Joseph Merhi—a Syrian-born American filmmaker, producer, restaurateur, and real estate investor—has carved out a unique path from modest beginnings to multi-millionaire status. His journey from owning pizza joints to founding PM Entertainment, plus savvy real-estate ventures, has established his current wealth.
Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Joseph Toufik Merhi |
| Date of Birth | October 23, 1953 |
| Place of Birth | Syria |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Film director, producer, entrepreneur, real estate investor |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | 3 |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
Early Life & Humble Beginnings
Joseph Merhi immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1970s, arriving with only $400 and a high school diploma. He began working at a Florida steakhouse as a dishwasher and busboy before eventually managing the restaurant . In 1977, he invested in his first business—Pizza N Pizza—expanding it to five locations in Las Vegas before selling them in 1984 to pursue film.
Rise in Cinema
In 1986, Joseph Merhi co‑founded City Lights Entertainment with Richard Pepin (later renamed PM Entertainment in 1989), a production company that became known for delivering over 100 low-budget action and martial-arts films, many with direct-to-video or cable release strategies PM Entertainment’s movies appeared on major platforms like HBO and TNT before eventually being sold and shuttering in the early 2000s.
Diversification into Real Estate
After PM Entertainment’s closure, Merhi pivoted toward real estate and hospitality. His portfolio now includes single-family homes, apartment complexes, hotels, comedy clubs, restaurants, and production studios.These ventures represent a major stream of passive income, complementing his entertainment industry revenues.
Joseph Merhi Net Worth Sources
- Estimated Net Worth: $10 million – $15 million
- Source: Multiple industry estimates affirm this range, including reports from 2025 indicating a wealth bracket between $10M and $15M, bolstered by film and real estate assets.
Income Sources Breakdown
- Film Production – Revenues from over 100 films and TV programs spanning theatrical and cable markets.
- Real Estate Holdings – Multiple assets across residential, commercial, and hospitality properties.
- Entrepreneurial Ventures – Past successes in the restaurant industry and ongoing business investments.
Major Milestones & Achievements
- Entered film with City Lights in 1986; evolved into PM Entertainment by 1989
- Produced/directly over 100 films; directed 32 features, including Executive Target (1997) and Oranges (2008)
- Built and sold a five-location pizza chain; pivoted to film and later into real estate .
- Developed a diversified property portfolio across multiple industries .
Conclusion
Today, Joseph Merhi’s net worth is conservatively estimated between $10 million and $15 million, a result of his tenacious work ethic, entertainment innovations, and strategic investment in real estate. From a dishwasher making $2 per hour to a multi-industry mogul, Merhi’s story embodies the American dream.
