Steve Kazee Net Worth, Biography and Carrer Earnings in 2025
Steve Kazee Net Worth reflects an inspiring rise from small-town beginnings to Broadway stardom and screen success. Through disciplined training, heartfelt performances, and musical talent, Steve built a steady career across stage and television. By 2025, his net worth sits at a healthy midpoint for a working actor with diverse creative roles.
This article explores how each chapter—from Ashland school plays to Tony awards—has shaped his wealth. We’ll map his earnings from theater, television, music royalties, and more. The story reveals that success in entertainment takes artistry, resilience, and smart planning.

Key Fact Table – Steve Kazee Net Worth
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steven Michael Kazee |
| Birth Date | October 30, 1975 |
| Birthplace | Ashland, Kentucky, USA |
| Education | B.A. in Theatre from Morehead State University; M.F.A. in Acting from NYU Tisch |
| Career Start | Regional theater (early 2000s); Broadway debut 2005 |
| Signature Role | Guy in Once (Broadway and off-Broadway) |
| Television Roles | Shameless, The Walking Dead, Nashville, NCIS, Elementary |
| Awards | Tony Award (2012), Grammy Award (2012 cast album) |
| Net Worth (2025 Estimate) | $2 million |
| Major Income Sources | Theatre earnings, television salaries, music royalties, touring, production royalties |
Introduction to Steve Kazee Net Worth
Steve Kazee Net Worth represents more than money—it honors a deep connection to performance and creativity. His success reflects passion for acting and music infused with solid training and ambition. Rising from community theater to Broadway showcases how practical skill can translate into financial reward.
His story reminds us that a supportive education, like at Morehead State and NYU Tisch, can pave the road to a living. As Steve’s roles expanded, so did his income streams—each project adding consistency and longevity to his net worth.
Early Life and Education
Steve Michael Kazee was born and raised in Ashland, Kentucky—an Appalachian town with a strong arts presence. He took part in school plays, liturgical choir, and local festivals. He earned early praise for his singing voice and compelling stage presence.
He studied theatre in college at Morehead State University, completing a B.A. in Drama. Eager to hone his craft, he moved to New York and earned an M.F.A. from NYU Tisch School of the Arts in 2002. This rigorous training mentored his emotional and improvisational range.
His experiences in workshops, ensemble projects, and local productions allowed him to develop as both actor and musician—preparing him for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Career in Theatre
Regional Beginnings
After leaving NYU, Steve performed in regional theaters across the U.S.—from Ohio to North Carolina. He took on roles in musicals, Shakespeare plays, and new works. These early gigs built resilience, improvisational skill, and an adaptable artistic voice.
Those years included supporting stage work in ensemble casts and leading character roles. Though payment was modest, the varied roles shaped his future marketability and stage confidence.
Broadway Breakthroughs
His Broadway journey began around 2005 with Spamalot, a comedic musical based on Monty Python. This opened doors to roles in 110 in the Shade and the musical adaptation of To Be or Not to Be. Critics noticed his versatile singing and stage charisma.
These shows solidified his place in the Broadway community and helped his earning power through ensemble salaries and performance bonuses over long runs.
Once: Defining Performance
Steve’s breakout came with Once. He starred as the male lead—Guy—first in New York workshop productions and then on Broadway in 2012. His authentic, emotionally raw performance earned critical praise.
Winning the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor and a Grammy Award for the cast album added prestige. The role’s scale brought six-figure salaries, and the cast album continued to provide residual income. Tours and international productions kept this role active far beyond its original year.
In Television
Early Screen Appearances
After Once, Steve looked to television for variety and visibility. He appeared in single-episode roles on roles like Elementary and NCIS. Those spots introduced him to a wider television audience and filmmaking experience.
Recurring and Guest Roles
Steve next appeared on Nashville as Luke Wheeler—a role that allowed him to sing and act onscreen. His presence on that show built crossover appeal with TV viewers.
On Shameless, he played Officer Gus Pfender over two seasons. That role brought consistency and regular pay, while showing his dramatic range. Guest roles followed on The Walking Dead and other shows—each adding residuals and credit.
Streaming and Residuals
With streaming platforms in full swing, shows like Shameless continued earning residuals long after filming ended. These payments made his income flow more stable and recurring.
He also explored smaller roles in TV pilots and independent film, keeping filmography fresh and potential earnings through writer, producer, and cast credits.
Personal Life
Early Adulthood
For years, Steve kept his personal life separate from fame. He focused on his craft and remained rooted in theatre culture.
Relationship and Family
Steve began dating actress Jenna Dewan in 2018 after they met through shared creative circles. Their relationship moved in stages—engaged in early 2020, welcoming his son Callum in March 2020, and daughter Rhiannon in June 2024.
The couple shares candid moments of parenthood and co-parenting with grace. Living between New York and Los Angeles, Steve remains close to both stage and screen while valuing privacy for family life.
Awards and Nominations
Steve’s first major accolade was the 2012 Tony Award for Once, marking premier recognition in theater. He also received a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album from the same production.
He earned multiple nominations from Drama League, Outer Critics Circle, and Helen Hayes Award for earlier roles—though Once remains his career highlight.
These honors helped raise his market value and earning capacity—opening doors to concert tours, theatre readings, and negotiations for lucrative roles.
Current Net Wort
As of 2025, Steve Kazee Net Worth is $2 million—a solid result for a career actor with diverse projects.
Key income flows include:
- Theater Salaries: Full Broadway runs like Once pay well, especially with bonuses for long runs.
- Television Income: Recurring roles on popular series added weekly pay and residuals.
- Music Royalties: Cast recordings from Once and other shows provide streaming income.
- Production Credits: Behind-the-scenes roles on theatrical workshops and recorded concerts add royalties.
- Geographic Balance: Residing in New York and Los Angeles allows him flexibility in roles and appearances.
Steve continues to act in high-profile productions without the pressure of blockbuster fame, preserving his lifestyle balance and family time.
Summary
Steve Kazee Net Worth reflects the power of training, talent, and timing. His growth journey—Ashland school plays to NYU training, Broadway breakthroughs, screen roles, and family life—shows thoughtful career development.
While not a celebrity billionaire, he built earnings of $2 million responsibly. His wealth demonstrates how an actor with awards and screen credits can achieve multi-figure income and stability.
Moving forward, his family, creative aspirations, and investments signal that this net worth is a platform—not a final destination.

FAQs – Steve Kazee Net Worth
What awards did he win?
He won a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor (2012) and a Grammy Award for the Once cast album.
What ongoing income does he receive?
He earns from long-running theater tours, television appearance residuals, streamed cast album royalties, and production credit pay.
Does Steve Kazee have kids?
Yes, he has two children with partner Jenna Dewan. He often mentions fatherhood as a source of inspiration and responsibility.
Why did Steven Yeun quit The Walking Dead?
This question doesn’t relate to Steve Kazee. For clarity: actor Steven Yeun left The Walking Dead in 2016 to pursue film roles and personal projects as he transitioned away from the series. His departure is unrelated to Steve Kazee’s career or net worth.
