Key Takeaways
- Shawn Fonteno’s career spans acting, voice work, and music.
- His breakthrough came with his role in GTA V in 2013.
- He published a memoir in 2022 titled “Game Changer: My Journey from the Streets to Your Video Game Console.”
Shawn Fonteno, best known for his role as Franklin Clinton in the popular video game Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V), has an estimated net worth of $1 million as of November 2024.
This impressive sum highlights his achievements in acting, voice work, and music, a career that has spanned several decades since he started in 1994.
Fonteno’s early years were challenging, marked by involvement in street gangs and activities like drug dealing and car theft.
A near-fatal shooting incident nearly cost him his life, inspiring him to turn things around and seek a more constructive future.
His entry into the entertainment industry began with music. Known as “Solo,” he performed as part of the rap duo Kam & Solo, which was affiliated with Ice Cube’s Lench Mob Crew.
Fonteno’s time in music allowed him to make valuable industry connections and gain experience that would later help him transition into acting.
Despite a relatively short music career, he released songs like “Where I’m Comin From” and earned a decent income.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Fonteno moved into acting, landing roles in films like “Dead Homiez” (1994), “3 Strikes” (2000), and “The Wash” (2001).
While these roles provided modest earnings, they showcased his range and opened up new opportunities.
Fonteno’s career breakthrough came in 2013 when he joined Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto V, lending his voice and motion capture to Franklin Clinton, one of the game’s main characters.
His portrayal resonated with players and critics alike, drawing from his own life experiences to bring an authentic feel to the character, which significantly contributed to the game’s global success.
Although exact earnings aren’t public, it’s estimated that he completed between 15-25 voice sessions for the role at rates of $2,000–$3,000 per session, totalling an estimated $30,000 to $75,000.
Other sources suggest he may have earned between $50,000 and $100,000.
This compensation marked a significant milestone for Fonteno, elevating both his financial standing and career visibility. Given the prominence of his character, some believe his earnings could have been higher, further boosting his income.
After GTA V, Fonteno continued to work in entertainment, taking on roles that added to both his resume and his net worth. In 2017, he starred in “Grow House,” adding to his acting credits.
In 2021, he reprised his role as Franklin in a live-action re-enactment of the popular in-game scene “The Original GTA V: Lamar Roasts Franklin In Real Life,” which demonstrated his enduring connection with Rockstar Games and his character’s ongoing popularity.
Fonteno’s journey took another turn in 2022 with the release of his memoir, “Game Changer: My Journey from the Streets to Your Video Game Console.”
In it, he shares his story of transformation from a life on the streets to becoming a recognizable figure in entertainment. This journey has resonated with fans and contributed to his growing wealth.
His memoir is available on Amazon as an Audible audiobook for $0.99 with membership and as a Kindle edition for $9.99, instantly accessible.
While his earnings are modest, Fonteno’s career stands out for talent and resilience.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Shawn Fonteno, born on April 8, 1968, in South Los Angeles, California, spent his early years in Watts.
- He is married to his wife, Bridget Johnson, and together they have a daughter named Bria.
- Young Maylay, a voice actor and rapper, is his cousin.
