Dominic Sessa’s net worth is estimated at $1–1.5 million as of 2026. The 23-year-old New Jersey native made one of the most celebrated acting debuts in recent memory in The Holdovers (2023), earning a BAFTA nomination and Critics’ Choice Award, and is now playing a young Anthony Bourdain in the biographical film Tony (August 2026).
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Dominic Sessa Quick Facts
| Full Name | Dominic Sessa |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 25, 2002 |
| Age | 23 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Cherry Hill, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor |
| Net Worth | $1–1.5 Million (2026) |
| Partner | Not publicly disclosed |
| Known For | Angus Tully in The Holdovers (2023), playing young Anthony Bourdain in Tony (2026) |
How Does Dominic Sessa Make Money?
| Income Source | Estimated Amount | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Holdovers (2023) | $200K–$500K (est.) | One-time (personal) | Lead role in Focus Features/Universal film; BAFTA-nominated debut |
| Tony biopic (2026) | $500K–$1M (est.) | One-time (personal) | Lead role as young Anthony Bourdain; prestige biopic commands higher rates post-Holdovers |
| Brand & Endorsements | Growing | Annual (personal) | Profile still building; likely to accelerate post-Tony release |
| Estimated Total Net Worth | $1–1.5 Million (2026) | ||
Early Life: From Ice Hockey to Drama
Dominic Sessa was born on October 25, 2002, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and grew up in Egg Harbor Township and Ocean City. His father worked in payroll before his death in 2017, when Dominic was 14. His mother is a teacher. The loss of his father at 14 is a biographical detail he has cited as emotionally informing his portrayal of the grief-marked Angus Tully in The Holdovers.
In tenth grade, Sessa received a scholarship to Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts — a prestigious college preparatory school that would become the central location for The Holdovers. He enrolled intending to play ice hockey. A broken femur ended that path before it began and redirected him toward drama classes, where he quickly demonstrated unusual natural ability.
The Holdovers — A Debut Like No Other
The Holdovers (2023), directed by Alexander Payne and co-starring Paul Giamatti and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, is a Christmas-set comedy-drama in which Sessa plays Angus Tully — a privileged but emotionally wounded prep school student stuck at school over the holiday break. The film was shot at the real Deerfield Academy campus where Sessa had attended school, giving him an unusual physical familiarity with the setting.
Director Alexander Payne and his casting team discovered Sessa at Deerfield while scouting for a young lead who could hold his own opposite Paul Giamatti. The film was received with significant critical acclaim: Sessa won the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer and received a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role — remarkable for any actor’s screen debut, let alone a 21-year-old with zero prior professional experience.
Playing Young Anthony Bourdain in Tony
Sessa’s next major role is playing a young Anthony Bourdain in the biographical film Tony, set for release in August 2026. The film depicts the summer of 1976 in Provincetown, Massachusetts — just before Bourdain committed to a culinary career. It represents Sessa’s first major leading role following The Holdovers and a significant escalation in his career trajectory.
Personal Life
Dominic Sessa keeps his personal life private and has not publicly disclosed a romantic relationship. He has spoken about the loss of his father in 2017 in the context of preparing for The Holdovers — a film centrally concerned with grief and unexpected human connection. His mother’s work as a teacher has been a consistent presence in his public comments about his upbringing.
Net Worth History
Sessa had essentially no professional acting income before The Holdovers. His debut film’s critical success and award nominations established his market rate at a level far above where most first-time actors begin. The Tony biopic, as his follow-up leading role, reflects his standing as a genuine industry prospect. His net worth is expected to grow substantially in 2026 and 2027 as more projects enter production.
Little-Known Facts About Dominic Sessa
- He was discovered by Alexander Payne’s casting team at Deerfield Academy — the real school he attended as a student on scholarship.
- A broken femur while playing ice hockey redirected him to drama class — the injury that indirectly launched his acting career.
- He lost his father in 2017 at age 14, a detail he has cited as emotionally informing his role in The Holdovers.
- His BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor came for his feature film debut — an exceptionally rare achievement.
- He holds his own against Paul Giamatti in nearly every scene of The Holdovers despite having zero prior professional screen experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dominic Sessa
What is Dominic Sessa’s net worth in 2026?
Dominic Sessa’s net worth is estimated at $1–1.5 million in 2026. His wealth comes primarily from his lead role in The Holdovers (2023) and his upcoming role as young Anthony Bourdain in the biographical film Tony (2026). As a recent debut, his earnings remain early-stage, but his trajectory as an in-demand young actor suggests strong growth ahead.
How was Dominic Sessa discovered?
Dominic Sessa was discovered by director Alexander Payne’s casting team at Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts — the same prep school he attended as a student on scholarship. Payne’s team scouted the campus while searching for a young lead who could match Paul Giamatti’s intensity. Sessa’s drama work at the school caught their attention, and he was cast in his first professional role in The Holdovers.
What awards did Dominic Sessa win for The Holdovers?
Dominic Sessa won the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer for his role as Angus Tully in The Holdovers (2023). He also received a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role — an extraordinary recognition for a screen debut. The film collectively attracted major awards attention, with Da’Vine Joy Randolph winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Who does Dominic Sessa play in the Bourdain biopic?
Dominic Sessa plays a young Anthony Bourdain in the biographical film Tony, set for August 2026 release. The film depicts the summer of 1976 in Provincetown, Massachusetts — the period just before Bourdain chose to pursue a culinary career. It is Sessa’s first major leading role after The Holdovers.
How old is Dominic Sessa?
Dominic Sessa was born on October 25, 2002, making him 23 years old as of 2026. He was born in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
Did Dominic Sessa attend Deerfield Academy?
Yes. Dominic Sessa attended Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts on a scholarship from tenth grade. He originally enrolled to play ice hockey, but a broken femur redirected him to drama. The Holdovers was partly filmed at Deerfield Academy — the real campus — giving his performance an authentic grounding in the setting.
