Jim Davis Garfield Net Worth (Updated 2025).
Jim Davis, born in 1945 in Marion, Indiana, always had a knack for art and storytelling. After graduating from Ball State University with a degree in political science, he found himself in the advertising world, working as an account executive. It was here that he honed his creative skills, but he yearned for more. In 1978, Davis decided to take a leap of faith and pursue his passion for cartooning full-time.
His big break came when he created Garfield, a lazy, lasagna-loving cat, in 1978. Davis was inspired by his own cat, Jon, who was overweight and had a similar personality to the eventual comic strip character. Garfield first appeared in 41 newspapers on June 19, 1978, and it didn’t take long for the strip to gain traction. By 1981, Garfield was syndicated in over 800 newspapers, and Davis’s career took off.
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Jim Davis’ Garfield: Current Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Jim Davis’ Garfield franchise is valued at approximately $1.8 billion. This includes the comic strip, merchandise, TV shows, and movies. Davis himself has a net worth of around $800 million, according to Forbes.
Career
Jim Davis began his career in 1978 with the creation of Garfield, a comic strip featuring a lazy, lasagna-loving cat. The strip quickly gained popularity and is now syndicated in over 2,500 newspapers worldwide. Davis has won numerous awards for his work, including multiple Reuben Awards from the National Cartoonists Society.
Other Ventures
In addition to Garfield, Davis has ventured into other areas. He has written several children’s books and even dabbled in animation with the 2004 film “Garfield: The Movie” and its 2006 sequel. He also founded Paws, Inc., the company that manages the Garfield franchise.
Assets
Jim Davis’ assets include his stake in Paws, Inc., as well as real estate. He owns a 40-acre estate in Indiana, where he lives and maintains a studio for his work. He also has a significant art collection, including original comic strip art and other pieces.
Annual Income
Jim Davis’ annual income varies, but it’s estimated to be around $30 million. This comes from his share of the profits from Garfield merchandise, licensing fees, and other ventures. His comic strip also generates significant revenue through syndication fees.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jim Davis Garfield
**Frequently Asked Questions**
1. Who is Jim Davis?
Jim Davis is an American cartoonist, best known as the creator of the comic strip Garfield, which he started in 1978.
2. When was Garfield first published?
Garfield was first published on June 19, 1978.
3. What is Garfield’s net worth?
As of the latest estimates, Garfield’s net worth is approximately $1 billion.
4. How much does Jim Davis earn from Garfield?
Jim Davis earns royalties from Garfield merchandise, licensing deals, and the comic strip’s syndication. His annual earnings vary, but it’s estimated to be in the tens of millions.
5. How many Garfield comic strips are there?
As of 2021, there are over 14,000 Garfield comic strips.
6. What are some popular Garfield merchandise?
Some popular Garfield merchandise includes plush toys, clothing, books, calendars, and collectibles featuring Garfield, Jon, and other characters from the strip.
7. Has Garfield been adapted into other media?
Yes, Garfield has been adapted into several animated TV series, a live-action film, and a CGI animated film.
8. What is the Garfield Foundation?
The Garfield Foundation is a non-profit organization established by Jim Davis to support various charitable causes, including education, animal welfare, and children’s health.
9. How many times has Garfield been in the Guinness World Records?
Garfield has been featured in the Guinness World Records three times, including for the most syndicated comic strip cartoonist and the longest-running comic strip featuring a lazy, fat, lasagna-loving cat.
10. What is Jim Davis’ net worth?
Jim Davis’ net worth is estimated to be around $800 million.
