Penn Badgley's Net Worth In 2025: From Sweetheart To Stalker.
Penn Badgley has been a fixture in Hollywood for over two decades, winning over audiences with his brooding charm, sharp performances, and undeniable charisma. From his breakout role in Gossip Girl to his chilling portrayal of Joe Goldberg in You, Badgley has proven his versatility and staying power in the industry. But beyond his on-screen success, many wonder about the actor's financial standing, personal life, and real estate ventures in 2025.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on November 1, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland, Penn Dayton Badgley developed an interest in acting at an early age. He split his childhood between Washington and Virginia before moving to Hollywood to pursue his career. As a teenager, he landed small roles in TV series like Will & Grace and The Young and the Restless before getting his first big break in the teen drama The Bedford Diaries.
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However, it wasn’t until he was cast as Dan Humphrey in Gossip Girl that Badgley became a household name. The CW series, which ran from 2007 to 2012, turned him into a heartthrob and significantly boosted his career and earnings. While starring in Gossip Girl, Badgley reportedly earned $40,000 per episode, contributing significantly to his net worth.
Career Evolution: From Gossip Girl to You
While Gossip Girl made him famous, Badgley sought roles that would showcase his range. He appeared in indie films like Greetings from Tim Buckley and The Paper Store, proving his ability to tackle complex characters.
His career took another major turn in 2018 when he landed the role of Joe Goldberg in Netflix's You. The dark psychological thriller became a massive hit, drawing millions of viewers and solidifying Badgley’s reputation as one of television’s most compelling actors.
Personal Life: Love, Marriage, and Fatherhood
Badgley’s personal life has been a topic of interest for fans since his days on Gossip Girl, particularly his real-life romance with co-star Blake Lively. The two dated for three years during the early seasons of the show before amicably parting ways in 2010. Despite their breakup, they maintained professionalism on set, which impressed many fans.
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In 2017, Badgley married Domino Kirke, a musician and doula. Kirke, who has a son from a previous relationship, and Badgley later welcomed their first child together in 2020. Becoming a father has been a transformative experience for the actor, who often speaks about the joys and challenges of parenting.
Real Estate Ventures
Badgley has made strategic real estate investments over the years. He and his wife own a stylish home in Brooklyn, New York, which reflects their bohemian lifestyle. The couple reportedly spent over $2 million on the property, which features modern amenities blended with classic charm.
In addition to their Brooklyn home, Badgley has shown interest in other real estate investments, purchasing and selling properties in Los Angeles over the years. While he prefers a relatively low-key lifestyle, his wise financial moves ensure that his wealth continues to grow beyond his acting career.
Who Is the Richest Person from Gossip Girl?
While Badgley has done well for himself, Blake Lively remains the wealthiest among the Gossip Girl cast. With a net worth estimated at over $30 million, Lively’s success extends beyond acting—she has lucrative endorsement deals, business ventures, and a high-profile marriage to actor Ryan Reynolds, whose fortune further contributes to their combined wealth.
How Much Money Did Penn Badgley Make in You?
After Gossip Girl, Badgley continued to expand his career, starring in films such as Easy A and The Stepfather. However, his career reached new heights when he was cast as Joe Goldberg in Netflix’s psychological thriller You.
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For the first season of You, Penn reportedly earned $55,000 per episode. As the show gained massive popularity, his salary increased significantly. By the fourth season, his per-episode earnings were estimated to be $300,000, bringing his total earnings from the series to approximately $7-8 million.
Penn Badgley’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Penn Badgley is undoubtedly a millionaire, with an estimated net worth of around $10 million according to Celebrity Net Worth. His impressive fortune has been built through a combination of television and film salaries, endorsements, and various business ventures. His lead role in Netflix's psychological thriller You has been particularly lucrative, reportedly earning him $50,000 per episode in the early seasons, with a significant salary increase in later installments.
Though his net worth doesn’t quite reach the level of Gossip Girl co-stars like Blake Lively, who is considered one of the wealthiest from the show, Badgley has carved out a comfortable financial position. His consistent work and careful financial decisions have ensured steady growth in his fortune over the years.
How Did We Calculate His Net Worth?
Penn Badgley’s net worth is estimated based on his earnings from television, film, and other ventures. His most lucrative role has been as Joe Goldberg in You, for which he reportedly earned around $55,000 per episode in the first season, with later seasons pushing his salary closer to $100,000 per episode. With four seasons and 40 episodes, this alone contributes significantly to his wealth. His time on Gossip Girl also added millions to his fortune, as he was making $50,000 per episode by the later seasons. Combined with film roles like Easy A and The Stepfather, brand endorsements, and real estate investments, this is why we estimate his net worth in 2025 sits at $8–10 million.
Conclusion
Penn Badgley’s journey from a teen drama heartthrob to a respected actor with critically acclaimed roles is nothing short of impressive. His ability to transform into complex characters, particularly his eerie yet mesmerizing portrayal of Joe Goldberg, has set him apart in Hollywood. Despite his success, Badgley remains grounded, prioritizing meaningful roles over commercial appeal.
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Beyond his career, his personal life reflects stability and fulfillment—he has found love, embraced fatherhood, and built a comfortable life away from the Hollywood spotlight. As he continues to evolve as an actor, there’s no doubt that Penn Badgley will keep captivating audiences for years to come.
