John Pankow net worth is estimated at $4 million, earned through a successful career in television, film, and Broadway. The American actor is best known for playing Ira Buchman on the NBC sitcom Mad About You (1993–1999; 2019) and Merc Lapidus on Showtime’s Episodes (2011–2017).
With more than 50 acting credits, Pankow has built steady income and industry recognition across multiple decades in Hollywood and on stage.
| John Pankow Net Worth | $4 Million |
| Date of Birth | April 28, 1954 |
| Place of Birth | St. Louis, Missouri |
Early Life
John Pankow was born on April 28, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in Park Ridge, Illinois, and attended Maine South High School. He later enrolled at Northeastern Illinois University but left during his junior year after being inspired by a St. Nicholas Theater production of David Mamet’s American Buffalo.
He then completed a two-year professional acting training program, setting the foundation for his stage and screen career.
Pankow comes from a large family and is the brother of James Pankow, a founding member and trombonist of the rock band Chicago.
Early Career
Pankow’s early career included appearances in theatrical productions Off-Broadway and at the New York Shakespeare Festival. He made his Broadway debut in 1982, starring as Mozart in Amadeus at the Broadhurst Theatre.
Throughout the 1980s, he built his résumé with film and television roles. His early film appearances included:
- The Hunger
- The Secret of My Success
- *batteries not included
- Talk Radio
In 1985, he starred as Secret Service Agent John Vukovich in To Live and Die in L.A., a performance that helped raise his profile in Hollywood.
Breakthrough With Mad About You
John Pankow’s most recognized role came in 1993 when he began starring as Ira Buchman on Mad About You. The sitcom ran for seven seasons, totaling 164 episodes, and earned multiple Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series.
The show returned in 2019 for an eighth season, with Pankow reprising his role. The long-running sitcom significantly contributed to John Pankow’s net worth and cemented his status as a beloved television actor.
Film and Television Work
Beyond Mad About You, Pankow has maintained a steady career in both comedy and drama.
He co-starred in the romantic comedy The Object of My Affection and appeared in the box office hit Bride Wars. He also had roles in:
- Morning Glory
- Life as a House
- The Extra Man
From 2011 to 2017, he played Merc Lapidus on Episodes, a comedy series that earned Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations.
He later had recurring roles on:
- Madam Secretary
- Lucifer
- Chicago P.D.
His consistent work in network and cable television has provided long-term financial stability.
Stage Career and Awards
In addition to his screen success, Pankow has remained active on Broadway. His stage credits include productions of:
- The Iceman Cometh
- Serious Money
- Twelve Angry Men
- Cymbeline
- Kiss Me, Kate
He won a Drama-Logue Award for Outstanding Performance for The Iceman Cometh and a Clarence Derwent Award for Most Promising Male Newcomer for Aristocrats.
Personal Life
John Pankow married actress Kristine Sutherland in 1985. She is best known for her role as Joyce Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The couple has one daughter.
John Pankow Net Worth
John Pankow net worth is estimated at $4 million.
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