Will Arnett is a Canadian actor and comedian known for his deep voice and sharp humor. Many people first noticed him in the show Arrested Development, where he played the unforgettable Gob Bluth. Over the years, Arnett has done more than just act. He has worked as a voice actor, producer, and podcast host. Thanks to his wide range of talents, his popularity keeps growing. As of 2025, Will Arnett net worth is estimated at around $50 million. Most of his income comes from acting, animation work, and his hit podcast SmartLess. From comedy roles to animated hits and big streaming deals, Arnett has built a successful career by staying versatile. This article explores his early life, career struggles, breakout moments, and how he became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable voices and faces.
Early Life and Personal Background
Will Arnett was born on May 4, 1970, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His full name is William Emerson Arnett. He grew up in a supportive family. His father, Emerson James Arnett, worked as a corporate lawyer, and his mother, Edith, encouraged his creative side. Will showed an early interest in performing and acting. However, his school life wasn’t always smooth. He was once asked to leave Lakefield College School due to misbehavior. Later, he attended Leaside High School. Arnett briefly enrolled at Concordia University in Montreal but dropped out. He then moved to New York to follow his passion for acting. His early years were a mix of freedom and discipline. This mix helped shape his unique personality and fearless comedy style. Though things weren’t always easy, his love for acting stayed strong. That passion eventually pushed him into the spotlight.
Breaking Through: The Start of His Career
In the 1990s, Arnett moved to New York and joined the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. Like many young actors, his early years were full of struggle. He took on small roles, including parts in commercials and guest spots in TV shows like The Sopranos and Sex and the City. While these jobs helped him survive, they didn’t bring fame. His first big TV role came in The Mike O’Malley Show in 1999. Sadly, it was canceled after just two episodes. At one point, Arnett even thought about quitting acting. He admitted he went through a dark time, struggling with rejection and alcohol. But with help from a friend, he got back on track. He kept going, doing voice-overs and auditioning. Even when nothing seemed to work, Arnett stayed committed. That patience would soon pay off with a role that changed everything.
Arrested Development: The Game Changer
Will Arnett’s big break came in 2003 when he was cast as Gob Bluth in the comedy series Arrested Development. Gob was a strange, selfish magician—and Arnett played him perfectly. The show had a unique style, mixing smart humor with strange situations. Although it didn’t get huge ratings at first, it became a cult favorite. Fans loved the awkward family moments and fast jokes. Arnett’s performance stood out and earned him award nominations. This role finally gave him the attention he had been working toward for years. It opened doors to bigger movie roles and TV offers. Even when the show ended, its fanbase stayed loyal. Later, Arrested Development was brought back on Netflix, giving Arnett another chance to shine. This character not only boosted his fame but also helped shape the bold, funny image he’s known for today.
Film Success and Fan-Favorite Roles
After Arrested Development, Will Arnett’s film career took off. He starred in several comedies like Blades of Glory, where he acted alongside his then-wife Amy Poehler. The movie was a hit and showed his talent for goofy, physical comedy. He also appeared in Hot Rod, Semi-Pro, and Let’s Go to Prison. These films weren’t always box office giants, but they helped him build a steady presence in Hollywood. Arnett became known for playing oddball, slightly arrogant characters with a dry sense of humor. His style stood out from other actors, and fans began to recognize his voice and timing instantly. Even when he wasn’t the lead, his scenes often became fan favorites. These films helped him prove that he wasn’t just a TV actor. He could carry a joke, support a story, and always leave an impression—no matter the screen size.
Voice Acting Career and Animated Fame
Will Arnett’s deep, raspy voice became one of his strongest tools. He used it to build a major career in voice acting. One of his biggest roles came when he voiced Batman in The Lego Movie and The Lego Batman Movie. His version of the superhero was funny, dramatic, and very different from others. Audiences loved it. These movies were box office hits, and Arnett became closely tied to the Lego Batman character. Around the same time, he voiced the lead role in BoJack Horseman, an animated Netflix show about a washed-up TV star. The show became a cult favorite for its dark humor and emotional themes. Arnett didn’t just voice BoJack—he also served as an executive producer. His work in animation showed that he could do more than comedy. It proved that his voice alone could carry deep, powerful stories.
Personal Life and Challenges
Will Arnett’s personal life hasn’t always been smooth. He was married to actress Amy Poehler from 2003 to 2016. They had two sons together and were often seen as a funny, creative couple. Their divorce surprised fans. Arnett later said the breakup was very hard on him. He struggled emotionally and took time away from work to heal. He also opened up about dealing with addiction in the past. These personal struggles made him more relatable to fans. He didn’t hide behind fame—he talked honestly about pain and growth. Over time, he focused more on being a good father and working on his health. These challenges shaped his views on life and even affected his acting. In later roles, his performances felt deeper. Life wasn’t always funny, but Arnett turned his lows into lessons. His honesty made people respect him even more.
Podcasting and SmartLess Success
In recent years, Will Arnett found success in a surprising new space—podcasting. Along with friends Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes, he launched the podcast SmartLess in 2020. It quickly became a hit. Each episode features a surprise guest, and the hosts talk about life, work, and everything in between. Arnett’s sharp humor and deep voice make him perfect for this format. He often teases the others but also asks thoughtful questions. The chemistry between the three friends is a big reason the podcast works so well. SmartLess has featured guests like Tom Hanks, Kamala Harris, and Ryan Reynolds. It’s not just fun—it’s smart, relaxed, and feels real. Arnett once said the podcast helped him through hard times. It gave him purpose, friendship, and new fans. What started as a side project turned into a huge part of his career—and it’s still growing strong.
Will Arnett Net Worth in 2025: How Rich Is He Now?
Will Arnett’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $50 million, and it’s still growing. This impressive number didn’t happen overnight. Will’s long career in Hollywood—spanning voice acting, TV comedies, blockbuster movies, and even producing—has paid off in big ways. While he’s always been a familiar face thanks to Arrested Development, it was his work on BoJack Horseman and The LEGO Movie that gave his career (and finances) a serious boost.
But it’s not just acting that made him rich. In recent years, Arnett’s earnings have soared thanks to his popular podcast SmartLess. Alongside co-hosts Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes, Arnett turned a fun side project into a money-making machine. Some reports say their deal with Amazon Music brought in tens of millions.
When you mix decades of TV and movie work with smart business decisions and a loyal fan base, it’s no surprise Will Arnett is worth so much. And with new shows, podcast tours, and business ventures, that number might be even higher next year.
How the SmartLess Podcast Boosted Will Arnett’s Net Worth
One of the smartest moves in Will Arnett’s career came when he launched the SmartLess podcast in 2020. What started as casual chats between friends—Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes—quickly became one of the most downloaded podcasts in the U.S. Its mix of humor, surprise celebrity guests, and laid-back style made it a hit.
But the real game-changer? In 2021, Amazon Music reportedly paid up to $80 million for exclusive rights to the podcast. That means big money for the trio, and Arnett got a hefty share. Add to that revenue from podcast tours, ads, and merchandise—it’s clear the podcast is now one of Arnett’s top income sources.
More than just money, SmartLess raised his profile with a whole new audience. He’s no longer just “the guy from Arrested Development” or the voice of LEGO Batman. Now, he’s seen as a media entrepreneur who knows how to evolve. And that evolution is paying off—in dollars and influence.
Producer Credits and Behind-the-Scenes Work
Will Arnett isn’t just an actor—he’s also a skilled producer. In fact, he has produced many of the projects he’s worked on, including BoJack Horseman and Murderville, a Netflix comedy where he plays a goofy detective. In Murderville, actors improvise scenes without a script, which shows Arnett’s love for experimenting. As a producer, he helps shape the story, guide the tone, and manage behind-the-scenes decisions. This gives him more creative control and proves his talents go far beyond acting. Producing also lets him take on riskier ideas. He can help develop shows that others might not. Arnett once said he enjoys helping others shine, not just being in the spotlight. His experience in the industry makes him a smart leader on set. More and more, we see him working behind the camera—building projects, telling new stories, and supporting fresh voices.
Voice Work and Iconic Roles
Will Arnett’s voice is instantly recognizable. Deep, raspy, and full of character—it’s one of his biggest strengths. He has voiced many well-known characters, including Batman in The LEGO Movie series. His version of Batman is both funny and dramatic, a perfect fit for his unique voice. He also voiced BoJack in BoJack Horseman, a role that was deep, emotional, and sometimes dark. Through voice acting, Arnett shows his range in ways that live-action roles can’t always allow. Kids love him as Batman. Adults respect him for BoJack’s emotional depth. He brings life to animated roles with humor, heart, and timing. Even in commercials or short appearances, his voice stands out. For Will, voice acting is more than a side gig—it’s a true art. And he’s one of the best at it.
Collaborations and Famous Friendships
Will Arnett is known for his friendships with other stars—on and off-screen. One of his closest friends is Jason Bateman. They’ve worked together on Arrested Development, SmartLess, and other projects. Their chemistry is real. It’s not just acting—it’s how they actually talk and joke around. He’s also close with Sean Hayes, his SmartLess co-host. These friendships show up in their work, making everything feel fun and natural. Will also collaborates with producers and directors he trusts, like Mitch Hurwitz and Netflix teams. He values loyalty and working with people who “get” him. Many stars say Will is generous and helpful on set. He lifts others up. That’s why so many keep working with him again and again. Friendship and trust matter to him—and it shows in how good the final product turns out.
Future Projects and What’s Next
Will Arnett shows no signs of slowing down. He continues working on SmartLess and is involved in new TV shows and animated films. Fans are always excited to see what he’ll do next—because it’s never the same. He has talked about directing one day, and some believe he’ll try it soon. With his experience as an actor and producer, directing feels like the next step. He’s also hinted at creating more original shows. Comedy will always be a part of his work, but he’s also exploring drama and deeper roles. Arnett isn’t afraid to take chances. That’s what keeps him fresh in an industry that changes fast. Whether it’s a new podcast season, another movie, or something totally unexpected, one thing is sure—Will Arnett’s future is looking bright, bold, and just as fun as ever.
Conclusion
Will Arnett’s career is a mix of comedy, creativity, and courage. He’s played unforgettable characters, voiced iconic roles, and even helped shape projects behind the scenes. His path hasn’t been perfect—he’s faced struggles and setbacks. But that makes his story even more powerful. From Arrested Development to SmartLess, Arnett proves that staying real and taking risks can lead to lasting success. He’s more than a funny guy. He’s a father, a friend, a storyteller, and a creative force who keeps surprising us. Fans love him not just for the laughs but for the heart and honesty behind the humor. And whatever comes next, Will Arnett will surely bring something special to it—just like he always has.
FAQs About Will Arnett
Who is Will Arnett’s ex-wife?
Will Arnett was married to Amy Poehler from 2003 to 2016. Their divorce didn’t greatly affect his net worth, which continued to rise afterward.
What is Will Arnett’s most famous voice role?
He’s best known for voicing Batman in The LEGO Movie and BoJack in BoJack Horseman, both major contributors to Will Arnett’s net worth.
Is Will Arnett in any popular podcasts?
Yes, he co-hosts SmartLess with Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes. The podcast’s $80M deal boosted Will Arnett’s net worth significantly.
Has Will Arnett worked behind the scenes?
He’s produced shows like BoJack Horseman and Murderville, adding long-term value and earnings to his growing net worth.
What’s next for Will Arnett?
He’s expected to expand SmartLess, star in new projects, and possibly direct—moves likely to raise Will Arnett’s net worth in 2025.
I’m Emma Rose, the founder of tryhardguides.co.uk, and a content creator with a passion for writing across multiple niches—including health, lifestyle, tech, career, and personal development. I love turning complex ideas into relatable, easy-to-digest content that helps people learn, grow, and stay inspired. Whether I’m sharing practical tips or diving into thought-provoking topics, my goal is always to add real value and connect with readers on a deeper level.