Matt Groening, the genius behind The Simpsons creator, stands as one of the wealthiest figures in entertainment. His journey from a struggling Los Angeles cartoonist to an animation industry legend showcases decades of creative brilliance and business acumen that transformed television forever.
The American animator net worth of Groening reflects his unprecedented success in building media empires. From his Life in Hell comic strip to becoming an adult animation pioneer, his financial achievements mirror his cultural impact on comedy and animation worldwide.
Matt Groening Net Worth & Earnings
What Is Matt Groening’s Net Worth and Salary?
Matt Groening net worth 2025 stands at an impressive $600 million, making him one of the wealthiest cartoonists globally. His fortune stems primarily from The Simpsons creator net worth, which includes licensing and royalties from the longest-running TV show in American television history.
The cartoonist billionaire status comes from multiple revenue streams including television production earnings, animation merchandising revenue, and his Fox animated series deals. His media franchise earnings continue growing through syndication, streaming platforms, and global merchandise sales.
| Income Source | Estimated Value |
| The Simpsons Royalties | Primary revenue driver |
| Futurama Earnings | Significant contributor |
| Merchandising Rights | Billions generated |
| Netflix Disenchantment | Multi-million deal |
Matt Groening net worth 2025
The Matt Groening wealth in 2025 reflects decades of successful ventures in animation and publishing. His Bongo Comics founder role and creator ownership stakes ensure continuous passive income from multiple franchises simultaneously.
His financial portfolio includes syndicated comic strips revenue, backend deals from DVD sales, streaming rights, and theme park attractions. The Primetime Emmy Awards winner maintains substantial equity in productions spanning over three decades.
Matt Groening salary per episode
While exact Matt Groening salary per episode remains undisclosed, industry experts estimate substantial backend percentages. As executive producer and creator, he earns from production fees, syndication deals, and merchandising rights connected to each episode broadcast.
The Simpsons creator reportedly negotiated lucrative profit-sharing arrangements early on. These deals guarantee him earnings from every rerun, international broadcast, and streaming view across platforms worldwide, creating perpetual income streams.
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Early Life & Background
Early Life
Matt Groening early life began February 15, 1954, in Portland Oregon cartoonist circles. Born to Homer Philip Groening, a filmmaker and writer, and Margaret Ruth, a teacher, Matthew Abraham Groening grew up surrounded by creativity and storytelling.
The Evergreen State College alumni graduated in 1977 after studying liberal arts. His siblings—Mark, Patty, Lisa, and Maggie would later inspire character names in his most famous creation. Disney’s “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” sparked his animation passion.
| Personal Detail | Information |
| Birth Date | February 15, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Portland, Oregon |
| Parents | Homer Philip & Margaret Ruth |
| Education | Evergreen State College |
Career Beginnings
Early Career
After moving to Los Angeles in 1977, Groening worked odd jobs while pursuing his cartoonist dreams. He delivered newspapers, worked at record stores, nursing homes, and even a sewage treatment plant while developing his distinctive artistic voice.
His first professional cartoon sale came in 1978 to avant-garde “Wet Magazine.” The strip “Forbidden Words” marked his entry into professional cartooning. He joined Los Angeles Reader as deliverer before becoming their featured cartoonist in 1980.
• Worked multiple odd jobs to support artistic pursuits • First professional sale to Wet Magazine (1978) • Joined Los Angeles Reader newspaper • Developed unique underground comic style
Rise to Fame
Life in Hell
The Life in Hell comic strip debuted April 25, 1980, in the Los Angeles Reader, becoming an immediate underground sensation. The darkly humorous, semi-autobiographical series explored anxiety, relationships, and urban life with Groening’s signature rabbits Binky and Sheba.
At its peak, Life in Hell appeared in 250 weekly newspapers nationwide. Groening and girlfriend Deborah Caplan formed Life in Hell Co. for merchandising. Published books like “Love is Hell” and “Work is Hell” became counterculture favorites before the strip’s 2012 conclusion.
The Simpsons
The Simpsons creator revolutionized television when producer James L. Brooks approached him in 1987 for The Tracey Ullman Show. Instead of adapting Life in Hell, Groening quickly sketched a dysfunctional family, naming characters after his relatives—except Bart, an anagram of “brat.”
The shorts debuted April 1987, becoming breakout hits. Fox animated series executives greenlit a standalone show premiering December 17, 1989. Co-developed with Brooks and Sam Simon, The Simpsons transformed into the longest-running TV show, winning over 30 Primetime Emmy Awards.
| The Simpsons Milestones | Achievement |
| Debut Date | December 17, 1989 |
| Emmy Awards | 30+ wins |
| Movie Gross | $500+ million |
| Status | Longest-running scripted show |
• Named characters after family members • Premiered on Tracey Ullman Show (1987) • Standalone series launched (1989) • Generated billions in merchandising • Influenced Family Guy, South Park, Rick and Morty
Other Major Works
Futurama and Other Work
The Futurama co-creator launched the sci-fi comedy in 1999 with writer David X. Cohen. Set in the year 3000, the show developed a devoted fanbase despite initial Fox cancellation. Strong DVD sales and Adult Swim ratings resurrected the series on Comedy Central.
Disenchantment Netflix series premiered August 2018, expanding Groening’s fantasy animation portfolio. The animated sitcom creator produced four Futurama direct-to-DVD films and secured renewed Netflix commitments. His work earned him a dozen Emmy Awards and a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2012.
Boingo Comics
Bongo Comics founder Groening established the company in 1994 with Steve Vance, Cindy Vance, and Bill Morrison. The publishing house produces comics based on The Simpsons and Futurama franchises, plus original titles for diverse audiences.
He created Zongo Comics imprint in 1995 for mature readers. These ventures diversified his income streams while expanding the universes of his animated properties. The comics maintain dedicated readerships and contribute significantly to his overall wealth.
• Founded Bongo Comics (1994) • Publishes Simpsons and Futurama comics • Created Zongo Comics imprint (1995) • Original titles beyond TV properties
Personal Life & Family
Matt Groening wife
Matt Groening personal life includes his marriage to Argentinian artist Agustina Picasso in 2011 after four years of dating. Picasso brought artistic sensibility and creative partnership to their relationship, supporting his continued animation ventures and expanding family.
The couple’s creative collaboration extends beyond personal life. Agustina became stepmother to Groening’s sons from his previous marriage, creating a large, blended family that mirrors the familial themes in his animated works.
Matt Groening ex wife
Matt Groening ex wife Deborah Caplan was married to the animator from 1986 to 1999. She played crucial roles in his early career, co-founding Life in Hell Co. and managing merchandising operations during the comic strip’s peak popularity years.
Caplan helped publish Life in Hell compilations like “Love is Hell” and “Work is Hell.” Their partnership combined business acumen with creative support during Groening’s transition from underground cartoonist to television animation powerhouse.
Matt Groening net worth ex wife
Matt Groening net worth ex wife Deborah Caplan’s financial details remain private following their 1999 divorce. As co-founder of Life in Hell Co., she likely received settlement agreements reflecting her contributions to building Groening’s early empire.
While exact divorce settlement amounts stay confidential, Caplan’s involvement in establishing merchandising operations suggests significant financial recognition. Her business partnership helped lay foundations for Groening’s later television success.
Matt Groening children
Matt Groening wife and children represent a remarkably large family. With ex-wife Caplan, he has sons Homer and Abe. His marriage to Agustina Picasso added her daughter from a previous relationship, plus eight biological children including two sets of twins.
The couple manages 11 children total in their household. His children’s names often reflect his creative interests and family traditions. The large family provides ongoing inspiration for his animated series’ familial themes and dynamics.
| Family Member | Details |
| Current Wife | Agustina Picasso (m. 2011) |
| Ex-Wife | Deborah Caplan (m. 1986-1999) |
| Total Children | 11 (biological and step) |
| Notable Names | Homer, Abe (sons) |
Matt Groening age
Born February 15, 1954, Matt Groening age is currently 70 years old. The animation industry legend continues working actively on multiple projects despite decades in the entertainment industry, showing no signs of retirement from his creative pursuits.
His longevity in animation demonstrates remarkable adaptability across changing media landscapes. From underground comics to network television to streaming platforms, Groening evolved with technology while maintaining his distinctive satirical voice and artistic vision.
Lifestyle & Assets
Real Estate
Celebrity real estate investments showcase Groening’s wealth. In 2011, he purchased an $11.65 million Santa Monica mansion built in 1910 by architect Robert D. Farquhar, followed by extensive renovations and a $11.9 million adjacent property purchase in May 2019.
His Malibu beachfront home, acquired in 2000 for $8.5 million, now values above $20 million. The Santa Monica compound exceeds one acre of prime California coastline. These properties reflect his status among entertainment’s wealthiest creators.
• Santa Monica main residence: $11.65M (2011) • Adjacent property: $11.9M (2019) • Malibu beachfront: $8.5M (2000, now $20M+) • Total compound: Over one acre
| Property | Purchase Price | Current Value | |—|—| | Santa Monica Main | $11.65M | Significantly appreciated | | Santa Monica Adjacent | $11.9M | Part of compound | | Malibu Beach House | $8.5M | $20M+ estimated |
Conclusion
Matt Groening’s remarkable journey from struggling Portland Oregon cartoonist to entertainment mogul represents the American dream realized through talent and persistence. His $600 million net worth reflects not just financial success but cultural influence spanning generations of animation fans worldwide.
As The Simpsons continues breaking records and new projects emerge, Groening’s legacy as an adult animation pioneer remains secure. His contributions revolutionized television comedy, proving animated series could deliver sophisticated satire while achieving unprecedented commercial success and enduring cultural relevance.
