When Jason Beghe first stepped into the role of Sergeant Hank Voight on “Chicago P.D.,” few could have predicted just how lucrative this character would become. The gruff, no-nonsense police sergeant has not only made Beghe a household name but also transformed him into one of television’s wealthiest actors.
What makes Beghe’s story particularly fascinating is the timing of his biggest break. While many actors struggle to find substantial roles after 50, Beghe was just hitting his stride. His three-decade journey through Hollywood’s ups and downs finally paid off in a big way, proving that sometimes the best opportunities come to those who wait.
Jason Beghe’s Net Worth in 2024
Jason Beghe’s bank account tells quite a story. With a net worth of $9 million as of 2024, he’s managed to build serious wealth in an industry known for its financial uncertainty. Most of this fortune stems from his decade-long run as the star of “Chicago P.D.”
What’s remarkable about Beghe’s financial success is how it defies typical Hollywood timelines. Many actors see their biggest paydays in their 30s and 40s, but Beghe was well into his 50s when he landed the role that would define his career and his wealth.
The actor doesn’t just rely on his current salary, either. Years of steady work have created multiple income streams through residuals and royalties, ensuring that past projects continue contributing to his bottom line.
Chicago P.D. Salary Makes Him the Highest-Paid Cast Member
Key Financial Facts: Jason Beghe earns $250,000 per episode on Chicago P.D., totaling approximately $6 million annually with royalties and syndication deals.
The numbers behind Beghe’s “Chicago P.D.” paycheck are nothing short of staggering. At $250,000 per episode, he’s pulling in more money per hour of television than most people make in several years. When you factor in the show’s typical 22-episode seasons, that’s $5.5 million just from his base salary.
But here’s where it gets really interesting: royalties and syndication deals push his annual earnings from the show to around $6 million. That’s more than what many A-list movie stars make per film, and Beghe gets it year after year.
His co-stars aren’t doing too shabby either, but there’s a clear hierarchy. Jesse Lee Soffer, who played Detective Jay Halstead for nearly a decade, has accumulated a respectable $5 million net worth. Still, that puts him $4 million behind Beghe, highlighting just how much the lead role and veteran status matter in television economics.
The Chicago franchise has been NBC’s golden goose, and Beghe sits right at the center of that success.
Early Life and Privileged Background
Born on March 12, 1960, in New York City, Jason Deneen Beghe came from a family with deep roots in American politics and law. His privileged upbringing provided him with connections and opportunities that would later prove valuable in his entertainment career.
Beghe attended the prestigious Collegiate School, a private preparatory institution for boys in Manhattan. It was here that he formed friendships that would last a lifetime, including relationships with future celebrities John F. Kennedy Jr. and David Duchovny.
His family background is particularly impressive. His great-grandfather served as the first two-term governor of Illinois and worked as a district attorney in Chicago. His father, Renato W. Beghe, was a prominent federal tax lawyer who served under President George H.W. Bush and later worked as a Tax Court judge until 2003.
This family legacy in public service and law may have influenced Beghe’s later portrayal of law enforcement characters, giving him insight into the world of justice and authority that he brings to his roles.
Career Before Chicago P.D.
Before finding fame on television, Beghe worked as a model in Europe, an experience that helped him develop the confidence and presence that would serve him well as an actor. His transition to acting began in the mid-1980s with his film debut in “Compromising Positions” (1985), starring alongside Susan Sarandon.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw Beghe building his resume with a mix of film and television work. His breakout film role came in George A. Romero’s psychological horror film “Monkey Shines” (1988), where he played a paralyzed quadriplegic in a challenging and memorable performance.
He continued to land supporting roles in major Hollywood productions, including appearances in Ridley Scott’s “Thelma & Louise” (1991) and the Demi Moore war drama “G.I. Jane” (1997). These high-profile projects helped establish his reputation as a reliable character actor.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Beghe maintained a steady presence on television with recurring roles on popular series like “Picket Fences,” “Melrose Place,” and “Californication.” This consistent work provided him with steady income and kept him visible in the industry.
The Chicago Franchise Success Story
Beghe’s career-defining moment came in 2012 when he was cast as Detective Sergeant Hank Voight on “Chicago Fire.” The character was initially conceived as a recurring antagonist, but Beghe’s powerful performance caught the attention of producers and audiences alike.
The success of the Voight character led to the development of “Chicago P.D.” in 2014, with Beghe reprising his role as the lead character. This transition from supporting player to series lead marked a significant turning point in both his career and his earning potential.
The Chicago franchise has become one of NBC’s most successful properties, with multiple interconnected series creating a shared universe of characters and storylines. Beghe’s Voight has appeared across all the Chicago shows, including “Chicago Med” and “Chicago Justice,” making him a central figure in this television universe.
The longevity of “Chicago P.D.” has been crucial to Beghe’s financial success. Now in its twelfth season, the show has provided him with over a decade of steady, high-paying work, something that’s increasingly rare in the television industry.
Personal Life and Investments
Beghe’s personal life has seen both triumphs and challenges that have impacted his financial situation. He was married to Angie Janu from 2000 to 2019, and the couple had two children together. Their divorce settlement included the division of significant assets.
As part of the divorce agreement, Beghe retained ownership of a luxurious condominium in Chicago, which serves as his primary residence while filming the Chicago series. His ex-wife received their house in Malibu, California, indicating the couple had built substantial real estate wealth during their marriage.
One of the more unusual aspects of Beghe’s financial history involves his former involvement with the Church of Scientology. The actor has publicly stated that he donated approximately $1 million to the organization over a 12-year period before leaving in 2007.
Since departing from Scientology, Beghe has become one of its most vocal critics, appearing in documentaries and speaking out against the organization. This experience, while costly, has given him a unique perspective that he’s used to help others.
How Jason Beghe Built His Fortune
Beghe’s path to his $9 million net worth demonstrates the value of persistence and strategic career choices. Unlike actors who achieve early fame and fortune, Beghe built his wealth gradually through consistent work and smart decisions.
His early career provided him with valuable experience and industry connections, while his willingness to take on diverse roles kept him working steadily. The transition from film to television proved particularly wise, as the medium has become increasingly prestigious and lucrative.
The key to Beghe’s financial success has been his ability to land a long-running, high-paying television role later in his career. “Chicago P.D.” has provided him with the kind of steady, substantial income that allows actors to build real wealth.
Looking ahead, Beghe’s earning potential remains strong. As long as “Chicago P.D.” continues to be successful, he can expect to maintain his current income level. Additionally, his extensive body of work will continue to generate residual income for years to come, ensuring his financial security well into the future.
