Rhea Perlman’s Net Worth: A Look at the ‘Cheers’ Star’s Career and Fortune

Introduction: The Enduring Legacy of Rhea Perlman

Rhea Perlman, the beloved actress best known for her role as Carla Tortelli in the iconic sitcom “Cheers,” has built a successful and enduring career in the entertainment industry. Beyond the bar of “Cheers,” Perlman has graced both the small and big screens with her talent, earning critical acclaim and the admiration of audiences worldwide. This article delves into Rhea Perlman’s net worth, exploring her career highlights, personal life, and the various ventures that have contributed to her financial success.

Early Life and Education

Rhea Jo Perlman was born in Coney Island, Brooklyn, in 1948. Her parents were Adele, a bookkeeper, and Philip Perlman, a Polish immigrant who managed a factory producing doll parts. Growing up in the Bensonhurst neighborhood alongside her sister, Heide, Perlman developed an early interest in the arts. She pursued her passion by studying drama at Hunter College in Manhattan, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968. This academic foundation would serve as a springboard for her acting career.

Career Beginnings

Perlman’s professional acting journey began with a small part in the play “Dracula Sabbat” from 1970 to 1971. The following year, she took on minor roles in the film “Hot Dogs for Gauguin” and the play “Up – An Uppity Revue,” a production of the Westbeth Playwrights Feminist Collective. She gained early recognition with a role in the sitcom “Taxi,” where she played the girlfriend of Danny DeVito’s character, Louie De Palma. This experience provided valuable exposure and paved the way for her breakout role.

“Cheers” and Television Stardom

Rhea Perlman’s career took a significant turn when she was cast as the sharp-tongued, yet lovable, barmaid Carla Tortelli in the sitcom “Cheers.” The show, created by Glen and Les Charles, premiered in 1982 and quickly captured the hearts of viewers, becoming one of the most popular and critically acclaimed series in television history. “Cheers” ran for eleven seasons, from 1982 to 1993, and earned a staggering 20 Emmy Awards out of 95 nominations. Perlman’s portrayal of Carla was a standout, earning her numerous accolades. She was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series every year except one during the show’s run, winning the Emmy four times: in 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1989. She holds the record among “Cheers” actors for both the most Emmy wins and nominations. Additionally, she received six Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series, a testament to her consistent excellence.

Beyond “Cheers,” Perlman maintained a vibrant television presence, appearing in a diverse range of shows and made-for-television movies. Her guest appearances include notable programs like “Saturday Night Live,” “St. Elsewhere,” “Amazing Stories,” “The Simpsons,” and “Mad About You.” She has also made appearances on “Ally McBeal,” “Becker,” “Frasier,” “Hot in Cleveland,” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” showcasing her versatility. From 1996 to 1997, she starred in the CBS sitcom “Pearl,” and later took on a recurring role in Fox’s “The Mindy Project.”

Made-for-TV movies have provided further opportunities for Perlman, including “The Ratings Game,” directed by Danny DeVito, and the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Christmas comedy “To Grandmother’s House We Go.” Her filmography also includes dramas like “A Place to Be Loved,” “Houdini,” “Secret Cutting,” and the Hallmark Movie Channel’s “Oliver’s Ghost.”

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Film Roles

Rhea Perlman’s film career has been equally diverse, encompassing both comedic and dramatic roles. Her big-screen debut included a part as the “Little Jewish Prostitute” in “National Lampoon’s Movie Madness” (1982) and the biopic “Love Child.” The 1990s brought roles in films such as “Enid is Sleeping,” “Ted & Venus,” “Class Act,” and “There Goes the Neighborhood.”

In 1995, she appeared in the Michael Moore satire “Canadian Bacon” alongside stars John Candy, Alan Alda, Kevin Pollak, and Rip Torn. This was followed by roles in the 1996 basketball drama “Sunset Park,” the comedy “Carpool,” and the children’s fantasy “Matilda,” directed by Danny DeVito. In “Matilda,” based on the Roald Dahl novel, Perlman played Zinnia Wormwood, the mother of the titular character played by Mara Wilson.

Perlman continued to appear in films throughout her career, with notable credits including “The Sessions,” the romantic drama “I’ll See You in My Dreams,” and “Lemon,” directed by Janicza Bravo. In 2019, she starred in the comedy “Poms,” alongside Diane Keaton, Jacki Weaver, Pam Grier, and Phyllis Somerville.

Personal Life: Relationships and Family

Rhea Perlman’s personal life has been closely intertwined with her professional success. In 1971, she met Danny DeVito while attending a play in which he was performing. The couple began living together just two weeks later, and they married in 1982. They have three children together: Lucy, Grace, and Jacob. In 2009, Perlman and her daughter Lucy co-starred in the off-Broadway play “Love, Loss, and What I Wore.”

After a separation in 2012, Perlman and DeVito reconciled in 2013. However, they separated again in 2017, maintaining a friendly relationship despite no longer living together. Perlman has stated that she has no intention of divorcing DeVito.

Real Estate and Assets

Rhea Perlman, along with Danny DeVito, has owned a number of properties, reflecting their financial success. They have held homes in Southern California, including a residence near Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and a beach house in Malibu. They also owned a vacation home in Interlaken, New Jersey.

In early 2020, DeVito purchased a four-bedroom, five-bathroom brownstone in Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill neighborhood, with Perlman’s name on the transfer deed. This luxurious property includes features such as a formal dining room, a chef’s kitchen, and a Carrara marble master bath. The brownstone also boasts two private roof decks with views of the New York City skyline.

For many years, Danny and Rhea lived in a 14,579-square-foot house in Beverly Hills, California, which they purchased in 1994. They sold the property in April 2015 for $24 million after initially listing it for over $30 million.

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Conclusion: A Lasting Impact

Rhea Perlman’s net worth of $60 million is a testament to her successful and enduring career. From her iconic role in “Cheers” to her diverse film and television credits, Perlman has captivated audiences with her talent and charm. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to consistently deliver memorable performances have solidified her place as a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry. Her impact on television and film, along with her personal life, contributes to a legacy that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.