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What Is Brett Butler’s Net Worth?
Brett Butler, an American actress, writer, and stand-up comedian, has a net worth of approximately $10,000. This figure reflects her current financial standing, which has been significantly impacted by various factors throughout her career.
Brett Butler’s Earnings from “Grace Under Fire”
Butler achieved considerable financial success during her time on the sitcom “Grace Under Fire,” which aired for five seasons from 1993 to 1998, totaling 112 episodes. At the peak of the show’s popularity, she was among the highest-paid actors on television. Specifically, Butler earned $250,000 per episode, translating to around $5 million per season. Adjusting for inflation, this is equivalent to approximately $9 million today. Over her entire tenure on “Grace Under Fire,” Butler reportedly earned $25 million, which is about $45 million in today’s money. Unfortunately, a potential $1 million bonus from DVD sales never materialized as the show was never released on DVD. In a 2021 interview with “The Hollywood Reporter”, Brett admitted to spending her fortune on “profligate” spending, bad investments, and simply giving it away.
Financial Challenges and Setbacks
Following the conclusion of “Grace Under Fire,” Butler encountered significant financial difficulties. She purchased a farm in Georgia but later lost the property due to an inability to keep up with mortgage payments. In 2011, an “Entertainment Tonight” segment suggested she was homeless, claims she later refuted. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated her financial situation, leading to a complete halt in her work and income. Her financial struggles became so dire that a friend initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help her avoid eviction. This highlights the extent of the financial hardships she faced.
Early Career and Stand-up Beginnings
Born Brett Anderson on January 30, 1958, in Montgomery, Alabama, Brett Butler’s early life was marked by challenges. Her family moved to Houston, Texas, when she was four years old. Her mother subsequently left her father, who was described as an abusive alcoholic, and relocated with her children to Miami, Florida. Butler experienced depression, and her family faced poverty throughout her childhood. After high school, she attended the University of Georgia but did not graduate. She also worked as a cocktail waitress. Butler began her stand-up comedy career in Miami, performing for several years before moving to New York City in 1984. Her television debut occurred in 1987 on “The Tonight Show.” That same year, she appeared on Dolly Parton’s variety series, “Dolly.” Parton subsequently hired Butler as a writer for the remainder of the season; however, the show was canceled after only one season due to low ratings. This early experience provided a foundation for her later success.
“Grace Under Fire” Stardom
Butler achieved widespread recognition with her own series, “Grace Under Fire,” which premiered in 1993. Created by Chuck Lorre, the show featured Butler as Grace Kelly, a divorced single mother and recovering alcoholic. The series chronicled her efforts to rebuild her life after divorcing her abusive, alcoholic husband. The show garnered considerable popularity during its five-year run. However, Butler’s substance abuse issues ultimately led to her dismissal from the production, resulting in the show’s cancellation. Her addiction problems contributed to the show being canceled after filming just 14 of the fifth season’s planned 25 episodes. Despite these challenges, Butler received two Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy in 1995 and 1997. In 1994, she won a People’s Choice Award for Favorite Female Performer. She also reprised her role in appearances on “The Drew Carey Show” and “Ellen” in 1997.
Post-“Grace Under Fire” Projects
Following the cancellation of “Grace Under Fire,” Butler took a hiatus from acting. She appeared in a few films, including “Bruno” and “Militia,” in 2000. In 2005, she appeared in the television film “Mrs. Harris” and the film “Vampire Bats.” Butler also appeared in an episode of “My Name is Earl” that year. In 2006, she was cast as the host of the show “Moochers.” In 2008, she headlined an art fundraiser and then appeared as herself in “Brett Butler Presents the Southern Belles of Comedy” in 2009. A few years later, she appeared on “The Rosie Show” and revealed that she had been sober since 1998 and was seeking to return to acting. In 2012, she voiced a character in the animated adult series “Archer.” She also secured the recurring role of Beth Hortense in “The Young and the Restless.” Between 2012 and 2014, she appeared in 38 episodes of “Anger Management” alongside Charlie Sheen. She credited Sheen with helping her secure the role. Butler also resumed performing at comedy clubs in Los Angeles, particularly at the Downtown Comedy Club. From 2015 to 2017, she appeared in two episodes of “The Leftovers” as Sandy. In 2016, she appeared in several episodes of “How to Get Away with Murder” and in the film “The Comedian.” In 2018, she was cast as Tammy Rose Sutton in “The Walking Dead,” appearing in six episodes until 2019. During her time on the show, she also appeared in the film “Friday’s Child.” In 2019, she landed a recurring role on “The Morning Show,” playing the mother of Reese Witherspoon’s character.
Personal Life Details
At the age of 20, in 1978, Brett Butler married her first husband, Charles Michael Wilson, whom she had met just three months prior. The marriage ended in 1981 due to abuse. Wilson has since admitted to being violent towards her but claims she was also violent. Butler married her second husband, Ken Zieger, in New York City after moving there in 1984; they were married from 1987 to 1999. Butler published a memoir, “Knee Deep in Paradise,” in 1996, which candidly addressed her life before fame. During her time on “Grace Under Fire,” Butler struggled with drug addiction and spent time in rehab. Her erratic behavior and substance abuse led to her dismissal from the show in February 1998, and the series was subsequently canceled. After the cancellation, she relocated from Los Angeles to a farm in Rome, Georgia, and achieved sobriety.
