Fred Savage: A Closer Look At The Actor, Director, And Producer

What’s the Story Behind Fred Savage’s $30 Million Net Worth?

Let’s talk about Fred Savage, the multi-talented guy who’s not just an actor but also a successful director and producer. Fred has a net worth of $30 million, and it’s not all about the money he made as a child actor. Sure, he’s best known for his role as Kevin Arnold in the iconic TV series “The Wonder Years,” which aired from 1988 to 1993. But guess what? The majority of his fortune comes from his directing and producing work. Fred has directed tons of sitcoms, including pilot episodes, earning him backend points on shows that have sold big in syndication. Think about it—he directed 20 episodes of “2 Broke Girls,” 14 episodes of “Modern Family,” and 19 episodes of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” These gigs have added serious dollars to his bank account.

Early Life: From Chicago to Hollywood

Fred Aaron Savage was born on July 9, 1976, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in Glencoe, Illinois, before his family moved to California. His parents, Joanne and Lewis Savage, raised a family that included Fred and his siblings, Ben and Kala, who both went on to have successful careers in the entertainment industry. Ben Savage, Fred’s younger brother, became a household name for his role in “Boy Meets World.” Meanwhile, Kala pursued acting and music. Their father worked in industrial real estate, but the family had deep roots in Judaism, as Fred was raised in Reform Judaism. His grandparents were Jewish immigrants from Poland, Ukraine, Germany, and Latvia, making their journey to the United States a story of resilience and determination.

Education was a priority for Fred. He attended Brentwood School, a private day school in Los Angeles County, and later headed to Stanford University, where he joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Fred graduated in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in English, proving that he wasn’t just about Hollywood glitz but also valued his academic pursuits.

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Early Career: A Young Talent Takes Off

Fred Savage’s journey in the entertainment world started early—he landed his first professional acting role at just nine years old in the TV show “Morningstar/Eveningstar.” From there, he quickly gained experience, appearing in shows like “The Twilight Zone” and “Crime Story.” Movies like “The Boy Who Could Fly” (1986) and “Dinosaurs! – A Fun-Filled Trip Back in Time!” (1987) further solidified his presence in the industry. But it was his role as the grandson in the 1987 film “The Princess Bride” that really put him on the map, earning him national recognition and setting the stage for his breakout role in “The Wonder Years.”

“The Wonder Years”: A Defining Moment

When “The Wonder Years” premiered in 1988, Fred Savage became a household name as Kevin Arnold, the show’s protagonist. This role wasn’t just a job—it was a cultural phenomenon. For his incredible performances, Fred earned two Golden Globe nominations and two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. And here’s the kicker—he was only 13 years old at the time, making him the youngest actor ever to receive those honors. Fred stayed with the show until it wrapped up in 1993. During this period, he also worked on other projects, including the film “Vice Versa” (1988) and the two-part ABC special “Runaway Ralph” (1988). After “The Wonder Years,” Fred transitioned into more mature roles in films like “Little Monsters” (1989) and “The Wizard” (1989). Eventually, he decided to step back from acting to focus on his education, returning to high school at the age of 17 and later attending Stanford University.

However, there was a controversy during the show’s run. Monique Long, a costume designer on “The Wonder Years,” accused Fred and his co-star Jason Hervey of sexual harassment, alleging that they “verbally and physically harassed her daily.” This led to a lawsuit that many believe contributed to the show’s cancellation in 1993.

After “The Wonder Years”: A New Chapter

Once Fred returned to acting after his education, he took on a variety of roles. His first projects were the TV films “No One Would Tell” and “How Do You Spell God?” in 1996. He then starred in the NBC sitcom “Working” from 1997 to 1999, which ran for two seasons. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Fred worked as a guest and supporting actor on shows like “Boy Meets World” (1998) and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2003). He also appeared in films such as “The Rules of Attraction” (2002), “Austin Powers in Goldmember” (2002), “The Last Run” (2004), and “Welcome to Mooseport” (2004). In 2006, Fred starred in the short-lived series “Crumbs,” where he played a closeted gay writer who returns home to help run his family’s restaurant after failing in Hollywood. The show featured a stellar cast, including Jane Curtin, William Devane, and Eddie McClintock.

On top of his live-action work, Fred has lent his voice to numerous animated projects. His voice-over credits include shows like “Kim Possible” (2004; 2007), “Oswald” (2001-2003), “Justice League Unlimited” (2004), “Holidaze: The Christmas That Almost Didn’t Happen” (2006), and “Family Guy” (2009). These roles showcase Fred’s versatility and his ability to adapt to different genres.

Directing and Producing: A New Path

Fred Savage didn’t stop at acting—he ventured into directing and producing, finding success in these areas as well. In 2018, he became the host of the game show “Child Support” alongside Ricky Gervais and also hosted his own show, “What Just Happened??! With Fred Savage” (2019). Fred began directing episodes of various television series in 1999, starting with his sitcom “Working.” Since then, he’s accumulated directing credits on over a dozen shows, including “Boy Meets World,” “Drake & Josh,” “Ned’s Declassified,” “That’s So Raven,” “Hannah Montana,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” “Modern Family,” and “2 Broke Girls.”

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As a producer, Fred has worked on shows like “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Friends with Benefits,” “Phil of the Future,” and “The Crazy Ones.” His ability to transition from acting to behind-the-scenes roles highlights his adaptability and passion for storytelling.

Personal Life: Family and Home

On the personal front, Fred married Jennifer Lynn Stone, a childhood friend, in 2004. Together, they have three children, creating a happy family life away from the spotlight. Fred’s real estate portfolio is also impressive. In the late 2000s, he purchased a large house in Hancock Park, Los Angeles, for $3 million, which he listed for sale in 2019 for $5 million. He previously owned a home above the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, selling it in 2007 for $2.25 million. He also owns a two-bedroom condo in West Hollywood, bought in 2003 for $500,000. In October 2019, Fred splurged on an 8,200-square-foot mansion in LA’s Bel Air neighborhood, paying $9.5 million for the luxurious property.