Net Worth Ranker
What Is Rick Rockwell’s Net Worth?
Rick Rockwell, an American reality television personality, has a net worth of $300,000 as of February 2025. His notoriety stems from his appearance as the “millionaire” groom on Fox’s controversial 2000 reality TV special, “Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?” This show, which concluded with Rockwell marrying emergency room nurse Darva Conger in a live ceremony, quickly became one of reality television’s earliest scandals.
Early Career and Entertainment Work
Before his infamous reality TV appearance, Rick Rockwell worked in various aspects of entertainment, primarily in the San Diego area. He performed stand-up comedy at local clubs and appeared in small theatrical productions. He also worked as a motivational speaker and real estate investor. While his promotional material often highlighted real estate ventures, the exact extent and profitability of these ventures have been debated. He had minor roles in local television commercials and worked as an occasional TV host for local programming. During this period, Rockwell also made appearances in films such as “Return of the Killer Tomatoes!” in 1988 and “Killer Tomatoes Strike Back!” in 1991.
The Reality TV Scandal: “Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?”
The two-hour special “Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?” aired on Fox in February 2000. The show featured 50 women competing for Rockwell’s hand in marriage, culminating in a live wedding ceremony with Darva Conger as the winner. Conger received a three-carat diamond ring and over $100,000 in prizes. However, soon after the broadcast, media investigations revealed that Rockwell had been subject to a restraining order from a former fiancée, and questions arose regarding his claimed millionaire status. Fox stated that Rockwell had $750,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of slightly more than $2 million. These revelations led to significant media coverage and controversy about both Rockwell and the show’s vetting process. Over 22 million people watched the show’s original broadcast.
Aftermath and Media Attention
The marriage to Conger lasted only a few months before being annulled. The scandal resulted in numerous television appearances, interviews, and extensive news coverage, making Rockwell and Conger temporary fixtures in the media landscape of 2000. The controversy contributed to broader discussions about reality television ethics and contestant screening processes, influencing the production of future reality TV shows. Following the show, Rockwell embarked on a comedy tour called “The Annulment Tour” and made an appearance on an episode of “The Norm Show.”
Personal Life
After the reality TV controversy, Rockwell largely retreated from the public eye. He continued to work in real estate and occasional entertainment ventures in Southern California, albeit with a much lower profile. He has occasionally given interviews reflecting on his experience with reality television and its impact on his life. Public records and media appearances suggest a focus on maintaining privacy and avoiding the level of attention he received in 2000. In 2014, Darva Conger reflected on her experience on “Oprah: Where Are They Now,” noting the negative publicity and its impact on her life. She mentioned losing her job and the personal toll it took.
