Kenny Ortega Net Worth

Kenny Ortega net worth is
$10 Million

Kenneth John Ortega was born on 18 April 1950 in Palo Alto, California USA, of Spanish descent, and is a film director, producer and choreographer. His most popular works have included directing ‘Hocus Pocus’, the ‘High School Musical trilogy’ and Michael Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ concerts.

So just how rich is Kenny Ortega? Current indications are that Kenny has an estimated net worth of $10 million; the sources of Kenny’s wealth are films, television, music and concerts, as Ortega has accumulated his wealth while working in all these media.

Kenny Ortega Net Worth $10 Million

Kenny Ortega’s family was average, with his mother, Madeline, being a waitress and his father, Octavio ‘Tibby’ Ortega, a factory worker. Kenny was educated at Sequioa High School in Redwood City, California, but then took some time to find his way into the entertainment industry. His net worth account was opened in 1980, with ‘Xanadu’, the romantic musical fantasy film written by Richard Christian Danus and Marc Reid Rubel, and directed by Robert Greenwald on which Kenny worked as a choreographer. He continued with ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ directed by Joel Schumacher, ‘Pretty in Pink’ directed by Howard Deutch, ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ produced and directed by John Hughes,  ‘Salsa’ directed by Boaz Davidson, ‘Shag’ directed by Zelda Barron, and in particular ‘Dirty Dancing’ directed by Emile Ardolino, which became iconic in the world of film musicals.

Kenny increased his net worth while working not only as a choreographer, but also a director in the musical drama film produced by Walt Disney Pictures, ‘Newsies’ produced by Michael Finnell, teen/children’s romantic comedy musical television film ‘High School Musical’ trilogy, and the musical ‘The Cheetah Girls 2’ produced by Deborah Gregory and Whitney Houston. Ortega also raised his net worth by directing the horror comedy film ‘Hocus Pocus’, and ‘Michael Jackson‘s This Is It’ documentary–concert film, among others.

Furthermore, Kenny Ortega added to his net worth while working in television. He directed two episodes of the television series ‘Dirty Dancing’, two episodes of the musical teen drama series ‘Hull High’, an episode of the television drama ‘Second Noah’, two episodes of ‘Chicago Hope’ – medical drama television series created by David E. Kelley, an episode of ‘Resurrection Blvd.’, an episode of the sitcom ‘Grounded for Life’, comedy drama series ‘Ally McBeal’, episodes of the ‘Gilmore Girls’ comedy drama series created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, an episode of ‘Phineas and Ferb’ musical comedy and an episode of ‘Bunheads’ comedy drama series.

Moreover, a big part of Kenny’s work was in concerts, so he increased his net worth while being the director and choreographer of  Cher’s ‘Heart of Stone’ tour, Michael Jackson’s ‘Dangerous World’, ‘HIStory’ world tours and ‘This is It’ concerts. Ortega’s net worth rose after he worked as a choreographer and director of Gloria Estefan’s ‘Live & Unwrapped’, and Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus‘ ‘Best of Both’ world tours. Kenny Ortega added further to his net worth showing himself on the big screen in the film ‘Mario’, Paul Thomas Paw role in ‘The Revenge Rampage’ and Puncher John role in ‘Spies’.

In 2008, Kenny received ALMA Award Special, Achievement Award Outstanding Director. In 2009, he received Outstanding Achievement Award from National Association of Latino Independent Producers and Jackie Coogan Award, Contribution to Youth, from 30th Young Artist Awards.

Kenny is very careful to keep his personal life private – consequently rumours abound of his sexuality, which bother him not at all.


Full NameKenny Ortega
Net Worth$10 Million
Date Of BirthApril 18, 1950
Place Of BirthPalo Alto, California, United States
ProfessionFilm Producer, Television Director, Choreographer, Actor, Television producer, Film director
NationalityAmerican
SpouseFlora Pérez, Rosalía Mera
ChildrenSandra Ortega Mera, Marta Ortega Perez, Marcos Ortega Mera
ParentsOctavio Ortega, Madeline Ortega
SiblingsDebra Lee Ortega, Mark Ortega, Antonio Ortega, Pilar Ortega Gaona, Josefa Ortega Gaona
NicknamesKenneth John Ortega , Kenneth Ortega
Twitterhttp://www.twitter.com/kennyortegablog
Instagramhttp://www.instagram.com/kennyortegablog
IMDBhttp://www.imdb.com/name/nm0650905
AwardsPrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography, ALMA Award Special, Jackie Coogan Award, Contribution to Youth, from 30th Young Artist Awards,
NominationsPrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music
MoviesHigh School Musical, Descendants, Michael Jackson's This Is It, High School Musical 3: Senior Year, Hocus Pocus, High School Musical 2, Newsies, The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again, Descendants 2, The Cheetah Girls 2, And God Created Woman, Legally Mad, XIX Winter Olympics Op...
#Quote
1There's an old Fred Astaire movie where the stage becomes bigger and deeper and more complex. Moments like that really did impact on me and influence me. I want to bring a little of that to High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008)--that the whole world is a stage.
2[on what he learned from his mentor, Gene Kelly] If you didn't understand how to design your choreography for the camera, then you were shortchanging yourself and would never come to fully realize your worth. It would have meant very little if I hadn't come to understand technically how to put the work up.
#Fact
1He is of Spanish descent.
2Longtime friend of Josh Carmichael.
3Longtime personal friend and choreographer to Michael Jackson.
4On set, if he catches an actor or actress yawning, he forces them to pay him a dollar. After production he donates all the proceeds to "The Make a Wish Foundation".
5As of 2007, he has directed three out of the four successful Disney Channel Original Movies with High School Musical (2006), The Cheetah Girls 2 (2006) and High School Musical 2 (2007).
6Has worked with Madonna, Cher, Gloria Estefan and Elton John.

Director

TitleYearStatusCharacter
A Change of Heart2017completed
Descendants 22017TV Movie post-production
Dirty Dancingannounced
The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again2016TV Movie
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend2016TV Series 1 episode
Descendants2015TV Movie
The Making of Frozen2014Short
Bunheads2012TV Series 1 episode
The Playboy Club2011TV Series 1 episode
Legally Mad2010TV Movie
Dome Project2010Video short
This Is It2009Documentary
Michael Jackson Memorial2009TV Movie documentary creative director
High School Musical 3: Senior Year2008
High School Musical 22007TV Movie
Gilmore Girls2002-2006TV Series 12 episodes
The Cheetah Girls 22006TV Movie
High School Musical2006TV Movie
Billy Squier: Video Hits2005Video short segment "Rock Me Tonight"
Ally McBeal2001-2002TV Series 3 episodes
XIX Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony2002TV Movie
Grounded for Life2001TV Series 1 episode
Resurrection Blvd.2000TV Series 1 episode
Chicago Hope1998-1999TV Series 2 episodes
Wasteland1999TV Series 1 episode
Fame L.A.1997TV Series
Second Noah1996TV Series 1 episode
Hocus Pocus: Begin the Magic1994TV Movie documentary
Hocus Pocus1993
Newsies1992
Hull High1990TV Series 3 episodes
Dirty Dancing1988TV Series 2 episodes
Red Hot Rock1984Video segment "Breakin' Together"

Miscellaneous

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Descendants2015TV Movie choreographer
This Is It2009Documentary choreographer
High School Musical 3: Senior Year2008choreographer
Awilda and a Bee2008Short caterer
Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert2008Documentary concert conceived & produced by / stage director
High School Musical 22007TV Movie choreographer
High School Musical: The Concert - Extreme Access Pass2007Video choreographer / concert creator / concert producer
High School Musical2006TV Movie choreographer
XIX Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony2002TV Movie supervising choreographer
The Way She Moves2001TV Movie choreographer
Grounded for Life2001TV Series choreographer - 1 episode
Wasteland1999TV Series choreographer
Quest for Camelot1998choreographer
Centennial Olympic Games: Opening Ceremonies1996TV Special choreographer
To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar1995choreographer
Hocus Pocus1993choreographer
Newsies1992choreographer
Hull High1990TV Series choreographer - 8 episodes
Shag1989/Ichoreographer
Neil Diamond: Greatest Hits Live1988Video documentary choreographer
Mickey's 60th Birthday1988TV Movie choreographer
The Great Outdoors1988choreographer
Salsa1988choreographer
And God Created Woman1988choreography consultant
Totally Minnie1988TV Movie choreographer
Dirty Dancing1987choreographer
Ferris Bueller's Day Off1986choreographer
Pretty in Pink1986choreographer
St. Elmo's Fire1985choreographer
Super Night of Rock 'n' Roll1984TV Movie choreographer
Olivia Newton-John: Let's Get Physical1982TV Movie choreographer
The Tubes: Tubes Video1982Video choreographer
One from the Heart1981choreographer
Xanadu1980choreographer
Olivia Newton-John: Hollywood Nights1980TV Special choreographer

Producer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Dirty Dancingproducer announced
Descendants2015TV Movie executive producer
This Is It2009Documentary producer: live show
High School Musical 3: Senior Year2008executive producer
Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert2008Documentary producer
High School Musical 22007TV Movie co-producer
High School Musical: The Concert - Extreme Access Pass2007Video producer
Live and Unwrapped2004Video producer
The Disco Ball2003TV Special producer
XIX Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony2002TV Movie producer
The Way She Moves2001TV Movie co-executive producer
Hull High1990TV Series co-executive producer - 2 episodes
Salsa1988associate producer

Actor

TitleYearStatusCharacter
TarmunannouncedObazi (rumored)
Awilda and a Bee2008ShortMale School Spelling Bee judge
Chicago Hope1998TV SeriesEllston McCool
And God Created Woman1988Mike

Writer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Dome Project2010Video short written by
Timeless: Live in Concert2001TV Special documentary

Assistant Director

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Salsa1988second unit director
Ferris Bueller's Day Off1986second unit director

Soundtrack

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Michael Jackson Memorial2009TV Movie documentary performer: "We Are The World"
Salsa1988performer: "Good Lovin'"

Art Department

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Dangerous: The Short Films1993Video stage design

Thanks

TitleYearStatusCharacter
This Is It2009Documentary acknowledgment: original concert production created by / acknowledgment: original concert production directed by
The Dream Studio2004Video documentary short special thanks

Self

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Last of the Showmen2018Documentary filmingHimself
MoveDocumentary filmingHimself
Shapes of Rhythm: The Music of Galt MacDermotDocumentary post-productionHimself - Interviewee: Director
World Choreography Awards2015VideoHimself
Piper's Picks TV2015TV SeriesHimself - Guest
Made in Hollywood: Teen Edition2015TV SeriesHimself
Underground Dance Masters: Final History of a Forgotten Era2015DocumentaryXanadu Choreographer
Bystander Revolution2014TV Series documentaryHimself
Autopsy: The Last Hours Of2014TV SeriesHimself
Move TV2012-2013TV SeriesHimself
American Latino TV2013TV SeriesHimself
So You Think You Can Dance2010-2013TV SeriesHimself - Guest Judge
Phineas and Ferb2011TV SeriesHimself
Le grand journal de Canal+2010TV Series documentaryHimself
Michael Jackson's 'This Is It': Staging the Return - Beyond the Show2010Video documentary shortHimself
Michael Jackson's 'This Is It': Auditions - Searching for the World's Best Dancers2010Video documentary shortHimself
Michael Jackson's 'This Is It': Memories of Michael2010Video documentary shortHimself
Michael Jackson's 'This Is It': Staging the Return - The Adventure Begins2010Video documentary shortHimself
Michael Jackson's 'This Is It': The Gloved One2010Video documentary shortHimself
All Access: Making Michael Jackson's This Is It2010TV Movie documentaryHimself
15th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards2010TV SpecialHimself
Doc Talk2010TV SeriesHimself
This Is It2009DocumentaryHimself
Xposé2009TV SeriesHimself
Entertainment Tonight2009TV SeriesHimself
Live from Studio Five2009TV SeriesHimself
The Oprah Winfrey Show2009TV SeriesHimself - Guest
Michael Jackson Memorial2009TV Movie documentaryHimself
Larry King Live2009TV SeriesHimself - Guest
The Movie Loft2009TV SeriesHimself
High School Musical 3 Special2009TV Movie documentaryHimself
HSM3: Cast Goodbyes2009Video documentary shortHimself
HSM3: It's All in the Dress2009Video documentary shortHimself
HSM3: New Cast Profiles2009Video documentary shortHimself
HSM3: Prom - The Night of Nights2009Video documentary shortHimself
HSM3: Senior Awards2009Video documentary shortHimself
Disney Get Connected2009TV SeriesHimself
So You Think You Can Dance Canada2008TV SeriesHimself - Guest Judge
HSM2: In the Kitchen2008Video documentary shortHimself
HSM2: Making of Humuhumunukunukuapua'a2008Video documentary shortHimself
HSM2: On Location2008Video documentary shortHimself
Going Back to Xanadu2008VideoHimself
Good Morning America2008TV SeriesHimself - Guest
Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert2008DocumentaryHimself - Tour Director
Portrait of a Choreographer2007Video shortHimself
HSM2: Anatomy of a Dance Number2007Video documentary shortHimself - Director / Choreographer
HSM2: Rehearsal Cam2007Video documentary shortHimself - Director / Choreographer
HSM2: The Making of a Music Scene2007Video documentary shortHimself - Director
Disney 3652007TV Series documentary
Dancing with the Stars2006TV SeriesHimself
Greatest Movie Love Scenes2006TV Movie documentaryHimself
2006 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards2006TV SpecialHimself - Winner: Outstanding Choreography
The 54th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards2002TV SpecialHimself - Winner: Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program
American Masters2002TV Series documentaryHimself
Hocus Pocus: Begin the Magic1994TV Movie documentaryHimself - Director
Movie Magic1994TV Series documentaryHimself
Blood Drips Heavily on Newsies Square1991Video shortHimself
America's Dance Honors1990TV SpecialHimself
Salsa1988Himself
Making Xanadu: The Musical Fantasy Movie1980TV Movie documentaryHimself

Archive Footage

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Descendants: Set It Off!2015TV MovieHimself
Entertainment Tonight2009TV SeriesHimself

Won Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
2016DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Children's ProgramsDescendants (2015)
2010Imagen AwardImagen Foundation AwardsBest Director - FilmThis Is It (2009)
2009Jackie Coogan AwardYoung Artist AwardsFor the "High School Musical" films.
2008ALMA AwardALMA AwardsOutstanding Director of a Made-for-TV MovieHigh School Musical 2 (2007)
2007ALMA AwardALMA AwardsOutstanding Director - Television Series, Mini-Series, Television MovieHigh School Musical (2006)
2007DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Children's ProgramsHigh School Musical (2006)
2006Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding ChoreographyHigh School Musical (2006)
2004Career Achievement AwardAmerican Choreography Awards, USA
2002Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding ChoreographyXIX Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony (2002)
2002Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy ProgramXIX Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony (2002)
2002American Choreography AwardAmerican Choreography Awards, USAOutstanding Achievement in Television - Variety or SpecialXIX Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony (2002)
1998American Choreography AwardAmerican Choreography Awards, USAOutstanding Achievement in Television - EpisodicChicago Hope (1994)
1997American Choreography AwardAmerican Choreography Awards, USAOutstanding Achievement in Television - Variety or Special

Nominated Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
2010Black ReelBlack Reel AwardsBest DocumentaryThis Is It (2009)
2008Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding ChoreographyHigh School Musical 2 (2007)
2008DGA AwardDirectors Guild of America, USAOutstanding Directorial Achievement in Children's ProgramsHigh School Musical 2 (2007)
2007Imagen AwardImagen Foundation AwardsBest Director - FilmThe Cheetah Girls 2 (2006)
2006Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic SpecialHigh School Musical (2006)
2006Gold Derby TV AwardGold Derby AwardsComedy Episode of the YearGilmore Girls (2000)
2003OFTA Television AwardOnline Film & Television AssociationBest Direction in a Comedy SeriesGilmore Girls (2000)
2002Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Variety, Music or Comedy SpecialXIX Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony (2002)
2001Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding ChoreographyGrounded for Life (2001)
1993Razzie AwardRazzie AwardsWorst DirectorNewsies (1992)
1991Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Achievement in Main Title Theme MusicHull High (1990)
1985VMAMTV Video Music Awards (VMA)Best Choreography in a Video

Known for movies

Source
IMDB Wikipedia

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