The 1980s sitcom “Too Close For Comfort” remains a beloved classic, known for its humor and the memorable characters that graced our television screens. The show, which aired from 1980 to 1987, followed the antics of cartoonist Henry Rush and his family. As years have passed, fans often wonder about the net worth of the actors who brought these characters to life. In this article, we’ll explore the net worth of the “Too Close For Comfort” cast as of 2024, delving into their financial backgrounds and post-show careers.
| Actor | Full Name | Date of Birth (and Death, if applicable) | Nationality | Occupation(s) | Years Active in Industry | Spouse(s) | Children | Education | Notable Works/Achievements | Estimated Net Worth (in their time) | Estimated Net Worth (2024, adjusted for inflation) | Primary Sources of Wealth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ted Knight | Tadeusz Wladyslaw Konopka | December 7, 1923 – August 26, 1986 | American | Actor, Voice Actor | 1950–1986 | Dorothy Knight (m. 1948–1986) | 3 | Randolph-Macon College | The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Too Close For Comfort | $10 million | $24 million | TV shows, Film |
| Nancy Dussault | Nancy Dussault | June 30, 1936 | American | Actress, Singer | 1957–Present | Val Bettin (m. 1957–1962), James Zorabedian (m. 1962) | 0 | Northwestern University | Into the Woods, Too Close For Comfort | $1 million | $3 million | Theater, TV shows |
| Lydia Cornell | Lydia Cornell | July 23, 1953 | American | Actress, Writer | 1971–Present | Paul Hayeland (div.) | 1 | University of Colorado Boulder | Too Close For Comfort, Curb Your Enthusiasm | $500,000 | $1.5 million | TV shows, Writing |
| Deborah Van Valkenburgh | Deborah Gaye Van Valkenburgh | August 29, 1952 | American | Actress | 1979–Present | N/A | 0 | New York University | The Warriors, Too Close For Comfort | $1 million | $3 million | Films, TV shows |
| Jim J. Bullock | James Jackson Bullock | February 9, 1955 | American | Actor, Comedian | 1980–Present | N/A | 0 | Oklahoma Baptist University | Too Close For Comfort, Hollywood Squares | $1 million | $3 million | TV shows, Stage Performances |
| Audrey Meadows | Audrey Meadows Cotter | February 8, 1922 – February 3, 1996 | American | Actress | 1950–1985 | Robert Six (m. 1956–1986) | 0 | University of Southern California | The Honeymooners, Too Close For Comfort | $3 million | $6 million | TV shows, Films |
Introduction to Too Close For Comfort Cast’s Financial Background
The financial histories of the “Too Close For Comfort” cast offer a fascinating glimpse into the potential earnings of television stars from the 1980s. From Ted Knight, who was already an established star, to newer actors like Lydia Cornell and Deborah Van Valkenburgh, the cast members have varied financial trajectories.
Estimating Too Close For Comfort Cast’s Net Worth in 2024
Ted Knight
Ted Knight, renowned for his role as Henry Rush, had an estimated net worth of $10 million at the time of his death in 1986. Adjusted for inflation, this amount would be approximately $24 million in 2024.
Nancy Dussault
Nancy Dussault has continued with theater and television roles post-show, accumulating an estimated net worth of $1 million, which in today’s dollars would be around $3 million.
Lydia Cornell
Lydia Cornell has focused on acting and writing, with an estimated net worth of $500,000, amounting to $1.5 million in 2024 values.
Deborah Van Valkenburgh
Deborah Van Valkenburgh’s notable roles in films and television have earned her an estimated net worth of $1 million, which adjusts to $3 million considering inflation.
Jim J. Bullock
Jim J. Bullock’s career in television and stage has resulted in a net worth of roughly $1 million, equivalent to about $3 million in 2024.
Audrey Meadows
Audrey Meadows’ contributions to television remain significant. At the time of her passing in 1996, her net worth was estimated at $3 million, equivalent to around $6 million today.
Understanding Historical Wealth
Examining the net worth of television actors from the 1980s provides context for the changes in the entertainment industry’s financial landscape. In the past, syndication deals, reruns, and stage performances were primary income sources, unlike today’s diversified income streams that include digital streaming royalties and broader brand engagements.
Too Close For Comfort Cast’s Personal Finance Philosophy
While there isn’t extensive public information on the individual finance philosophies of the “Too Close For Comfort” cast members, their career decisions offer some insights. Ted Knight, for example, balanced long-term TV commitments with voice acting gigs, adding stability and diversity to his income.
Comparing Too Close For Comfort Cast’s Wealth to Modern Equivalents
If we compare the cast’s earnings to modern television stars, the differences are stark, largely due to inflation, diversified media outlets, and the potential for residuals and streaming rights. For instance, a star of Ted Knight’s caliber in today’s market might command significantly higher earnings from a hit show, sponsorships, and digital content.
FAQs About Too Close For Comfort Cast’s Net Worth
Q: Was Ted Knight the richest cast member of “Too Close For Comfort”?
Yes, Ted Knight had the highest net worth among the cast, estimated at $24 million in today’s value.
Q: What were the primary income sources for the “Too Close For Comfort” cast?
The primary sources included television roles, stage performances, residuals from reruns, and some pursued careers in writing and advocacy.
Q: Did any of the cast members continue to act after the show ended?
Yes, several cast members like Lydia Cornell, Nancy Dussault, and Deborah Van Valkenburgh continued their acting careers in television, theater, and film.
Q: How does the net worth of 1980s TV actors compare to modern actors?
The net worth of 1980s TV actors is generally lower when adjusted for inflation compared to modern actors, largely due to changes in media consumption and diversified revenue streams.
Q: Are there any ongoing royalties from “Too Close For Comfort” reruns?
Typically, actors receive residuals from reruns, although the amounts may decrease over time. Exact details vary based on individual contracts.
The net worth figures and related information presented here are derived from a variety of public sources. These figures should not be regarded as definitive or fully accurate, as financial positions and valuations are subject to change over time.
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