Jeremy Clarkson has built an impressive fortune as one of the most popular and outspoken TV hosts in the UK. Best known as the former lead host of Top Gear, Clarkson has amassed a net worth of $70 million. In this article we talk about Jeremy Clarkson net worth in 2024.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on April 11, 1960 in Doncaster, England, Jeremy Charles Robert Clarkson came from humble beginnings. His parents ran a modest stuffed toy business, which eventually allowed Clarkson to attend the prestigious Repton School. However, he struggled with bullies and was eventually expelled.
After working a string of unfulfilling newspaper jobs covering cars, Clarkson got his big break in 1988 when he became a presenter on the BBC’s Top Gear automotive show. His witty and controversial style quickly made the show a hit and turned Clarkson into a household name in Britain.
The Rise of Top Gear
When Top Gear relaunched in 2002 with Clarkson as the lead host, the show skyrocketed to new heights. Known for its unique blend of auto reviews, stunts and challenges, and irreverent humor, Top Gear became the most-watched show on BBC Two under Clarkson’s leadership. Key to the show’s global appeal was the on-screen chemistry between Clarkson and his co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May.
At its peak, Top Gear had an estimated global audience of 350 million viewers in 170 different countries. Such was the program’s value to the BBC that Clarkson was able to negotiate a salary of nearly $5.5 million per series. On top of his salary, Clarkson also owned a 30% stake in Top Gear’s commercial arm, which brought in millions more through syndication deals, DVD sales and licensing.
Controversies and Eventual Firing
While a huge success, Clarkson’s outspoken style and penchant for controversial comments would occasionally land Top Gear in hot water. He was forced to apologize multiple times by the BBC for remarks seen as insensitive or culturally offensive.
Clarkson’s BBC career came to an abrupt end in March 2015 when he got into a dispute with one of the show’s producers over catering arrangements while filming on location. Frustrated, Clarkson verbally and physically attacked the producer, leaving him bloodied and in need of hospital treatment. With its star facing intense criticism over the assault, the BBC decided to fire Clarkson and cancel the remaining episodes of the series.
Rebirth as The Grand Tour
Almost as soon as he left the BBC, rival broadcasters and streaming companies swooped in to offer Clarkson lucrative deals to launch a new car show. In July 2015, retail giant Amazon announced it had signed Clarkson and his Top Gear co-hosts to present a new show called The Grand Tour.
Thanks to a massive budget from Amazon, The Grand Tour allowed Clarkson and company creative freedom and the ability to take their antics to a new level. Debuting in November 2016, the show was structured around international road trips and specials focused on epic driving adventures. Like Top Gear, The Grand Tour became an immediate global phenomenon.
While Amazon has not disclosed Clarkson’s exact Grand Tour salary, industry experts estimate he earns between $10-$13 million per season under his three-season contract. Combined with his Top Gear residuals and other business ventures, Clarkson’s net worth sits comfortably at $70 million.
Other Business Endeavors
In addition to on-screen car show hosting, Clarkson has built his wealth through a portfolio of lucrative side ventures:
- He writes weekly columns for The Sun and The Sunday Times
- He has authored over a dozen books, both fiction and non-fiction
- His self-owned production company makes shows beyond just The Grand Tour
- He performs in front of large crowds on annual “Clarkson, Hammond and May Live” tours
- He owns a working farm in the Cotswolds and sells its products online
With his straight-talking style still as popular as ever, Jeremy Clarkson shows no signs of slowing down. And with his farm, books and live tours supplementing his Grand Tour salary, his net worth will likely continue rising for years to come. I sincerely hope you like reading this “Jeremy Clarkson net worth in 2024 – How much is he really worth?” article.
