Net Worth Ranker
What Is Susan Olsen’s Net Worth?
Susan Olsen, the American actress and radio host best known for her role as Cindy Brady on “The Brady Bunch,” has accumulated a net worth of $2 million. This financial standing is a result of her career in acting, graphic design, and radio broadcasting. Her journey from a child actress to a versatile media personality has contributed to her financial success.
Early Career and “The Brady Bunch” Era
Born on August 14, 1961, in Santa Monica, California, Susan Olsen began her acting career in 1968. Prior to landing her iconic role as Cindy Brady, she appeared in episodes of television series like “Ironside,” “Julia,” and “Gunsmoke.” These early roles helped establish her presence in the entertainment industry. In 1969, she made her film debut in “The Trouble with Girls,” an Elvis Presley movie, where she played a singer in a singing contest.
At the age of seven, Olsen was cast as Cindy Brady in “The Brady Bunch,” which aired on ABC from 1969 to 1974. During the show’s peak, each of the child actors, including Susan Olsen, earned a salary of $1,100 per week. The show’s success in syndication led to numerous spin-offs and reunion projects, including “The Brady Bunch Hour,” “The Brady Girls Get Married,” and “The Brady Brides,” where she reprised her role as Cindy Brady. Despite the show’s continued popularity, the original cast members, including Olsen, did not receive significant financial benefits from the syndication revenue.
Post-“Brady Bunch” Career
After “The Brady Bunch,” Susan Olsen pursued various endeavors beyond on-screen performances. She ventured into graphic design, contributing to projects such as designing shoes for Converse. In the mid-1990s, she co-hosted a talk show with Ken Ober at the Los Angeles radio station KLSX from 1995 to 1996. Her graphic design work and radio hosting experience expanded her career beyond acting, adding to her income streams.
Olsen continued to make intermittent appearances in television. She appeared in an episode of “Pacific Blue” in 1999, and later took on roles in programs like “The Young and the Restless” and reality shows such as “Gimme My Reality Show.” More recent television films include “The Great Halloween Puppy Adventure,” “Holiday Road Trip,” and “Blending Christmas,” all of which have contributed to her income over the years. In 2019, Olsen reunited with her “Brady Bunch” castmates for the HGTV miniseries “A Very Brady Renovation,” which focused on the renovation of the Studio City, California house used for the exterior shots of the original show.
Other Ventures and Contributions
In addition to her acting and radio career, Olsen co-authored the book “Love to Love You Bradys: The Bizarre Story of The Brady Bunch Variety Hour” in 2009, along with Ted Nichelson and Lisa Sutton. The coffee table book provides an inside look at the behind-the-scenes stories of “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.” In 2012, she showcased her creative side by participating in an art exhibition in Fullerton, California, titled “Art with an Agenda: An Exhibit Inspired by Kelly Thomas.” The exhibit was dedicated to the memory of Kelly Thomas, a homeless man who died after being beaten by Fullerton Police Department officers.
In December 2016, Olsen faced controversy when she was fired from her radio show “Two Chicks Talkin’ Politics” due to a heated argument with actor Leon Acord-Whiting. Following critical comments made by Acord-Whiting about her on a different show, Olsen engaged in a profanity-laden tirade, which included homophobic slurs. Acord-Whiting advocated for her termination, leading to her dismissal. While Olsen denied being fired, stating it was “fake news,” the incident impacted her career and public image.
Personal Life and Marriages
Susan Olsen’s personal life includes multiple marriages. Her first marriage was to kickboxer Steve Ventimiglia, from 1988 to 1990. In 1995, she married medical equipment salesman Mitch Markwell, with whom she had a son named Michael. They later divorced in 2004. In 2009, Olsen married comedian Chris “Crazy Legs” Fonseca. They divided their time between Olsen’s residence in Los Angeles and Fonseca’s home in Colorado Springs. The details of any financial arrangements or settlements related to her marriages are not publicly available.
Detailed Breakdown of Income Streams Contributing to Susan Olsen’s Net Worth
Susan Olsen’s $2 million net worth is built upon a variety of income streams that span several decades, ranging from her early acting career to her more recent endeavors in radio, writing, and graphic design. While exact figures for each stream are not publicly disclosed, an estimation can be provided based on industry standards and known details.
Acting Salaries from “The Brady Bunch” and Subsequent Roles: From 1969 to 1974, Olsen earned $1,100 per week. If she worked 30 weeks per year, the total from “The Brady Bunch” would amount to approximately $165,000 before taxes. Additional acting roles in television films and series such as “Pacific Blue,” “The Young and the Restless,” “Gimme My Reality Show,” “Holiday Road Trip,” and “Blending Christmas” would contribute additional income, though the exact amount varies based on the role and duration. Estimating an average of $5,000-$10,000 per guest appearance or smaller television role, these appearances might have contributed an additional $50,000 – $100,000 over the years.
Radio Hosting and Broadcasting: Olsen co-hosted a talk show at KLSX from 1995 to 1996. Radio hosts in Los Angeles can earn anywhere from $25,000 to $150,000+ per year, depending on the show’s popularity and the station’s revenue. If she earned around $50,000 per year, her total earnings would be $100,000 before her firing. As co-host of “Two Chicks Talkin’ Politics” she likely earned a similar amount, though this tenure was cut short due to controversy. The exact figures are undisclosed, but this would still significantly contribute to Susan Olsen’s net worth.
Writing and Royalties: As the co-author of “Love to Love You Bradys: The Bizarre Story of The Brady Bunch Variety Hour,” Olsen would receive a portion of the book’s royalties. Typically, authors earn between 5% and 15% of the book’s retail price, although this can vary. Sales numbers and the specific royalty agreement would determine her earnings. However, these royalties likely make up a smaller percentage of Susan Olsen’s overall net worth.
Graphic Design Work: Susan Olsen has engaged in graphic design, including designing shoes for Converse. Estimating her fees as a graphic designer is challenging without specific details. Depending on the scope and demand, her earnings could be around $10,000 to $50,000 per project. The exact details of her income are private.
Susan Olsen’s net worth stems from her various endeavors across acting, radio, writing, and design, each adding to her financial stability over the years.
Real Estate and Assets
Details regarding Susan Olsen’s real estate and asset holdings are not publicly available. It is known that she splits her time between Los Angeles and Colorado Springs, but the specifics of property ownership, such as the addresses or values of her residences, are not disclosed. Information on any luxury vehicles, private planes, or significant personal investments is also not accessible in public records.
Net Worth Milestones
Specific milestones in Susan Olsen’s net worth accumulation are not publicly documented. Without concrete data or financial records, it is challenging to provide details on how her net worth has evolved over time. However, it is clear that her role in “The Brady Bunch” provided a solid financial foundation, which she supplemented through her other ventures in radio, graphic design, and writing. Susan Olsen’s net worth stands at $2 million.
