Jane Curtin at a Glance
- Categories: Celebrities, Celebrities > Comedians
- Net Worth: $10 Million
- Birthdate: Sep 6, 1947 (76 years old)
- Birthplace: Cambridge
- Gender: Female
- Profession: Actor, Comedian, Voice Actor
- Nationality: United States of America
- Height: 5 ft 4 in (1.638 m)
What Is Jane Curtin’s Net Worth? A Deep Dive into Her Career and Fortune
Jane Curtin, a name synonymous with wit, intelligence, and enduring comedic talent, has carved a remarkable path in the entertainment industry. From her groundbreaking work on ‘Saturday Night Live’ to her memorable roles in sitcoms and films, Curtin has consistently entertained audiences for decades. This comprehensive article explores Jane Curtin’s net worth, delving into her career milestones, personal life, and the factors contributing to her financial success. We’ll examine her diverse body of work, analyze her impact on comedy, and provide a detailed overview of her achievements.
Early Life and Education
Jane Therese Curtin was born on September 6, 1947, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Raised in a devout Catholic household in Wellesley, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of John Joseph Curtin, an insurance agency owner, and Mary Curtin. She had two brothers, Larry and Jack; sadly, Jack passed away in 2008. Her formative years were marked by a strong educational foundation. Curtin attended Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, graduating in 1965. She pursued higher education at Elizabeth Seton Junior College in New York City, earning an associate degree in 1967. Briefly, she attended Northeastern University from 1967 to 1968 before she decided to pursue a career in comedy, a decision that would shape her life and career trajectory.
Conquering ‘Saturday Night Live’
Jane Curtin’s breakthrough came with the iconic sketch comedy show ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL). After leaving Northeastern University, she joined the comedy group The Proposition until 1972 and co-wrote and starred in the off-Broadway play “Pretzels” in 1974. In 1975, she became one of the original cast members of SNL, where she quickly became a standout performer. Her sharp wit, impeccable timing, and ability to deliver deadpan humor made her a favorite among viewers. She co-anchored the show’s “Weekend Update” segment, first with Dan Aykroyd (1977–1978) and later with Bill Murray (1978–1980). Curtin’s contributions to SNL were numerous and memorable, including recurring characters such as Prymaat Conehead and Enid Loopner, as well as the witty “Point-Counterpoint” segments with Dan Aykroyd. Curtin appeared in over 100 episodes, leaving an indelible mark on the show’s legacy. She later reprised the role of Prymaat in the 1983 animated special “The Coneheads” and the 1993 film “Coneheads.”
During her tenure on SNL, Curtin also made guest appearances on other television shows, including “The Love Boat” (1977) and “What Really Happened to the Class of ’65?” (1977). She also had a cameo in “Mr. Mike’s Mondo Video” (1979), which was written and directed by Michael O’Donoghue, SNL’s first head writer. Her performance as Prymaat Conehead in the “Coneheads” film cemented her status as a comedy icon.
‘Kate & Allie’ and Continuing Success
After leaving ‘Saturday Night Live,’ Jane Curtin transitioned seamlessly into other roles. She made her big-screen debut in 1980 with “How to Beat the High Cost of Living.” Subsequent film appearances included “Coneheads” (1993), “The Shaggy Dog” (2006), “I Love You, Man” (2009), “The Heat” (2013), and “The Spy Who Dumped Me” (2018). She showcased her acting versatility through a series of made-for-TV movies, including “Candida” (1982), “Divorce Wars: A Love Story” (1982), and “Bedrooms” (1984). From 1984 to 1989, she co-starred with Susan Saint James in the CBS sitcom “Kate & Allie.” The show was a critical and commercial success, airing 122 episodes over six seasons. For her performance, Curtin won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

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Curtin continued to take on a variety of roles, appearing in films such as “O.C. and Stiggs” (1987) and the TV movie “Maybe Baby” (1988). In 1990, she starred in the NBC sitcom “Working It Out” and the miniseries “Common Ground.” She guest-starred on “Dave’s World” in 1994. Her role in the 1995 TV movie “Tad,” where she played Mary Todd Lincoln, demonstrated her ability to embody diverse characters. This period solidified her position as a versatile and highly sought-after actress.
‘3rd Rock from the Sun’ and Other Ventures
One of Jane Curtin’s most beloved roles came in 1996, when she joined the cast of NBC’s “3rd Rock from the Sun.” The sitcom, featuring John Lithgow, Kristen Johnston, French Stewart, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, was a critical and commercial hit, airing 139 episodes over six seasons. Curtin played Dr. Mary Albright, a professor of anthropology. The show’s success led to a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical in 1997. Curtin continued to diversify her work. She provided her voice for animated projects, including the film “Antz” (1998), in which she voiced Muffy the Wasp, reprising the role in the 1999 video game of the same name. Further voice roles included “Recess: All Growed Down” (2003), “Disney’s Hercules: The Animated Series” (1998), “Recess” (1998), and “Cyberchase” (2003).
Throughout the 2000s, Curtin continued to appear in TV movies such as “Catch a Falling Star” (2000), “Our Town” (2003), “The Librarian: Quest for the Spear” (2004), “The Librarian: Return to King Solomon’s Mines” (2006), and “The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice” (2008). She also starred in the 2004 film “Geraldine’s Fortune.” She also appeared in the Disney film “The Shaggy Dog” (2006) and starred in the ABC sitcom “Crumbs” (2006). In 2009, she starred in the movie “I Love You, Man” with Paul Rudd and Jason Segel. She appeared in “I Don’t Know How She Does It” in 2011.
From 2012 to 2014, Curtin played Chief Medical Examiner Joanne Webster on the CBS police procedural “Unforgettable.” In 2013, she co-starred in the comedy hit “The Heat” alongside Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy, which earned over $229.9 million at the box office. She had a recurring role on the TNT series “The Librarians” from 2014 to 2017. Around this time, she also guest-starred on “The Good Wife” (2015), “Broad City” (2017), and “The Good Fight” (2019). Her adaptability and willingness to explore different genres kept her in high demand.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Jane Curtin’s personal life is marked by a long-lasting marriage. She married Patrick Lynch on April 2, 1975, after they met at a hockey game. Together, they have a daughter, Tess, born on January 16, 1983. They reside in Sharon, Connecticut. Curtin has also been actively involved in philanthropy. She served as a Celebrity Ambassador for UNICEF and participated in “Celebrity Jeopardy!” in 2010, playing for the charity. Though she lost the “Million Dollar Celebrity Invitational Finals” to Michael McKean, she secured $250,000 for UNICEF as the runner-up.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout her career, Jane Curtin has received numerous awards and nominations, reflecting her talent and enduring appeal. These accolades include:
- Primetime Emmy Awards: Five nominations, winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “Kate & Allie” in 1984 and 1985.
- Golden Globe Awards: One nomination for “Kate & Allie” in 1985.
- CableACE Award: Won for Entertainment Host for “Retaining Laughter” in 1992.
- Online Film & Television Association Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2020.
- Satellite Award: Won for Best Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical for “3rd Rock from the Sun” in 1997.
In addition to these major awards, Curtin has received nominations from the American Comedy Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the Denver Film Critics Society, further demonstrating her versatility and impact on the entertainment industry.
Jane Curtin’s Net Worth: A Summary
Jane Curtin’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million. This financial success is the result of her extensive and diverse career in the entertainment industry, encompassing television, film, and stage. Her earnings come from her roles in iconic shows like ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘3rd Rock from the Sun,’ as well as numerous film appearances and endorsements. Her shrewd choices and long-standing popularity have cemented her financial success and established her as a respected figure in the world of comedy.
Jane Curtin’s career is a testament to her talent, hard work, and enduring appeal. From her early days on SNL to her more recent roles, she has remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Her estimated net worth reflects her success and the lasting impact she has made on comedy and television.
Career Earnings
Source / Title | Amount |
---|---|
Saturday Night Live | $750/week |
Total Earnings | $750 |