Aaron Paul, born Aaron Paul Sturtevant on August 27, 1979, in Emmett, Idaho, has become a beloved and critically acclaimed actor known for his emotionally raw performances and down-to-earth persona. As of 2025, Aaron Paul’s net worth is estimated at $25 million, thanks to his standout role in Breaking Bad, numerous film and TV appearances, voice work, and smart business ventures.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Aaron Paul grew up in a modest home in Idaho as the youngest of four children. His father, a Baptist minister, and mother raised him in a small-town setting. Paul was born a month premature in the family’s bathroom and went on to graduate from Centennial High School in Boise in 1997.
With only $6,000 in savings, Paul made the bold move to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. He worked as an usher at Universal Studios and even appeared as a contestant on The Price Is Right in 2000 — a rare clip that still surfaces online today.
Struggles and Breakthrough in Hollywood
Aaron Paul began his Hollywood journey with a string of music video appearances and commercials, including campaigns for Juicy Fruit, Corn Pops, and Vanilla Coke. His early film roles included minor parts in movies such as Whatever It Takes (2000), K-PAX (2001), Van Wilder (2002), and Mission: Impossible III (2006).
He also booked guest roles on numerous TV shows including CSI: Miami, ER, Veronica Mars, Criminal Minds, and The X-Files. But it wasn’t until his recurring role in Big Love as Scott Quittman that his TV career began to gain traction.
Breaking Bad: A Career-Defining Role
Aaron Paul’s life changed forever when he was cast as Jesse Pinkman in AMC’s Breaking Bad. Originally, the character was meant to be killed off in the first season. However, Paul’s chemistry with Bryan Cranston and his compelling performance saved Jesse from early departure.
Between 2008 and 2013, Paul appeared in all 62 episodes of the Emmy-winning series. His portrayal of Jesse earned him three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2010, 2012, 2014) — a feat unmatched in the category at the time.
During the final two seasons, Paul earned $200,000 per episode, which brought his total salary from the last 29 episodes to about $5.8 million.
Film and TV Career After Breaking Bad
After Breaking Bad, Paul took on a wide variety of roles across both film and television. He starred in Need for Speed (2014), El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (2019), and Smashed (2012), which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
He joined Hulu’s cult drama The Path (2016–2018) and later appeared in Apple TV+’s Truth Be Told and HBO’s Westworld in its third season. In 2023, Paul featured in the Black Mirror episode “Beyond the Sea,” and reunited with Cranston for a guest appearance on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Paul also had an impressive run as a voice actor, notably voicing Todd Chavez in Netflix’s BoJack Horseman (2014–2020), and lent his voice to characters in Tron: Uprising and a 2015 Mazda commercial.
Business Ventures and Dos Hombres
In 2019, Paul teamed up once again with Bryan Cranston to launch Dos Hombres, their very own mezcal brand. The company gained popularity thanks to the duo’s strong fanbase and passion for the product, adding a new revenue stream to Paul’s growing financial portfolio.
Real Estate Holdings
Aaron Paul has made savvy real estate investments over the years. In 2012, he purchased a home above the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles for $1.4 million, selling it in 2020 for $2.2 million. In 2019, he bought a stunning $6.95 million mansion in LA from actor Jim Parsons.
Paul also owned a serene residence in Boise, Idaho, featuring a built-in hot spring. He listed this home in 2022 for $1.35 million, showcasing his ongoing ties to his Idaho roots.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Aaron Paul married Lauren Parsekian in 2013, after meeting her at Coachella and getting engaged in Paris. The couple shares two children — daughter Story Annabelle (born in 2018) and son Ryden Caspian (born in 2022).
Lauren co-founded the Kind Campaign, a nonprofit focused on anti-bullying initiatives. In 2013, Paul helped raise $1.8 million for the organization by launching a contest that gave fans a chance to watch the Breaking Bad finale with him.
In a heartwarming tribute to his roots, Idaho Governor Butch Otter declared October 1st as “Aaron Paul Sturtevant Day” in 2013. The ceremony took place at the Egyptian Theatre in Boise.
In 2022, Paul legally dropped “Sturtevant” from his full name, choosing to go by Aaron Paul both personally and professionally.
Final Thoughts
With a career that has transitioned smoothly from commercials to Emmy-winning drama and global stardom, Aaron Paul’s $25 million net worth is well-earned. His performances in Breaking Bad, entrepreneurial ventures like Dos Hombres, and his continued presence in high-profile projects prove that Paul is far more than just Jesse Pinkman — he’s a multifaceted talent with staying power.
As he continues to act, produce, and invest in meaningful causes, Aaron Paul remains a beloved figure in the entertainment world, admired for both his authenticity and dedication to his craft.