Terry Kiser Net Worth: Look At His Career And Earnings

Terry Kiser is a well-known Hollywood actor, famous for his role as Bernie Lomax in the comedy classic Weekend at Bernie’s. With over 40 years of acting experience, he has become a recognizable face in the entertainment industry. As of 2025, Terry Kiser’s net worth is estimated to be around $7 million.

His journey in Hollywood includes iconic movie roles and television appearances that have contributed to his impressive wealth. This article explores Terry Kiser’s earnings, his financial success, and the legacy he has built through his diverse career in the world of acting and beyond.

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Terry Kiser Biography

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Terry Kiser
Date of Birth	August 1, 1943
Age	81 (as of 2025)
Place of Birth	Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Actor, Voice Actor, Director
Years Active	1965 – Present
Height	5 feet 10.5 inches (1.79 m)
Weight	Approx. 75 kg (165 lbs)
Education	American Academy of Dramatic Arts (New York City)
Notable Role	Bernie Lomax in Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)
Other Famous Roles	The Electric Chair (1989), The Last Dragon (1985), Three’s Company (TV show, 1978–1979)
Net Worth (2025)	Approx. $7 million
Spouse	Married (name not widely publicized)
Children	2
Social Media Presence	Minimal (not very active on public social media platforms)
Genres	Comedy, Drama, TV Shows, Theater
Awards and Nominations	Nominated for several awards but not a recipient of major accolades
Residency	Lives privately; maintains a low-key lifestyle
Influence	Strong influence on comedy through Weekend at Bernie’s and cult classic films
Famous for	His iconic portrayal of Bernie Lomax, the dead-but-not-dead character in Weekend at Bernie’s
Main Source of Income	Film roles, TV appearances, and residual income from Weekend at Bernie’s
Other Ventures	Investments in real estate and other ventures contributing to his financial stability

Who is Terry Kiser?

Terry Kiser’s story begins in Omaha, Nebraska, where he was born on August 1, 1943. He pursued his dream of acting from a young age, attending college in the United States before moving to New York to study at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Kiser’s early acting roles included appearances on TV shows and theater productions, but it wasn’t until he landed the role of Bernie Lomax that his career truly took off. His portrayal of Bernie Lomax in Weekend at Bernie’s became iconic.

The movie was a comedy classic, and Bernie Lomax’s character, a man whose body is used by his friends in an attempt to keep up appearances, left a lasting impression on audiences. The box office earnings from the film boosted Kiser’s career, cementing his status as a well-known figure in the entertainment world.

Terry Kiser Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Terry Kiser’s net worth is estimated to be around $7 million. This figure reflects his long and diverse career, from his early roles to his time in Hollywood. But how did Kiser amass this fortune?

Financial Breakdown of Terry Kiser’s Earnings

Over the years, Terry Kiser’s financial journey has been shaped by his earnings from movies, TV shows, and residual income. Much of his wealth comes from the residuals he receives from Weekend at Bernie’s, which continues to earn revenue from DVD sales, streaming platforms, and TV reruns.

In addition to his film earnings, Kiser has appeared in numerous TV shows, contributing to his overall career earnings. His acting roles in series like Three’s Company and guest appearances on various sitcoms also played a significant role in building his net worth.

Sources of Income Beyond Acting

Source of Income	Details
Residual Income from Films	Earnings from DVD sales, streaming, and syndicated TV shows like Weekend at Bernie’s.
Voice Acting	Contributions to animated shows and films, providing steady income through residuals.
Real Estate Investments	Revenue from property investments and related ventures.
Public Speaking and Appearances	Earnings from fan conventions, interviews, and special events related to his roles.
Product Endorsements	Occasional brand endorsements or promotional work in commercials or campaigns.

Terry Kiser’s Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Terry Kiser has enjoyed a variety of roles, each contributing to his financial success and professional wealth. Here’s a closer look at the key moments in his Hollywood career:

Famed Roles and Their Financial Impact

Terry Kiser’s most famous role is undoubtedly as Bernie Lomax in Weekend at Bernie’s. This movie role was not only a career-defining performance but also a major financial turning point for Kiser.

The film, with its humorous and outlandish premise, became a comedy classic and achieved significant box office earnings. As a result, Kiser’s portrayal of Bernie Lomax continues to generate revenue in various forms, including residuals from film and DVD residuals.

Other iconic roles in Kiser’s career, such as his work in television and theater, further boosted his wealth. However, it’s the enduring popularity of Weekend at Bernie’s that remains his most financially impactful role.

Financial Lessons from Terry Kiser’s Film Ventures

Terry Kiser’s career provides several financial lessons for aspiring actors and entertainers. One key takeaway is the importance of residual income. Kiser has benefited greatly from the long-lasting popularity of Weekend at Bernie’s, which continues to generate streaming residuals and other forms of passive income. This demonstrates the value of taking roles that have the potential to endure in popular culture.

The Impact of Weekend at Bernie’s on His Earnings

The success of Weekend at Bernie’s has had a lasting effect on Kiser’s earnings. Not only did the movie make a significant impact on his career, but it also created a revenue stream that continues to provide residual earnings.

As the film remains a popular comedy classic, Kiser continues to earn from its box office earnings, streaming residuals, and television reruns. This enduring legacy is a testament to the long-term financial rewards that come with being part of a cult classic film.

Enduring Legacy and Residual Income

Terry Kiser’s career is a perfect example of how residual income can provide lasting financial stability. Despite stepping back from the limelight in recent years, Kiser continues to benefit from the residuals from his film and TV roles.

Long-Term Income from TV Shows and Movies

While Weekend at Bernie’s is his most famous and financially impactful role, Kiser’s other TV roles and movie appearances have also provided steady income. These residual earnings from television shows like Three’s Company and film projects contribute to his ongoing financial success. With the rise of streaming platforms, older shows and films often find new audiences, leading to even more passive income for actors like Kiser.

Personal Life and Family

Terry Kiser is known for being relatively private about his personal life. However, his family has played an important role in his financial security and life choices. Kiser has been married and has children, and he continues to value his family life, which is often separate from his public persona.

While he has not sought the same level of celebrity attention as some of his Hollywood peers, his financial stability has allowed him to focus on what matters most to him personally.

Marriage, Children, and Private Life

Terry Kiser’s marriage and family have been a source of stability and happiness throughout his career. His ability to balance the demands of his acting career with his family responsibilities has helped him maintain a healthy perspective on life and wealth.

Terry Kiser Height, and Physical Appearance

Physical Attribute	Details
Height	5 feet 10.5 inches (1.79 m)
Weight	Approx. 75 kg (165 lbs)
Shoe Size	11 US (44 EU)
Waist	32 inches (81 cm)
Chest	42 inches (107 cm)
Biceps	15 inches (38 cm)
Hair Color	Dark Brown
Eye Color	Brown
Skin Tone	Fair
Build	Athletic

Terry Kiser’s Educational Background and Early Life

Before becoming a successful actor, Terry Kiser was focused on his education. After graduating high school, he went on to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, where he honed his acting skills. This theatrical training prepared him for the diverse roles he would take on later in life.

College Theatrical Training

Kiser’s time at college was crucial in shaping his acting career. His training helped him understand the craft of acting and provided him with the tools to pursue his passion professionally.

Move to New York

After completing his education, Kiser moved to New York City, where he began his acting career. This move was essential in shaping his Hollywood career and provided him with opportunities to audition for roles in television and film.

Legacy, Influence, and Impact on Comedy

Terry Kiser’s legacy in the world of comedy is tied to his unique ability to bring humor to unexpected situations. His portrayal of Bernie Lomax in Weekend at Bernie’s became a timeless symbol of comedic brilliance. The film’s popularity turned the role into a cult classic, influencing how physical comedy is performed and appreciated in Hollywood.

Beyond his famous roles, Terry’s work inspired a new generation of actors. His dedication to his craft and versatility in both film and television showcased the importance of adaptability in the entertainment industry. His impact extends to fans and fellow performers, cementing his name as a symbol of lasting success in comedy.

Fan Engagement and Cultural Relevance

Kiser’s relationship with his fans remains strong, as his iconic roles continue to be celebrated across generations. His influence in comedy and Hollywood is far-reaching, and he remains a relevant figure in the industry.

Terry Kiser Movies

Movie Name	Character Name	Year of Release
Weekend at Bernie’s	Bernie Lomax	1989
Weekend at Bernie’s II	Bernie Lomax	1993
Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood	Dr. Crews	1988
From a Whisper to a Scream	Jesse Hardwick	1987
An Eye for an Eye	The Bartender	1981
Making Love	Alan	1982
The People Next Door	Arthur	1970
Sidekicks	Kelly Stone	1992
All Night Long	Marvin	1981
The Great Texas Dynamite Chase	Slim	1976

Other Notable Roles

Dr. Crews in Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988), showcasing his versatility in horror.
Jesse Hardwick in From a Whisper to a Scream (1987), a compelling anthology role.
Alan in Making Love (1982), demonstrating his range in drama.
Arthur in The People Next Door (1970), an early TV movie appearance.
Kelly Stone in Sidekicks (1992), a memorable supporting role in a martial arts film.
Slim in The Great Texas Dynamite Chase (1976), adding flair to a crime-comedy classic.
The Bartender in An Eye for an Eye (1981), a gripping portrayal in an action film.
Marvin in All Night Long (1981), proving his comedic timing alongside Hollywood legends.

Terry Kiser in Three’s Company

Terry Kiser appeared in the popular sitcom Three’s Company, adding to his diverse list of acting roles. He played a memorable character, Jeffrey P. Brookes III, in the show. His performance brought humor and charm, showcasing his skill in comedy. This role further cemented his position as a talented Hollywood actor.

While his time on Three’s Company was brief, it left an impression on fans. The sitcom’s success helped elevate his career during the 1980s. It also contributed to his financial success, with residuals adding to his income. His role remains a classic example of his versatility in television.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Terry Kiser’s Financial Journey

Terry Kiser’s career showcases his talent and versatility, especially with his iconic role as Bernie Lomax in Weekend at Bernie’s. This role helped him achieve significant financial success and made him a household name in the entertainment industry. His ability to excel in both television roles and movie roles has played a big part in his impressive net worth over the years.

What sets Terry apart is his smart approach to financial planning. He made wise career choices that have led to long-term residual earnings and steady income. His wealth reflects the results of a successful and diverse career. Terry’s journey in Hollywood proves that financial security is possible through smart investments and planning in addition to acting roles.

FAQ’s About Terry Kiser

What is Terry Kiser’s net worth in 2025?

Terry Kiser’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $7 million.

What is Terry Kiser’s most famous role?

His most famous role is Bernie Lomax in the comedy classic Weekend at Bernie’s.

How did Terry Kiser’s role in Weekend at Bernie’s impact his earnings?

The role of Bernie Lomax not only solidified Kiser’s place in Hollywood but also continues to provide residual earnings from the film’s box office earnings, DVD residuals, and streaming platforms.