What is Judith Light’s Net Worth?

Judith Light, an American actress, has a net worth of $16 million. She made her Broadway debut in 1970 and rose to fame after starring in the revival of “A Doll’s House.”

Light later transitioned to television and gained critical acclaim for her role in the soap opera “One Life to Live,” winning two Daytime Emmy Awards. She continued to appear in various TV series and was recognized with further Emmy nominations, while also advancing her stage career with multiple Broadway plays.

In 2019, Light received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is also known for her activism work, particularly in the areas of LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness.

Judith Light’s Early Life and Education

Judith Ellen Light was born on February 9th, 1949 in Trenton, New Jersey. She was raised in a Jewish household and graduated from high school in 1966. Light attended Carnegie Mellon University where she studied acting and earned a degree in drama after a rigorous few years in college.

Judith Light’s Stage Career

Judith Light started her acting career in 1970 with a role in Richard III at the California Shakespeare Festival. She gained recognition with her performance in the Broadway production of A Doll’s House in 1975. Over the years, she appeared in several stage productions, including Herzl and worked with theatre companies like the Milwaukee Repertory Theater and the Seattle Repertory Theatre.

Judith Light’s Career Turnaround with “One Life to Live”

By the end of the 70s, Judith Light was struggling to land acting roles and considered quitting altogether due to financial difficulties. However, she reluctantly auditioned for “One Life to Live” in 1977 and was cast in the main role of Karen Wolek. Not only did the role offer excellent compensation, but it also allowed Light to showcase her acting skills as her character dealt with alcoholism and prostitution. Her performances helped the series become highly rated in the late 70s and early 80s.

In 1980, Light won her first Daytime Emmy Award for “Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series” for a memorable scene in which her character admits to the town that she is a prostitute. The scene is still used as an example by acting instructors. Light won another Emmy award for the same role the following year.

Judith Light’s Career Highlights

Judith Light left “One Life to Live” in 1983 and landed a role in “St. Elsewhere.” She later played Angela Bower in the successful ABC sitcom “Who’s the Boss?” and starred in various TV films like “Stamp of a Killer,” “The Ryan White Story,” and “Wife, Mother Murderer.” Light also starred in the ABC sitcom “Phenom” and the short-lived CBS sitcom “The Simple Life.” She continued to appear in made-for-TV films like “Men Don’t Tell” and “Too Close to Home.” In 1999, Judith returned to the stage with an off-Broadway production of “Wit,” where she shaved her head to play the role of a cancer patient.

Judith Light’s Career Highlights

Judith Light’s career took off in the 2000s with appearances in TV series such as “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Ugly Betty.” She also focused on movies and received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the Broadway play “Lombardi.” In the 2010s, Light gained recognition for her roles in series like “Dallas” and “Transparent” and appeared on Broadway once again with “Therese Raquin” in 2015. Her performance in the FX series “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” earned her critical praise and another Emmy Award nomination in 2018. Light also booked a guest-starring role in the Netflix series “The Politician” before joining the main cast in 2020.

Judith Light’s Personal Life

Judith Light married Robert Desiderio, a television actor, in 1985. However, the couple no longer reside together. Light currently lives in New York City, while Robert lives in Southern California. Additionally, Light owns property in Beverly Hills and Aspen, Colorado.

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