Armin Shimerman Net Worth

What is Armin Shimerman's net worth?

Armin Shimerman is an American actor, voice actor, and author who has a net worth of $3 million.

Armin Shimerman is an American actor, author, and voice artist widely recognized for his portrayal of the Ferengi bartender Quark in the science fiction series "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." With over four decades in the entertainment industry, Shimerman has built a diverse career spanning television, film, theater, voice acting, and literature. Beyond his iconic Star Trek role, he has appeared in numerous television series including "Beauty and the Beast," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and "Boston Legal." As a classically trained actor with extensive stage experience, Shimerman has performed with prestigious theater companies across the United States while simultaneously building a prolific voice acting career in animation and video games. Additionally, he has co-authored science fiction novels and served as a union leader advocating for actors' rights, demonstrating his multifaceted talents beyond his most famous television role.

Early Life and Education

Armin Shimerman was born on November 5, 1949, in Lakewood, New Jersey. His family relocated to Los Angeles when he was a child, where he later attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Shimerman received classical theater training and developed a foundation in Shakespearean performance that would influence his later acting work. This training gave him versatility and depth that prepared him for the diverse roles throughout his career.

Theater Career

Shimerman's professional roots lie in theater, where he has maintained an active presence throughout his career. He performed with the prestigious Old Globe Theater in San Diego, participating in their Shakespeare Festival for seven seasons. His theater credits include performances with the New York Shakespeare Festival, the Tyrone Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, and the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.

His stage work has included classical roles in Shakespeare productions such as "Hamlet" and "Richard III," as well as contemporary plays. Shimerman's theater background provided him with the skills to bring depth and nuance to his screen roles, particularly when portraying non-human characters requiring substantial physical characterization.

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Television and Film

While Shimerman has appeared in numerous television roles, his portrayal of Quark on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" remains his most recognizable work. From 1993 to 1999, he appeared in all seven seasons of the series, developing the complex character of a profit-driven Ferengi bartender who evolves beyond the initial stereotypes of his species. Despite performing under extensive prosthetic makeup, Shimerman conveyed a remarkable range of emotions and character development throughout the series.

Beyond Star Trek, Shimerman played Principal Snyder in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," a role that showcased his ability to portray stern authority figures. His extensive television resume includes recurring roles in "Beauty and the Beast," "Boston Legal," "The Practice," and guest appearances on shows including "Seinfeld," "Nip/Tuck," and "Castle."

His film work, while less extensive than his television career, includes roles in "The Hitcher," "Death Warrant," and "Like Father Like Son." Though often in supporting roles, Shimerman's character work brought distinction to even brief screen appearances.

Voice Acting

Shimerman has established a prolific career in voice acting for animation and video games. His voice work includes roles in animated series such as "Justice League" and "Batman: The Animated Series." In video games, he has lent his voice to popular franchises including "BioShock" (as Andrew Ryan), "Ratchet & Clank," "Mass Effect," and "Star Wars: The Old Republic."

His distinctive vocal qualities and theatrical training have made him particularly well-suited for voice acting, allowing him to create memorable characters across different media without the physical transformation required for his on-camera roles.

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Writing Career

Expanding beyond acting, Shimerman has co-authored several novels. With Michael Scott, he wrote the "Merchant Prince" science fiction series, which draws on Shimerman's experience playing a merchant character in Star Trek. He has also co-written "The 34th Rule," a Star Trek novel featuring his character Quark, with David R. George III.

His writing reflects his intellectual interests and his deep understanding of the characters he has portrayed, particularly the complex motivations and ethics of the profit-driven Ferengi culture he helped develop through his portrayal of Quark.

Teaching and Advocacy

Shimerman has shared his theatrical expertise as an acting teacher, conducting Shakespeare classes and workshops. He has served as a professor at the University of Southern California and other institutions, passing along his classical training to new generations of actors.

Additionally, Shimerman has been active in the Screen Actors Guild, serving on its board of directors and advocating for actors' rights. His involvement in union leadership reflects his commitment to improving working conditions in his profession.

Personal Life

Shimerman is married to actress Kitty Swink, who also appeared in episodes of Star Trek. They married in 1981. The couple has collaborated both professionally and in their advocacy work. Shimerman maintains interests in literature and history, which inform both his acting and writing pursuits.

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Real Estate

In 1993, Armin and Kitty paid $550,000 for a home in North Hollywood. Today, this home is worth around $2 million.

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