Career & Net Worth Of Brett Butler

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Career & Net Worth Of Brett Butler

Brett Butler, born Brett Anderson on January 30, 1958, in Montgomery, Alabama, is an American actress, writer, and stand-up comedian.

She gained prominence for her role as Grace Kelly in the television sitcom “Grace Under Fire,” which aired from 1993 to 1998.

Early Life and Education

Brett Butler was born on January 30, 1958, in Montgomery, Alabama. She is the eldest of five sisters. Her father, Roland Decatur Anderson Jr., was an oil company executive, and her mother, Carol Anderson, managed the household. The family moved to Houston, Texas, when Butler was four years old.

Her parents’ marriage was troubled due to her father’s alcoholism, leading to their eventual separation. Butler briefly attended the University of Georgia before pursuing a career in comedy. Prior to her success as a stand-up comedian, she worked as a cocktail waitress.

Personal Life

Brett Butler‘s personal life has seen its share of challenges. In 1978, at the age of 20, she married her first husband, Charles Michael Wilson, just three months after meeting him. The marriage was troubled due to Wilson‘s abusive behavior, leading Butler to leave him in 1981. Wilson has both admitted to and denied the abuse, claiming that Butler was also violent.

After leaving Wilson, Butler returned to her mother’s home in Miami and began performing in comedy clubs, adopting the stage name “Brett Butler” as a play on the character Rhett Butler from “Gone With the Wind.” In 1984, she moved to New York City to further her career.

In 1987, Butler married her second husband, Ken Zieger. The couple divorced in 1999. As of the latest available information, Butler is single and has no children.

Career

Brett Butler‘s career began in stand-up comedy. In 1987, she made her television debut on “The Tonight Show.” That same year, she appeared on Dolly Parton‘s variety series, “Dolly,” and was subsequently hired as a writer for the remainder of the season.

Her breakthrough came in 1993 when she was cast as Grace Kelly in the ABC sitcom “Grace Under Fire.” The show was well-received and ran for five seasons until 1998, earning Butler critical acclaim and a People’s Choice Award for Favorite Female Performer in a New TV Series.

Following “Grace Under Fire,” Butler made guest appearances on various television shows, including “The Drew Carey Show,” “Ellen,” and “My Name Is Earl.” She also had a recurring role on “The Young and the Restless” in 2012. More recently, Butler appeared in series such as “The Leftovers,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” and “The Walking Dead.”

Awards

People’s Choice Award for Favorite Female Performer in a New TV Series (1994)

Viewers for Quality Television Award for Best Actress in a Quality Comedy Series (1994)

Nominated—Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy (1995, 1997)

Nominated—Viewers for Quality Television Award for Best Actress in a Quality Comedy Series (1994, 1996–97)

Net Worth

Brett Butler‘s net worth is estimated to be approximately $1,000,000. Despite earning significant income during her career, including reportedly $250,000 per episode of “Grace Under Fire,” Butler faced financial difficulties due to personal struggles and financial mismanagement.

Controversy

Brett Butler‘s career has been marked by both significant achievements and notable controversies, particularly during her time on “Grace Under Fire.”

Substance Abuse and On-Set Behavior

During the production of “Grace Under Fire,” Butler struggled with substance abuse issues, including alcoholism and prescription drug addiction. Her addiction led to erratic behavior on set, causing tensions with cast and crew members.

There were reports of frequent tardiness, missed rehearsals, and unpredictable moods, which disrupted the filming schedule and contributed to a high turnover rate among the supporting cast.

Impact on ‘Grace Under Fire’

The show’s popularity began to wane as Butler‘s personal issues became more pronounced. The network attempted to support her through rehabilitation programs, but her relapses continued to affect production.

In 1998, after five seasons, “Grace Under Fire” was canceled, with Butler‘s ongoing personal struggles cited as a contributing factor.

Financial Difficulties and Homelessness

Following the end of “Grace Under Fire,” Butler faced financial difficulties. Mismanagement of her earnings, coupled with limited acting opportunities, led to financial instability.

In a 2021 interview, Butler revealed that she had experienced homelessness and was six months behind on her rent. Friends and fans rallied to support her, raising funds through online platforms to help her regain stability.

Legal Issues

In 2003, Butler was arrested for drunken driving in Georgia. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to probation, community service, and a fine. This incident further highlighted the challenges she faced in her personal life.

Comeback Attempts

Despite these setbacks, Butler made efforts to revive her career. She appeared in recurring roles on shows like “The Young and the Restless,” “Anger Management,” and “The Walking Dead.”

While these roles received positive reviews, they did not fully restore her earlier prominence in the industry.