What Is Brett Butler's Net Worth?
Brett Butler is an American actress, writer, and stand-up comedian with a net worth of $10 thousand. Best known for starring in the 1990s sitcom "Grace Under Fire," which aired 112 episodes over five seasons from 1993 to 1998, she was once among television's highest-paid actors, earning tens of millions of dollars. However, she has faced severe financial problems in recent years, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Salary
At the peak of her career, Brett earned $250,000 per episode of "Grace Under Fire," amounting to approximately $5 million per season. Adjusted for inflation, this would be around $9 million today. She never received $1 million that could have been earned from the show's DVD release. In a 2021 interview with the "Hollywood Reporter," Brett revealed she earned $25 million during her time on the show, equivalent to roughly $45 million today. Butler admitted to spending her fortune on profligate expenses, bad investments, and giving it away.
Financial Problems
After "Grace Under Fire" ended, Brett bought a farm in Georgia but lost it after falling behind on mortgage payments. In 2011, it was claimed that she was homeless, an allegation she later refuted. The COVID-19 pandemic devastated her finances, leading a friend to start a GoFundMe to prevent her eviction.
Early Career
Brett Butler, born Brett Anderson on January 30, 1958, in Montgomery, Alabama, grew up with her parents Carol and Roland Decatur Anderson Jr. and four younger sisters. At age four, her family moved to Houston, Texas. Her mother then left her alcoholic and abusive father and relocated the family to Miami, Florida. Brett faced poverty and depression in her youth, eventually attending the University of Georgia, though she did not graduate. She worked as a cocktail waitress before starting her career in stand-up comedy.
Stand-up Career
Brett began her stand-up career in Miami and moved to New York City in 1984, making her TV debut in 1987 on "The Tonight Show." She also appeared on Dolly Parton's variety series "Dolly," where Parton hired Butler as a writer. Unfortunately, the show was canceled after one season due to poor ratings.
"Grace Under Fire"
Brett became a household name with her series "Grace Under Fire," created by Chuck Lorre, where she starred as Grace Kelly, a divorced single mother and recovering alcoholic. The show, which aired from 1993 to 1998, faced cancellation due to Brett's substance abuse problems, ending after only 14 episodes of its fifth season were completed. Despite these issues, she received two Golden Globe nominations and won a People's Choice Award in 1994.
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After "Grace"
Post-"Grace," Brett appeared in a few films, including "Bruno" and "Militia" (2000), "Mrs. Harris," "Vampire Bats" (2005), an episode of "My Name is Earl," and was cast as the host of "Moochers" (2006). In 2009, she headlined "Brett Butler Presents the Southern Belles of Comedy.” After years away from the spotlight, she voiced a character in "Archer" (2012) and had roles in "The Young and the Restless" and "Anger Management" (2012-2014), where Charlie Sheen helped secure her role. From 2015 to 2017, she appeared in "The Leftovers," "How to Get Away with Murder" (2016), "The Comedian" (2016), "The Walking Dead" (2018), and "The Morning Show" (2019).
Personal Life
Brett married Charles Michael Wilson in 1978, but they divorced in 1981 due to mutual abuse. She married Ken Zieger in 1987; they divorced in 1999. Her memoir, "Knee Deep in Paradise" (1996), reveals much about her pre-fame life. Butler struggled with addiction during "Grace Under Fire," leading to her dismissal and the show's cancellation. After moving to a farm in Georgia, she eventually achieved sobriety.
