Fans of 2000s Nickelodeon know Daniel Curtis Lee as the hilarious Simon “Cookie” Nelson-Cook from Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, but many wonder what he’s worth today. Beyond his breakout role, Lee has built a diverse career as an actor, rapper, musician, writer, director, and producer, appearing on Disney XD, independent films, and popular TV shows like Glee and NCIS.
With multiple income streams and a growing creative portfolio, his financial journey is as interesting as his on-screen antics. In this article, we’ll uncover Daniel Curtis Lee net worth, explore how he earned it, and trace the career moves that shaped his success.
Daniel Curtis Lee Wiki
| Fact | Detail |
| Full Name | Daniel Curtis Lee |
| Birthdate | May 17, 1991 |
| Birthplace | Jackson, Mississippi |
| Hometown | Clinton, California |
| Education | California State University, Long Beach, Linguistics Degree |
| Age Started Acting | 7 years old |
| Major Breakthrough Role | Simon Nelson “Cookie” Cook on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide |
| Nickelodeon Years | 2004–2007 |
| Disney XD Role | Kojo on Zeke and Luther (2009–2012) |
| Other TV Appearances | Glee, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, 9-1-1, NCIS, Monster |
| Film Appearances | Friday After Next (2002), Sundown, Evening Installation, Payment Received, The Time Travel Hills |
| Professions | Actor, Comedian, Rapper, Musician, Writer, Director, Producer |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| Income Sources | Nickelodeon roles, Disney XD & TV appearances, films, music catalog, YouTube & digital content |
| Notable Co-Stars | Devon Werkheiser, Lindsey Shaw |
| Career Descriptor | Youth-oriented television, ensemble performer, breakout character, independent film, multidisciplinary creative |
What is Daniel Curtis Lee’s Net Worth?
Daniel Curtis Lee, the American actor, comedian, rapper, musician, writer, director, and producer, has captured the hearts of audiences from his early days on Nickelodeon. Today, fans often ask, “What is Daniel Curtis Lee’s net worth?” According to multiple sources, Daniel Curtis Lee net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.
His earnings come from a mix of television roles, music projects, independent films, and digital content creation.Unlike many of his peers, Daniel Curtis Lee has diversified his income.His career began in youth-oriented television, but he later explored music catalogs, songwriting, and independent film projects, all of which contribute to his $1 million net worth.
Compared to other stars from Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, such as Devon Werkheiser and Lindsey Shaw, Lee’s net worth is modest yet reflects his continued creativity and smart career choices.
| Source of Income | Approximate Earnings |
| Nickelodeon Roles | $400,000 |
| Disney XD & TV Appearances | $200,000 |
| Film Projects (e.g., Friday After Next, Sundown) | $150,000 |
| Music Catalog & Songwriting | $150,000 |
| YouTube & Digital Content | $100,000 |
The table above shows how his income streams are spread across different mediums, illustrating the importance of versatility for young actors transitioning into adult careers.
Early Life
- Birth and Early Life: Daniel Curtis Lee was born on May 17, 1991, in Jackson, Mississippi, and grew up in Clinton, California.
- Early Acting: By age seven, he began acting in school plays and community theater, showing early performance talent.
- Music and Creative Skills: Early exposure to music and acting helped him develop multidisciplinary creative skills used throughout his career.
- Higher Education: Attended California State University, Long Beach and earned a linguistics degree.
- Influence of Education: His studies in language and storytelling influenced both his acting and music.
- Foundation for Career: The combination of academics and performing arts prepared him for his breakthrough on Nickelodeon.
Breakthrough and Nickelodeon Fame
The role that truly put Daniel Curtis Lee on the map was Simon Nelson “Cookie” Cook on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, which aired from 2004-2007. As a breakout character, Cookie became a fan favorite due to his quirky humor, clever antics, and relatability.
Co-starring alongside Devon Werkheiser and Lindsey Shaw, Lee became a household name in the youth-oriented television landscape.Before Ned’s Declassified, Lee appeared in films such as Friday After Next (2002), showcasing his early talent in a comedic setting.
During the Nickelodeon years, Lee not only acted but also honed his skills in writing and music, laying the foundation for his future as a multidisciplinary creative. His role as Cookie, with its memorable lines and antics, contributed significantly to his Daniel Curtis Lee net worth, proving the value of a strong, ensemble television performance.
Disney XD and Continued Television Work
After his success on Nickelodeon, Daniel Curtis Lee appeared on Disney XD, including the show Zeke and Luther (2009-2012), playing the character Kojo. This role allowed him to reach a new audience while maintaining his teen-star appeal. Beyond Disney XD, Lee expanded his career into guest appearances on mainstream TV series, such as Glee, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, 9-1-1, NCIS, and Monster, demonstrating his adaptability as an actor.
His television work beyond Nickelodeon and Disney XD shows a deliberate effort to diversify his professional identity. By taking on ensemble performer roles, Daniel Curtis Lee not only broadened his audience but also increased his long-term earning potential, directly impacting his net worth. A timeline of key TV appearances highlights his steady career progression:
| Year | TV Show | Role |
| 2004-2007 | Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide | Simon Nelson “Cookie” Cook |
| 2009-2012 | Zeke and Luther | Kojo |
| 2010 | Glee | Guest Role |
| 2015 | Crazy Ex-Girlfriend | Guest Role |
| 2018 | 9-1-1 | Guest Role |
| 2020 | NCIS | Guest Role |
| 2021 | Monster | Guest Role |
Film, Music, and Creative Expansion
Beyond television, Daniel Curtis Lee has explored independent films such as Sundown, Evening Installation, Payment Received, and The Time Travel Hills. These projects allowed him to exercise creative control as a writer, director, and producer, showcasing his growth into a fully multidisciplinary creative.
Music has also been a significant part of Lee’s portfolio. As a rapper, musician, and songwriter, he has released songs on platforms like YouTube, cultivating a dedicated fanbase. His music catalog and content creation efforts contribute significantly to his overall wealth. By combining acting, music, and behind-the-scenes production, Daniel Curtis Lee has built a career that is both financially sustainable and creatively fulfilling.
Conclusion
Today, Daniel Curtis Lee net worth stands at around $1 million, reflecting a career that began in childhood and has expanded into multiple creative avenues. From his role as Simon Nelson “Cookie” Cook on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide to his appearances on Disney XD and independent films, Lee has consistently proven his versatility as an American actor, musician, and producer.
Fans who grew up watching him will recognize his continued evolution, both on screen and behind the camera. With his ongoing involvement in music, film, and digital content, Daniel Curtis Lee continues to grow as a creative professional, ensuring his net worth will likely rise in the coming years. His story serves as a perfect example of how talent, dedication, and diversification can turn childhood stardom into lasting success.
FAQs
What is Daniel Curtis Lee’s net worth?
Daniel Curtis Lee’s net worth is estimated at around $1 million, earned through acting, music, independent films, digital content, and creative projects spanning Nickelodeon, Disney XD, and other platforms.
How did Daniel Curtis Lee make his money?
He earned money through roles on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, Zeke and Luther, independent films, music releases, songwriting, and producing, alongside guest appearances on popular TV series like Glee and NCIS.
What was Daniel Curtis Lee’s first acting role?
Daniel Curtis Lee began acting at age seven, with early appearances in school plays and local productions, eventually securing a minor role in the film Friday After Next in 2002.
Which Nickelodeon show made Daniel Curtis Lee famous?
He became widely known for his role as Simon Nelson “Cookie” Cook on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, which aired from 2004 to 2007 and became a fan-favorite teen series.
Has Daniel Curtis Lee acted in films?
Yes, he acted in films including Friday After Next, Sundown, Evening Installation, Payment Received, and The Time Travel Hills, taking on roles as actor, writer, and producer in many projects.
What other TV shows has Daniel Curtis Lee appeared in?
He appeared in Zeke and Luther on Disney XD, as well as guest roles in Glee, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, 9-1-1, NCIS, and Monster, showcasing his versatility across youth-oriented and mainstream TV.
Did Daniel Curtis Lee pursue higher education?
Yes, he attended California State University, Long Beach, earning a degree in linguistics while continuing his acting career and developing skills in writing, music, and multidisciplinary creative work.
Is Daniel Curtis Lee also a musician?
Yes, he is a musician, rapper, and songwriter, with a growing music catalog shared on digital platforms, contributing to his income and expanding his creative career beyond acting.
Who were Daniel Curtis Lee’s co-stars on Nickelodeon?
His main co-stars were Devon Werkheiser and Lindsey Shaw on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, forming a popular ensemble that defined youth-oriented television in the mid-2000s.
What is Daniel Curtis Lee doing now?
He continues acting, producing independent films, creating music content, and sharing projects online, maintaining a diverse career while steadily building his net worth beyond childhood stardom.
Alan Abel is a naming specialist and author at BoldlyNames, with over five years of experience in name research and selection. He helps readers choose meaningful, culturally aware, and well-suited names for people, brands, and projects. Alan’s work combines practical insight, linguistic understanding, and real-world naming trends to deliver clear, reliable guidance readers can trust.