Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ted Lange’s Net Worth?
Ted Lange, a multifaceted figure in the entertainment industry as an actor, director, and screenwriter, has cultivated a net worth estimated at $2 million. His financial standing is primarily built upon a career spanning several decades, marked by significant roles in television and film, as well as his endeavors in directing and playwriting.
Early Life and Education
Theodore Lange III was born on January 5, 1948, in Oakland, California. His parents, Theodore Jr. and Geraldine, were both involved in television and theater, setting the stage for his future career. During his adolescence, Lange attended Oakland Technical High School, where he distinguished himself as class and student body president, demonstrating early leadership qualities. He furthered his education at Merritt Junior College, earning an associate’s degree before attending City College of San Francisco, where he actively participated in theater productions.
Career in Theater
Following his collegiate pursuits, Ted Lange immersed himself in the vibrant theater scene of Oakland, appearing in various local productions. His talent was recognized with a guest artist residency at the University of Santa Clara. He continued to hone his craft at the University of California, Berkeley, where he became a member of the New Shakespearean Company. Lange made his Broadway debut in 1968 in the musical “Hair,” followed by a role in the show’s first national touring production. His theater repertoire includes performances in “Behind the Mask: An Evening with Paul Laurence Dunbar,” a biographical one-man show. Lange has also penned numerous plays, including “George Washington’s Boy” and “Lemon Meringue Facade,” showcasing his diverse artistic abilities.
Television Career Highlights
Ted Lange’s foray into television began in 1974 with the ABC sitcom “That’s My Mama,” where he played the character Junior, a mailman. He starred alongside Clifton Davis, Theresa Merritt, and Theodore Wilson. Although the show faced challenges in gaining audience traction and concluded after its second season in late 1975, it marked a significant step in his television career. Subsequently, Lange appeared as Harvard, a handyman, in the short-lived ABC sitcom “Mr. T and Tina,” a spinoff of “Welcome Back, Kotter” featuring Pat Morita and Susan Blanchard. The show was canceled after airing only five episodes in 1976. However, it was his role in “The Love Boat” that catapulted him to widespread recognition. Premiering in 1977, the romantic dramedy series featured Lange as Isaac Washington, the affable bartender on the cruise ship MS Pacific Princess. He starred alongside Gavin MacLeod, Bernie Kopell, Fred Grandy, and Lauren Tewes. “The Love Boat” achieved immense success, running for nine seasons until 1986 and inspiring a revival series in the late 1990s. In addition to acting, Lange also contributed to the show as a writer and director for several episodes.
During his tenure on “The Love Boat,” Ted Lange made guest appearances on shows such as “Fantasy Island,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “The Fall Guy.” He also directed episodes of “Fantasy Island” and “Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer,” demonstrating his versatility in the television industry. In the late 1980s, Lange appeared in episodes of “227” and “In the Heat of the Night,” and he portrayed the Ghost of Christmas Present in the television film “Christmas.” Throughout the 1990s, he continued to take on guest roles in sitcoms such as “Evening Shade,” “Platypus Man,” “Weird Science,” and “Family Matters.” Behind the camera, Lange directed episodes of “Moesha,” “The Wayans Bros.,” and “Love Boat: The Next Wave.” In the early 2000s, he directed two episodes of “Dharma & Greg” and made guest appearances on “The Hughleys,” “Scrubs,” and “Half & Half.” Lange’s television career continued with appearances on shows like “Drake & Josh,” “General Hospital,” “Psych,” and “Maron.” He was also a main cast member on the comedy series “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers.” Furthermore, Lange directed multiple episodes of the sitcoms “Mr. Box Office” and “The First Family,” both of which premiered in 2012.
Film Career Ventures
Ted Lange’s entry into the world of film began with his appearance in the 1972 blaxploitation film “Trick Baby,” where he played the role of Melvin, a pimp. In early 1973, he featured in the concert documentary film “Wattstax,” a recording of the benefit concert held to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the 1965 Watts riots. Lange also appeared in the 1973 mystery thriller “Blade.” His next significant role was as Fancy Dexter in the 1975 blaxploitation film “Friday Foster,” starring Pam Grier. Two years later, Lange co-wrote the film “Passing Through” with director Larry Clark, showcasing his talent in screenwriting. Returning to the screen, he played a role in the 1978 comedy “Record City.” His subsequent significant role came in the 1987 comedy “Terminal Exposure.” Following that, he appeared in the comedy “Glitch!” and directed and starred in an adaptation of “Othello.” In the 1990s, Lange had roles in “Penny Ante: The Motion Picture,” “Perfume,” “The Naked Truth,” and “Sandman.” In the 2000s, his credits included “The Redemption,” “Banana Moon,” “Gang of Roses,” “National Lampoon’s Dorm Daze 2,” “Carts,” and “Who Shot Mamba?” Lange also directed the drama “For Love of Amy.” In 2010, he had a supporting role in the romantic comedy “Bed & Breakfast,” starring Dean Cain and Juliana Paes. The following year, Lange appeared in “Phil Cobb’s Dinner for Four.” These roles, though varied, contributed to his overall net worth.
Other Media Appearances
In addition to his acting and directing roles, Ted Lange has made several other media appearances. He co-wrote a sex and advice column for FHM magazine with adult film star Jenna Jameson, demonstrating his diverse range of interests and talents. He also participated in the fourth season of the VH1 reality television series “Celebrity Fit Club,” where he successfully lost 28 pounds. These appearances further broadened his public profile and likely contributed to his income and net worth.
Personal Life
Ted Lange’s personal life includes two marriages. He first married Sheryl Thompson in 1978, and they had two children named Theodore IV and Turner. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1989. In 2001, Lange married Mary Ley. Information regarding specific details of any financial settlements or assets acquired during these marriages is not publicly available.
