Overview

Deney Terrio is an American choreographer, actor, and television host with a net worth of $1 million. He is widely recognized as the host of the television musical variety show “Dance Fever,” which aired from 1979 to 1987. Deney famously served as the dance coach and choreographer for John Travolta in the iconic film “Saturday Night Fever”. He also appeared in films such as “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” “A Night In Heaven,” “The Idolmaker,” “When Disco Ruled the World,” and “Knights of the City.” Terrio has also appeared on several VH1 specials and co-hosted the 2004 PBS special “Get Down Tonight: The Disco Explosion.” He hosted his own disco radio show, “Saturday Night Dance Party,” on Sirius Satellite Radio. He is also a choreographer and competitor at regional Dancing with the Stars competitions.

What Is Deney Terrio’s Net Worth?

Deney Terrio, an American choreographer, actor, and television host, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $1 million. This financial standing reflects his diverse career across various entertainment platforms, including television, film, and radio.

Career Highlights and Financial Impact

Terrio’s most notable role was as the host of the musical variety show “Dance Fever,” which aired from 1979 to 1987. While specific financial details regarding his salary for hosting “Dance Fever” are not publicly available, it’s reasonable to assume that his role as the host of a nationally syndicated television program provided a consistent and substantial income stream during that period. Further augmenting his career trajectory was his role as the dance coach and choreographer for John Travolta in the 1977 iconic film “Saturday Night Fever.” It’s worth noting that “Saturday Night Fever” grossed over $237 million worldwide. Though Terrio’s direct earnings from the film are not publicly disclosed, his involvement likely led to increased opportunities and recognition within the entertainment industry.

In addition to “Dance Fever,” Terrio has appeared in several films. These include “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” in 1982, which grossed $97 million, “A Night In Heaven” in 1983, “The Idolmaker” in 1980, “When Disco Ruled the World,” and “Knights of the City” in 1986. The specific financial compensation he received for these roles is not publicly accessible. These roles would have contributed to his overall income.

Terrio has also made appearances in and hosted multiple specials for VH-1 and PBS. These include “Get Down Tonight: The Disco Explosion,” “VH-1 Where Are They Now?,” and “The Joy of Disco.” While the exact financial terms of these projects are not available, they provided additional avenues for income and kept him visible in the entertainment industry.

In 1991, Terrio initiated a lawsuit against Merv Griffin, the producer of “Dance Fever,” alleging sexual harassment and seeking $11.3 million in damages. The case was ultimately dismissed. It is worth noting that the dismissal of the case means Terrio did not receive the damages he sought, which could have significantly impacted his financial standing.

More recently, Terrio explored his disco roots by hosting his own disco radio program on Sirius Satellite Radio. Details regarding his compensation from Sirius Satellite Radio are not publicly available. The exposure from the show most likely helped to maintain his presence in the public eye.

In 2015, Terrio filed a lawsuit against the toy company Hasbro over a toy figure named Vinnie Terrio. A year later, the case was settled out of court. The specific terms of the settlement were not disclosed, it could have potentially included a financial component that would have added to his net worth.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Deney Terrio, born Denis George Mahan on June 15, 1950, in Revere, Massachusetts, spent his formative years in Titusville, Florida. His early passion for dance led him to take numerous classes, eventually transitioning into a professional dancing career. Unfortunately, details about his early earnings as a dancer or the specific dance studios he attended are not publicly available.

Terrio’s transition into working as a dance coach and choreographer marked a pivotal point in his career. His work as a coach and choreographer for John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever” in 1977 significantly boosted his profile. Following his work on “Saturday Night Fever,” Terrio was frequently featured as a dancer on the “Merv Griffin Show.” This exposure ultimately led to his selection as the host of “Dance Fever,” a new show created by Griffin that first aired in January 1979. As mentioned earlier, the financial specifics of his contracts for these roles are not publicly known.

Post-“Dance Fever” Career and Ventures

After his tenure as host of “Dance Fever” concluded in September 1985, Deney Terrio engaged in various ventures. During the 1990s, he toured nightclubs and served as a judge for dance contests. Details about his income from these activities are not publicly documented. In the 2000s, he made television appearances, including specials on VH1 and co-hosting the 2004 PBS special “Get Down Tonight: The Disco Explosion.” Financial specifics related to these appearances are not publicly known.

His disco radio show, “Saturday Night Dance Party,” on the Sirius Satellite Radio network, provided another platform for his talents. As previously noted, details about his compensation from Sirius Satellite Radio are not publicly available. Terrio also worked as a choreographer and competitor at regional “Dancing with the Stars” competitions, which provided additional income, although the specific amounts are not publicly known.

Legal Matters and Their Financial Implications

The previously mentioned lawsuit against Merv Griffin in 1991, seeking $11.3 million in damages, and the 2015 lawsuit against Hasbro, which was later settled out of court, represent significant legal events in Terrio’s career. The dismissal of the case against Griffin meant he did not receive the substantial financial compensation he sought. The settlement with Hasbro could have included financial compensation, but the details remain confidential.

Net Worth Summary

Deney Terrio’s estimated net worth of $1 million is derived from his multifaceted career in the entertainment industry. His roles as a television host, actor, dancer, and choreographer have all contributed to his financial standing. While specific financial details regarding his various projects and ventures are not always publicly available, it is evident that his long-standing presence in the entertainment industry has enabled him to accumulate a net worth of $1 million.

Real Estate Assets and Personal Life

Information regarding Deney Terrio’s real estate holdings, personal investments, and other assets is not publicly accessible. Details about his personal life, lifestyle, and habits are also not available in the public domain. Without access to this information, it is impossible to provide a comprehensive analysis of the components that comprise his net worth.

© 2025 Net Worth Ranker / All Rights Reserved