Jeffrey Tambor, an accomplished American actor, author, and voice artist, is known for his versatile performances across television, film, and stage. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $8 million. He gained widespread recognition for his roles in two of the most beloved sitcoms: The Larry Sanders Show and Arrested Development. Tambor has also earned accolades for his portrayal of Maura Pfefferman on Transparent, winning multiple prestigious awards.
Television and Film Success
Jeffrey Tambor is best known for portraying Hank Kingsley in The Larry Sanders Show (1992-1998), a role that made him a standout character in sitcoms. He also played George Bluth Sr. and his twin brother, Oscar, on Arrested Development, a Fox/Netflix sitcom that earned critical acclaim for its quirky characters. Tambor’s performances earned him numerous nominations and awards, including two Primetime Emmys for his work in Transparent.
In addition to these iconic television roles, he has been part of more than 200 acting credits, including well-known films such as Mr. Mom (1983), City Slickers (1991), There’s Something About Mary (1998), and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). His extensive career includes roles in Girl, Interrupted (1999), Hellboy (2004), The Hangover (2009), and Mr. Popper’s Penguins (2011).
Tambor also contributed his voice to animated projects like Tangled (2010), Trolls (2016), and Archer (2010-2017), showcasing his range as a voice actor. In addition, he appeared on Broadway in productions such as Sly Fox (1976-1978) and Glengarry Glen Ross (2005).
Early Life and Education
Born on July 8, 1944, in San Francisco, California, Jeffrey Michael Tambor was raised in a Conservative Jewish family. His mother, Eileen Salzberg, was a homemaker, while his father, Bernard Tambor, worked as a flooring contractor. After completing his education at Abraham Lincoln High School, he pursued a career in acting by attending San Francisco State University. Later, Tambor earned his master’s degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, further honing his craft.
Career Beginnings in the 1970s and 1980s
Tambor’s acting career took off in the 1970s with roles in films like The Summertime Killer (1972) and …And Justice for All (1979). During this period, he also appeared in guest spots on popular television shows such as Kojak (1977), Starsky & Hutch (1978), and Taxi (1979). In 1979, he gained attention for his role as Jeffrey P. Brookes III on The Ropers, a spin-off of Three’s Company. Throughout the early 1980s, Tambor was frequently cast in TV shows such as Barney Miller (1981), MASH* (1982), and The Twilight Zone (1985-1986), while also appearing in films like Mr. Mom (1983) and Lisa (1989).
From 1981 to 1987, he enjoyed a recurring role as Judge Alan Wachtel on Hill Street Blues, a role that solidified his reputation in television. Tambor continued to build his career through various guest-starring roles, including in The Golden Girls (1989) and Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989), among others.
The 1990s: Breakthrough Roles and Recognition
The 1990s were pivotal for Tambor. He starred as Hank Kingsley on The Larry Sanders Show (1992-1998), a role that earned him four Primetime Emmy nominations. He also appeared in a string of successful films such as City Slickers (1991), There’s Something About Mary (1998), and Meet Joe Black (1998). Tambor’s career reached a new level when he joined the cast of Arrested Development (2003), where he portrayed the dual roles of George Bluth Sr. and Oscar Bluth. This role earned him widespread acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations.
In the mid-2000s, Tambor was involved in the production of films like Pollock (2000), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), and Malibu’s Most Wanted (2003). He also appeared in Hellboy (2004) and Superhero Movie (2008), expanding his presence in both comedy and action genres.
Later Years: Expanding His Range
As his career continued, Tambor found new opportunities in both television and film. He earned a prominent role in the Amazon Prime Video series Transparent (2014-2017), where he portrayed Maura Pfefferman, a transgender woman. His portrayal earned him significant praise and multiple awards, including Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy wins. Tambor’s film career also flourished with appearances in Win Win (2011), The Accountant (2016), and 55 Steps (2017).
Tambor also voiced various characters in animated projects like Tangled (2010), Trolls (2016), and Star vs. the Forces of Evil (2015-2018), further showcasing his diverse talent. He continued to make guest appearances on television, including in shows like The Orville (2017) and The Millers (2014).
Personal Life and Family
Jeffrey Tambor married Katie Mitchell in 1991, but the couple divorced in 2000. He later married Kasia in 2001, and they have four children together: Gabriel (2004), Eve (2006), and twins Eli and Hugo (2009). Tambor also has a daughter from a previous relationship. He was briefly involved with Scientology but left the church in 2008, stating he no longer practiced it but had no objections to it.
Controversy and Allegations
In 2017, Jeffrey Tambor faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Van Barnes, his former assistant, accused him of inappropriate behavior, which Tambor denied. Soon after, Transparent co-star Trace Lysette and makeup artist Tamara Delbridge also accused him of harassment. Tambor subsequently left the show, citing the politicized atmosphere on set and his regret if any of his actions were misinterpreted.
In May 2018, during a New York Times interview, Arrested Development co-star Jessica Walter spoke out about an incident in which Tambor verbally abused her on set. Despite this, she noted that Tambor had apologized and expressed a willingness to work with him again.
Awards and Recognition
Tambor’s acting has earned him numerous awards and nominations. He won two Primetime Emmys for Transparent and received several nominations for his work on The Larry Sanders Show and Arrested Development. He also won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy in 2015. Tambor’s extensive career has been recognized by multiple organizations, including the Critics’ Choice Television Awards, the Screen Actors Guild, and the Gold Derby Awards.
Real Estate Ventures
Throughout his career, Tambor has invested in real estate. He bought a home in Pacific Palisades, California, in 2001 for $1.5 million, which he sold in 2004 for $1.95 million. Tambor also owned other properties in the area, including one he sold for $2.276 million in 2005. In 2008, he purchased a property in Topanga, California, for $1.675 million, later selling it in 2010 for $1.525 million.
With a career spanning over five decades, Jeffrey Tambor has solidified his place as a celebrated actor and voice artist. His diverse roles across television, film, and theater, along with his personal achievements, have contributed to his impressive net worth of $8 million. Despite controversies surrounding his personal life, Tambor’s professional accomplishments remain a testament to his talent and enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
