Overview

Dean Butler is a Canadian-American actor and producer born on May 20, 1956. He is widely recognized for his role as Almanzo Wilder in the popular NBC series “Little House on the Prairie,” where he starred from 1979 to 1983. Butler made his acting debut in the 1978 TV movie “Forever.” Beyond “Little House on the Prairie,” Butler has appeared in various television series, including “The New Gidget” (as Jeff “Moondoggie” Griffin) and had a recurring role as Hank Summers on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” from 1997 to 2002. He has also made guest appearances on shows like “Who’s the Boss,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “JAG.” In addition to his acting career, Butler has worked as a producer and writer, including his involvement in the television series “Feherty.” He was married to Katherine Cannon in 2001.

What Is Dean Butler’s Net Worth?

Dean Butler, a Canadian-American actor and producer, has carved a niche for himself in the entertainment industry over several decades. His estimated net worth is around $1 million. This figure is primarily derived from his acting roles in television series and films, as well as his work as a producer and writer.

Dean Butler’s Early Career and Acting Roles

Born in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada, in May 1956, Dean Butler began his acting career in 1978 with a role in the TV movie “Forever.” This initial foray into acting laid the groundwork for his subsequent success in television. A year later, in 1979, he secured his breakthrough role as Almanzo James Wilder on the beloved television series “Little House on the Prairie.”

Butler’s portrayal of Almanzo Wilder spanned from 1979 to 1983. While specific contract details for his role on “Little House on the Prairie” are not publicly available, it’s reasonable to assume that his salary increased over the years as the show’s popularity grew and his character became more prominent. Considering the show’s widespread appeal, Butler’s earnings from this role would have contributed significantly to his early net worth. Royalties from reruns and syndication deals would also contribute to his overall income over the long term. Based on industry standards at the time and the show’s popularity, it can be estimated that Dean Butler earned in the range of $20,000-$50,000 per episode in the later seasons of the series.

After “Little House on the Prairie,” Butler continued to work steadily in television. He starred as Jeff “Moondoggie” Griffin on the TV series “The New Gidget” from 1986 to 1988. Although specific salary details for “The New Gidget” are not publicly known, a lead role in a television series typically commands a decent salary. It is likely that Butler earned somewhere between $10,000-$25,000 per episode for the series. This income, combined with his earnings from “Little House on the Prairie,” helped to bolster his net worth.

In addition to his starring roles, Butler also made guest appearances on various television shows, including “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island,” “Who’s the Boss,” “Hotel,” and “Murder, She Wrote.” These guest appearances, while not as lucrative as starring roles, provided a steady stream of income and helped to keep him visible in the industry. Earnings for guest appearances typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 per episode, depending on the show’s popularity and the size of the role.

From 1997 to 2002, Dean Butler had a recurring role as Hank Summers on the popular television series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Recurring roles can be a significant source of income for actors, as they often involve multiple appearances throughout a season. While specific salary details for his role on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that he earned a respectable amount for each episode in which he appeared.

Dean Butler’s Production and Writing Work

Beyond acting, Dean Butler has also worked as a producer and writer. He produced and co-wrote the television series “Feherty,” which showcases his versatility and entrepreneurial spirit. Producing and writing credits can add significantly to an actor’s income, as they often involve a share of the profits from the show. Specific details on his earnings from “Feherty” are not publicly available, but his involvement likely contributed to his overall net worth.

In 2006, Dean Butler received a TV Land Award for Most Memorable Kiss with Melissa Gilbert for “Little House on the Prairie.” While this award did not directly impact his financial standing, it did provide him with additional recognition and publicity, which could have led to further opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Dean Butler married Katherine Cannon in 2001. Information regarding any prenuptial agreements or shared assets is not publicly available.

Other Ventures and Assets

Details regarding Dean Butler’s real estate holdings, investments, and other assets are not publicly available. It is difficult to provide a comprehensive breakdown of his net worth without access to this information. Public records do not list any specific properties owned by Dean Butler. Information about his stock portfolio, bonds, or other investments is also not readily accessible. Without more detailed information, it is challenging to pinpoint the specific contributions of various assets to his overall financial picture.

Likewise, information regarding Dean Butler’s vehicles is not publicly available. Details about any luxury cars or other vehicles he may own are not readily accessible.

Net Worth Milestones

Without specific financial records, it’s difficult to pinpoint exact net worth milestones. However, based on his career trajectory, it’s reasonable to assume that his net worth gradually increased over time as he secured more prominent roles and diversified his income streams. The “Little House on the Prairie” era likely marked a significant boost to his early net worth. Recurring roles on series like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and his involvement in production work would have further contributed to his financial growth. It is probable that Dean Butler exceeded the $1 million net worth mark sometime in the early 2000s.

In conclusion, Dean Butler’s estimated net worth of $1 million is a reflection of his long and successful career in the entertainment industry. While specific details regarding his financial holdings are not publicly available, it is clear that his acting roles, production work, and other ventures have contributed to his financial success.

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