What is Meredith Baxter's Net Worth?
Meredith Baxter, a prominent actress and producer, boasts a net worth of $7 million. She is renowned for her roles in iconic television series such as "Bridget Loves Bernie," "Family," and "Family Ties." Additionally, she received critical acclaim for her lead role in the television film "A Woman Scorned: The Betty Broderick Story." On the big screen, Baxter has featured in notable films like "All the President's Men," "Bittersweet Love," and "Paradise Texas."
Early Life
Meredith Baxter was born on June 21, 1947, in South Pasadena, California. Her father, Tom Baxter, was a radio announcer, while her mother, Whitney Blake, was an actress, producer, and director. Baxter has two older brothers, Richard and Brian. Following her parents' divorce in 1953, Meredith and her siblings were raised by their mother. She attended James Monroe High School and later Hollywood High School, completing her senior year at the Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Career Beginnings
Baxter made her television debut in 1971, appearing in episodes of "The Young Lawyers," "The Doris Day Show," and "The Partridge Family." Her early career also saw guest appearances in the legal drama "Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law" in 1972.
Television Breakthroughs
Meredith Baxter's breakthrough role came with the CBS sitcom "Bridget Loves Bernie" between 1972 and 1973. She portrayed Bridget Fitzgerald, an Irish Catholic teacher, opposite David Birney, who played her Jewish husband, Bernie Steinberg. Following this success, Baxter starred in the television films "The Invasion of Carol Enders" and "The Cat Creature," and appeared in series such as "Doc Elliot," "Barnaby Jones," and "Medical Center."
In 1976, Baxter's career soared as she took on the role of Nancy Lawrence Maitland in the acclaimed ABC drama "Family," earning two Emmy Award nominations. During her tenure on "Family," she also featured in "The Love Boat" and television adaptations like "Little Women" and "The Family Man."
Valerie Macon /Getty Images
Further Television Career
Throughout the early 80s, Baxter maintained her momentum with roles in "Beulah Land" and HBO's "Vanities." Her most notable role came in 1982, when she began portraying Elyse Keaton on the NBC sitcom "Family Ties," which ran for seven seasons until 1989. Baxter's versatility shone through as she appeared in several television films, including "The Rape of Richard Beck," "Kate's Secret," and "Winnie."
After "Family Ties," Baxter's television career remained robust. She starred in numerous films like "The Kissing Place," "A Woman Scorned: The Betty Broderick Story," and "Darkness Before Dawn," frequently serving as an executive producer. In the 90s, she starred in "The Faculty," and had guest roles in "Spin City." Her work continued into the 2000s with roles in "A Christmas Visitor," "Shadow on the Mesa," and "Skirtchasers," as well as series like "Brothers & Sisters," "Cold Case," and "Finding Carter."
Film Career
Meredith Baxter debuted in films with the comedy "Stand Up and Be Counted" in 1972 and appeared in the horror film "Ben" as the mother of the protagonist. She gained further recognition in 1976 with her role in "All the President's Men" and "Bittersweet Love," opposite Lana Turner.
After a hiatus from the big screen, Baxter returned in 2005 with "Paradise Texas" and "The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green." She continued to act in films like "The Onion Movie," "Airline Disaster," and "Undateable John."
Personal Life
Meredith Baxter has had a multifaceted personal life. She married Robert Lewis Bush in 1966, and they had two children, Theodore and Eva, before divorcing in 1969. Her second marriage was to actor David Birney in 1974, with whom she had three children: Kathleen, and twins Mollie and Peter. They divorced in 1989. Baxter married actor and screenwriter Michael Blodgett in 1995, divorcing in 2000.
In 2009, Baxter publicly came out as a lesbian during an interview with Matt Lauer on "Today," and later married Nancy Locke in 2013. She also revealed instances of abuse from Birney in a 2011 "Today" interview.
Real Estate
Meredith Baxter listed her Santa Monica home for $6 million in August 2016, eventually selling it for $4.6 million in March 2017. Considering the rising market value, the property is likely worth about $8 million today.
