From her early days as Lindsay Weir on Freaks and Geeks to her Emmy-nominated role in Dead to Me, Linda Cardellini has built an impressive Hollywood career. With a mix of cult classics, major TV roles, and blockbuster films, she has proven time and again that she can do it all—comedy, drama, voice acting, and even horror.
Now 49 years old (as of 2025), Linda Cardellini has an estimated net worth of $9 million, thanks to her decades-long career in television, film, and voice acting. Whether she’s solving mysteries as Velma in Scooby-Doo or stealing scenes in Mad Men, Cardellini has become one of the most versatile actresses of her generation.
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Early Life & Career Beginnings
Born June 25, 1975, in Redwood City, California, Linda always had a passion for acting. She performed in school plays from a young age and eventually studied at Loyola Marymount University, where she earned a degree in Fine Arts.
Her professional career kicked off in the mid-’90s with roles in popular TV shows like Boy Meets World, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and Step by Step. But it was in 1999 that her life changed when she landed the role of Lindsay Weir in Freaks and Geeks.
Despite its short run, the show became a cult classic, launching not only Linda’s career but also that of James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Jason Segel.
TV Success: ER & Dead to Me
After Freaks and Geeks, Linda continued to work steadily in television and film. In 2003, she joined NBC’s medical drama ER as Samantha Taggart, a tough, no-nonsense nurse. She played the role for six seasons (2003-2009), earning praise from both fans and critics.
Fast forward to 2019, and Linda took on one of her most acclaimed roles yet—Judy Hale in Netflix’s Dead to Me, opposite Christina Applegate. The dark comedy-drama became a huge hit, and Linda’s performance earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
Big Screen Highlights: Scooby-Doo, Green Book, & Avengers: Endgame
While Linda made her name on television, she also found success in Hollywood blockbusters.
- She played Velma Dinkley in Scooby-Doo (2002) and Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004), making her a favorite among younger audiences.
- She took on dramatic roles in Brokeback Mountain (2005) and Green Book (2018), the latter winning the Oscar for Best Picture.
- In 2019, she appeared in Avengers: Endgame, playing Laura Barton, the wife of Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Voice Acting & Other Ventures
Cardellini has also made a mark in animation, voicing characters in Gravity Falls, Sanjay and Craig, and Regular Show. Voice acting has provided another steady income source, helping her build her $9 million fortune.
Personal Life & Real Estate Investments
Linda has been in a long-term relationship with Steven Rodriguez since 2009. The couple got engaged in 2013 and share a daughter, born in 2012.
Her real estate moves have also contributed to her wealth:
- 2009 – Bought a Venice, CA home for $2.4 million and later sold it in 2020 for $3.6 million.
- 2021 – Purchased a Pacific Palisades home for $4.3 million, where she currently lives with her family.
At 49 years old, with a net worth of $9 million, Cardellini proves that talent, consistency, and smart career choices can lead to lasting success in Hollywood.
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