Jonathan Banks Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Jonathan Banks is an American character actor recognized for his breakthroughs in television and film, notably his portrayal of Mike Ehrmantraut in the acclaimed series Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.

Introduction

Jonathan Ray Banks (birthdate: January 31, 1947) has built a distinguished acting career spanning decades. With an estimated net worth of around $8 million, he continues to draw attention for his compelling performances and long-standing role in one of television’s most celebrated franchises.  In his personal life, Banks is married to Gennera Gonzalez Cebian, marking a meaningful chapter in his relationships and family journey. 

Quick Facts (Table Summary)

From Local Ambition to Global Recognition

Born in Washington, D.C., Jonathan Banks spent his early years in Chillum Heights, Maryland, with a mother who taught and worked in federal offices and a father in civil service. His childhood interest in performance eventually led him to Indiana University Bloomington, where he attended alongside the likes of Kevin Kline—though he ultimately left college to join a touring stage production of Hair as a stage manager, traveling internationally. 

Banks’s early screen work consisted of small roles throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s: appearances in films like Airplane! (1980), 48 Hrs. (1982), and Beverly Hills Cop (1984) helped build his presence.  His major breakout came with the television series Wiseguy (1987–1990), in which he portrayed FBI Special Agent Frank McPike—a performance that earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination. 

Defining moments in Jonathan Banks’s journey include:

• His move to Los Angeles in 1974 and transition from theatre to screen roles

• His casting as Frank McPike in Wiseguy, which brought wider recognition

• Being cast as Mike Ehrmantraut in Breaking Bad, and continuing that role in Better Call Saul

• Receiving multiple Emmy nominations across different series for the same character

The Core Pillars of Jonathan Banks’s Wealth

Banks’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $8 million, according to multiple sources.  The primary income streams and wealth drivers include:

• Television Acting: His long-term role as Mike Ehrmantraut in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul brought both visibility and steady income.

• Film Appearances: Supporting roles in notable films such as Beverly Hills Cop and Gremlins added to his earnings and profile. 

• Voice Work and Guest Appearances: In later years, Banks also embraced voice acting and guest roles, diversifying his portfolio.

• Residuals & Syndication: Television series of the kind he featured in often generate ongoing residual income through reruns and streaming.

Jonathan Banks’s Relationships & Family Life

Jonathan Banks’s personal life offers a quieter contrast to his on-screen intensity. He first married Marnie Fausch in 1968, and they welcomed one daughter before divorcing in 1970.  In 1990 he married Gennera Gonzalez Cebian; together they have fraternal twins, and he is also a step-father through this second marriage. 

Key insights into Jonathan Banks’s relationships and personal life:

• His second marriage to Gennera in 1990 marked a long-term partnership in which privacy and family stability figured prominently

• He balances a demanding screen career with family life—stepping away from the spotlight when necessary

• While he keeps out of tabloids, his genuine off-screen demeanour and family focus are often noted by commentators

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Jonathan Banks leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Philanthropic recognition: Indiana University awarded him an honorary doctorate in April 2016, acknowledging his contributions to the arts. 

• Personal setbacks: His California home was destroyed in the 2018 Woolsey Fire—a dramatic moment that he publicly acknowledged. 

• Continued artistic engagement: Beyond live-action roles, Banks enjoys voice work and projects that feed his theatre roots and character-actor instincts

• A preference for understated living: While not openly flashy, his steady presence in acclaimed TV and film shows a preference for craft over ostentation

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Here is a breakdown reflecting how Jonathan Banks’s net worth is estimated and what drives his income:

Overall, the net worth of approximately $8 million seems consistent across multiple independent sources, though variations exist. The modest scale compared to some Hollywood A-listers reflects the nature of Banks’s career—steady, respectable, character-driven rather than headline-dominated.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Jonathan Banks enjoys a reputation as one of the most enduring character actors of his generation. His long tenure in the roles of Frank McPike and Mike Ehrmantraut has cemented his place in television history. He’s widely recognised for his gravitas, subtle menace, and the nuance he brings to supporting roles.

In terms of legacy:

• His role in Better Call Saul helped broaden the scope of his character, creating deeper critical appreciation. 

• Among fans and industry peers, he is seen as a consummate professional whose craft trumps celebrity spectacle

• His personal conduct—avoiding tabloid drama and maintaining a stable private life—has added to his image of reliability and quiet integrity

Conclusion

Jonathan Banks’s story is one of gradual ascent: born January 31, 1947, he matured in performance through theatre and small screen roles until landmark parts in Wiseguy and Breaking Bad propelled him to recognition. With an estimated net worth of $8 million, he balances financial success with credible artistry. His marriage to Gennera Gonzalez Cebian and his family life reflect a grounded personal world behind the on-screen toughness. As his birthday approaches each year, it becomes a reminder of both his longevity and his enduring relevance in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.

Whether viewed through his quietly commanding screen presence or his sustained career arc, Jonathan Banks offers an inspiring example of how depth, consistency, and character-driven performance build a legacy far beyond box-office metrics.