Let’s face it, no family is dysfunctional quite like the Bluths. The cult classic sitcom, Arrested Development, first aired in 2003 and redefined the chaotic comedy with its mix of zany characters and absurdly tangled storyline. From a banana stand with “always money in it” to endless chicken dances, the show has given us unforgettable moments and a memorable cast that felt more like a bizarrely entertaining extended family than fictional characters.
Leading the madness was Jason Bateman as Michael Bluth, the so-called “responsible” one trying to hold his trainwreck of a family together. Then there’s Will Arnett as Gob, the magician with an ego bigger than his tricks, and Portia de Rossi as Lindsay, the ultra-glamorous activist with questionable motives.
Continuing with the iconic cast, Jessica Walter played Lucille Bluth, the queen of sass herself and the martini-loving, shade-throwing matriarch. At the same time, Jeffrey Tamnor doubled down as George Sr. and his twin brother Oscar. And who can forget Michael Cera as awkward teen George Michael, Alia Shawkat as Maeby, and Tony Hale as the iconic momma’s boy Buster?
But it’s been nearly two decades since we last caught up with Bluths. So, what are the cast members up to now? Let’s explore these stars’ lives and where they landed after leaving behind the staircars and frozen bananas.
Jason Bateman
After Arrested Development, Jason Bateman has had one heck of a glow-up since his days playing Michael Bluth. Back in the Bluth era, Bateman was raking in a solid $125,000 per episode, as per The Hollywood Reporter. But since then, he’s gone from sitcom staple to serious Hollywood heavy-hitter.
After the OG Arrested Development run, Bateman showcased his acting prowess in big-screen comedy hits like Juno, Identity Thief, and Horrible Bosses.
However, the real breakthrough in his career came with Netflix’s Ozark. Who knew Bateman could nail the “mild-mannered financial planner laundering money from a Mexican drug cartel” vibe? Turns out, everyone who watched the show knew he crushed it, proving as he collected Emmy nods for his role as Marty Byrde. He even snagged an Emmy for directing the show’s second season because why not be great at everything, right?
And he’s not only just in front of the camera, Bateman has directed, produced, and even podcast these days, co-hosting SmartLess with Will Arnett and Sean Hayes.
Will Arnett
Will Arnett has spun his Arrested Development legacy as God Bluth, the outrageous, delusional magician into pure gold. Post-Arrested Development, Arnett put his signature gravelly voice and comedic chops into work, landing the role of Lego Batman in The Lego Movie franchise. Well, honestly, it felt like Gob had auditioned for the role years earlier with his “club sauce” antics.
Well, Arnett didn’t stop there. He became the voice of BoJack Horseman, the deeply flawed and hilariously tragic former sitcom star in Netflix’s BoJack Horseman. Beyond acting, Arnett is a natural conversationalist, channeling his wit into SmartLess, a podcast he co-hosts with Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes. The show is a delightful blend of banter and interviews, with Arnett’s quick humor shining throughout.
Like his co-star Jason Bateman, Arnett reportedly earned a hefty $125,000 per episode for his starring role on Arrested Development. Whether he’s playing a caped crusader, a troubled horse, or cracking jokes on a podcast, Arnett has carved out a niche for himself as a voice that’s impossible to ignore.
Portia De Rossi
Best known to Arrested Development, Portia De Rossi played Lindsay Bluth Funke and brought wit and glam to the dysfunctional Bluth family. Before joining the show, she had already made a name for herself as Nelle Porter on Ally McBeal. After Arrested Development, Rossi appeared in hit shows like Nip/Tuck and Scandal.
In 2011, she explored the world of literature with her memoir, Unbearable Lightness, which featured a raw and deeply moving account of her battle with anorexia and bulimia. While Rossi has since officially retired from acting, she did make an exception to reprise her role in Arrested Development’s Netflix revival seasons. Like her co-stars, she reportedly earned $125,000 per episode during her time on the series, making the return even sweeter.
Currently, Rossi is focused on her other passions, including her work with her wife, Ellen DeGeneres.
Jessica Walter
Before she graced the screens as Lucille Bluth, the sharp-tongued matriarch of Arrested Development, Jessica Walter was already a Hollywood legend. With an illustrious career that included Clint Eastwood’s 1971 thriller Play Misty For Me, Walter brought decades of experience in the sitcom, not to forget her unparalleled ability to deliver biting one-liners.
Additionally, Walter lent her commanding voice to Malory Archer, the cunning and no-nonsense spy agency chief in FX’s Archer. Earning $125,000 per episode during Arrested Development, Walter sadly passed away in 2021 at age 80, leaving a legacy of unforgettable roles. Her Archer family honored her beautifully with a tribute in the Season 12 finale.
Jeffrey Tambor
After Arrested Development, Jeffrey Tambor seamlessly transitioned to another groundbreaking series, Transparent, where he portrayed Maura, a trans woman. While the role earned him critical acclaim and two Emmy wins, his career hit turbulence in 2017 when he faced accusations of sexual harassment on the Transparent set. Though he denied the allegations, it led to his dismissal from the show.
During his time on Arrested Development, it wasn’t without controversies either. In a 2018 New York Times interview, Jessica Walter revealed that Tambor had been verbally abusive toward her on set. She said,
“I have to let go of being angry at him. He never crossed the line on our show, with any, you know, sexual whatever. Verbally, yes, he harassed me, but he did apologize.”
Despite the drama, Tambor, like his co-stars, reportedly earned $125,000 per episode during the show’s run, a salary befitting his integral role as George Bluth Sr.
David Cross
Before slipping into the never-nude cutoffs of Tobias Funke on Arrested Development, David Cross had already established his place in comedy history with Mr. Show with Bob and David, which earned him multiple Emmys. After Arrested Development, Cross showcased his dark humor in the black comedy series, The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, and also made appearances in shows like Modern Family, What We Do in the Shadows, and Stations Eleven.
In May 2024, Cross announced a massive North American tour titled, David Cross: The End of the Beginning of the End, where he will be hitting 46 cities. Like his fellow Arrested alums, Cross was pulling in $125,000 per episode during the show’s run, money well-earned for bringing us iconic Tobias gems like “I just blue myself.”
Tony Hale
After delivering the eccentric, hook-handed mama’s boy Bustler Bluth on Arrested Development, Tony Hale ventured on to another hilarious character in Veep. As Gary Walsh, the overly loyal bagman, Hale earned six Emmy nominations and snagged two wins for his comedic timing.
Fast forward to 2024, Hale is back with The Decameron, a Netflix comedy that explores the misadventures of Italian nobles trying to dodge the Black Death in the 1300s. On Arrested Development, Hale reportedly earned the same hefty $125,000 per episode salary as his fellow cast members.
Alia Shawkat
At the age of 14, Alia Shawkat nailed the role of Maeby Funke, the ultimate teen schemer in Arrested Development. Since then, she has become a powerhouse in the indie and black comedy world. In 2016, she was lead in TBS’s Search Party, where she portrayed Dory, a bored Brooklynite turned amateur detective.
Most recently, Shawkat’s star continues to shine in the critically acclaimed series Severance and films like Drift and The Listener. On Arrested Development, Shawkat earned the same $125,000 per episode as her co-stars, proving that even as a teenager, she was playing in the big leagues.
Michael Cera
Michael Cera wasted no time proving he was more than just George Michael Bluth after Arrested Development wrapped its original run. His breakout role in Juno alongside Elliot Page catapulted him into Hollywood’s A-list, earning him acclaim for his quirky, awkward charm. From there, he delivered iconic performances in Superbad, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and indie favorites like Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist.
Fast forward to 2023, Cera brought his lovable oddball energy to Greta Gerwig’s Barbie as Ken’s awkwardly endearing buddy Allan, stealing scenes and hearts. On TV, he took a softer turn as Amy Schumer’s love interest in Hulu’s Life & Beth. Like his Arrested Development castmates, Cera earned a cool $125,000 per episode.
