William H. Macy networth is commonly reported at roughly $25 million by celebrity wealth sites, though the actor has never published his finances. He is known for a long career on stage, in film and on television, with the Showtime comedy-drama Shameless as his steadiest source of income in recent years.
Early career
Macy trained in theatre and co-founded the Atlantic Theater Company in New York with playwright David Mamet and others in the 1980s. Stage work paid modestly but built the foundation for his screen roles. He worked steadily as a character actor before his breakthrough in the mid-1990s.
Fargo and film
His role as Jerry Lundegaard in the Coen brothers’ Fargo (1996) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He followed with Boogie Nights, Magnolia and Pleasantville, among others. Film roles brought fees that rose with his profile, though supporting actors typically earn less than leading stars.
Television
Macy appeared in the medical drama ER and then took the lead as Frank Gallagher in Shameless, which ran for eleven seasons from 2011 to 2021. Long-running series typically give actors steady pay and, in some cases, a share of reruns. Reports have suggested he earned a significant per-episode fee at the later stages of the show, though exact amounts are not public.
| Period | Main work |
|---|---|
| 1980s–early 1990s | Theatre, small screen roles |
| 1996–2000s | Fargo, Boogie Nights, Magnolia |
| 2011–2021 | Shameless |
Personal life and finances
Macy has been married to actress Felicity Huffman since 1997, and the couple have two daughters. In 2019 Huffman was involved in the widely reported college admissions case. Estimates of the couple’s combined wealth are separate from his own, and public information is limited.
How accurate is the estimate?
Estimates come from reported salaries, film deals and typical earnings. They do not account for taxes, agent fees or personal expenses. Two websites can differ by several million. If you want to know how to treat such numbers, see our guide to finding net worth from public sources.
Comparison with other actors
Leading stars with big film paychecks and production companies can reach hundreds of millions. A respected character actor like Macy sits at a more moderate level. That reflects the different pay structure rather than any lack of success. For a wider perspective, read what counts as a good net worth.
Summary of the picture
Steady work in acclaimed projects has provided a comfortable career, with television as the most reliable income. For biography details, see the Wikipedia page for William H. Macy.
FAQ: William H. Macy networth
How much is William H. Macy worth?
Widely reported estimates are around $25 million.
What role is he best known for?
Frank Gallagher in Shameless and Jerry Lundegaard in Fargo.
Did he win an Oscar?
He was nominated for Fargo but did not win.
Is that figure confirmed?
No, it is an estimate.
Reported estimates as of 2026; not financial advice.
Related reading: How to Find Out Someone’s Net Worth Using Public Sources · High Net Worth Interest Rates
Figures are reported estimates as of 2026 and change often. This article is for general information and is not financial advice.
