not be at the financial level of A-list actors, but his consistent earnings place him comfortably among top-earning public figures in TV drama. Here are several names or entities closely tied to his career:
- Scott Caan
- Verve
- CBS
- Robert Downey Sr.
- AT&T
- Pete Holmes
- Katie Lowes
- Bruce Willis
- Disney
- Marvel Studios
Chi Mcbride Wealth, Salary and Financial overview
How much does he earn from his acting career?
Over the years, he’s earned from diverse projects in both TV and film. His breakout came in Boston Public, where he played Principal Steven Harper—one of his most memorable and long-running roles. This was followed by recurring parts in shows like House and Pushing Daisies, further contributing to his financial growth.
More recently, Hawaii Five-0 became a major contributor to his income. Chi portrayed Captain Lou Grover from 2013 to 2020, transitioning from a recurring to a main cast member.
With a role that spanned six seasons, it’s reasonable to assume he earned steadily across that time.
Film roles like Gone in 60 Seconds, I, Robot, and The Frighteners also played their part. While they didn’t launch him to box-office superstardom, they contributed to a diverse income stream.
Chi’s work voicing Nick Fury in Marvel’s animated universe—such as Ultimate Spider-Man, Avengers Assemble, and Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.—likely offered solid earnings as well.
What are his main sources of income today?
His income comes from various segments of the entertainment world. First and foremost, television. He’s taken up leading and supporting roles for over 30 years. These roles, especially in series like Golden Boy and Human Target, have added layers to his financial portfolio.
Voice acting remains a reliable stream. His animated characters are still popular, especially among Marvel fans. He’s also participated in sitcoms, including How We Roll on CBS, where he played Archie Betts.
Additionally, working with industry veterans and signing with agencies like Verve reflects smart career moves. These decisions likely increased the quality and consistency of his opportunities.
How has his salary changed over the years?
In the early ’90s, Chi began acting in guest spots like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and In Living Color. At that stage, earnings were likely modest. As he transitioned into leading roles in The John Larroquette Show and Boston Public, his salary would have scaled significantly.
His move into long-running crime dramas, such as Hawaii Five-0, probably marked his most lucrative period. Becoming a series regular boosted visibility and negotiating power. Shifting from recurring to main cast often results in higher per-episode pay.
His work with CBS, FOX, and other big networks suggests he adapted well to changing TV landscapes—from traditional TV to streaming-inclusive formats.
What roles have brought him the most financial recognition?
Without a doubt, Boston Public and Hawaii Five-0 top the list. These shows gave him stability and prominence. Boston Public aired on FOX and lasted four seasons, where Chi held a leading role.
Hawaii Five-0 allowed him to enjoy consistent work over nearly a decade, often appearing alongside Scott Caan, building both screen chemistry and fan appeal.
Additionally, films like The Terminal, Gone in 60 Seconds, and I, Robot might not have put him center stage, but they did connect him with high-profile co-stars and directors, elevating his industry status.
What professional choices contributed to his financial growth?
Chi started in the music industry before transitioning into acting—a bold shift that paid off. After moving to Atlanta to work at AT&T, he pursued entertainment seriously.
Signing with Verve in 2021 is one of his latest strategic moves, ensuring he’s represented by a firm known for placing talent in high-value roles. His choice to take on varied characters—from comedy to crime, from voice acting to live-action—demonstrates smart career planning.
His preference for ensemble casts and network shows over chasing Hollywood blockbusters may have limited explosive income, but it ensured longevity and reliability.
Conclusion
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