What drives Chris Zylka net worth in 2025? From a struggling artist living in his car to starring in hit TV shows and blockbuster films, his financial story is as dramatic as his screen roles.
Whether it’s acting in The Leftovers, modeling, or directing music videos, Zylka’s income streams reflect a diverse and evolving career.
Let’s break down how he built his wealth, what keeps it going, and where he stands today in the entertainment world.
Chris Zylka Quick Facts
FACT | DETAIL |
---|---|
Real Name | Christopher Michael Settlemire |
Popular Name | Chris Zylka |
Birth Date | May 9, 1985 |
Age | 39 (as of 03/25/2025) |
Birthplace | Warren, Ohio |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Ukrainian descent |
Education | Howland High School, University of Toledo |
Marital Status | Unmarried |
Spouse | N/A |
Children | N/A |
Dating | Previously engaged to Paris Hilton |
Siblings | N/A |
Parents | Raised by mother (father unknown) |
Height (meters) | 1.85 meters |
Net Worth | $500,000 |
Source of Wealth | Acting, Modeling, Directing, Art |
What is the Net Worth Of Chris Zylka in 2025?
As of 2025, Chris Zylka’s net worth is estimated at $500,000. While this figure may not place him at the top of celebrity wealth lists, it reflects steady earnings through acting roles, modeling gigs, and creative pursuits like directing and visual arts.
Compared to his peers, especially those in big-budget superhero films or HBO dramas, Zylka’s finances remain modest. However, given his independent projects and artistic background, his trajectory remains unique.
Related names in his financial and career circle:
- Paris Hilton
- HBO
- The Amazing Spider-Man
- The Leftovers
- Lucy Hale
- Hanna Beth Merjos
- University of Toledo
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Flash Thompson
- The Secret Circle
Looking for more insights into public figures and entertainers? Explore our list of Hollywood stars with growing fortunes.
Chris Zylka Wealth, Salary and Financial overview
How did his wealth and income evolve over time?
Zylka’s career started with humble beginnings. After dropping out of college to care for his grandfather, he moved to Los Angeles—where he was homeless for six months, living in his car.
Discovered while working in restaurants, he began modeling and landed his first role in 90210. From there, his earnings gradually increased, especially after notable roles in The Secret Circle and The Amazing Spider-Man.
His real financial boost came through The Leftovers, a critical success that established his credibility.
What are the main sources of his income?
His income is drawn from multiple creative outlets:
- Acting: His most visible roles are in The Leftovers, The Amazing Spider-Man, and various TV movies. These bring in the bulk of his earnings.
- Modeling: Early campaigns like Abercrombie & Fitch helped him build early income and visibility.
- Directing: He directed Paris Hilton’s music video I Need You, adding a behind-the-camera revenue stream.
- Art: Zylka debuted an art exhibit titled “Why Use A Name” in Ibiza, reflecting income from his personal creative projects.
His professional journey includes all major income channels related to his entertainment and artistic talents.
What are his most financially successful roles?
Some of his most impactful roles include:
- Tom Garvey in HBO’s The Leftovers, where he delivered a performance that elevated his industry standing.
- Flash Thompson in The Amazing Spider-Man, his entry into a blockbuster universe with global exposure.
- Jake Armstrong in The Secret Circle, a teen drama that expanded his early fan base.
These roles increased his marketability and long-term opportunities, contributing to the bulk of his current financial base.
Has his personal life affected his financial journey?
Yes—public relationships added both exposure and scrutiny to his career. His high-profile engagement to Paris Hilton, complete with a $2 million ring, pushed him into global headlines. While the couple split before marriage, the relationship increased media attention, indirectly boosting his personal brand.
He also had engagements with Hanna Beth Merjos and a relationship with Lucy Hale, which garnered attention but also some public drama. These relationships did not directly affect his salary, but they influenced his visibility and potentially affected casting decisions or endorsements.
What challenges has he faced in building financial stability?
Zylka’s story is marked by resilience. He began his Hollywood journey while being homeless, a fact that still defines his early narrative.
Dropping out of college, caring for family, and entering a volatile industry without connections posed real challenges.
Projects like Dare Me, where he had a recurring role, were canceled early, halting momentum. These ups and downs impacted the continuity of his income and slowed wealth accumulation.
Still, his consistency across acting, modeling, and art has helped him build a stable—if not high—net worth.
What is known about his current lifestyle and financial behavior?
He continues to be involved in film and art, having directed and acted in projects like Sorry or What Could Have Been and How I Met Your Murderer.
Zylka is not known for lavish spending, which suggests a practical approach to his finances.
Despite past public relationships and media attention, he has remained largely focused on his craft. He stays active in creative fields that keep his income flowing without relying on mainstream stardom alone.
Conclusion
Like his career, Chris Zylka’s net worth tells a story of persistence and creative evolution. PBC encourages you to share your thoughts, leave a comment, or explore more celebrity finance content at Pennbookcenter.com.