Overview

Robert Klein, born on February 8, 1942, is an American stand-up comedian, singer, and actor. Klein began his career in comedy in 1965 as a member of The Second City. He gained popularity in the 1970s for his stand-up routines, especially those about the Watergate scandal. Klein also starred in HBO’s first stand-up comedy special in 1975 and hosted Saturday Night Live twice. Klein has appeared in films such as ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’, ‘Two Weeks Notice’, and ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’. He was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 1979 for his role in ‘They’re Playing Our Song’. Klein also had recurring television roles in ‘Law & Order: SVU’, ‘The Good Wife’ and the reboot of ‘Will & Grace’, playing Grace Adler’s father.
What Is Robert Klein’s Net Worth?

What Is Robert Klein’s Net Worth?

Robert Klein, an accomplished American actor, singer, and comedian, has accumulated a net worth of $6 million. This figure represents the culmination of his extensive work in film, television, and theater, as well as his successful stand-up comedy career. While specific details regarding the breakdown of his income from each of these areas are not publicly available, his diverse career has undoubtedly contributed to his financial standing.

Early Career and Stand-Up Comedy Success

Robert Klein’s journey to a $6 million net worth began in 1965 when he joined the Second City improvisational troupe in Chicago. This marked his entry into the world of comedy. The 1970s saw Klein rise to prominence as a stand-up comedian, particularly noted for his routines centered around the Watergate scandal. His impact on the comedy scene was further solidified when he starred in the very first stand-up comedy special on HBO, broadcast in 1975. During that same year, Klein had the honor of hosting an episode of the inaugural season of “Saturday Night Live,” returning in 1978 for another hosting gig. He solidified his presence in comedy by releasing three albums during the decade: “Child of the 50s,” “Mind Over Matter,” and “New Teeth.” Notably, “Child of the 50s” and “Mind Over Matter” each received Grammy Award nominations for Best Comedy Album. In 1990, he added to his discography with the release of “Let’s Not Make Love.” The exact sales figures and royalties earned from these albums are not publicly accessible, but their success undoubtedly contributed to Robert Klein’s net worth. While the specific financial details of his HBO comedy specials are not available, such specials typically provide significant income for established comedians.

Film and Television Career

Klein’s acting career has significantly contributed to his $6 million net worth, starting with his film debut in 1970 with roles in “The Owl and the Pussycat” and “The Landlord.” He continued to build his filmography throughout the 1970s, appearing in “The Pursuit of Happiness” and “Rivals,” followed by “Hooper” and “The Bell Jar” toward the end of the decade. In the 1980s, he starred in “Nobody’s Perfekt” and voiced a character in “The Last Unicorn.” Later, in 1988, he appeared in “Dangerous Curves.” The 1990s saw Klein in “Tales from the Darkside: The Movie,” “Radioland Murders,” and “Mixed Nuts” in 1994, a cameo in “Jeffrey” in 1995, and “One Fine Day” in 1996. From 1998 to 2007, he continued to appear in various films, including “Next Stop Wonderland,” “Primary Colors,” “Suits,” “The Safety of Objects,” “I’m with Lucy,” “Two Weeks Notice,” “People I Know,” “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “Ira & Abby,” and “Reign Over Me.” In 2010, he was in “The Back-up Plan,” followed by “National Lampoon’s Dirty Movie,” “Another Dirty Movie,” and “Demoted.” In 2021, he starred in “Before I Go.” While exact salary figures for these film roles are not publicly available, his consistent presence in a variety of films over several decades has certainly added to his income. Robert Klein’s initial foray into television began with an appearance on “Love, American Style” in 1973. This was followed by a role in the short-lived sitcom “Friends and Lovers” in 1974. In the latter part of the decade, he had a guest role in “Visions.” His television career picked up in the 1980s, with appearances in “The Twilight Zone,” “Family Ties,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Trying Times.” The 1990s saw him guest-starring on “Midnight Caller,” “Law & Order,” and “Frasier.” He had a recurring role as Big Al Barker on “Sisters” from 1994 to 1996 and made guest appearances on “Mad About You,” “Cosby,” and “The King of Queens.” In the early 2000s, Klein had main roles on the short-lived sitcoms “Bob Patterson” and “The Stones.” Later, he took on the recurring role of Dwight Stannich on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” In the 2010s, Klein appeared on “The Good Wife,” “Madame Secretary,” “The Mysteries of Laura,” and the “Will & Grace” reboot, where he played Grace Adler’s father, Martin. He also portrayed the mayor of New York City in “Sharknado 2: The Second One” and “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!” While specific salary information for his television roles is not public, his consistent work, including recurring roles and guest appearances, has contributed to his overall income and, consequently, to his $6 million net worth.

Theater Career and Recognition

Robert Klein’s theatrical endeavors have also played a role in shaping his $6 million net worth. He made his Broadway debut in 1966 in the original production of the musical “The Apple Tree.” In 1968, he participated in “Leonard Sillman’s New Faces of 1968,” a musical revue. His next Broadway appearance was in 1979, starring opposite Lucie Arnaz in Neil Simon’s “They’re Playing Our Song,” for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. Later, in 1993, he earned a Drama Desk Award nomination for his work in “The Sisters Rosensweig.” While the specific financial gains from these theatrical performances are not publicly documented, his involvement in successful Broadway productions has likely provided income and enhanced his reputation. While the exact figures from his time in “The Apple Tree” in 1966 are unavailable, Broadway productions typically offer performers a weekly salary, which can increase with the success and longevity of the show. For “They’re Playing Our Song” in 1979, Klein would have received a salary commensurate with his leading role status; although specific numbers aren’t available, leading roles in Broadway musicals often command substantial salaries. A Tony Award nomination can also increase an actor’s marketability, potentially leading to higher compensation in future roles. In “The Sisters Rosensweig,” his role earned him a Drama Desk Award nomination, which, while not directly translating to immediate financial gain, contributes to his industry recognition and long-term earning potential. His continuous presence on stage, recognized through prestigious nominations, underscores the enduring value of his theatrical work in the context of his overall career and net worth.

Personal Life and Real Estate

In 1973, Robert Klein married opera singer Brenda Boozer; they had a son named Alexander and divorced in 1989. In 1992, Robert Klein purchased a home in Briarcliff Manor, New York, for $850,000. As of today, this property is estimated to be worth around $2 million. While this real estate investment contributes to his overall asset portfolio, specific details regarding any other investments or assets are not publicly available. The property at Briarcliff Manor represents a significant asset, with its current estimated value of $2 million reflecting a considerable appreciation from the original purchase price of $850,000 in 1992. The increase in value over the years showcases a sound real estate investment. Holding the property for over three decades, Robert Klein has benefited from the long-term growth and appreciation in the real estate market, contributing positively to his financial portfolio and overall net worth. The property not only serves as a valuable asset but also provides a tangible source of wealth, reflecting the financial benefits of strategic investments in real estate.

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