Thomas Harris Net Worth

Thomas Harris Net Worth: All You Need to Know About the Bestselling American Novelist

What is Thomas Harris’ Net Worth and Salary?

Thomas Harris is widely regarded as one of the greatest thriller writers of all time. The author of five novels, including “Black Sunday,” “Red Dragon,” “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Hannibal,” and “Hannibal Rising,” has managed to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry. Although Harris keeps a low profile, there has been a buzz surrounding his net worth over the years.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Thomas Harris has an estimated net worth of $25 million as of 2021. However, Harris has been in the limelight for more than three decades and has been consistent in his writing career. As such, his net worth may be higher than the reported figure.

Harris has been recognized for his outstanding writing skills. For instance, his novel “The Silence of the Lambs” won Harris an Edgar Award in 1988, and the movie adaptation earned five Oscars in 1992. “Hannibal”, another novel by Thomas Harris, was adapted into a movie that grossed over $350 million worldwide.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Harris was born on April 11th, 1940, in Jackson, Tennessee. He was the only child of William Allen Harris and Polly Harris. His father was a farmer, while his mother was a teacher. The family resided in the small town of Rich, Mississippi, near the Tennessee state line, where Thomas Harris spent most of his early life.

Harris went to Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he pursued his undergraduate studies. After earning a degree in English, he went to New York City to work as a reporter. He was eventually offered a position writing for the Associated Press, where he covered several high-profile crime stories.

Career

Thomas Harris began his writing career as a crime reporter and later dipped his toes in fiction writing. In 1975, he published his first novel, “Black Sunday,” which was an instant bestseller. The novel tells the story of a plot to assassinate thousands of spectators during the Super Bowl football game using a weaponized blimp.

Harris followed the success of “Black Sunday” with “Red Dragon” in 1981. This novel introduced audiences to the infamous serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The novel was adapted into the film “Manhunter” in 1986.

In 1988, Harris released his third novel, “The Silence of the Lambs,” which features Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee, and Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The book has been hailed as a masterpiece, and the movie adaptation won several Oscars in 1992.

Harris returned to the world of Hannibal Lecter with the release of “Hannibal” in 1999. The novel became an instant hit and was adapted into a movie in 2001. Harris’s most recent book, “Hannibal Rising,” was released in 2006, and it tells the story of how Dr. Lecter became a cannibalistic murderer.

Personal Life

Thomas Harris has been known to keep a low profile. He rarely gives interviews and does not attend book signings or events. As such, not much is known about his personal life.

However, it is known that Harris is married to Carolyn Harris, a former professor of Spanish literature at the University of Arkansas. The couple has been together for several years and has no children together.

Real Estate

Thomas Harris is known for being a private person, and as such, not much is known about his real estate properties. However, he is known to have owned a home in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains near Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he lived with his wife.

Legacy

Thomas Harris will be remembered as one of the greatest thriller writers of all time. His contributions to the entertainment industry have been significant, and his novels continue to be read and adapted into films.

The character of Dr. Hannibal Lecter has become iconic in popular culture, and Harris’s novels continue to captivate audiences with their dark themes, complex characters, and thrilling plots.

FAQs

1. How did Thomas Harris become successful as a novelist?

Thomas Harris began his career as a crime reporter and later shifted his focus to fiction writing. His first novel, “Black Sunday,” was an instant bestseller, and he followed up its success with “Red Dragon” and “The Silence of the Lambs,” both of which were critically acclaimed and widely popular. Harris’s consistent success as a novelist made him one of the best-selling authors of all time.

2. What inspired Thomas Harris to write about serial killers?

Thomas Harris is known for his literary depictions of serial killers, and it is believed that his inspiration came from real-life criminals and their heinous acts. Harris was a crime reporter for several years and covered several high-profile cases. His research and interviews with convicted murderers may have informed his writing.

3. What is Thomas Harris’s most popular novel?

Thomas Harris’s most popular novel is “The Silence of the Lambs,” which was published in 1988. The book tells the story of an FBI trainee, Clarice Starling, who seeks the help of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a cannibalistic serial killer, to catch another serial killer.

4. What awards has Thomas Harris won?

Thomas Harris has won several awards throughout his career. His most notable awards include an Edgar Award for “The Silence of the Lambs,” a Bram Stoker Award for “Hannibal,” and an Anthony Award for “Black Sunday.”

5. Is Thomas Harris married?

Yes, Thomas Harris is married to Carolyn Harris, a former professor of Spanish literature at the University of Arkansas. The couple has been together for several years and has no children together.

6. What is the estimated net worth of Thomas Harris?

Thomas Harris’s estimated net worth is $25 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

7. Will Thomas Harris write another novel featuring Dr. Hannibal Lecter?

It is unclear whether Thomas Harris will write another novel featuring Dr. Hannibal Lecter. His last novel, “Hannibal Rising,” was released in 2006, and since then, Harris has not published any new works.

8. Has any of Thomas Harris’s novels been adapted into a television series?

Yes, “Hannibal,” a television series based on Thomas Harris’s novels, was aired on NBC from 2013 to 2015. The series was critically acclaimed, and its cast included Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, and Laurence Fishburne.