Rufus Hound on Money, Life, and the Lessons Learned
Rufus Hound is a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, recognized for his work as an actor, comedian, and presenter. He gained significant attention as a regular panellist on the ITV show Celebrity Juice and won the 2013 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. The 46-year-old, who currently resides in London, got engaged to actress Sally Hodgkiss in 2024. He also has two teenage children from his previous marriage to Beth.
What Did Your Parents Teach You About Money?
Growing up in suburban Surrey, Rufus had a relatively comfortable upbringing as one of two boys. His father, Bob, was an accountant during a time when such jobs were more stable. This gave him a certain level of confidence, often described as “swagger.” In contrast, his mother, Lynn, was much more cautious with money. Their advice to young Rufus was to treat money with respect, though he admits he didn’t take it seriously at all.
He reflects that people who prioritize money often end up leading half a life, suggesting that financial success isn’t always synonymous with happiness.
Have You Ever Struggled to Make Ends Meet?
Rufus’s financial stability took a hit when he was just 14 years old. His father lost his job, which led to the family falling into debt. They had to move from a five-bedroom house with a large garden to a small three-bedroom semi-detached home. The family also split up around this time.
In his early days as a stand-up comedian, Rufus struggled financially. He was often overdrawn and earned only £30 per gig. For a year or two, he even resorted to sofa-surfing due to tight finances. It wasn’t until he started getting regular TV work that he began earning a more sustainable income.
Have You Ever Been Paid Silly Money?
Yes, Rufus recalls being paid quite handsomely after touring in a Wind In The Willows musical written by Julian Fellowes in 2016. The production had a big following and was set to run in London. The producer announced that Rufus would reprise his role as Toad before the deal was even signed. This allowed him to negotiate his own salary, resulting in a weekly income of five figures during the summer run at the London Palladium.
What Was the Best Year of Your Financial Life?
The years between 2008 and 2011 were some of the best financially for Rufus. He was a team captain on the TV panel show Argumental, and later became a regular panellist on Celebrity Juice. However, despite the steady work, he was only paid a few thousand pounds for his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013.
Around the same time, he made some money from pilot TV shows, but he notes that UK channels now face stiff competition from US streaming services, making it harder to earn substantial sums.
The Most Expensive Thing You Bought for Fun
One of the most expensive purchases Rufus made for fun was a British-made 1969 Triumph Tiger T110 motorbike in 2012. It cost him £1,700 and had been customized into a US-style chopper. However, upon attempting to restore it, he discovered it was in poor condition and never managed to fix it properly. Even 14 years later, it remains in pieces in his garage.
His priciest holiday was a week-long trip to the Maldives in 2014, costing £7,000. Despite the expense, he considers it one of the most memorable experiences of his life.
What Has Been Your Biggest Money Mistake?
Rufus admits he has always struggled with managing money. When he changed accountants, he told them he was as financially savvy as a “PG Tips chimp,” asking them to keep things simple. Unfortunately, this led to an unexpected £140,000 tax demand on past earnings.
During a theatre tour that year, he only paid himself for one out of every five weeks, with the rest going to HMRC.
Best Money Decision You Have Made?
One of his best financial decisions was buying their first family home in 2007. Located near a waste treatment plant and in the Heathrow flight path, it was purchased for £250,000. Despite its location, the property turned out to be a good investment, selling for about £100,000 more a decade later.
Will You Pass Your Money Down or Spend It All?
With live work drying up during the pandemic and the current high cost of living, Rufus admits he doesn’t have any spare money. The idea of passing on wealth to his children seems far-fetched for now, especially as theatres continue to struggle with the long-term effects of the pandemic.
Do You Have a Pension?
Rufus doesn’t pay into a private pension. However, he enjoys his work so much that he plans to keep working well into his 60s and beyond.
If You Were Chancellor, What Would You Do?
If given the chance to be Chancellor, Rufus would ensure that online businesses pay the correct amount of tax. He believes that many US-based online giants are not paying their fair share, contributing to the decline of the high street.
What Is Your Number One Financial Priority?
For Rufus, the top priority is ensuring that his children don’t go hungry. This simple yet essential goal underscores the importance of financial stability in his life.
