Nancy Cartwright’s Net Worth: From Bart Simpson to Hollywood Legacy

Nancy Cartwright’s net worth in 2025 reflects the remarkable career of a voice actress whose work has become part of global pop culture. Best known as the voice of Bart Simpson on the long-running animated hit The Simpsons, Cartwright has turned a single iconic role into a career spanning decades, earning tens of millions in the process. Beyond Bart, she has voiced countless characters, taken on acting and producing projects, and made smart investments that have secured her financial future. Her story is one of talent, longevity, and strategic career choices that have allowed her to thrive in an ever-changing entertainment industry.

Childhood and Education

Nancy Jean Cartwright was born on October 25, 1957, in Dayton, Ohio. From a young age, she demonstrated a knack for storytelling and a fascination with voices and sound. While other kids were content with ordinary play, she spent time imitating voices she heard on television and radio, a skill that would later define her career.

In high school, she participated in speech competitions, often winning awards for her dramatic and humorous interpretations. Her success in these competitions earned her a scholarship to Ohio University, where she studied speech. She later transferred to UCLA to be closer to the entertainment industry, a move that would change the course of her life.

First Voice Acting Roles

While still in college, Cartwright landed her first professional voice acting job in 1980, voicing Gloria in the animated series Richie Rich. She also voiced characters in Snorks, Pound Puppies, and My Little Pony. These early roles gave her valuable experience in the recording booth and introduced her to the tight-knit world of professional voice actors.

It was clear early on that Cartwright possessed a rare versatility. She could switch from voicing young boys to elderly women, from quirky sidekicks to sincere leads, all in the same session. This adaptability made her a sought-after talent for casting directors.

Landing the Role of Bart Simpson

In 1987, while auditioning for a role on The Tracey Ullman Show, Cartwright was originally meant to read for the part of Lisa Simpson. However, after glancing at the character sketches and script, she asked if she could try reading for Lisa’s mischievous older brother, Bart. Her energetic, rebellious interpretation impressed creator Matt Groening and the production team so much that she was offered the role on the spot.

When The Simpsons became its own half-hour show in 1989, Bart Simpson quickly became a cultural phenomenon. His catchphrases like “Eat my shorts!” and “Don’t have a cow, man” were repeated worldwide, and Cartwright’s distinctive delivery was central to Bart’s charm.

Salary Growth Over the Decades

In the early days, The Simpsons cast members earned modest salaries per episode, but as the show’s popularity skyrocketed, so did their paychecks. Over multiple contract negotiations, Cartwright and her fellow voice actors successfully argued for salaries that matched the show’s massive success.

By the 2000s, her per-episode salary had reached $125,000. Subsequent negotiations pushed that figure higher, and today, long-time cast members reportedly earn around $400,000 per episode. With The Simpsons producing 20+ episodes a year, this translates to millions in annual earnings for Cartwright, not including residuals and royalties from syndication and merchandise.

Work Beyond The Simpsons

Although Bart Simpson remains her most famous role, Cartwright’s career extends far beyond Springfield. She has voiced characters in other major animated series, including Rufus the naked mole-rat in Kim Possible, Chuckie Finster in Rugrats (for a brief period), and various roles in shows like Goof Troop and Animaniacs.

Her film credits include voice work in Disney and Warner Bros. projects, as well as live-action appearances in films like Twilight Zone: The Movie and Godzilla. She has also been a guest on numerous television programs, sharing behind-the-scenes stories about her career in animation.

Commercials and Guest Appearances

Cartwright’s voice has also been featured in commercials for major brands, adding another stream of income. Whether selling breakfast cereal, video games, or children’s toys, her recognizable sound brings familiarity and charm. Guest appearances on talk shows, conventions, and industry panels keep her connected with fans and help promote her other projects.

Writing and Producing

In addition to performing, Cartwright has expanded into writing and producing. In 2000, she published her autobiography, My Life as a 10-Year-Old Boy, which offers an inside look at her life and career voicing Bart Simpson. The book was later adapted into a one-woman stage show and a documentary, both of which she produced.

She has also been involved in developing and producing independent film and television projects, further diversifying her career and income.

Real Estate and Investments

Cartwright has invested her earnings wisely, including in real estate. She has owned properties in Los Angeles and elsewhere, some of which she has used for personal living and others as rental investments. Real estate, combined with other business ventures, provides her with long-term financial stability independent of her acting work.

She has also been active in philanthropic efforts, donating to educational causes, arts programs, and charitable organizations, which reflects her commitment to giving back to the community.

Estimating Nancy Cartwright’s Net Worth in 2025

Taking into account her decades of work on The Simpsons, earnings from other voice acting roles, writing, producing, commercial work, real estate, and investments, Nancy Cartwright’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be between $80 million and $85 million.

The vast majority of this wealth comes from The Simpsons, which has paid her consistently high salaries for over three decades. However, her diversified career and smart investments have ensured that she is not reliant on a single source of income.

Lifestyle and Public Image

Nancy Cartwright is known for her upbeat, approachable personality and her deep love for her work. Fans are often surprised when they hear Bart Simpson’s voice coming from her in person, and she enjoys engaging with them at events. While she leads a comfortable lifestyle befitting her success, she is not known for excessive extravagance, preferring to focus on creative and philanthropic endeavors.

Her reputation in the industry is one of professionalism, generosity, and enduring talent. She is respected by peers and admired by fans across generations.

Future Financial Prospects

With The Simpsons still going strong after more than 30 seasons and showing no signs of slowing down, Cartwright’s financial future remains bright. Even if the series were to end, the residuals from reruns, streaming, and merchandise would continue to generate significant income.

Additionally, her skill as a voice actor means she can continue working for decades to come, as the profession is not limited by on-camera age restrictions. New animation projects, commercial work, and possible expansions of her producing career could all contribute to her earnings in the future.