By Jesse Man Terry Wayne Kiser(Terry Kiser Net Worth), the actor behind the iconic Bernie Lomax in Weekend at Bernie’s, has spent over 50 years in Hollywood. At 86, he is celebrated for his physical comedy, financial savvy, and long-lasting presence in film and television.
Kiser’s net worth is around $5 million, built from box office earnings, residual income, and smart investments. By combining recurring TV roles with memorable film characters, he secured long-term financial stability, showing how talent and planning can go hand in hand.
This article explores Kiser’s life, career, movies, TV shows, and net worth, highlighting how his roles, pop culture impact, and fan events contribute to his enduring success.
Terry Kiser Net Worth Profile Summary
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Terry Wayne Kiser |
| Known As | Bernie Lomax (Weekend at Bernie’s) |
| Date of Birth | August 1, 1939 |
| Age | 86 years (2026) |
| Place of Birth | Omaha, Nebraska, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, Comedian, Producer |
| Famous Roles | Weekend at Bernie’s, Three’s Company, Night Court |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Career Span | Over 50 years |
| Notable Awards | Obie Award, Theatre World Award |
| Family | Married, has a daughter |
Early Life and Education
Terry Kiser was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 1, 1939. He grew up in a household that valued both creativity and education. From a young age, he joined school plays and local theater productions, showing early talent in acting.
His athletic ability earned him a football scholarship to the University of Kansas, though he also pursued drama alongside sports.
Kiser graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering and worked as an engineer in Omaha for three years. While balancing spreadsheets by day, he performed in over fifty plays by night. This combination of discipline and work ethic laid the foundation for his future Hollywood career and financial strategy.
The move to New York City marked a turning point. Kiser started with small theater roles, TV appearances, and commercials. In 1967, he won the Obie Award and Theatre World Award for Fortune and Men’s Eyes, gaining recognition as a talented and versatile actor.
Career Highlights and Rise to Fame
During the 1970s and 1980s, Kiser appeared in popular TV shows such as Three’s Company, Night Court, The Golden Girls, and One Day at a Time.
These guest appearances provided steady income and exposure. Shows entering syndication created residual income, demonstrating Kiser’s understanding of long-term financial stability in the entertainment industry.
In 1989, Kiser starred in Weekend at Bernie’s, playing Bernie Lomax, a dead insurance executive humorously manipulated by his employees. The role required impeccable physical comedy, timing, and creativity. Its success led to Weekend at Bernie’s II in 1993, further solidifying his place in pop culture.
The films not only generated box office earnings but also created decades of residual income through DVD sales, streaming platforms, and reruns.
Even today, YouTube videos, memes, and fan conventions continue to bring financial rewards, proving how a single iconic role can shape both cultural and economic legacy (Rich Reveal, 2024).
Financial Profile and Net Worth Breakdown
Terry Kiser diversified his income to ensure long-term security. His wealth comes from multiple sources:
| Income Source | Estimated Contribution | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Acting Career | 40% | Major film and television roles, including guest appearances |
| Residual Income | 25% | Royalties from syndication, streaming, and reruns |
| Investments | 20% | Real estate, stocks, and other ventures |
| Licensing & Endorsements | 10% | Promotional events, licensing deals, minor endorsements |
| Miscellaneous | 5% | Fan conventions, interviews, public appearances |
This mix shows Kiser’s thoughtful approach to financial planning. Acting provided immediate earnings, while residuals and investments ensured long-term stability.
Personal Life, Age, and Physical Attributes
Standing 5 ft 11 in (180 cm), Kiser’s presence enhances his physical comedy. At 86 years old, he maintains an active lifestyle. Despite fame, he keeps a private personal life, focusing on family rather than publicity. He has been married and has a daughter, though details remain discreet (Wikipedia, 2026).
This discretion reflects a broader strategy. Protecting personal life helps maintain career longevity and uninterrupted residual income. Many actors with private lives enjoy longer relevance and financial security.
Influence, Legacy, and Lessons from Kiser’s Career
Terry Kiser shows that versatility matters. Performing across film, television, and theater secured diverse income streams. Roles like Bernie Lomax illustrate how residuals and royalties can generate decades of revenue. Investments in stocks, real estate, and other ventures amplify wealth beyond acting paychecks.
Culturally, Weekend at Bernie’s remains a pop culture touchstone. YouTube videos, memes, and fan events continue to generate income.
Kiser’s career proves that combining creative talent with strategic financial choices leads to lasting success.
Current Life and Financial Strategy
As of 2026, Kiser enjoys a life cushioned by residual income, investments, and his Hollywood legacy. He is retired from regular acting but appears at fan events and conventions. His financial strategy focuses on diversification, long-term planning, and leveraging past roles for sustainable wealth.
Terry Kiser Movies Table
| Year | Movie | Role | Notes / Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Rachel Rachel | Preacher | Early film role |
| 1979 | Fast Charlie… the Moonbeam Ride | Lester Neal | Supporting role |
| 1979 | Rich Kids | Ralph Harris | Drama film |
| 1979 | Steel | Valentino | Action film |
| 1988 | Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood | Dr. Crews | Horror genre |
| 1989 | Weekend at Bernie’s | Bernie Lomax | Iconic physical comedy role |
| 1991 | Mannequin Two: On the Move | Count Gunther Spretzle / Sorcerer | Comedy/fantasy |
| 1993 | Weekend at Bernie’s II | Bernie Lomax | Cult classic sequel |
| 2013 | A Christmas Tree Miracle | Henry Banks | Family/holiday film |
Terry Kiser TV Shows Table
| Year / Period | TV Show | Role | Notes / Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1967–1968 | The Doctors | Dr. John Rice | Early television acting |
| 1970–1971 | The Secret Storm | Cory Boucher | Soap opera role |
| 1970s–1980s | Three’s Company | Guest roles | Comedic timing and exposure |
| 1980s | Night Court | Various | Television appearances |
| 1986 | The Golden Girls | Santa Claus / Don | Memorable guest role |
| 1993 | The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air | Mr. Hosek | Recurring guest |
| 1995–1996 | Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman | H. G. Wells | TV drama |
| 1997 | Walker, Texas Ranger | Charlie Brooks / Maxwell ‘Iceman’ Kronert | Action/guest roles |
| 1999 | Will & Grace | Carl | Comedy guest role |
FAQs
What is Terry Kiser’s net worth?
He has an estimated $5 million from acting, residuals, and investments.
How old is Terry Kiser?
He was born on August 1, 1939, making him 86 years old in 2026.
What is he best known for?
He is famous for playing Bernie Lomax in Weekend at Bernie’s.
Has he acted in TV shows?
Yes, he appeared in Three’s Company, Night Court, and The Golden Girls.
Did he win awards?
Yes, he won the Obie Award and Theatre World Award in 1967.
Conclusion
Terry Kiser has built a remarkable career in Hollywood, with an estimated $5 million net worth. His role as Bernie Lomax in Weekend at Bernie’s made him a pop culture icon.
Kiser’s work in television, movies, and theater created multiple income streams. His smart financial planning, including residuals and investments, ensured long-term stability.
Kiser’s story teaches that versatility, hard work, and strategic choices matter in both career and finance. By combining creative talent with financial foresight, he created a lasting cultural legacy.
Fans continue to enjoy his work, proving that a well-planned career keeps paying off for decades. Terry Kiser is a true example of career longevity and financial success.