Paul Dooley Net Worth

What is Paul Dooley's net worth?

Paul Dooley is an American actor, writer, and comedian who has a net worth of $70 million. It should be noted that the majority of Paul Dooley's net worth actually comes from his wife, Winnie Holzman. Winnie has earned a fortune as the co-writer of the musical "Wicked". Winnie, along with author Gregory Maguire and composer Stephen Schwartz, split a 6.7% royalty on all revenue generated by Wicked the musical and movies. Paul and Winnie have been married since 1984.

Known for his versatility, wry delivery, and everyman warmth, Dooley has built a reputation as one of Hollywood's most reliable character actors. He's perhaps best known for playing sympathetic and often bewildered father figures in acclaimed films like "Breaking Away," "Sixteen Candles," and "Runaway Bride." Beyond his acting work, Dooley has written for television, performed on Broadway, and contributed to sketch comedy institutions such as "The Electric Company." With a career marked by intelligence, subtle humor, and emotional depth, he remains a respected figure in both mainstream and independent entertainment.

Early Life and Education

Paul Dooley was born Paul Brown on February 22, 1928, in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He began performing in local theater productions as a teenager and later studied at West Virginia University. After college and a stint in the Navy, he moved to New York City to pursue acting. He adopted the stage name "Dooley" early in his career and found work in both commercial art and stand-up comedy while performing in off-Broadway plays.

Stage and Writing Career

Dooley's early work included a strong presence in New York's theater and comedy scenes. He joined the Compass Players—the predecessor to Second City—and worked with improv luminaries like Alan Arkin and Mike Nichols. In the late 1960s, he began writing and performing for "The Electric Company," a PBS children's series produced by the creators of "Sesame Street." His comedic instincts and clever sketches helped shape the tone of the groundbreaking show, and he served as head writer for several seasons.

Dooley also wrote for television variety shows, including material for performers like Lily Tomlin and Carol Burnett. His experience as a writer informed his skill in crafting character-driven humor and sharpened his gift for comic timing.

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Film Career

Dooley's breakthrough film role came in 1979 with "Breaking Away," where he played the bike shop-owning father of Dennis Christopher's character. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Dooley's performance earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He quickly became a go-to actor for playing emotionally grounded, often bemused father figures in films throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Notable film appearances include:

• "Popeye" (1980), as Wimpy
• "Sixteen Candles" (1984), as Molly Ringwald's understanding dad
• "Waiting for Guffman" (1996), in a memorable Christopher Guest ensemble
• "Runaway Bride" (1999), as Julia Roberts' father
• "Insomnia" (2002), alongside Al Pacino and Robin Williams

Dooley has worked with directors like Robert Altman, Mike Nichols, and Garry Marshall, earning praise for his subtle, humanistic performances that often elevated supporting roles into scene-stealing turns.

Television and Voice Work

In addition to his film work, Dooley has had a long and varied television career. He played recurring roles on popular shows such as "The Practice," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "ER," and "Grace Under Fire." One of his most recognizable voice roles was as Sarge in the "Cars" animated film series by Pixar.

He also starred in the short-lived but critically praised HBO series "Dream On" and made guest appearances on dozens of shows spanning multiple decades.

Winnie and Paul (Photo by Araya Diaz/Getty Images)

Personal Life

Paul Dooley is married to television writer and librettist Winnie Holzman, best known for "My So-Called Life" and "Wicked." The couple has one daughter, Savannah Dooley, who is also a television writer. Paul and Winnie have occasionally collaborated professionally, and their marriage has been noted for its longevity and mutual creative support.

Real Estate

In 2012, Paul and Winnie paid just under $7 million for a beachfront home in Malibu, California. They listed the home for sale at one point for $7.5 million but ultimately accepted $5.75 million in August 2020. In 2019, they paid $5.2 million for a home in Toluca Lake, California.

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