Overview

Marilu Henner, born Mary Lucy Denise Henner on April 6, 1952, is an accomplished American actress, producer, author, and dancer. Her career began on stage, originating the role of Marty in the musical “Grease” in 1971. She further showcased her talents in Broadway productions like “Over Here!” and revivals of “Pal Joey” and “Chicago.” Henner gained widespread recognition for her role as Elaine Nardo in the sitcom “Taxi” (1978-1983), earning five Golden Globe Award nominations. She also starred in “Evening Shade” from 1990 to 1994. Her film credits include “Hammett,” “Cannonball Run II,” “Johnny Dangerously,” “L.A. Story,” and “Noises Off…” In addition to her acting career, Henner is a successful author, having written several books on health and lifestyle. She has also appeared on reality television shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Celebrity Apprentice.” Notably, Marilu Henner possesses hyperthymesia, a rare condition that gives her the ability to recall almost every day of her life since she was a teenager.

What Is Marilu Henner’s Net Worth?

Marilu Henner, a versatile American actress, producer, author, and dancer, has accumulated a net worth of $12 million. Her financial success stems from a career spanning multiple facets of the entertainment industry, including television, film, stage, and authorship.

Early Career and Television Success

Henner’s journey to a $12 million net worth began with early stage roles, including originating the role of Marty in the musical “Grease” in 1971 while she was still in college. This role marked a significant milestone in her career. Following her early stage work, Henner’s television career took off in 1978 with the sitcom “Taxi,” where she portrayed Elaine Nardo, a single mother and aspiring artist working as a cab driver. Her role in “Taxi,” which lasted until 1983, earned her five Golden Globe Award nominations, significantly boosting her visibility and contributing to her growing net worth. While specific salary details for her role on “Taxi” aren’t publicly available, series regular roles on successful sitcoms typically command substantial paychecks, especially over a multi-year run. After Taxi, she appeared in episodes of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” “Great Performances,” and “Who’s the Boss?”.

The sitcom “Evening Shade,” where she played Ava Evans Newton alongside Burt Reynolds from 1990 to 1994, further solidified her television presence. Lead roles in sitcoms during that era could generate substantial income, potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars per season, thereby impacting her net worth positively. Additionally, hosting her own daytime talk show added another revenue stream to her portfolio. A notable appearance as Molly Brown in the CBS miniseries “Titanic” also added to her income during the 90s. Voicing Veronica Vreeland on “Batman: The Animated Series” showcased her versatility and likely contributed further to her financial stability.

In the 2000s, Henner continued to secure guest roles on series such as “Providence,” “Greg the Bunny,” “Center of the Universe,” “Living with Fran,” and “The Comeback.” Hosting “America’s Ballroom Challenge” from 2006 to 2007 provided additional income and kept her in the public eye. Her participation in reality television, including “The Celebrity Apprentice” and “Dancing with the Stars” in 2016, where she finished sixth, provided additional income through appearance fees. While the exact figures aren’t disclosed, celebrity contestants on such shows often receive significant compensation. Furthermore, her recurring role on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and the Hallmark Channel’s “Aurora Teagarden Mystery” series ensured a steady income stream in more recent years. Precise payment details for these roles are confidential, but regular appearances on well-known shows contribute steadily to an actress’s earnings.

Film Career and Other Ventures

Henner’s film career, which began in 1977 with “Between the Lines,” has also contributed to her $12 million net worth. Subsequent roles in films like “Bloodbrothers,” “Hammett” (1982), “The Man Who Loved Women,” and “Cannonball Run II” (1984) expanded her reach. In “Johnny Dangerously” (1984) where she starred opposite Michael Keaton and 1985’s “Perfect” and “Rustlers’ Rhapsody”, she continued to expand her portfolio. Her appearance in “Grand Larceny” in 1987 added to her film credits. Starring in “L.A. Story” (1991) with Steve Martin and “Chains of Gold” (1991) with John Travolta, as well as roles in “Noises Off” and “Chasers” added to her film credentials. While film salaries vary significantly depending on the role and the film’s budget, consistent work in both lead and supporting roles contributes to overall earnings.

Beyond acting, Henner has authored several books focusing on health and wellness, including “The 30-Day Total Health Makeover,” “Healthy Life Kitchen,” “Healthy Holidays,” and “Wear Your Life Well: Use What You Have to Get What You Want.” As an author, Henner generates income through book sales and royalties. Though specific sales figures aren’t available, successful books in the health and wellness genre can provide a significant source of revenue. Hosting her own weekday morning radio show provides her with another income stream and keeps her connected with her audience. Exact compensation details for her radio show are not publicly disclosed.

Marital Life and Hyperthymesia

Marilu Henner was first married to Frederic Forrest in 1980, and they divorced in 1982. She later married Robert Lieberman in 1990; they divorced in 2001. In 2006, she married Michael Brown. Her unique ability, hyperthymesia, which gives her total recall memory, led to her being a consultant on the CBS television series “Unforgettable.” While details of her consulting compensation are not available, such consulting roles are typically compensated.

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