What Is Larry Wilcox’s Net Worth?
Larry Wilcox, the American actor, producer, and director, has accumulated a net worth of $2.5 million. His financial standing is primarily attributed to his extensive career in television and film, with a significant portion stemming from his role as Officer Jonathan Andrew Baker on the NBC crime drama “CHiPs.” This iconic role, which spanned from 1977 to 1982, not only cemented his place in television history but also provided a substantial income stream during that period. While specific details about his investments, real estate holdings, or other assets are not publicly available, his acting career remains the most significant factor in his net worth.
Career Highlights and Earnings
Wilcox’s career boasts over 50 acting credits, encompassing a variety of roles in both film and television. While his role in “CHiPs” is the most prominent, his participation in other projects has also contributed to his financial success. Some of his notable film appearances include “Loaded Weapon 1” (1993), “The Thundering 8th” (2000), “Wish Man” (2019), and “Forgiven This Gun4hire” (2021). He has also appeared in TV movies such as “The Girl Most Likely to…” (1973), “Relentless” (1977), “The Last Ride of the Dalton Gang” (1979), “The Dirty Dozen: Next Mission” (1985), “Perry Mason: The Case of the Avenging Ace” (1988), and “CHiPs ’99” (1998). His television series credits include “Room 222” (1971; 1973), “Lassie” (1971–1973), “The Streets of San Francisco” (1973; 1976), “The Magical World of Disney” (1973; 1978), “Hotel” (1984), and “Murder, She Wrote” (1986–1992). During the 1979-80 season of “CHiPs,” Larry Wilcox’ salary reached $25,000 per episode. This figure highlights the significant income he earned during the peak of the show’s popularity.
Beyond acting, Wilcox has also ventured into directing and producing, further diversifying his income streams. He directed the “CHiPs” episodes “Ride the Whirlwind” (1979) and “Tow Truck Lady” (1980), showcasing his versatility within the entertainment industry. He also directed the 1995 film “The Little CHP.” His producing credits include “CHiPs ’99,” and he served as an executive producer on the TV movie “Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story” (1981), the television series “The Ray Bradbury Theater” (1985–1992), and the film “94 Feet” (2016). While specific financial details regarding his earnings from these ventures are not publicly available, they undoubtedly contributed to his overall financial success. His role as executive producer on “The Ray Bradbury Theater,” which ran for several years, suggests a steady income stream during that period. While “CHiPs” remains his most recognizable role, the combination of acting, directing, and producing credits illustrates a sustained and multifaceted career that has supported his $2.5 million net worth.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Larry Wilcox’s journey to a $2.5 million net worth began in San Diego, California, where he was born on August 8, 1947. His early life, marked by his parents’ divorce and his upbringing in Rawlins, Wyoming, provided the foundation for his future endeavors. After graduating from Rawlins High School, Wilcox pursued higher education at the University of Wyoming before transferring to Los Angeles Pierce College and later Cal State Northridge. His education was interrupted by a personal tragedy when his sister was murdered, prompting his return to Wyoming to support his family. In 1967, Wilcox enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam. His military service, during which he studied French, was followed by classes at College of the Desert in Twentynine Palms, California. After achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant, he was honorably discharged in 1973. While his early life experiences didn’t directly contribute to his net worth, they shaped his character and provided the resilience needed for a successful career. His early career in the 1970s saw him appearing in various TV movies, including “Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones” (1971), “The Great American Beauty Contest” (1973), “The Girl Most Likely To…” (1973), “Sky Heist” (1975), “Death Stalk” (1975), “Relentless” (1977), and “The Last Ride of the Dalton Gang” (1979), as well as the feature film “The Last Hard Men” (1976). He also guest-starred on “Room 222” (1971; 1973), “Streets of San Francisco” (1973; 1976), “The Partridge Family” (1973), “Police Story” (1973), “The Magical World of Disney” (1973; 1978), “Hawaii Five-O” (1974), and “M*A*S*H” (1977). From 1971 to 1973, Larry played Dale Mitchell in 24 episodes of “Lassie.” These early roles, while not as financially rewarding as his later work on “CHiPs,” provided valuable experience and exposure, setting the stage for his breakthrough role. While specific earnings from these early projects are not publicly available, they undoubtedly contributed to his growing financial stability and paved the way for his future success.
Post-“CHiPs” Career and Ventures
Following his departure from “CHiPs,” Larry Wilcox continued to work in the entertainment industry, taking on various roles in television and film. In the 1980s, he appeared in TV movies such as “The Love Tapes” (1980), “Deadly Lessons” (1983), “The Dirty Dozen: The Next Mission” (1985), and “Perry Mason: The Case of the Avenging Ace” (1988). He also guest-starred on “Fantasy Island” (1984), “Hotel” (1984), “The Love Boat” (1980; 1986), “Murder, She Wrote” (1986–1992), “The New Mike Hammer” (1987), “Matlock” (1987), “MacGyver” (1991), “FBI: The Untold Stories” (1993), “ABC Afterschool Specials” (1994), “Pacific Blue” (1997), and “Profiler” (1998). His appearances on popular shows like “Murder, She Wrote,” where he had multiple guest roles between 1986 and 1992, likely provided a consistent income stream. In the 1990 TV movie “Rich Men, Single Women” and “The Thundering 8th” in 2000 .
Wilcox appeared on “30 Rock” as himself in 2009, then he appeared in the 2016 film “94 Feet.” Larry played a policeman in the 2018 film “A Tale of Two Sillies,” and he co-starred with Tom Sizemore and Danny Trejo in 2019’s “Wish Man.” In recent years, he has guest-starred on “Mood Swings” (2019) and “Bromance” (2020) and appeared in the film “Forgiven This Gun4hire” (2021). These later roles, while perhaps not as high-profile as his earlier work, demonstrate his continued presence in the entertainment industry and likely contributed to his ongoing financial stability.
Beyond acting, Wilcox has also pursued other ventures, although specific details about their financial impact on his net worth are not readily available. He is a Vietnam veteran and a private pilot, and he races cars and has set several land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. These activities suggest a passion for adventure and a willingness to explore different avenues, but their direct contribution to his $2.5 million net worth is difficult to quantify without further information. In 2010, Larry was charged with securities fraud conspiracy, and in January 2011, he was sentenced to three years probation and 500 hours of community service. According to authorities, Wilcox was involved in an “illicit kickback scheme to manipulate the volume and price of microcap stocks and illegally generate stock sales.” This legal issue may have had a negative impact on his finances, although the extent of that impact is not publicly known.
Personal Life and Relationships
Larry Wilcox’s personal life has been eventful, with three marriages and several children. On March 29, 1969, he married Judy Vagner, and they had a son, Derek, and a daughter, Heidi, before divorcing in early 1979. On April 11, 1979, Wilcox married Hannie Strasser, who worked as an assistant sound technician on “CHiPs.” Larry and Hannie had one child together, daughter Wendy, and they divorced in December 1980. Wilcox married Marlene Harmon on December 22, 1985, and they have two sons together, Ryan and Chad. Marlene was a member of the Olympic pentathlon team in 1980, and President Jimmy Carter awarded Harmon and her teammates the Congressional Medal of Honor. These personal relationships, while significant in his life, do not directly impact his net worth, although divorce settlements and child support obligations could have had some financial implications. However, without specific details about these settlements, it is impossible to determine the extent of their impact on his overall financial standing.