What Is Crystal Bernard's Net Worth?
Crystal Bernard is an American actress and singer-songwriter with a net worth of $5 million. She launched her career with a recurring role on ABC's "Happy Days" (1982–1983) and became widely recognized for her role as Helen Chappel on NBC's "Wings" (1990–1997). Bernard has accumulated over 30 acting credits, including films like "Young Doctors in Love" (1982), "Slumber Party Massacre II" (1987), and "Jackpot" (2001). Her TV movies include "Without Her Consent" (1990), "Miracle Child" (1993), "As Good as Dead" (1995), "Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Peña Story" (1996), "Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus" (2004), and "Grave Misconduct" (2008). Additionally, she appeared in TV series such as "The Love Boat" (1983; 1985) and "It's a Living" (1985–1989). Bernard has also released two country albums: "Girl Next Door" (1996) and "Don't Touch Me There" (1999). Notably, she collaborated with Peter Cetera on the 1995 single "(I Wanna Take) Forever Tonight," reaching #22 on the "Billboard" Adult Contemporary chart.
Early Life
Crystal Lynn Bernard was born on September 30, 1961, in Garland, Texas. She is the daughter of Gaylon Fussell and Jerry Wayne Bernard, and has three sisters: Robyn, Angelique, and Scarlett. Gaylon transitioned from teaching to becoming an artist and sculptor, while Jerry was a televangelist traveling the country. Crystal started singing gospel music with her sister Robyn, who later became an actress known for her role on "General Hospital." At the age of 8, Crystal and Robyn recorded "The Monkey Song," featured on the 1972 album "Feudin' Fussin' and Frettin'," associated with a Jerry Falwell-led service. Bernard took acting classes at Houston's Alley Theatre and graduated from Spring High School in 1979. She then pursued acting and international relations at Baylor University.
(Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Acting Career
Bernard's TV debut was in a 1982 episode of "Gimme a Break!" She then played K.C. Cunningham on "Happy Days" and appeared in 16 episodes. Her first film was "Young Doctors in Love," directed by Garry Marshall. She guest-starred on "Fantasy Island" (1983), "The Love Boat" (1983; 1985), and several other shows. Bernard starred as Amy Tompkins on "It's a Living" (1985–1989), and played significant roles in "Master Ninja II" (1984) and "Slumber Party Massacre II" (1987). From 1990 to 1997, she starred as Helen Chappel on "Wings," which aired 172 episodes over eight seasons and featured co-stars such as Tim Daly and Tony Shalhoub. In the '90s, she appeared in various films and TV movies, including "Gideon" (1999), "A Face to Kill For" (1999), and "To Love, Honor and Betray" (1999). Leading up to her 2008 retirement, Bernard starred in "Jackpot" (2001), "Welcome to Paradise" (2007), and "Grave Misconduct" (2008) and guest-starred on "According to Jim" (2003).
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Music Career
In 1996, Bernard released her debut album "Girl Next Door," which peaked at #47 on the "Billboard" Top Country Albums chart and #36 on the "Billboard" Heatseekers chart. It featured singles like "Have We Forgotten What Love Is" and "State of Mind." Her second album, "Don't Touch Me There," came out in 1999, with the title track reaching #25 on the "Billboard" Adult Contemporary chart. She also collaborated with Peter Cetera on the 1995 single "(I Wanna Take) Forever Tonight," which charted on the "Billboard" Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts.
Personal Life
In the early 2000s, Crystal dated TV producer Tony Thomas, whom she met through charity work for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She also had relationships with country singer Billy Dean and TV producer Michael Shipley. Bernard cherished a friendship with actress Ginger Rogers, whom she met at a Bob Hope dinner. Bernard recalls Rogers calling her "favorite actress," and they remained friends until Rogers' passing. In addition, Bernard has a passion for race car driving, having competed in events like the Toyota Pro-Celebrity Race, which she described as the "funnest thing [she] ever did."
