Fred Savage is one of the 80s and 90s television icons best known for his role as Kevin Arnold on The Wonder Years. However, his career spans much more than just a child actor. Savage has successfully transitioned into a career as a director, producer, and voice actor. This article delves into how Fred Savage built his fortune.
Early Life and Breakthrough Role in “The Wonder Years”
Fred Savage was born on July 9, 1976, in Chicago, Illinois. His acting began with commercials, then he landed minor roles on television shows and movies. At just 12, Savage was cast in the role that would define his career: the lead role Kevin Arnold on The Wonder Years. The show ran from 1988 to 1993 and appealed to all ages.
The role of Kevin Arnold earned Savage critical acclaim and made him one of the most recognizable child actors of his generation. At the age of 13, during his run on the Wonder Years, Savage became the youngest actor ever nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. His salary from the show, plus its syndication success, gave him early wealth.
Post-Wonder Years and Transition to Adult Roles
Following the Wonder Years, Savage struggled with the transition to adult acting – a common hurdle for child stars. Although he continued to act in films and television shows, including Austin Powers in Goldmember and guest spots on series like Boy Meets World (starring his younger brother Ben Savage), his on-screen roles in the late 1990s and early 2000s weren’t as successful as his childhood career.
Despite these setbacks, Savage did not give in to obscurity. He decided to become a director and producer.
Directing and Producing Success
Savage has transitioned well from acting to directing and producing. He has worked behind the camera as a solid director, especially of television comedies. Over the years, he’s directed episodes of Modern Family, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, 2 Broke Girls, and The Goldbergs.
Savage also has produced television shows, including Friends with Benefits and Party Down. This versatility has kept him relevant in a constantly changing industry and added to his net worth.
Voice Acting and New Work
Fred Savage also does voice acting. He’s voiced characters in several animated shows, including Oswald, where he voiced the children’s series title character. This work has added to his portfolio of income.
Savage has recently returned to acting in more visible roles, including The Grinder (2015-2016), starring alongside Rob Lowe, and a guest appearance role in Deadpool 2, a comedic nod to his Wonder Years past.
Net Worth Estimate
In 2024, Fred Savage is worth approximately $14 million. The bulk of his wealth derives from acting in The Wonder Years and numerous directing and producing roles.
Wrapping Up
Fred Savage is a child star turned respected director and producer. His role as Kevin Arnold in the Wonder Years will always hold a special place in pop culture, but his transition to behind the camera roles has ensured his longevity in the industry.
