Net Worth Ranker
What Is Leif Garrett’s Net Worth?
Leif Garrett, the American singer, actor, and television personality who rose to fame as a teen idol in the 1970s, has an estimated net worth of $10,000. His career, marked by both success and personal challenges, provides a detailed look into the financial realities of a celebrity who experienced the heights of fame and the lows of addiction.
Early Career and Initial Successes
Leif Garrett was born on November 8, 1961, in Hollywood, California. Growing up in a show business family, with his mother, Carolyn Stellar, an actress, Garrett and his sister, Dawn Lyn, were drawn to acting from a young age. Garrett’s early career began with appearances in various films and television shows. He and his sister booked a number of jobs together, first starring in the horror movie “Devil Times Five” and then in an episode of “Gunsmoke” as well as in “Wonder Woman.” His breakthrough role came in “Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice” in 1969. He then landed the role of the main character’s son in the three “Walking Tall” movies throughout the 1970s. He also had a recurring role on “Family” as well as “The Odd Couple.” These early roles set the stage for his rise to teen idol status. In 1975, Garrett garnered significant attention and a dedicated fan base after starring in the CBS drama, “Three for the Road.” This exposure led to frequent appearances in teenage magazines, further cementing his image as a heartthrob.
Music Career and Earnings
In 1976, Garrett signed a five-album recording contract with Atlantic Records, marking a significant turn in his career. His debut album, “Leif Garrett,” was released in July 1977. Each of the four singles from the album charted on the US Billboard Hot 100. His second album followed in 1978, featuring the hit single “I Was Made for Dancin’,” which became his greatest hit in both the United States and the United Kingdom. While he released three more albums in 1979, 1980, and 1981, none achieved the same level of success as his first two. After 1981, Garrett’s music output decreased, though he occasionally contributed vocals to various projects. He formed the band Godspeed in 1999 with Christopher Wade Damerst and Michael Scott, but the group disbanded after only a few performances. In 2006, he participated in the Original Idols Live! retro act in Las Vegas and embarked on several tours starting in 2010. Although specific figures for album sales, royalties, and concert earnings are not publicly available, it’s evident that his early music career was a substantial source of income.
Acting Roles and Television Appearances
Garrett took a break from acting for a while when he began working on his music career but returned in the 1980s. In 1983, he appeared in “The Outsiders” and then in “Thunder Alley” in 1985. He also had roles in “Shaker Run,” “Cheerleader Camp,” and “Party Line.” He again took a break from acting until the mid-1990s, when he appeared in the film “Dominion.” In the late 1990s, Garrett hosted “8-Track Flashback” on VH-1. He appeared in several stage productions, including “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.” In 2003, he appeared as himself in the film “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star” and also sang a song on the film’s soundtrack. In 2006, he won the grand prize on the celebrity edition of “Fear Factor.” In 2008, he was added to the cast of TruTV’s “The Smoking Gun Presents: World’s Dumbest…”. In 2010, Garrett appeared in the fourth season of “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.” His participation in “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew,” which documented his struggle with heroin addiction, brought him back into the public eye. His 2019 autobiography, “Idol Truth,” provided insights into his experiences with fame and the challenges he faced. While specific salary details from these appearances are not available, they contributed to his income over the years. The prize for winning the celebrity edition of “Fear Factor” is reportedly $50,000, adding to his earnings in 2006.
Personal Challenges and Financial Impact
Leif Garrett’s career and finances have been significantly impacted by his personal struggles, particularly his substance abuse issues. Garrett has admitted to beginning using drugs at the age of 14. A few days before Garrett’s 18th birthday, he crashed his car while on the way to buy cocaine. His blood alcohol content was three times over the legal limit, and he was also high on quaaludes. The passenger in the car, Roland Winkler, was left a paraplegic as a result of the accident. Garrett was tried as a juvenile, and his license was suspended for a year. Winkler sued Garrett as he claimed Garrett was at fault in the accident. The lawsuit lasted for the next decade, and eventually, Winkler was paid a settlement of $6 million from an insurance company. Garrett’s legal troubles and addiction issues have undoubtedly had a detrimental effect on his financial stability. The $6 million settlement paid to Roland Winkler after the car accident significantly impacted his finances. Multiple arrests for cocaine and heroin possession in 1997, 1999, 2004, 2006, and 2010 led to legal fees, fines, and rehab expenses, further straining his financial resources.
Real Estate and Assets
There is no publicly available information regarding Leif Garrett’s real estate holdings or other significant assets, such as private planes or luxury cars. Due to his financial challenges and personal struggles, it is likely that Garrett’s assets are limited. His estimated net worth of $10,000 reflects a career marked by periods of high earnings followed by substantial financial setbacks.
Leif Garrett’s Net Worth’ Net Worth Trajectory
Leif Garrett’s net worth has seen significant fluctuations throughout his career. As a teen idol in the 1970s, he likely earned substantial income from album sales, concerts, and acting roles. However, his struggles with substance abuse and legal issues have taken a toll on his financial stability. The $6 million settlement in the Roland Winkler case would have significantly reduced his assets. His participation in reality TV shows and occasional acting roles have provided some income, but likely not enough to offset his past financial losses. It’s important to note that estimating a celebrity’s net worth is challenging without access to their private financial records. The $10,000 figure is an estimate based on available public information.
