Ever wondered how much Jim Davis has made from creating the world’s most famous lazy, lasagna-loving cat?
With Garfield appearing in thousands of newspapers and generating billions in merchandise sales, his earnings are nothing short of impressive.
But exactly how does he make money, and what are his biggest financial moves?
This article breaks down Jim Davis’ net worth in 2025, his earnings from Garfield, business ventures, and the financial impact of his syndication deals.
Jim Davis Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | James Robert Davis |
| Popular Name | Jim Davis |
| Birth Date | July 28, 1945 |
| Age | 79 (as of March 6, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Marion, Indiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Ball State University (Art and Business) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Jill Davis (m. 2000), Carolyn Altekruse (divorced) |
| Children | One son, two stepchildren |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Dave Davis (brother) |
| Parents | James William Davis, Anna Catherine Davis |
| Height | 1.8 m |
| Net Worth | $800 million (estimated) |
| Source of Wealth | Comics, TV, movies, licensing, merchandising |
What is the Net Worth of Jim Davis in 2025?
Jim Davis’ net worth is estimated to be around $800 million in 2025. His fortune comes from decades of comic strip syndication, merchandising, animated shows, and film adaptations of Garfield. Compared to other legendary cartoonists and media moguls, his wealth places him among the most successful figures in the industry.
Other Related People & Companies
- ViacomCBS
- Paramount Global
- Paws, Inc.
- Charles M. Schulz (Peanuts)
- Jim Henson (Muppets)
- Walt Disney (Disney Empire)
- Matt Groening (The Simpsons)
- Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes)
- Stan Lee (Marvel Comics)
- Nickelodeon
While Davis’ fortune is remarkable, he still trails behind some of the richest figures in entertainment, such as Walt Disney and Stan Lee. Check out more of the wealthiest figures in entertainment.
Jim Davis Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Does He Make Money?
Jim Davis’ wealth mainly comes from Garfield, but it’s not just the comic strip that pays him. His revenue streams include:
- Syndication in over 2,500 newspapers worldwide
- Merchandise sales, from toys to coffee mugs
- Licensing deals for TV shows, movies, and video games
- Film adaptations like Garfield: The Movie ($203M box office)
- Publishing deals for Garfield books
The combination of intellectual property rights, media adaptation, and global licensing ensures that his income continues to grow.
How Much Does He Earn from Garfield?
Garfield is one of the most profitable comic franchises ever. Here’s how Davis makes money from it:
- Syndication Revenue – Garfield appears in thousands of newspapers, each paying licensing fees.
- Merchandise Sales – Over $1 billion in Garfield-branded products have been sold.
- TV Shows & Films – Garfield & Friends, The Garfield Show, and movies generate royalties.
- Book Sales – Millions of copies of Garfield collections have been sold worldwide.
What Are His Other Business Ventures?
Davis is more than just a cartoonist—he’s a businessman. He founded Paws, Inc. in 1981, which managed all things Garfield until it was sold to ViacomCBS in 2019. Other ventures include:
- Adjunct Professor at Ball State University – Teaching comic industry business strategies.
- Former Fine-Dining Restaurant Owner – Owned Foxfires in Muncie, Indiana.
- The Professor Garfield Foundation – Supporting children’s literacy.
How Does He Benefit from Intellectual Property Rights?
Owning the rights to Garfield means Davis earns from every appearance of his character. His income comes from:
- Royalties on every Garfield-related product
- Long-term licensing agreements
- Streaming and digital publishing deals
Even after selling Paws, Inc., Davis still profits from Garfield’s success.
What Are His Major Investments and Assets?
Although he keeps his personal investments private, some of his known assets include:
- Paws, Inc. (before ViacomCBS acquisition)
- Real estate properties in Indiana
- Ownership stakes in publishing and licensing companies
What Is the Financial Impact of His Syndication Deals?
Syndication is the backbone of his wealth. Garfield has been one of the most widely syndicated comic strips in history, ensuring:
- Stable long-term revenue
- Multiple income sources from international licensing
- A loyal readership that keeps newspapers paying for the strip
How Did ViacomCBS’ Acquisition of Paws, Inc. Affect His Wealth?
In 2019, Davis sold Paws, Inc. to ViacomCBS, making a strategic move to secure Garfield’s future. This deal:
- Brought Garfield to Nickelodeon
- Allowed new animated projects to be developed
- Ensured that Davis still benefits from licensing agreements
How Does He Continue to Earn Money Today?
Even at 79, Jim Davis is still making money. He earns from:
- Ongoing licensing and syndication
- Selling hand-drawn Garfield strips at auction
- Consulting on Garfield media projects
Conclusion
Jim Davis has built an empire around Garfield, turning a simple comic strip into a multi-million-dollar brand.
His story is proof that creativity, business savvy, and strategic partnerships can lead to incredible success.
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