Net Worth Ranker
What Is Meredith Baxter’s Net Worth?
Meredith Baxter, a celebrated American actress and producer, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $7 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to her successful career in television, where she has starred in numerous iconic roles and made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
Early Career and Television Breakthroughs
Meredith Baxter’s journey in television began in 1971 with appearances in various shows, including “The Young Lawyers,” “The Doris Day Show,” and “The Partridge Family.” These early roles provided her with valuable experience and exposure in the industry. A significant breakthrough came in 1972 with the CBS sitcom “Bridget Loves Bernie.” In this series, Baxter portrayed Bridget Fitzgerald, an Irish Catholic teacher who marries a Jewish cab driver named Bernie Steinberg, played by David Birney, who became her husband in real life. The show aired from 1972 to 1973, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
Following “Bridget Loves Bernie,” Baxter continued to build her television resume with roles in television films such as “The Invasion of Carol Enders” and “The Cat Creature.” She also made appearances in episodes of “Doc Elliot,” “Barnaby Jones,” “Medical Center,” and “Medical Story.” In the mid-1970s, she starred in the television films “The Stranger Who Looks Like Me,” “Target Risk,” “The Imposter,” and “The Night That Panicked America.” In 1976, Baxter landed a significant role as Nancy Lawrence Maitland on the acclaimed ABC drama series “Family.” The show ran for five seasons, from 1976 to 1980, and earned Baxter two Emmy Award nominations, cementing her status as a prominent television actress.
“Family Ties” and Further Television Success
In 1982, Meredith Baxter secured her most iconic role as Elyse Keaton, the matriarch in the NBC sitcom “Family Ties.” This role further solidified her career, earning her widespread recognition and critical acclaim. “Family Ties” was a major success, running for seven seasons from 1982 to 1989. During this time, Baxter appeared in numerous television films, including “The Rape of Richard Beck,” “Kate’s Secret,” “The Long Journey Home,” “The Diaries of Adam and Eve,” and “Winnie.” These roles showcased her versatility as an actress and contributed to her growing net worth. Baxter’s role as Elyse Keaton on “Family Ties” earned her substantial income through salary and residuals. While the exact figures are not publicly available, starring in a hit sitcom for seven seasons would have provided a significant boost to her earnings.
After “Family Ties,” Baxter continued her prolific career in television. Her credits included “The Kissing Place,” “Burning Bridges,” “Bump in the Night,” and “A Woman Scorned: The Betty Broderick Story,” for which she earned an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Special. Her consistent work in television films and series throughout the 1990s and 2000s further contributed to her financial stability. Baxter’s continued presence in television, with roles in series like “Brothers & Sisters,” “Cold Case,” “Switched at Birth,” “The Neighbors,” and “Finding Carter,” added to her income. While specific figures are not disclosed, guest appearances and recurring roles in well-known series can provide substantial earnings.
Film Career and Other Ventures
In 1972, Meredith Baxter made her feature film debut in Jackie Cooper’s comedy “Stand Up and Be Counted.” That same year, she also appeared in the horror film “Ben” as the mother of the child protagonist. In 1976, she portrayed the wife of White House staffer Hugh W. Sloan Jr. in the biographical political drama “All the President’s Men.” Baxter also appeared in the romantic drama “Bittersweet Love” that year. After a hiatus from the big screen, Baxter returned in 2005 with a supporting role in the family drama “Paradise Texas,” playing the wife of Timothy Bottoms’ main character. In 2005, she appeared in “The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green.” Baxter’s later film credits included “The Onion Movie,” “Airline Disaster,” and “Undateable John.” These film roles, while not as prominent as her television work, contributed to her overall income.
Baxter’s career also includes producing roles, which can provide additional income streams through royalties and production fees. While the specific financial details of her producing ventures are not publicly available, these activities would have added to her overall net worth. Meredith Baxter published her memoir “Untied” in 2011, detailing her personal struggles and coming out as a lesbian in 2009. Book sales and related appearances can generate income, although the specific amount earned from her memoir is not publicly known.
Real Estate Holdings
In August 2016, Meredith Baxter listed her home in Santa Monica, California, for $6 million. She ultimately accepted $4.6 million in March 2017. The property, located in a desirable area of Santa Monica, likely contributed significantly to her net worth. This real estate transaction provides tangible evidence of her asset holdings and their value. The Santa Monica property at the time was a significant asset contributing to Meredith Baxter’s net worth. The sale of the house for $4.6 million in 2017 provided a substantial financial gain that would have been factored into her overall net worth.
Net Worth Summary
Meredith Baxter’s $7 million net worth is the culmination of her long and successful career in the entertainment industry. Her iconic roles, particularly as Elyse Keaton in “Family Ties,” have provided her with substantial income through salaries and residuals. Her real estate holdings, including the Santa Monica property, have also played a significant role in building her wealth. Baxter’s various ventures, including producing roles and book sales, have further contributed to her financial success. While specific financial details of her contracts and investments are not publicly available, the information provides a comprehensive overview of the factors that have contributed to her net worth.
