Brett Somers was a beloved actress, comedian, and television personality best known for her role as a panelist on the popular game show Match Game. Over her decades-long career, she built a name for herself in Hollywood, leaving behind a legacy that still resonates with fans today. But just how much was Brett Somers worth? In this blog, we’ll explore Brett Somers net worth, her career highlights, and how she accumulated her wealth.
Who Was Brett Somers?
Before diving into Brett Somers net worth, let’s take a quick look at her life and career. Born Audrey Johnston on July 11, 1924, in Canada, she later adopted the stage name Brett Somers. She began her career in theater before transitioning to television and film.
Somers gained widespread fame as a witty and charismatic panelist on Match Game during the 1970s and early 1980s. Her sharp humor and chemistry with fellow panelists, including Charles Nelson Reilly, made her a fan favorite. Beyond Match Game, she appeared in several TV shows and movies, contributing to her overall earnings.
Brett Somers Net Worth at the Time of Her Death
At the time of her death in 2007, Brett Somers net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 million. While this may seem modest compared to today’s Hollywood standards, it was a respectable sum for an actress of her era.
Her wealth came from multiple sources, including:
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Television appearances
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Film roles
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Theater performances
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Game show earnings
Now, let’s break down how she built her fortune.
How Did Brett Somers Build Her Wealth?
1. Television Career
Brett Somers appeared in numerous TV shows throughout her career. Her most notable role was on Match Game, where she became a household name. Game shows in the 70s and 80s paid well, especially for recurring panelists like Somers.
She also made guest appearances on popular shows like:
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The Odd Couple (where she played the ex-wife of Oscar Madison, a role that mirrored her real-life marriage to Jack Klugman)
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The Love Boat
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Hart to Hart
These appearances contributed significantly to Brett Somers net worth.
2. Film Roles
While Somers was primarily a TV star, she also appeared in a few films. Some of her notable movie credits include:
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A Rage to Live (1965)
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Bus Riley’s Back in Town (1965)
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The Great American Beauty Contest (1973)
Though she wasn’t a blockbuster movie star, these roles added to her income.
3. Theater Performances
Before her TV fame, Somers was a stage actress. She performed in Broadway and off-Broadway productions, which helped establish her career. Theater work, while not always the highest-paying, provided steady income early on.
4. Game Show Earnings
Match Game was one of the most popular game shows of its time, and regular panelists like Brett Somers earned a good salary. While exact figures aren’t public, it’s estimated that she made thousands per episode, which significantly boosted Brett Somers net worth over the years.
5. Personal Life and Financial Struggles
Despite her success, Somers faced financial challenges. Her divorce from actor Jack Klugman in 1977 reportedly left her with limited financial support. However, she continued working and maintained her wealth through consistent TV appearances.
Brett Somers Net Worth Compared to Other Game Show Stars
Compared to other game show personalities of her time, Brett Somers net worth was modest. For example:
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Betty White (who also appeared on game shows) had a much higher net worth due to her long-running TV career.
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Charles Nelson Reilly, her Match Game co-star, had a similar financial standing.
Somers’ wealth reflected her niche fame—she wasn’t a leading lady in major films but was a beloved TV personality.
How Brett Somers Spent Her Wealth
While details about Somers’ spending habits are scarce, it’s known that she lived a comfortable but not extravagant lifestyle. She owned a home in Westport, Connecticut, and focused on her career rather than lavish spending.
Brett Somers’ Legacy
Though Brett Somers net worth wasn’t in the tens of millions, her impact on television was significant. She remains a nostalgic figure for fans of classic game shows, and her witty personality continues to be celebrated.
FAQs About Brett Somers Net Worth
1. What was Brett Somers’ net worth when she died?
At the time of her death in 2007, Brett Somers’ net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 million.
2. How did Brett Somers make her money?
She earned her wealth primarily through television appearances, game shows (especially Match Game), film roles, and theater performances.
3. Was Brett Somers married to a wealthy actor?
Yes, she was married to actor Jack Klugman (famous for The Odd Couple and Quincy, M.E.), but their divorce in 1977 left her with limited financial support.
4. Did Brett Somers inherit any wealth?
There is no public record of Somers inheriting significant wealth. Her net worth was self-made through her entertainment career.
5. How much did Brett Somers earn from Match Game?
Exact figures aren’t available, but as a regular panelist, she likely earned thousands per episode, contributing significantly to her net worth.
6. What was Brett Somers’ most profitable career venture?
Her role on Match Game was her most consistent and lucrative source of income.
7. Did Brett Somers have any other business ventures?
There’s no evidence that she had major business ventures outside of acting and television.
8. How does Brett Somers’ net worth compare to modern game show hosts?
Modern game show hosts like Steve Harvey or Alex Trebek had much higher net worths due to larger salaries and endorsement deals.
Final Thoughts on Brett Somers Net Worth
While Brett Somers net worth may not have been among the highest in Hollywood, her career was fulfilling and left a lasting mark on television history. Her sharp wit, charm, and memorable Match Game appearances ensured she remained a beloved figure long after her passing.
For fans of classic TV, Brett Somers’ legacy is priceless—far beyond just dollar figures.
Would you like to know more about other classic TV stars and their net worth? Let us know in the comments!