Meredith Baxter Net Worth

Meredith Baxter’s Net Worth: A Look at Her Career and Finances

Introduction: Meredith Baxter’s Net Worth

Meredith Baxter, a celebrated actress and producer, has captivated audiences for decades with her versatile performances. Beyond her on-screen success, many are curious about her financial standing. This article delves into Meredith Baxter’s net worth, exploring the various facets of her career and life that have contributed to her financial achievements. As of the latest estimates, Meredith Baxter boasts a net worth of approximately $7 million. This figure reflects her extensive work in television, film, and production, solidifying her status as a successful and respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Beginnings

Born Meredith Ann Baxter on June 21, 1947, in South Pasadena, California, Meredith Baxter’s upbringing played a pivotal role in shaping her future path. Her parents, Tom Baxter, a radio announcer, and Whitney Blake, an actress, producer, and director, instilled in her a creative foundation. Despite her parents’ divorce in 1953, Meredith and her two older brothers, Richard and Brian, were raised by their mother, who continued to nurture their artistic inclinations.

Meredith’s early education included attending James Monroe High School before transferring to Hollywood High School, where she honed her acting skills. During her senior year, she briefly attended the Interlochen Center for the Arts, a prestigious institution that further cultivated her artistic abilities and prepared her for a career in the entertainment industry. These formative years set the stage for her remarkable journey in television and film.

Television Breakthroughs and Success

Meredith Baxter’s career began in television, where she made her initial appearances in 1971. She appeared in episodes of various shows, including “The Young Lawyers,” “The Doris Day Show,” and “The Partridge Family.” These early roles provided her with valuable experience and helped her gain recognition in the industry. In 1972, she appeared in an episode of the legal drama “Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law,” showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Baxter’s breakthrough came with her role in the CBS sitcom “Bridget Loves Bernie,” which aired from 1972 to 1973. In the show, she played Bridget Fitzgerald, an Irish Catholic teacher who marries a Jewish cab driver named Bernie Steinberg, played by her future husband David Birney. This role catapulted her into the spotlight and established her as a rising star in the television world.

Family Ties and Further Television Success

Following the success of “Bridget Loves Bernie,” Baxter continued to take on significant roles in various television productions. She starred in the television films “The Invasion of Carol Enders” and “The Cat Creature” and made guest appearances in popular shows such as “Doc Elliot,” “Barnaby Jones,” “Medical Center,” and “Medical Story.” Her presence on these shows solidified her reputation as a versatile and in-demand actress.

The mid-1970s saw Baxter take on roles in several notable television films, including “The Stranger Who Looks Like Me,” “Target Risk,” “The Imposter,” and “The Night That Panicked America.” Her dedication to her craft was evident in these performances, as she continued to deliver compelling portrayals of diverse characters. In 1976, Baxter’s career reached new heights when she began playing the main character, Nancy Lawrence Maitland, on the critically acclaimed ABC drama series “Family.”

“Family” ran for five seasons, from 1976 to 1980, and earned Baxter two Emmy Award nominations for her outstanding performance. During her time on the show, she also appeared on “The Love Boat” and in the NBC miniseries adaptation of “Little Women.” Additionally, she starred in the television film “The Family Man,” further demonstrating her range and appeal to audiences.

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Venturing into Film: A Parallel Career

While Meredith Baxter achieved significant success in television, she also explored opportunities in film. In 1972, she made her feature film debut in Jackie Cooper’s comedy “Stand Up and Be Counted.” She also appeared in the horror film “Ben,” playing the mother of the child protagonist. In 1976, she took on a role in the biographical political drama “All the President’s Men,” portraying the wife of White House staffer Hugh W. Sloan Jr. That same year, she starred alongside Lana Turner, Celeste Holm, and Robert Lansing in the romantic drama “Bittersweet Love.”

After a break from the big screen, Baxter returned to film in 2005 with a supporting role in the family drama “Paradise Texas.” She played the wife of Timothy Bottoms‘ character. That same year, she appeared in “The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green,” an adaptation of the gay comic strip by Eric Orner. Her subsequent film credits include “The Onion Movie,” “Airline Disaster,” and “Undateable John,” demonstrating her continued presence in the film industry.

Personal Life: Relationships and Coming Out

Meredith Baxter’s personal life has been marked by multiple marriages. She was first married to Robert Lewis Bush in 1966; they had two children, Theodore and Eva, before divorcing in 1969. In 1974, she married actor David Birney, whom she had costarred with on “Bridget Loves Bernie.” Together, they had three children: Kathleen, and twins Mollie and Peter. The couple divorced in 1989. Baxter subsequently married actor and screenwriter Michael Blodgett from 1995 to 2000. These relationships, and the challenges that came with them, have shaped her life and provided her with experiences that have informed her work.

In 2009, Baxter publicly came out as a lesbian during an interview on “Today” with Matt Lauer. This revelation was a significant moment in her life, and she has since become an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She entered into a relationship with Nancy Locke, whom she later married in 2013. In 2011, Baxter shared another personal revelation during an appearance on “Today,” alleging physical and emotional abuse from her ex-husband, David Birney. These personal experiences have added depth and complexity to her public persona.

Real Estate Ventures

In August 2016, Meredith Baxter listed her home in Santa Monica, California, for $6 million. She eventually sold the property for $4.6 million in March 2017. Real estate investments can be a significant part of a celebrity’s overall financial portfolio, and Baxter’s ventures reflect her savvy approach to financial management. While the specifics of her real estate holdings are not always public knowledge, it’s clear that she has made strategic decisions to secure her financial future.

Conclusion: Meredith Baxter’s Legacy

Meredith Baxter’s net worth of $7 million is a testament to her long and successful career in the entertainment industry. From her breakthrough roles on television to her ventures in film and real estate, Baxter has consistently demonstrated her talent, versatility, and business acumen. Her contributions to television, her resilience in the face of personal challenges, and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights have solidified her legacy as a beloved and respected figure. Meredith Baxter continues to inspire audiences with her work, proving that she remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.