Overview

Brooke Elizabeth Burns, born on March 16, 1978, is an American actress, model, game show host, and television personality. Her career began in 1995 with a role in the teen sitcom ‘Out of the Blue.’ She gained wider recognition for her role as Jessie Owens in ‘Baywatch’ and later in ‘Baywatch: Hawaii.’ Beyond acting, Burns has hosted game shows such as ‘Dog Eat Dog’ and ‘The Chase.’ Burns’s career started with modeling as a teenager after a skiing accident ended her ballet aspirations. She transitioned to television with ‘Out of the Blue’ before landing her role in ‘Baywatch’. She has also appeared in films like ‘Shallow Hal’ and ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’. Burns has been involved with various charitable organizations, including those focused on spinal injury prevention and helping teenagers.

What Is Brooke Burns’ Net Worth?

Brooke Burns, the American actress and model, has accumulated a net worth of $5 million. This financial standing reflects her diverse career encompassing acting, modeling, game show hosting, and general television appearances. Her earnings stem from a variety of sources, including her roles in television series, films, and her work as a game show host.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Born on March 16, 1978, in Dallas, Texas, Brooke Elizabeth Burns began her performance career early with ballet studies. Although a skiing accident at 15 led to a torn cruciate ligament, ending her ballet aspirations, it paved the way for her acting journey. The Burns family’s move to Europe when Brooke was 16 exposed her to cities like Paris, Milan, and Munich, broadening her horizons before she fully committed to acting. Though there’s no publicly available data on specific income figures from this period, these experiences undoubtedly shaped her future career.

Burns started building her acting resume with roles in series like “Conan the Adventurer” and “Ally McBeal” before landing a recurring role in “Out of the Blue,” marking her initial breakthrough. However, it was her role as Jessie Owens in “Baywatch: Hawaii,” from 1998 to 2001, that significantly raised her profile and presumably contributed a substantial portion to her early net worth. Appearing in 46 episodes, she became a recognizable face on television, although the specific salary details for each episode remain undisclosed. Before leaving Baywatch, Brooke managed to book her first major film role in “Shallow Hal”. As the story goes, the role was written specifically for her after the Farrelly brothers saw her audition, as they appreciated her mixture of good looks and dorkiness.

Acting Roles and Game Show Hosting

After a brief hiatus, Burns returned to television with guest roles in shows like “Just Shoot Me!” and later secured a recurring role in the soap opera “North Shore,” appearing in 21 episodes. While specific per-episode salaries for these roles are not publicly available, they contributed to her consistent income stream. During this period, she also appeared in “CSI: Miami,” further diversifying her acting portfolio. It was during this time that she transitioned into game show hosting, marking a pivotal shift in her career.

Burns’ career as a game show host began with “Dog Eat Dog,” which earned her a Teen Choice Award nomination. She then went on to host “Hole in the Wall” from 2008 to 2009. Her most notable hosting role came with “The Chase,” where she earned two Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Game Show Host. While the exact salary for “The Chase” isn’t publicly known, it’s reasonable to assume that it was a significant contributor to her income during the show’s run. In 2020, she hosted “Master Minds,” further solidifying her presence in the game show world.

In addition to her television work, Burns has appeared in several films, including “Shallow Hal,” “Titanic II,” and “Where Hope Grows.” While these film roles may not have been as financially lucrative as her television roles, they added to her overall income and diversified her acting credits. Nickelback fans may also recognize her from the music video for “Trying Not to Love You,” which featured Jason Alexander.

Brand Endorsements and Other Ventures

Beyond acting and hosting, Brooke Burns has supplemented her income through brand endorsements. A notable example is her appearance in a Batman-themed OnStar commercial in 2001. While the exact financial terms of this endorsement deal are unknown, it likely provided a significant boost to her income at the time. Additional, unconfirmed endorsements and promotional activities likely contribute a smaller, yet consistent amount to her yearly earnings.

Burns’ extensive filmography includes a number of Hallmark movies, a genre that has become a defining characteristic of her career. The financial details of these Hallmark movie roles are not publicly available, but they have undoubtedly contributed to her steady income stream over the years. Her other notable film work includes “Smokejumpers,” “Dancing Trees,” “Trophy Wife,” “Art of Travel,” and “Time and Again.” These projects showcase her versatility as an actress and contribute to her overall earnings.

Medical Challenges and Philanthropy

In 2005, Brooke Burns faced a serious diving accident that resulted in a broken neck. The accident required the insertion of plates, rods, and screws into her neck, and she made a full recovery. Burns has credited “the only paramedic fireman that she knew” for saving her from potentially becoming paraplegic or losing her life. Although this event did not directly impact her earnings, it led her to become more involved with philanthropic organizations such as the Life Rolls On Foundation, which supports individuals with spinal cord injuries. She also became involved with the Think First National Injury Prevention Foundation and the North American Spine Society. While her philanthropic work is not directly related to her net worth, it reflects her commitment to giving back to the community.

In 2014, Burns was involved in a car crash and suffered unspecified injuries. However, this event did not appear to have a significant impact on her career or earnings.

Relationships

Burns’ personal life has also been a subject of public interest. She married actor Julian McMahon in 1999, and they had one child together in 2000 before divorcing in 2001. In 2013, she married film director Gavin O’Connor, and they had their first child together in 2017. These personal relationships, while not directly impacting her net worth, are part of her public persona and contribute to her overall story.

Brooke Burns’ Net Worth: A Summary

Brooke Burns’ $5 million net worth is a result of her long and varied career. From her early roles in “Baywatch: Hawaii” and “Shallow Hal” to her successful transition into game show hosting with “The Chase” and “Master Minds,” she has consistently diversified her income streams. Her brand endorsements, Hallmark movie roles, and other film projects have further contributed to her financial success. Despite facing personal and medical challenges, Brooke Burns has remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, building a solid financial foundation along the way. No information regarding real estate, cars or private planes is available.

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