Ruth Buzzi Net Worth

What Is Ruth Buzzi’s Net Worth?

Ruth Buzzi, an accomplished American actress and comedienne, has amassed a considerable fortune throughout her multi-faceted career. As of 2025, Ruth Buzzi’s net worth is estimated to be $20 million. This financial success is primarily attributed to her extensive work in television, film, and voice acting, as well as strategic investments outside of the entertainment industry.

Career Highlights and Earnings

Buzzi’s career took off with her role on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” a variety-comedy show that aired from 1968 to 1973. Her memorable characters, especially Gladys Ormphby, became iconic. Although specific salary figures from “Laugh-In” are not publicly available, her consistent presence in every episode of the series suggests a substantial and increasing income during those years. Her Golden Globe win and five Emmy nominations further boosted her profile and earning potential.

Following “Laugh-In,” Buzzi transitioned into voice acting, lending her talents to numerous animated series. She reprised her Gladys Ormphby character in “Baggy Pants and the Nitwits” in 1977. Other notable voice roles include Aunt Pruney Paw on “Paw Paws,” Mama Bear on “The Berenstain Bears,” and Nose Marie on “Pound Puppies” from 1986 to 1987. While the exact per-episode payment for these voice roles varies, established voice actors like Buzzi can command significant fees, ranging from several thousand dollars per episode to higher amounts based on the show’s popularity and her role’s prominence. For instance, a lead voice actor in a popular animated series during the 1980s could have earned between $5,000 and $10,000 per episode.

Buzzi also made numerous guest appearances on live-action television series. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, she appeared on shows like “The Monkees,” “That Girl,” “The Carol Burnett Show,” and “The Dean Martin Show.” Her roles in subsequent series, such as “CHiPs,” “Alice,” and “Trapper John, M.D.,” further contributed to her income. Guest appearances on such shows typically pay between $1,000 to $5,000 per episode, depending on the size and significance of the role.

In film, Buzzi’s notable roles include “Freaky Friday” (1976), “The Villain” (1979), and “Up Your Alley” (1987). While specific salary details for these films are not publicly available, her established presence in both television and comedy likely secured her favorable compensation packages. A supporting role in a film during the 1970s or 1980s could have paid anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the film’s budget and Buzzi’s bargaining power. Her later film roles, such as “Troublemakers” (1994) and “The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland” (1999), would have continued to add to her earnings, though likely at a lower scale given the change in her career focus.

Investment Portfolio and Assets

Beyond her acting career, Ruth Buzzi has made astute investments, significantly contributing to her $20 million net worth. She and her husband, Kent Perkins, have diversified their assets across various sectors in Texas, demonstrating a keen eye for profitable ventures. Their investments include:

• Shopping Center: Real estate investments, particularly in commercial properties like shopping centers, can generate substantial rental income and long-term capital appreciation. The specific location and size of the shopping center are not detailed, but a well-managed property in a growing area could yield annual returns of 5% to 10% of its market value. For example, a shopping center valued at $5 million could potentially generate $250,000 to $500,000 in annual income.
• Ranch and Farm: A 600-acre horse and cattle ranch represents a significant agricultural investment. The value of such a property depends on factors like location, soil quality, water rights, and infrastructure. A ranch of this size in Texas could be worth several million dollars. Additionally, farming operations could generate income from crop sales or livestock, adding to the overall financial benefit.
• Oil and Gas Wells: Investing in oil and gas wells can be highly lucrative, but also carries significant risk. Returns depend on the wells’ production rates and commodity prices. Ownership in multiple wells diversifies the risk and increases the potential for substantial profits. The exact number and production capacity of Buzzi and Perkins’ wells are not public, but such investments can generate significant cash flow when successful. For example, a single, productive oil well can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual revenue.
• Mineral Rights: Owning mineral rights allows Buzzi and Perkins to profit from the extraction of minerals on their land. This can include oil, gas, coal, and other valuable resources. The value of mineral rights depends on the geological potential of the land and market demand for the resources. Revenue is typically generated through royalties paid by mining or drilling companies.

The couple’s car collection is another notable asset, reportedly worth several million dollars. This collection includes:

• Rolls Royce and Bentley: These luxury vehicles represent high-value assets that can appreciate over time, particularly if they are vintage or rare models. A classic Rolls Royce or Bentley can easily be worth between $100,000 and $500,000 or more, depending on its condition and provenance.
• Antique Jaguars: Antique Jaguars are also highly sought after by collectors. The value of these cars depends on their model, year, and condition. Well-maintained antique Jaguars can be worth anywhere from $50,000 to several hundred thousand dollars.
• Steve McQueen’s Chevy: The Chevy driven by Steve McQueen is the most valuable car in their collection, estimated to be worth $2 million. Cars with celebrity provenance often command premium prices at auction, making them valuable investments.

These investments showcase a diversified approach to wealth management, balancing the entertainment industry’s income with stable and potentially high-growth assets. The combined value of these holdings significantly contributes to Ruth Buzzi’s substantial net worth. This diversified portfolio, beyond her acting career, underscores her financial acumen and ensures long-term financial security.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Ruth Buzzi was born on July 24, 1936, in Westerly, Rhode Island, to Angelo and Rena Buzzi. She grew up in Stonington, Connecticut, where she attended Stonington High School and was the head of the cheerleading squad. There are no publicly available records detailing her family’s financial status during her childhood, but her pursuit of performing arts suggests a supportive environment.

After high school, Buzzi attended the Pasadena Playhouse for the Performing Arts in California. Tuition fees at Pasadena Playhouse would have been a significant expense, indicating either family support or personal savings. Although exact tuition costs from that era are not available, similar performing arts schools charged several hundred to a few thousand dollars per year.

At 19, Buzzi began her show business career, touring with singer Rudy Vallee in a live comedy and musical revue. Touring with Vallee provided early income and exposure. While specific earnings from this period are unknown, such tours would have provided a modest but valuable income for a young performer, likely covering living expenses and providing some savings.

She moved to New York City and quickly secured a role in an off-Broadway musical revue. Working alongside future stars like Barbra Streisand and Carol Burnett, this early experience provided invaluable networking opportunities. Salaries for off-Broadway productions varied widely, but Buzzi likely earned enough to support herself while gaining critical experience.

Buzzi’s early career also included television commercials, which provided additional income and exposure. Commercials during the 1960s could pay several hundred dollars per spot, providing a reliable source of income as she pursued other acting opportunities. Her appearances on “The Garry Moore Show” in 1964 and in the stage musical “Sweet Charity” in 1966 further raised her profile and opened doors to bigger opportunities. These early roles, although not necessarily high-paying, were crucial in building her resume and establishing her reputation in the entertainment industry.

“Laugh-In” Breakthrough and Subsequent Success

Ruth Buzzi’s breakthrough came with “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” in 1968. She was cast following her work on “The Steve Allen Comedy Hour” in 1967. “Laugh-In” provided Buzzi with a platform to showcase her comedic talents and create iconic characters like Gladys Ormphby, solidifying her status in comedy.

As a featured player on “Laugh-In,” Buzzi’s salary would have increased significantly over the show’s run. While precise figures are unavailable, it is reasonable to assume that she started with a few thousand dollars per episode, which grew as her popularity and the show’s success increased. By the later seasons, Buzzi may have been earning tens of thousands of dollars per episode. Her consistent presence in every episode from 1968 to 1973 demonstrates her value to the show and likely resulted in substantial earnings.

Her Golden Globe Award and five Emmy nominations for “Laugh-In” enhanced her reputation and earning potential. These accolades led to further opportunities in television, film, and voice acting, all of which contributed to her growing net worth. After “Laugh-In,” Buzzi continued to work steadily, securing roles in various animated and live-action series. These roles sustained her income and allowed her to diversify her portfolio.

In addition to television and film roles, Buzzi’s career included live performances and endorsements. Live performances, such as comedy shows or stage productions, could generate additional income, particularly if she headlined or co-headlined. Endorsements, though not as prominent in her career as acting roles, could have provided supplementary income through product promotion or brand ambassadorship.

Philanthropy and Recognition

Ruth Buzzi’s philanthropic efforts further highlight her character and commitment to giving back. She supports organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude’s Hospital, and Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch. While donations do not directly impact her net worth, they reflect her values and community involvement. Buzzi’s support of these charities showcases her dedication to various causes, from children’s health to animal welfare.

Being honored as one of the “Great Women of Texas” by the Ft. Worth Business Press acknowledges her contributions beyond entertainment, highlighting her business acumen and community impact. Awards and recognitions often lead to increased public appearances and opportunities, indirectly contributing to her professional and financial success. Buzzi’s induction into the Television and Radio Hall of Fame at the Paley Museum in 2006 further cemented her legacy in the entertainment industry. This recognition not only honors her past achievements but also opens doors for future endeavors and opportunities.

Personal Life and Habits

Ruth Buzzi married Kent Perkins in 1978. Their shared interest in collecting automobiles, particularly postwar vehicles from England, indicates a passion that extends beyond financial investments. Collecting classic cars can be both a hobby and an investment, with certain models appreciating significantly over time. This shared passion underscores their lifestyle and priorities, reflecting a blend of personal enjoyment and financial savvy.

Living on a 600-acre horse and cattle ranch in Texas showcases a lifestyle choice that integrates both personal enjoyment and potential business opportunities. The ranch requires significant upkeep and investment, but it also offers opportunities for agricultural income and property appreciation. This lifestyle decision reflects a long-term investment strategy and a preference for rural living.

Buzzi’s career and lifestyle choices reflect a blend of artistic talent, business acumen, and personal passions. Her financial success is not solely attributable to her acting career but also to her strategic investments and lifestyle decisions. This holistic approach to wealth management ensures long-term financial stability and aligns with her personal values and interests.