Net Worth Ranker
What Is Amanda Bearse’s Net Worth?
Amanda Bearse, a multifaceted figure in the entertainment industry, has carved a niche for herself as an actress, comedian, and television director. Her estimated net worth is $2 million. This figure reflects her earnings from a diverse career spanning television and film acting, as well as her directorial work on numerous television series.
Early Career and Television Breakthrough
Born on August 9, 1958, in Winter Park, Florida, Amanda Bearse’s journey into the entertainment world began after completing her education. She attended Winter Park High School, graduating in 1976. Her pursuit of higher education led her to Rollins College, followed by a transfer to Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama. Ultimately, she earned an associate’s degree from Young Harris College in Georgia. Amanda then dedicated herself to honing her acting skills at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, and her directing skills at both the American Film Institute and the University of Southern California.
Bearse’s television career commenced in 1982 with a role as Amanda Cousins in the long-running soap opera “All My Children.” She appeared on the show until 1983. In 1983, she also played Karen in the CBS television film “First Affair.” This early exposure laid the groundwork for her subsequent roles and established her presence in the television industry.
“Married… with Children” and Subsequent Television Roles
Amanda Bearse’s career reached a significant milestone with her role as Marcy Rhoades on the Fox sitcom “Married… with Children.” Debuting in 1987, the show became a defining part of her career. She played Marcy Rhoades, the feminist next-door neighbor of the Bundy family, for 11 seasons. Her character was positioned as the best friend of matriarch Peggy, played by Katey Sagal, and the nemesis of patriarch Al, played by Ed O’Neill. For the first few seasons, Marcy was married to banker Steve Rhoades, portrayed by David Garrison. After their divorce, she married Jefferson D’Arcy, played by Ted McGinley.
“Married… with Children” achieved immense popularity, running for 11 seasons until 1997, solidifying its status as one of the longest-running sitcoms in American television history. The show’s sustained success contributed significantly to Bearse’s net worth through her acting and directing roles. It is estimated that during the peak of the show, main cast members earned between $75,000 and $150,000 per episode, although specific figures for Amanda Bearse’s salary have not been publicly disclosed. Amanda Bearse also directed around 30 episodes of the sitcom “Married… with Children,” with earnings from directing each episode ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 per episode, depending on her contract and experience at the time.
Beyond “Married… with Children,” Bearse’s television appearances included roles in television films such as “Goddess of Love” (1988) and “Here Come the Munsters” (1995). Her role as Marcy in “The Earth Day Special” in 1990, and an episode of “Likely Suspects” added to her diverse television portfolio. Following “Married… with Children,” Bearse shifted her focus to directing. She directed episodes of shows such as “Reba,” “Malcolm & Eddie,” “Dharma & Greg,” and “Veronica’s Closet.” She reprised her role as Marcy in a 2001 episode of the WB sitcom “Nikki,” earning approximately $10,000 for her guest appearance, based on standard rates for sitcom guest roles at that time.
Bearse’s television directing career included projects like Rosie O’Donnell’s “The Big Gay Sketch Show.” Amanda returned to acting in 2011 with a guest role on “Drop Dead Diva,” and she also appeared in Charlie Sheen’s “Anger Management” in 2013.
Film Career: “Fright Night” and Beyond
Amanda Bearse transitioned to the big screen with a minor role in the 1984 comedy “Protocol,” starring Goldie Hawn and Chris Sarandon. Her breakthrough came in 1985 with roles in the teen sex comedy “Fraternity Vacation” and the supernatural horror film “Fright Night.” “Fright Night” has since gained cult classic status and spawned a media franchise. Her salary for “Fright Night” was estimated to be around $50,000, which was a significant amount for a rising actress at the time.
Bearse returned to film in 1995 with a role in Gregg Araki’s “The Doom Generation.” After a 25-year hiatus from feature films, she appeared in the 2020 German science-fiction horror comedy “Sky Sharks,” playing Marjorie Phelps alongside Tony Todd and Lynn Lowry. In 2022, Bearse played the mother of Luke Macfarlane’s character in the gay romcom “Bros.” In 2023, she appeared in the comedy “Tapawingo,” with Jon Heder and Billy Zane. Her role in “Sky Sharks” earned her approximately $15,000, while her role in “Bros” garnered her around $20,000, based on standard rates for supporting roles in independent films.
Directing Career and Earnings
After the end of “Married… with Children,” Amanda Bearse focused on directing, contributing significantly to her net worth. She directed episodes of several well-known television shows, which provided a steady income stream. Directing fees for sitcoms generally range from $25,000 to $50,000 per episode for established directors. The more popular and successful the show, the higher the fees. For her work on “Reba,” it is estimated she earned approximately $40,000 per episode, and for “Dharma & Greg,” around $45,000 per episode. Her role as a director for “Veronica’s Closet” earned her an estimated $35,000 per episode. Directing for Rosie O’Donnell’s “The Big Gay Sketch Show” would have been around $30,000 per episode.
The specific amounts she earned per episode would depend on her contract, the show’s budget, and her experience level at the time. These directing jobs not only expanded her skill set but also significantly contributed to her financial stability and overall net worth. Over the years, her directing roles likely accumulated to substantial earnings, cementing her position in the television industry.
Personal Life and Public Disclosure
In 1993, Amanda Bearse publicly came out as lesbian, marking a significant moment in her personal life. With her former wife Carrie Schenken, she has a daughter named Zoe. This openness has made her a role model for many within the LGBTQ+ community. There are no publicly known real estate holdings under her name. There are no records available of Amanda owning a private plane. There are no records available of Amanda owning luxury cars.
