Harry Anderson Net Worth: Is it $5 Million?

Uncover Harry Anderson's $5M net worth: From "Night Court" fame to Asheville retreat. Dive into the magic of his financial journey and lasting legacy.

John Sheldon
17 Min Read

Harry Anderson Net Worth. It’s a topic that’s piqued the curiosity of fans and financial enthusiasts alike. But who exactly was Harry Anderson, and how did he amass his fortune? Let’s dive into the life and career of this multi-talented entertainer and uncover the story behind his net worth.

Harry Anderson was a man of many talents. He wasn’t just your average actor or comedian. Nope, he was also a magician, and boy, did he know how to work his magic both on and off the screen. Born on October 14, 1952, in Newport, Rhode Island, Anderson’s journey to stardom was anything but ordinary.

From his early days as a street magician to becoming a beloved TV judge, Anderson’s career was as colorful as his personality. He’s best known for his role as Judge Harry Stone on the hit NBC sitcom “Night Court,” which ran from 1984 to 1992. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Harry Anderson’s accomplishments.

So, what was Harry Anderson net worth? Well, at the time of his death in 2018, it was estimated to be around $5 million. That’s quite a chunk of change, isn’t it? But how did he accumulate this wealth? And what does his financial journey tell us about the entertainment industry? Let’s break it down and explore the fascinating world of Harry Anderson net worth.

Who is Harry Anderson?

Before we dive deeper into Harry Anderson net worth, let’s get to know the man behind the millions. Here’s a quick rundown of Harry Anderson’s life and career:

Detail Information
Full Name Harry Laverne Anderson
Date of Birth October 14, 1952
Place of Birth Newport, Rhode Island, USA
Date of Death April 16, 2018 (aged 65)
Place of Death Asheville, North Carolina, USA
Profession Actor, Comedian, Magician
Notable Roles Judge Harry Stone on “Night Court” (1984-1992), Dave Barry on “Dave’s World” (1993-1997)
Other Appearances “Cheers,” “Saturday Night Live,” Stephen King’s “It”
Awards Nominated for 3 Primetime Emmy Awards
Marriages Leslie Pollack (1977-1999), Elizabeth Morgan (2000-2018)
Children 2 (Eva Fay Anderson, Dashiell Anderson)

Harry Anderson wasn’t just another face on TV. He was a unique blend of talent, wit, and charm that made him stand out in the entertainment industry. From his early days performing magic tricks on the streets of San Francisco to becoming a household name through “Night Court,” Anderson’s journey was nothing short of remarkable.

Where Does Harry Anderson Live Now?

Sadly, Harry Anderson is no longer with us. He passed away on April 16, 2018, at his home in Asheville, North Carolina. But before his untimely death, Anderson had quite an interesting journey when it came to his living situations.

After his success in Hollywood, Anderson decided to move away from the glitz and glamour. In 2002, he and his second wife, Elizabeth, packed up and moved to New Orleans. They loved the city’s unique culture and vibrant atmosphere. In fact, they loved it so much that they opened up a magic shop in the French Quarter called “Sideshow.”

But then Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. The devastating storm changed everything for Anderson and his family. They stuck it out for a while, even opening a nightclub called “Oswald’s Speakeasy” where Anderson performed his one-man show, “Wise Guy.”

However, by 2006, Anderson and Elizabeth decided it was time for a change. They sold their New Orleans property and moved to Asheville, North Carolina. Anderson fell in love with the mountain town’s laid-back vibe and artistic community. It was here, in a cozy home nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where Anderson spent his final years.

Even though he’s no longer with us, Anderson’s presence is still felt in Asheville. Many locals remember him fondly as a friendly neighbor who never lost his love for magic and comedy. His home in Asheville, where he lived until his passing, was valued at around $570,000 at the time of his death.

What is Harry Anderson Net Worth Today?

Now, let’s get to the million-dollar question – or should we say, the five-million-dollar question? What was Harry Anderson net worth? At the time of his death in 2018, Harry Anderson net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

But here’s the thing about net worth – it’s not just about how much money you have in the bank. It’s about your total assets minus your liabilities. For Anderson, his net worth was a result of his successful career in entertainment, his real estate investments, and his business ventures.

Anderson’s main source of wealth came from his acting career, particularly his role on “Night Court.” At the height of the show’s popularity, Anderson was reportedly earning around $100,000 per episode. That’s a pretty penny, especially when you consider that the show ran for nine seasons!

But Anderson wasn’t just an actor. He was also a savvy businessman. His magic shop and nightclub in New Orleans, while not long-lasting due to Hurricane Katrina, were successful ventures that contributed to his wealth. And let’s not forget about his performances as a magician and his appearances on shows like “Cheers” and “Saturday Night Live.”

Here’s a breakdown of Harry Anderson’s estimated net worth:

Asset Estimated Value
Acting Career Earnings $3.5 million
Real Estate (Asheville home) $570,000
Business Ventures (Magic shop, nightclub) $500,000
Other Investments and Savings $430,000
Total Net Worth $5 million

It’s important to note that net worth can fluctuate over time due to various factors like market conditions, personal spending habits, and new income sources. However, $5 million is the most commonly reported figure for Anderson’s net worth at the time of his death.

Net Worth Over The Years

Harry Anderson net worth didn’t just appear overnight. It was the result of years of hard work, smart investments, and career success. Let’s take a look at how his net worth evolved over the years:

  1. 1970s: Anderson starts his career as a street magician in San Francisco. His net worth at this time was likely minimal, maybe a few thousand dollars.
  2. Early 1980s: Anderson begins making appearances on “Saturday Night Live” and “Cheers.” His net worth starts to grow, possibly reaching around $100,000.
  3. 1984: “Night Court” premieres. Anderson’s salary per episode starts at around $25,000. His net worth likely jumps to the $500,000 range.
  4. Late 1980s: At the height of “Night Court’s” popularity, Anderson’s per-episode salary increases to about $100,000. His net worth likely surpasses $1 million.
  5. 1992: “Night Court” ends its run. Anderson’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million.
  6. 1993-1997: Anderson stars in “Dave’s World.” While not as successful as “Night Court,” it still contributes to his wealth. His net worth likely reaches $4 million.
  7. 2000s: Anderson moves to New Orleans and opens businesses. His net worth fluctuates but remains around $4-5 million.
  8. 2006: Anderson moves to Asheville, NC. He continues to perform and make occasional TV appearances. His net worth stabilizes around $5 million.
  9. 2018: At the time of his death, Harry Anderson net worth is estimated at $5 million.

This timeline shows that Anderson’s wealth grew steadily over his career, with significant jumps during his “Night Court” years. It’s a testament to his talent and business acumen that he maintained a substantial net worth even after moving away from Hollywood.

Career & Achievements

Harry Anderson’s career was as diverse as it was successful. He wasn’t just a one-trick pony – he was more like a whole circus rolled into one talented package. Let’s take a closer look at his impressive career and achievements.

Anderson’s journey in the entertainment world began on the streets of San Francisco. As a young man, he honed his skills as a magician, performing tricks for passersby. This early experience would shape his entire career, infusing his performances with a unique blend of magic and comedy.

In the early 1980s, Anderson started making waves on television. He made several appearances on “Saturday Night Live,” showcasing his magic skills and comedic timing. But it was his recurring role as Harry “The Hat” Gittes on “Cheers” that really started to put him on the map. His character, a con man with a heart of gold, quickly became a fan favorite.

But Anderson’s big break came in 1984 when he landed the role of Judge Harry Stone on “Night Court.” This quirky sitcom about the night shift of a Manhattan municipal court was a perfect fit for Anderson’s offbeat humor and magic tricks. The show was a massive hit, running for nine seasons and earning Anderson three Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.

After “Night Court” ended in 1992, Anderson didn’t rest on his laurels. He went on to star in the sitcom “Dave’s World” from 1993 to 1997, based on the life of humor columnist Dave Barry. While not as successful as “Night Court,” it still showcased Anderson’s comedic talents and kept him in the public eye.

But Anderson’s achievements weren’t limited to acting. He continued to perform as a magician throughout his career, appearing in several TV specials showcasing his magical talents. He even wrote a book called “Games You Can’t Lose: A Guide for Suckers,” a collection of gags, cons, and tricks.

In the latter part of his career, Anderson made guest appearances on shows like “30 Rock” and “Comedy Bang! Bang!” He also appeared in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It,” playing the adult version of Richie Tozier.

Anderson’s career was marked by his ability to blend comedy, magic, and acting into a unique and entertaining package. He may not have won any major awards, but he won the hearts of millions of fans around the world. His achievements in the entertainment industry, from street performer to sitcom star, are a testament to his talent, hard work, and undeniable charm.

Harry Anderson House

When it comes to Harry Anderson’s house, we’re talking about his home in Asheville, North Carolina. This is where Anderson spent his final years, and it’s a property that reflects both his success and his desire for a quieter life away from the Hollywood spotlight.

Anderson and his wife Elizabeth purchased their Asheville home in 2006 for around $570,000. Now, that might not sound like much compared to some Hollywood mansions, but in Asheville, it was quite a nice property. The house is a 3,297 square foot home, which is pretty spacious by anyone’s standards.

The house itself is described as a lodge-style retreat, sitting on over 10 acres of land. Can you imagine having that much space? It’s like having your own private park! The property offers breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains, providing a serene and picturesque setting that’s a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.

While we don’t have a detailed breakdown of the house’s value, we can make some educated guesses based on typical home features and the Asheville real estate market. Here’s a rough estimate of how the house’s value might break down:

  1. Land Value (10+ acres): $200,000
  2. Main House Structure: $250,000
  3. Interior Finishes and Upgrades: $75,000
  4. Outdoor Features (possibly including a deck or patio): $25,000
  5. Mountain Views (premium for the location): $20,000

Total Estimated Value: $570,000

It’s worth noting that property values in Asheville have generally increased since 2006, so the home’s value today could be significantly higher than the purchase price. However, without a recent appraisal, we can’t say for certain.

What we do know is that this house represented more than just a financial asset for Anderson. It was his retreat, his sanctuary away from the entertainment world. The spacious property allowed him to enjoy nature and privacy, while the house itself provided a comfortable home for him and his wife.

Anderson’s choice to move to Asheville and invest in this property shows us something about his priorities. He valued quality of life over the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. This house, with its mountain views and ample space, was a key part of the life Anderson chose for himself in his later years.

Conclusion

Harry Anderson net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in 2018 is a testament to his successful and diverse career in entertainment. From his early days as a street magician to his iconic role on “Night Court” and beyond, Anderson built a fortune through his talents as an actor, comedian, and magician.

His financial journey reflects the ups and downs of a life in show business. The peak of his earnings came during the “Night Court” years, but Anderson showed financial savvy by investing in real estate and business ventures. His move to Asheville and purchase of a $570,000 home demonstrates his preference for quality of life over Hollywood extravagance.

Anderson’s story is more than just numbers. It’s about a talented individual who found success on his own terms, balancing his love for entertainment with a desire for a quieter life. His net worth may not have been in the stratosphere of some Hollywood stars, but it allowed him to live comfortably and pursue his passions.

In the end, Harry Anderson net worth tells us about a life well-lived, filled with laughter, magic, and the freedom to choose his own path. It’s a reminder that true wealth isn’t just about money, but about the ability to live life on your own terms.

Share This Article
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *