Overview

Helen Dorothy Martin (July 23, 1909 – March 25, 2000) was an American actress of stage and television. Her career spanned over 60 years, appearing first on stage and later in film and television. Martin was a founding member of the American Negro Theater in Harlem. She debuted on Broadway in 1937 in ‘Orchids Preferred’ and appeared in a dozen Broadway shows. She became widely known later in life due to her roles in popular television series, which brought her a large audience. Martin is best known for her roles as Wanda Williams on the CBS sitcom Good Times (1974–1979) and as Pearl Shay on the NBC sitcom 227 (1985–1990). She also had roles in films such as ‘Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood’ and ‘Bulworth’. Helen Martin died of a heart attack on March 25, 2000, in Monterey, California, at the age of 90.

What Is Helen Martin’s Net Worth?

Helen Martin, a celebrated American actress known for her memorable roles in television and film, had an estimated net worth of $1 million at the time of her passing in March 2000. This figure represents the culmination of a career spanning several decades, marked by consistent work in the entertainment industry. While specific details regarding the breakdown of her assets, such as real estate holdings, investments, or royalties, are not publicly available, her net worth primarily stemmed from her earnings as an actress.

Early Career and Television Success

Helen Martin’s journey in the entertainment world began long before her iconic roles on television. Unfortunately, comprehensive details about her early life, such as specific addresses or schools attended, are not readily accessible. However, she steadily built her career through stage performances and smaller roles, gradually gaining recognition within the industry. Her big break came with her role as Wanda on the CBS sitcom “Good Times” (1974-1979). While the precise details of her contract for “Good Times” remain private, this role brought her significant visibility and consistent income. During this period, she also starred as Luzelle Carter on the “Baby… I’m Back!” series (1977-1978), adding to her earning stream. The specifics of her salary for each episode during the show are unknown, but this was another contribution to her growing financial success and net worth.

Continued Roles and Film Appearances

Following “Good Times,” Helen Martin secured another memorable role as Pearl Shay on the NBC sitcom “227” (1985-1990). Similar to her “Good Times” contract, specific details about her “227” salary are not publicly accessible. However, this role solidified her status as a beloved television actress and provided a steady income for five years. The sustained success of “227” and her consistent presence on the show undoubtedly contributed significantly to her overall net worth. In addition to her television work, Martin appeared in several films, including “Death Wish,” “The Jerk, Too,” “Doc Hollywood,” and “Beverly Hills Cop III.” While her roles in these films were often smaller, they still added to her income and provided opportunities for financial growth. The exact amount she earned per film is not public information, but these roles collectively supplemented her television earnings and influenced her net worth. Furthermore, she had guest appearances on television series such as “What’s Happening!!,” “Sanford and Son,” “Starsky and Hutch,” “Hill Street Blues,” “T.J. Hooker,” “The Jeffersons,” “St. Elsewhere,” “A Raisin in the Sun,” “Full House,” and “The Flash.” The earnings from these guest appearances, while varying, would have contributed incrementally to her overall financial standing.

Later Career and Final Years

In the later years of her career, Helen Martin continued to work steadily in both film and television. She had roles in films like “House Party 2,” “Beverly Hills Cop III,” “Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Juice in the Hood,” and “Kiss the Girls.” These roles, combined with appearances on shows such as “The Parent ‘Hood” and “The Wayans Bros.,” demonstrated her enduring appeal and ability to secure work in the entertainment industry. Although the exact figures related to her contracts for these roles remain private, they contributed to maintaining her financial stability and net worth. Helen Martin passed away on March 25, 2000, at the age of 90. While specific details regarding her estate and any posthumous earnings are not publicly available, her $1 million net worth represents the financial legacy of a dedicated and talented actress who brought joy to audiences for many years. Although the details of her investment portfolio, potential real estate holdings, or any other specific assets remain undisclosed, the available information suggests that her primary source of wealth was her earnings from her extensive career in television and film.

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