Eric Stonestreet, an American actor best known for his role as Cameron Tucker on Modern Family, boasts a net worth of $23 million. His career skyrocketed with the success of the hit ABC sitcom, which aired from 2009 to 2020, earning him both fame and fortune. Stonestreet’s salary during the peak seasons of the show reflected his prominent status in television, with earnings of $190,000 per episode from 2014 to 2018 and an impressive $500,000 per episode for the final season. Besides his earnings from Modern Family, Eric has more than 40 acting credits, including roles in Bad Teacher (2011), Identity Thief (2013), and his voice work in The Secret Life of Pets films.
Early Life
Born on September 9, 1971, in Kansas City, Kansas, Eric Allen Stonestreet grew up in a close-knit family. His mother, Jamey, worked as a teacher’s aide, while his father, Anthony, ran a retail business in Leavenworth. From an early age, Stonestreet had a passion for performing, even creating a clown persona named Fizbo, which he performed at birthday parties by the age of 11. This character later became a significant part of his role on Modern Family. Stonestreet attended Piper High School before enrolling at Kansas State University, where he joined the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and earned a degree in sociology in 1996. His college years were filled with acting, participating in school plays such as Prelude to a Kiss and Twelfth Night.
Career Beginnings
Stonestreet moved to Los Angeles after college to pursue a career in acting. His first notable TV appearance was in 1999 when he guest-starred on ABC’s Dharma & Greg. His big-screen debut came shortly after in Almost Famous (2000), where he played a small but memorable role as a hotel desk clerk. Throughout the early 2000s, Eric continued building his resume with guest appearances on Malcolm in the Middle, Party of Five, ER, and The West Wing. His most significant early role came in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, where he portrayed Q.D. technician Ronnie Litre across 12 episodes from 2001 to 2005.
Modern Family Success
Eric’s career truly skyrocketed in 2009 when he was cast as Cameron Tucker on Modern Family. His portrayal of the quirky, lovable, and openly gay father earned him widespread acclaim and two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2010 and 2012. The show was a massive success, running for 11 seasons and garnering more than 100 awards. Stonestreet became a household name and was one of the highest-paid actors on television, earning approximately $12 million per season during the final seasons.
Film and Voice Roles
While Modern Family cemented his place in television history, Stonestreet also pursued film roles. He appeared in Bad Teacher alongside Cameron Diaz and in Identity Thief with Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy. In addition to live-action films, Stonestreet made a name for himself in voice acting, notably voicing Duke in The Secret Life of Pets (2016) and its 2019 sequel. The two films were box office hits, grossing $875.5 million and $430 million worldwide, respectively.
Personal Life
Since 2016, Eric has been in a relationship with pediatric nurse Lindsay Schweitzer. The couple met at a Big Slick Charity event in Kansas City and have maintained a relatively private relationship. Although Stonestreet is straight, he is a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, and his role as a gay character on Modern Family has earned him widespread appreciation from fans and advocates alike.
In 2019, Eric became a part-owner of the Kansas City Royals, demonstrating his passion for sports. A die-hard fan of Kansas State University football, he frequently attends games and has also been involved in various NASCAR events. In 2020, Stonestreet appeared on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, winning $125,000 for the Kansas City-based charity Building Hope for Autism, an organization where his sister, Mauria, serves as the executive director.
Awards and Recognition
Eric Stonestreet’s role on Modern Family brought him critical acclaim and numerous awards. He earned three Primetime Emmy nominations, winning twice. Stonestreet also received three Golden Globe nominations and several Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series alongside his Modern Family castmates. Additionally, he was recognized by the Critics Choice Television Awards and the Gold Derby Awards, where he won Comedy Supporting Actor of the Decade.
Real Estate Ventures
Stonestreet has made smart investments in real estate over the years. In 2002, he purchased a home in Valley Village, California, for $540,000. In 2008, he bought a 1,635-square-foot house in Studio City for $735,000. He later sold the property in 2016 for $1.1 million, marking a significant profit.
Future Projects
As of 2024, Stonestreet continues to explore new acting ventures while also engaging in his role as a part-owner of the Kansas City Royals. His comedic talent, love for his hometown, and support for various charitable causes ensure that he remains an influential figure in both the entertainment and sports industries.