How did Jim Davis turn a comic strip about a lazy cat into a multimillion-dollar empire? His fortune isn’t just about Garfield’s comic strips—it spans television, movies, merchandise, and major corporate deals.
In this article, Ando breaks down Jim Davis’ financial success, revealing how he built his wealth, his main income sources, and his earnings after selling Garfield to ViacomCBS.
Jim Davis Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | James Robert Davis |
| Popular Name | Jim Davis |
| Birth Date | July 28, 1945 |
| Age | 79 (as of March 6, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Marion, Indiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Ball State University (Art and Business) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Jill Davis (m. 2000), Carolyn Altekruse (divorced) |
| Children | One son, two stepchildren |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Dave Davis (brother) |
| Parents | James William Davis, Anna Catherine Davis |
| Height | 1.8 m |
| Net Worth | $800 million (estimated) |
| Source of Wealth | Comics, TV, movies, licensing, merchandising |
What is the Net Worth of Jim Davis in 2025?
Jim Davis’ net worth is estimated at $800 million, making him one of the highest-earning cartoonists in history. His fortune comes from Garfield, a global phenomenon that has generated billions in revenue. Compared to other famous cartoonists like Charles Schulz (Peanuts) and Matt Groening (The Simpsons), Davis has built a business empire that extends beyond comics.
Related Figures in the Industry:
- Charles Schulz (Peanuts)
- Matt Groening (The Simpsons)
- ViacomCBS
- Nickelodeon
- Paramount Global
- Ball State University
- Paws, Inc.
- The National Cartoonists Society
- The Garfield Show
- CBS
Davis’ fortune places him among the most successful entertainment moguls, showing how lucrative the comic and media industry can be.
Jim Davis Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did He Build His Wealth?
Jim Davis started his career in advertising before becoming an assistant on Tumbleweeds, a Western-themed comic strip. He soon realized the potential of creating a character-driven strip and developed Garfield in 1978. The comic quickly gained popularity, appearing in over 2,500 newspapers worldwide.
The real financial breakthrough came when he founded Paws, Inc. in 1981, a company managing all licensing and merchandising for Garfield. This move allowed him to control and profit from branding deals, leading to significant wealth growth.
In 2019, ViacomCBS acquired Paws, Inc., giving Davis a substantial payout and further securing Garfield’s presence in modern media.
What Are His Main Sources of Income?
Davis’ fortune is built on multiple revenue streams, including:
- Comic Strip Syndication: Garfield appears in thousands of newspapers, generating consistent revenue.
- Book Sales & Royalties: Millions of Garfield books and collections have been sold worldwide.
- Merchandising & Licensing: From plush toys to coffee mugs, Garfield merchandise is a billion-dollar business.
- TV & Film Deals: Davis has been involved in producing animated shows and feature films, adding to his income.
- Corporate Partnerships: The ViacomCBS deal further expanded his financial reach.
How Much Money Does He Make Annually?
While exact figures vary, Jim Davis’ annual earnings come from multiple sources:
- Comic strip syndication: Estimated to bring in millions yearly.
- Merchandising deals: Licensing contracts provide a steady revenue stream.
- TV and movie deals: Garfield films and shows continue generating royalties.
- Book sales and reprints: His published works remain bestsellers.
His passive income from past deals ensures he remains financially stable without actively producing new content.
What Was the Financial Impact of the ViacomCBS Deal?
The 2019 acquisition of Paws, Inc. by ViacomCBS was a pivotal moment in Davis’ financial journey. While the exact sale price wasn’t disclosed, the deal secured Garfield’s future under the Nickelodeon brand. This move allowed Davis to step back while still benefiting from Garfield‘s ongoing success.
How Does Garfield Generate Revenue?
Garfield isn’t just a comic strip—it’s a brand with multiple income streams:
- Syndication Fees: Newspapers pay to feature Garfield daily.
- Merchandising Deals: Garfield plush toys, clothing, and collectibles bring in massive profits.
- TV & Film Rights: Garfield movies and shows continue to earn revenue.
- Digital & Streaming Platforms: Streaming rights add another revenue layer.
- Licensing Agreements: The character appears in collaborations with major brands.
What Business Ventures and Investments Does He Have?
Aside from Garfield, Davis has been involved in various business ventures, including:
- Paws, Inc.: His media and licensing company, later sold to ViacomCBS.
- Foxfires Restaurant: A fine-dining restaurant he owned until 2001.
- Real Estate & Other Investments: Though not widely publicized, his earnings suggest smart financial management.
How Has His Financial Success Evolved Over the Years?
Jim Davis’ financial journey spans over five decades, marked by major milestones:
- 1978: Garfield debuts in newspapers.
- 1981: Launches Paws, Inc. to manage licensing.
- 1988–1994: Garfield & Friends airs on CBS, expanding revenue.
- 2004–2006: Two Garfield movies gross over $300 million.
- 2019: ViacomCBS acquires Paws, Inc., securing the brand’s future.
His ability to adapt to industry changes has allowed him to maintain financial success for decades.
Conclusion
Jim Davis has turned Garfield into one of the most successful entertainment franchises in history.
His wealth, built on strategic branding and media expansion, continues to grow even after selling Paws, Inc. Want to explore more about celebrity finances?
Visit AndoMoney.com for in-depth insights.
