Lee Meriwether Net Worth

Lee Meriwether’s Net Worth: A Look at the Actress and Former Miss America

Lee Meriwether is a celebrated actress, former model, and beauty queen, known for her versatile career spanning television, film, and stage. With a career that has spanned over six decades, she has captivated audiences with her talent and charm. As of 2024, Lee Meriwether’s estimated net worth is $800,000, reflecting her successful and enduring presence in the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Lee Ann Meriwether was born on May 27, 1935, in Los Angeles, California. Her parents were Ethel and Claudius Meriwether. The family moved frequently during her childhood, spending time in Phoenix, Arizona, before settling in San Francisco, California. In San Francisco, she attended George Washington High School and later City College of San Francisco.

Pageant Success and Early Television Appearances

Meriwether’s journey to stardom began with her success in beauty pageants. In 1954, she won the Miss San Francisco title, which propelled her to the Miss California pageant, which she also won. Her remarkable achievement culminated in her being crowned Miss America in 1955. Following her reign, she became a “Today Girl” on NBC’s “The Today Show,” further increasing her exposure to a national audience.

“The Time Tunnel” and Beyond: A TV Star is Born

Meriwether’s television career took off in the mid-1950s with appearances on “The Philco Television Playhouse.” She continued to make guest appearances on various shows, including “Matinee Theatre,” “The Alcoa Hour,” “Men of Annapolis,” “The Millionaire,” “Dragnet,” and “Omnibus.” In the early 1960s, she appeared in soap operas and sitcoms, such as “The Clear Horizon,” “Bringing Up Buddy,” and “Leave It to Beaver.” She also starred in anthology series like “The Lloyd Bridges Show” and “Alcoa Premiere.” Her career continued to flourish with multiple roles on “Dr. Kildare” from 1963 to 1965, and guest spots on popular shows such as “Route 66,” “The Young Marrieds,” “The Jack Benny Program,” “Perry Mason,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” “Hazel,” and “F Troop.” Her most prominent role of the 1960s was as Dr. Ann MacGregor in the science-fiction series “The Time Tunnel” from 1966 to 1967, which solidified her status as a television star.

Catwoman and a Flourishing Film Career

While Meriwether was building her television career, she also ventured into film. Her big-screen debut was in 1959 in the science-fiction film “4D Man.” However, her most iconic film role came in 1966 when she played Catwoman in the “Batman” film, alongside Adam West and Burt Ward. This role brought her widespread recognition and remains one of her most memorable performances. Other film credits during this period included “Namu, the Killer Whale,” “The Legend of Lylah Clare,” “Angel in My Pocket,” and “The Undefeated.”

“Barnaby Jones” and Later Television Success

In the 1970s, Meriwether continued to make guest appearances on popular television shows like “Star Trek,” “Land of the Giants,” and “Mannix.” She played the role of spy Tracey in “Mission: Impossible.” She also appeared on “The Name of the Game,” “Insight,” “The Immortal,” “Longstreet,” and “The Doris Day Show.” Her most significant role of the decade came in 1973 when she was cast as Betty Jones in the detective series “Barnaby Jones,” starring opposite Buddy Ebsen. She played this role until the show concluded in 1980 and received an Emmy Award nomination and two Golden Globe nominations for her performance.

(Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)

“The Munsters Today” and “All My Children”

In the 1980s, Meriwether continued to be a familiar face on television. She appeared in numerous television films such as “Cruise into Terror,” “True Grit: A Further Adventure,” and “Mirror, Mirror,” and was a panelist on the game show “Match Game.” She had guest roles on shows like “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island,” “Hotel,” and “Glitter.” From 1987 to 1991, she took on another prominent role, playing Lily Munster in “The Munsters Today,” a revival of the classic sitcom “The Munsters.” In 1996, she joined the cast of the long-running ABC soap opera “All My Children,” replacing Mary Fickett in the role of Ruth Martin. She remained on the show until 1998, returning in 2002 and continuing until the show’s final episode in 2011.

Personal Life

Lee Meriwether’s personal life has included two marriages. In 1958, she married actor Frank Aletter, with whom she had two daughters, Kyle and Lesley. The couple divorced in 1974. In 1986, Meriwether married Marshall Borden.

Legacy and Ongoing Career

Lee Meriwether’s legacy is one of a versatile and enduring talent. Beyond her iconic roles, she continued to appear in various television series into the 21st century, including “Touched by an Angel,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “The League,” and “Don’t Trust the B—— in Apartment 23.” She remained active in film, with credits in the 2000s and 2010s including “The Ultimate Gift,” “Say it in Russian,” “Touching Home,” “Birthday Cake,” “A Horse for Summer,” “Diary of a Lunatic,” “Hell’s Kitty,” and “Love & Debt.” Lee Meriwether continues to be celebrated for her contributions to the entertainment industry.