Frank Whaley Net Worth

Actor Frank Whaley rose to fame in the late 1980s and 1990s with memorable roles in films like Field of Dreams, The Doors, and Pulp Fiction. 

After appearing primed for significant stardom, Whaley faded from the Hollywood spotlight in the 2000s while continuing to act in smaller indie films and television shows. Though no longer a household name, Whaley has over 100 acting credits spanning a 35+ year career. 

Once considered a promising young leading man, Whaley is now better known for his earlier scene-stealing character parts. Today, we aim to evaluate his current net worth and recent work.

Frank Whaley’s net worth and career

Whaley is an American actor who has built a net worth of $3 million over his decades-long career. Born in Syracuse in 1963, Whaley first emerged in the late 80s with roles in films like Ironweed and TV shows including Spenser: For Hire. 

His breakout came in 1989’s Field of Dreams, establishing Whaley as a young actor to watch. He followed with parts in major films like The Doors, JFK, and Pulp Fiction throughout the 90s, becoming known for his intense character portrayals. 

Frank Whaley in the 2016 movie, ‘Luke Cage’ (Source: IMDb)

Though considered a rising star early on, he faded from the Hollywood mainstream in the 2000s. He began focusing more on indie films and TV work, appearing in shows like Stephen King’s The Dead Zone. 

However, Whaley amassed over 100 acting credits over 35+ years in the business. While no longer a bankable lead actor, Whaley consistently works thanks to his reputation as a talented character actor.

His early fame and versatility have allowed him to build a $3 million net worth strictly from acting endeavors over three decades.

Whaley has also tried his hand at directing

In addition to acting, Whaley pursued directing and screenwriting. He has explored directing several independent films over the years.

He made his directorial debut in 1999 with the drama Joe the King. The movie follows a young boy turning to crime to pay back his father’s debts, starring Noah Fleiss with appearances from Val Kilmer and John Leguizamo. 

He won a Sundance award for writing the film Joe the King and directed several other independent movies. His second directing effort was 2002’s The Jimmy Show, in which he also acted opposite Ethan Hawke and Carla Gugino. 

Frank Whaley with Leighton Meester at an event for ‘Like Sunday, Like Rain’ (Source: IMDb)

The film centers on an unsuccessful New Jersey inventor attempting stand-up comedy. Over a decade later, in 2014, Whaley directed the dramedy Like Sunday, Like Rain, about a child prodigy and his nanny trying to find their way. 

While not mainstream commercial hits, these indie films demonstrated Whaley’s interest in more personal, character-driven stories. According to IMDb, Whaley has an upcoming directing project titled Wait Till You See Me Dance. 

Few details are known yet, but it shows his continued ambition behind the camera. Though best recognized as an actor, Whaley has enjoyed the chance to expand his creative horizons through directing. 

He has gravitated towards thoughtful human stories that connect with audiences, just on a smaller scale than his acting projects. Even with his faded star power, Whaley has found ways to leave his mark on the independent filmmaking scene.

Frank Whaley’s whereabouts now

Though past his peak fame in the ’90s, Whaley continues to work in the acting industry today actively. He now has close to 125 acting credits spanning a prolific career going back 35+ years. 

Recently, in 2021, he appeared in an episode of the Gossip Girl reboot, playing an alcoholic father. He also had a recurring role in the Starz series Power Book II: Ghost as a judge. Whaley takes a mix of small parts in established TV shows and movies.

Frank Whaley with his wife Heather Bucha Whaley, promoting their podcast (Source: Instagram)

The actor has several upcoming projects slated for release. He is set to play Edgar Allan Poe’s friend Robert Poe in a horror film based on Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher. Whaley will also star as Detective John Watson in the crime drama Alone Today. 

Though no longer landing leading man roles, Whaley consistently finds work in the entertainment business after all these years. He leverages his veteran status and reputation as a talented character actor to get parts. 

While lacking widespread fame like this peak, Frank Whaley remains a working actor, appearing in supporting parts across television and film. 

His perseverance over decades in Hollywood has allowed him to continue earning acting paychecks long after his initial breakthrough.

Frank Whaley’s wife is from the same industry as well

Whaley has been married since 2001 to Heather Bucha Whaley, who works in the same industry as her husband. Like Frank, Heather is an actress, writer, and podcast host. They have two children together – son Buster and daughter Tallulah.

On their podcast, The Whaley Family Hour, the couple discusses various topics and trivia for listeners’ entertainment. Heather brings her creative talents to the show as an author as well. She wrote the humor cookbook Eat Your Feelings: Recipes for Self-Loathing. 

As a fellow performer and content creator, Heather shares Frank’s passion for the arts and entertainment. Their 20+ year marriage shows an understanding of the demands and fulfillment of the industry.

Frank Whaley with his wife Heather Bucha Whaley, daughter Tallulah Whaley and son Buster Whaley (Source: Instagram)

Having a spouse with shared experiences in acting and writing allows Frank to feel understood and supported. Heather faced similar challenges establishing herself, which helped strengthen their relationship.

The Whaleys balance raising their family with artistic endeavors pursued individually and together through outlets like their podcast. Their bond has endured the ups and downs of the entertainment world thanks to their shared devotion to the craft.

In conclusion, although Whaley’s star power has had some fluctuations, he continues to be a significant name in the acting industry, and his net worth and efforts in all his projects go to show for it.