Jonathan Knight first rose to fame as one of the members of the hugely successful 1980s and 90s boy band, New Kids on the Block (NKOTB). While music and performing catapulted Knight to stardom, he has gone on to build an impressive net wealth in other business ventures since leaving the band. In this article we talk about Jonathan Knight Net Wealth- How Did the NKOTB Star Build His Fortune.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jonathan Rashleigh Knight was born on November 29, 1968 in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He was the fifth of six children born to Canadian parents, Marlene and Allan Knight. Jonathan and his younger brother Jordan showed talent for singing from a young age as members of their church choir.
In 1984, Jordan was recruited by local producer Maurice Starr to join a new boy band he was putting together. Jordan brought Jonathan, then 16 years old, into the fold and the two provided vocals for what would become NKOTB. The band, rounded out by Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood and brothers Joe and Mark McIntyre, began rehearsing after school and released their debut self-titled album in 1986.
Rise to Fame with NKOTB
While their first album flopped, NKOTB broke through with their 1988 single “Please Don’t Go Girl” which reached #10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their follow up album Hangin’ Tough was a major success, selling over 20 million copies worldwide. Hits like “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” and “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)” dominated radio and cemented NKOTB’s status as pop superstars.
Between 1989 and 1992, New Kids on the Block released two more hit albums, Step By Step and Face the Music. While on tour supporting Face the Music in 1994, Jonathan Knight had an emotional breakdown stemming from anxiety issues and abruptly left the band. NKOTB never officially broke up but the other members pursued solo projects after Knight’s departure.
Life After NKOTB
While some of his bandmates tried to parlay their boyband success into acting and solo music careers, Jonathan Knight took a very different path. He largely eschewed show business, moving back to Boston and going into real estate instead.
Knight found that he enjoyed renovating old homes and started his own development company. His company buys, restores and flips historic houses, especially centuries-old farmhouses in the Massachusetts area. Knight has since built up a successful business buying, restoring and selling high-end properties.
Television and NKOTB Reunion
After years away from entertainment, Jonathan Knight returned to the spotlight in two big ways starting in 2008. First, he reunited with his former NKOTB bandmates for a new album and tour. Though they never reached their early 90’s heights, the reunion proved popular with fans and the band continues to tour and record new music periodically.
In 2021, Knight debuted his own HGTV home renovation show called Farmhouse Fixer. The show focuses on Knight renovating old New England farmhouses, allowing him to merge his real estate background with his celebrity status. Farmhouse Fixer has delivered strong ratings for HGTV and been renewed for additional seasons.
Jonathan Knight’s Net Wealth
While New Kids on the Block record sales and touring provided Knight’s first fortune, his net wealth today stems largely from his property development company. Combined with income from the NKOTB reunion and his HGTV hosting duties, CelebrityNetWorth estimates Jonathan Knight’s current net wealth at $14 million.
For comparison, Knight’s wealth lags behind his former lead singer Donnie Wahlberg ($25 million) and Joey McIntyre ($19 million) who enjoyed more showbiz success after NKOTB initially broke up. However, Knight is still worth more than Danny Wood ($8 million). His brother Jordan Knight has comparable assets ($18 million).
The Future and Real Estate Legacy
Now in his 50s, Jonathan Knight seemingly has no plans to slow down. NKOTB continues to tour and draw crowds on annual summer shows with partner boy bands like Backstreet Boys. Farmhouse Fixer has found an audience and allows Knight to work in the real estate renovation business he enjoys.
In addition, as the prices of old farmhouses and antique homes in New England skyrocket, Knight’s fixed-up properties become more valuable each year. Even if he decided to step back from TV and music, Knight has built up a portfolio of historic homes that represents a sizable real estate legacy.
The anxiety that once crippled him on stage now channeled into a successful second career in renovation and historic preservation. Though remembered by many as the shy one in NKOTB, Jonathan Knight has forged an impressive and lucrative path all his own. I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading this “Jonathan Knight Net Wealth- How Did the NKOTB Star Build His Fortune?” article.
