Amanda Bearse is more than just a familiar face from television—she is a multifaceted figure in Hollywood known for her work as an actress, director, and advocate. From breaking barriers as one of the first actresses to come out publicly as a lesbian, to accumulating wealth through both acting and directing, Bearse has maintained a consistent presence in the entertainment world. In this detailed look at Amanda Bearse Net Worth, we will explore her life, achievements, and the wealth she has earned through decades of dedicated work.
Who is Amanda Bearse?
Amanda Bearse is an American actress, director, and comedian, widely recognized for her portrayal of Marcy Rhoades D’Arcy in the long-running sitcom Married… with Children. Born on August 9, 1958, in Winter Park, Florida, Bearse’s path to stardom began with theater and led to both television and film.
Her legacy in the entertainment industry is marked by more than just on-screen appearances. She has also become a respected director, especially in sitcom television, and has played a significant role in LGBTQ+ advocacy over the years. Whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera, Bearse’s influence is undeniable.
Amanda Bearse Net Worth (2017 to 2025)
Between 2017 and 2025, Amanda Bearse Net Worth has shown significant growth. In 2017, Estimated Amanda Bearse Net Worth was approximately $2 million. As of 2025, it is widely believed to be in the range of $8 million to $16 million, depending on the source.
Key Contributors to Her Wealth:
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Television royalties from her hit show Married… with Children.
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Directorial fees from working on sitcoms like Reba, Dharma & Greg, and The Big Gay Sketch Show.
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Speaking engagements and LGBTQ+ advocacy work.
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Recent acting roles and film appearances such as Bros (2022).
This financial growth reflects a career that has been both steady and diverse—traits that are increasingly rare in Hollywood careers that span multiple decades.
Amanda Bearse Career & Life Overview
Early Years & Entry into Acting
Amanda Bearse studied acting at Rollins College and later trained at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City. Her first major role came on the soap opera All My Children (1982–1983), which helped her gain a foothold in the competitive entertainment world.
Breakthrough: Fright Night and Married… with Children
In 1985, Bearse gained international attention with the cult horror film Fright Night, where she played Amy Peterson. However, it was her role as Marcy Rhoades D’Arcy on Married… with Children (1987–1997) that made her a household name. Her comic timing and chemistry with co-stars kept the show on air for 11 years and earned her critical acclaim.
Transition to Directing
While still working on Married… with Children, Amanda Bearse began directing episodes of the show. She further honed her skills at the American Film Institute and USC, eventually moving full-time into directing.
She has directed episodes of popular shows such as:
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Reba
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Dharma & Greg
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Veronica’s Closet
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MADtv
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The Big Gay Sketch Show
Her success as a female director, particularly in the male-dominated world of sitcoms, is a major component of Amanda Bearse Net Worth and her legacy.
Return to Acting
After focusing on directing for a time, Bearse returned to acting in the 2010s and 2020s with appearances in:
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Drop Dead Diva (2011)
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Anger Management (2013)
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Sky Sharks (2020)
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Bros (2022), where she played a supporting role in this groundbreaking LGBTQ+ romantic comedy.
Amanda Bearse Partner: Carrie Schenken
One of the most admired aspects of Amanda Bearse’s life is her openness about her identity. In 1993, she came out publicly as a lesbian—a bold move in the early ’90s entertainment world. That same year, she adopted a daughter.
Amanda Bearse later married Carrie Schenken, a camera technician, in 2010. The couple has kept a relatively low profile while supporting each other’s careers and raising their family. Carrie has been a consistent support system throughout Amanda’s public and professional life.
Amanda Bearse Movies and TV Shows
🎬 Movies:
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Fright Night (1985) – Her breakout film role.
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The Doom Generation (1995) – An indie cult hit.
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Sky Sharks (2020) – A quirky action-horror flick.
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Bros (2022) – A widely acclaimed LGBTQ+ rom-com.
📺 TV Shows:
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All My Children (1982–1983) – Her TV debut.
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Married… with Children (1987–1997) – Her most iconic role.
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Dharma & Greg – Directed multiple episodes.
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Reba – Another notable sitcom she directed.
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The Big Gay Sketch Show – Helped shape the show’s direction and tone.
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Drop Dead Diva, Anger Management, and others – She returned to acting with these roles in the 2010s and beyond.
Her filmography is a rich blend of comedy, horror, and drama, proving that Amanda Bearse is a versatile talent both in front of and behind the camera.
Awards and Recognition
Though she hasn’t won major mainstream acting awards, Bearse has been a trailblazer in many ways:
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Among the first openly lesbian actresses on primetime television.
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Directed 31 episodes of Married… with Children, a rare feat for a sitcom actress at the time.
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Recognized by LGBTQ+ organizations for her contributions to visibility and representation.
Her contributions have gone beyond entertainment; she’s been a cultural figure of empowerment and resilience.
Amanda Bearse: A Legacy of Creativity and Courage
Amanda Bearse’s life and career are a study in adaptability, resilience, and groundbreaking advocacy. Whether it’s through her memorable roles, successful transition to directing, or her role as an LGBTQ+ pioneer, Bearse has always charted her own path.
From 2017 to 2025, her consistent involvement in entertainment and return to screen roles has helped increase Amanda Bearse Net Worth significantly. What truly stands out, though, is not just the number in her bank account, but the lives she’s influenced and the walls she’s helped break down in Hollywood.
🔚 Final Note from Mating Press
At Mating Press, we celebrate public figures like Amanda Bearse not only for their financial success but also for the unique impact they have made across multiple dimensions of life—creativity, representation, and leadership. Her journey remains a source of inspiration to many, and Amanda Bearse Net Worth reflects a career built on more than just fame—it’s built on purpose.
