Matt Stone Net Worth, A $700 Million Entertainment Icon
Matt Stone, the acclaimed American animator, writer, producer, and actor, has built an impressive empire, with a net worth estimated at $700 million in 2024. At 53 years old, Stone has carved out his fortune primarily through his work on the legendary animated series South Park, as well as ventures in film and theater. Stone is married to Angela Howard, a Comedy Central executive, and they share two children. His extensive wealth is tied to a series of groundbreaking deals, especially a $900 million agreement with ViacomCBS in 2021.
Early Life
Born on May 26, 1971, in Houston, Texas, Matt Stone grew up in Littleton, Colorado, raised by his parents, Gerald and Sheila Stone. His father was an economics professor, while his mother was a homemaker. Stone attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where he majored in mathematics and film, setting the stage for his future success. During his college years, he met Trey Parker, a collaboration that would later result in their legendary creation, South Park.
South Park Success
In 1997, Matt Stone and Trey Parker introduced South Park to the world. The show, known for its biting satire and crude humor, became an instant success. Now, over 300 episodes later, South Park continues to be a significant part of pop culture. Stone voices some of the show’s key characters, including Kyle Broflovski and Kenny McCormick. The series has won numerous awards, and its success opened the doors for lucrative licensing and merchandise deals, further boosting Stone’s fortune.
Groundbreaking Deal
One of the most critical financial milestones in Stone’s career came in 2007. He and Parker negotiated a historic deal with Comedy Central, allowing them to earn 50% of all non-broadcast revenue generated by South Park. This unprecedented agreement has since yielded tens of millions of dollars annually, particularly as streaming services became the norm. The success of this deal showcases Stone’s sharp business acumen and foresight in navigating the evolving media landscape.
The Book of Mormon
Beyond his achievements in animation, Matt Stone has made a significant impact on Broadway. In 2011, he and Trey Parker co-created The Book of Mormon, a satirical musical that became an immediate sensation. The production won nine Tony Awards and has grossed over $500 million to date. This venture expanded Stone’s creative repertoire and further diversified his income streams.
ViacomCBS Deal
In 2021, Stone and Parker made headlines once again by signing a staggering $900 million deal with ViacomCBS. This agreement ensures the production of new South Park episodes and movies for six more years, alongside 14 films exclusively for Paramount+. This deal solidifies Stone’s financial future and positions him as one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry.
Real Estate Ventures
Matt Stone’s wealth extends beyond his work in television and theater. He has also made significant investments in real estate. Stone owns a 3,000-square-foot home in Venice, California, which he purchased for $3.5 million in 2005. In addition, he sold a New York City property for $6.15 million in 2019, underscoring his diversified financial portfolio.
Personal Life
In his personal life, Matt Stone married Angela Howard in 2008, having met her in 2001 while working at Comedy Central. The couple has two children and maintains a relatively private family life. Despite the often religious themes of his work, particularly in The Book of Mormon and South Park, Stone has openly identified as an atheist.
Controversies
Over the years, South Park has sparked its share of controversies. Its irreverent take on politics, religion, and social issues has led to backlash from various groups. Despite this, the controversies have often only heightened the show’s appeal, reinforcing its reputation for pushing boundaries and tackling taboo subjects. Stone’s ability to navigate these challenges has only bolstered his success.
Other Projects
In addition to his work on South Park and The Book of Mormon, Stone has contributed to a variety of other projects. He co-wrote and starred in films like Orgazmo (1997) and BASEketball (1998). In 2004, Stone and Parker released Team America: World Police, a satirical action film using marionette puppetry. These projects, while less commercially successful than South Park, further demonstrate Stone’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different forms of entertainment.
Latest Developments
Matt Stone’s creative pursuits continue to evolve. In September 2024, he began working on an exciting new project with longtime collaborator Trey Parker and musician Kendrick Lamar. The film, described as a “slave comedy,” marks Lamar’s debut in a feature role and is being produced in partnership with Lamar’s company pgLang. Although plot details remain limited, the collaboration has already generated significant anticipation in the entertainment industry.
Additionally, Stone and Parker’s renovation of the iconic Colorado restaurant Casa Bonita has been a hit. The restaurant, which gained fame through its appearance on South Park, reopened after extensive renovations. A documentary titled ¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor! was recently released, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the project.
The Future
With South Park still running strong and a lucrative ViacomCBS deal in place, Matt Stone’s creative and financial future looks secure. His ability to balance success in television, theater, film, and real estate highlights his multifaceted talent and business acumen. As Stone continues to explore new ventures, his influence on pop culture shows no signs of slowing down.