What was Chuck Barris' Net Worth?
Chuck Barris was an American game show creator, host, and producer with a net worth of $160 million at the time of his death in 2017. Best known for creating "The Dating Game" and "The Newlywed Game," and for hosting "The Gong Show," Barris also wrote songs, including the hit "Palisades Park" by Freddy Cannon. He authored several books, including his autobiography "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind," which was adapted into a film directed by George Clooney and starred Sam Rockwell as Barris. The film portrayed Barris as a CIA assassin, though the CIA later denied any association with him.
At the peak of his career, Barris produced 27 hours of network television weekly. In 1987, he sold his production company for $100 million, equivalent to about $215 million today.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 3, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Barris was raised by Jewish parents Edith and Nathaniel. He attended Drexel University, where he wrote for the student newspaper "The Triangle."
Career Beginnings
Barris began as a NBC page and staffer in New York City before moving to ABC's standards and practices for "American Bandstand." Venturing into music production, he wrote the hit 1962 song "Palisades Park" by Freddy Cannon. Soon, he was promoted to ABC's daytime programming division, deciding which game shows would air.
Game Show Breakthroughs
In 1965, Barris founded Chuck Barris Productions, creating "The Dating Game," hosted by Jim Lange. The show was known for its raunchy banter and floral set. Despite being dropped in 1973, it was revived multiple times, with the latest edition premiering in 2021.
Another hit, "The Newlywed Game," originally created by E. Roger Muir and Nick Nicholson, was repackaged by Barris for ABC and hosted by Bob Eubanks. It ran for 19 years through 1985.
"The Gong Show"
Barris gained widespread recognition in 1976 as the host of "The Gong Show," a spoof talent show. Known for its absurd humor and outlandish acts, the show featured amateur performers with questionable talents. Barris appeared as a bumbling, jovial host known for his awkward hand-clapping and catchphrases. Though it only aired for two seasons on NBC and four in syndication, it gained a cult following. Barris directed and starred in the 1980 "The Gong Show Movie." The show was later revived from 2017 to 2018, hosted by Tommy Maitland, a fictional character played by Mike Myers.
Other Shows and Companies
Barris produced numerous other game shows, many short-lived. His credits include "The New Treasure Hunt," "$1.98 Beauty Show," and "Three's a Crowd," which was controversial. He hosted the short-lived "The Chuck Barris Rah-Rah Show" on NBC.
In 1980, Barris unsuccessfully revived "Camouflage." In 1981, he brought back "Treasure Hunt," but it lasted only a year. By 1984, he formed a new company, Barris Industries, producing a daily "Newlywed Game." He sold his shares to producer Burt Sugarman in 1987.
Career as Author
Besides television, Barris authored several books, including "You and Me, Babe" (1974), "The Game Show King," "The Big Question," "Who Killed Art Deco?," and "Della: A Memoir of My Daughter." His most famous book, "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" (1984), falsely claimed he was a CIA assassin. The book was adapted into a 2002 film directed by George Clooney, starring Sam Rockwell. In 2004, Barris wrote a sequel, "Bad Grass Never Dies."
Personal Life and Death
Barris married his first wife, Lyn Levy, in 1957. They had a daughter, Della, who passed away at 36 from a drug overdose. He married Robin Altman in 1980 and divorced in 1999. In 2000, he married Mary Clagett and remained with her until his death in March 2017 at the age of 87.