Austin Amelio at a Glance
- Net Worth: $2 Million
- Profession: Actor, Skateboarder
- Date of Birth: April 27, 1988
- Birthplace: Austin, Texas, USA
- Nationality: American
What is Austin Amelio’s Net Worth?
Austin Amelio has a net worth of $2 million. His financial standing stems largely from his long-running tenure in AMC’s The Walking Dead universe, where he portrayed the complex anti-hero Dwight for nearly eight years across two flagship series. Unlike many actors who rely solely on screen credits, Amelio’s income is bolstered by a distinct dual career path that involves professional-level skateboarding and a consistent presence on the lucrative fan convention circuit.
His earnings primarily flow from television salaries. As a series regular on Fear the Walking Dead (seasons 5–8), Amelio commanded a per-episode salary consistent with upper-tier cable network standards, likely ranging between $40,000 and $75,000 per episode during the show’s peak. This steady income provided the foundation of his wealth. Additionally, his role in the 2024 Netflix hit Hit Man, directed by Richard Linklater, marked a return to high-profile feature films, further diversifying his portfolio.
Beyond production payrolls, Amelio generates significant revenue through appearances. The Walking Dead franchise maintains one of the most dedicated fanbases in television history, allowing core cast members to earn substantial fees for autographs, photo ops, and panels at events like Walker Stalker Con and Comic-Con. These appearances often yield five-figure paydays per weekend, serving as a reliable secondary income stream that stabilizes his finances between filming schedules.
Skateboarding Roots
Before he was known as a Savior on AMC, Amelio was—and remains—a deeply embedded figure in the Texas skateboarding scene. This background is not merely a hobby but a central part of his personal brand and early professional life. He spent his formative years filming skate videos in and around Austin, gaining recognition for his technical skill and style.
He secured sponsorship deals that predated his acting fame, most notably with No-Comply Skate Shop, a cultural staple in Austin, Texas. He was also a “flow” rider for Osiris Shoes, receiving free product and industry support. His credibility in this space was cemented when he appeared as a guest on The Nine Club, the world’s premier skateboarding podcast, where he discussed the intersection of skate culture and Hollywood. This authenticity allows him to maintain relevance in lifestyle marketing, separate from his acting characters.
Early Life
Austin Amelio was born and raised in Austin, Texas, a city that heavily influenced his artistic and athletic trajectory. Growing up in the vibrant capital, he immersed himself in the local skate culture, which he credits for teaching him the resilience and patience required for acting. Skating involves repeated failure before landing a trick, a mindset Amelio applied directly to the audition process.
He did not follow a traditional path to Hollywood stardom through child acting or Los Angeles showcases. Instead, he attended classic acting classes in Austin while working at a local skate shop. His deep connection to the city eventually placed him in the orbit of celebrated director Richard Linklater, another Austin icon, which bridged the gap between his local lifestyle and a global career.
Career
Austin Amelio’s career is defined by his ability to transition from indie favorites to massive global franchises without losing his edge. His professional timeline began with short films and skating videos, but his major break arrived when he was cast in Richard Linklater’s 2016 college baseball comedy, Everybody Wants Some!!. Amelio played Nesbit, a breakout role that showcased his comedic timing and natural charisma. The film was a critical darling and served as his calling card to major casting directors.
Shortly after his film debut, Amelio landed the role of Dwight in The Walking Dead. Initially introduced as a villain and high-ranking member of the Saviors under Negan, Dwight evolved into one of the show’s most tragic and redemptive figures. His performance was well-received, leading to his survival on the main show and a rare crossover opportunity.
In 2019, Amelio moved to Fear the Walking Dead as a main cast member. This transition secured his financial future, as he remained a central figure in the spin-off from Season 5 until the series finale in 2023. The longevity of this role—spanning nearly a decade of consistent employment on a major network—is the primary driver of his current net worth.
Following the conclusion of Fear the Walking Dead, Amelio reunited with Richard Linklater for the action-comedy Hit Man (2023/2024), starring alongside Glen Powell. Portraying the character Jasper, Amelio received praise for his performance in the critically acclaimed film, which was acquired by Netflix in a massive deal. In 2024, he was also cast in the thriller The Reunion and the Spanish-American series When Nobody Sees Us, signaling a shift toward diverse, international productions.
Personal Life
Amelio maintains a strictly private personal life, keeping his family out of the tabloid spotlight. He resides in Austin, Texas, preferring his hometown over the media hub of Los Angeles. This choice allows him to stay connected to the local skateboarding community and the film scene that launched his career.
He is a father, and his son, Lev, made a brief cameo appearance in Fear the Walking Dead, portraying a younger version of a character in a dream sequence—a nod to the production’s family-oriented atmosphere. Amelio is also known for his eclectic interests outside of acting and skating, including photography and motorcycles, often sharing glimpses of these passions on social media.
