The entertainment industry has witnessed countless talented individuals who have left an indelible mark on television and film, and Patrick Labyorteaux stands among those who have successfully navigated both the demands of childhood stardom and the transition to adult roles. With a career spanning over four decades, Labyorteaux has accumulated both professional acclaim and financial success. Understanding Patrick Labyorteaux's net worth provides insight into not only his monetary achievements but also his diverse contributions to the entertainment world as an actor, writer, producer, and voice artist. This comprehensive analysis explores the multifaceted career and financial standing of one of Hollywood's most enduring talents.
Who is Patrick Labyorteaux?
Patrick Francis Labyorteaux, born on July 22, 1965, is an American actor best known for his roles as Andrew "Andy" Garvey on the NBC series Little House on the Prairie and as Bud Roberts on the CBS series JAG and NCIS. Throughout his extensive career, Labyorteaux has demonstrated remarkable versatility, transitioning seamlessly from child actor to accomplished adult performer while also expanding his repertoire to include writing, producing, and voice acting. His work has touched multiple generations of television audiences, making him a recognizable figure in American entertainment.
Beyond his on-screen presence, Labyorteaux has established himself as a creative force behind the camera. Together with his wife, Tina Albanese, he created, executive-produced, and wrote the Nick at Nite original series See Dad Run, starring Scott Baio, which ran for three seasons and 55 episodes. This entrepreneurial spirit has significantly contributed to his overall career success and financial standing. His ability to wear multiple hats in the entertainment industry demonstrates not only his talent but also his business acumen, factors that have undoubtedly influenced his net worth over the years.
Origins and Background
Patrick Labyorteaux's journey to Hollywood success began under extraordinary circumstances. He was born in Los Angeles, California, to unknown biological parents and was adopted at nine months old by Ronald "Ron" Labyorteaux, a talent agent, and Frances Mae "Frankie" Labyorteaux, an actress who used the stage name Frances Marshall. The story of his adoption is particularly poignant, as his adoptive mother commented that when they first met Labyorteaux, he was suffering from malnutrition and had been labeled "unadoptable" by social workers. This challenging beginning makes his subsequent success all the more remarkable and inspiring.
Growing up in a family deeply connected to the entertainment industry proved instrumental in shaping Labyorteaux's career path. His father's work as a talent agent and his mother's experience as an actress provided him with unique insights into the business from an early age. His brother Matthew Labyorteaux was also adopted by Ronald and Frances in 1967, when he was ten months old, and would also pursue a successful acting career. The supportive family environment and industry connections gave Patrick the foundation he needed to begin his acting career as a child, starting with commercials and small roles that would eventually lead to more significant opportunities.
Achievements, Impact, and Significance
Patrick Labyorteaux's career achievements span multiple decades and various entertainment media. His breakthrough role came in 1977 when he was cast as Andrew "Andy" Garvey on Little House on the Prairie, a role he played from 1977 to 1981. This iconic family drama gave him national recognition and established him as a talented young actor capable of delivering emotionally resonant performances. The show's enduring popularity through syndication has meant that new generations continue to discover his work, maintaining his relevance in popular culture.
However, it was his portrayal of Bud Roberts on JAG that truly cemented Labyorteaux's status as a television mainstay. He played Lieutenant Commander Bud Roberts from 1995 to 2005, a role he later reprised in three episodes of JAG's spin-off, NCIS. This character became beloved by audiences for his earnestness, loyalty, and growth throughout the series. The role presented unique challenges, particularly when the character lost his leg in the storyline, requiring Labyorteaux to deliver performances that were both physically demanding and emotionally authentic. His work on JAG demonstrated his maturity as an actor and his ability to anchor a long-running series.
Beyond his most famous television roles, Labyorteaux has built an impressive filmography. He appeared in the 1987 comedy film Summer School as football player Kevin Winchester alongside future JAG costar Mark Harmon, and in the 1988 cult film Heathers as Ram Sweeney. These roles showcased his range and willingness to take on diverse characters. His voice acting work has also been extensive, including performances in animated series such as Spider-Man: The Animated Series and Godzilla: The Series, demonstrating his versatility across different performance mediums.
Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
When examining Patrick Labyorteaux's net worth, various estimates have been published over the years, reflecting the difficulty in precisely calculating celebrity wealth. According to multiple sources, Patrick Labyorteaux's net worth is estimated at $5 million, though some estimates range between $2 million $5 million, and other sources suggest his net worth could be as high as $10 million. These variations reflect different methodologies in calculating celebrity net worth and the challenge of accounting for all income sources, investments, and assets. The consensus among financial analysts places his wealth in the mid-single-digit millions, a testament to his sustained career success.
The financial foundation of Labyorteaux's wealth stems from multiple revenue streams. His primary income source has been his acting work, particularly his long-running role on JAG. Television actors in successful series typically earn substantial salaries per episode, and with JAG running for ten seasons, this represented a significant income period. Additionally, residual payments from syndication have provided ongoing income. Residuals are payments made to actors each time their work is reused, such as when a movie or television show is aired on television or streaming services, providing actors with a steady stream of income long after they have finished working on a project. Given the continued popularity of both Little House on the Prairie and JAG in syndication, these residuals likely constitute a meaningful portion of his net worth.
His work as a producer and writer has also contributed significantly to his financial portfolio. Creating and producing original content, such as See Dad Run, not only provided direct income but also offered potential ownership stakes in the intellectual property. Writers and producers often receive ongoing payments when their shows are renewed, syndicated, or sold to streaming platforms. His voice acting work, while perhaps less lucrative than on-camera roles, has provided additional income diversity, insulating him from the financial volatility that can affect actors who rely solely on one type of work.
Public Recognition and Influence
Patrick Labyorteaux's influence extends beyond his on-screen performances into meaningful philanthropic work. In 1992, he and his brother Matthew Labyorteaux, with whom he founded the Youth Rescue Fund, a charity dedicated to helping runaways, appeared before a House sub-committee to plead the case of runaways and raised $11 million for youth shelters across America. This remarkable achievement demonstrates his commitment to social causes and his ability to leverage his celebrity status for positive change. The Youth Rescue Fund's success in raising substantial funds for vulnerable youth showcases its dedication to making a tangible difference in people's lives.
His public recognition has also been sustained through his continued engagement with the entertainment community. In 2024-2025, Labyorteaux launched The Patrick LabyorSheaux podcast, hosting interviews with celebrities and Hollywood insiders. This venture has allowed him to maintain visibility in the industry while sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights from his decades in entertainment. The podcast demonstrates his evolution with media trends and his ability to adapt to new platforms, ensuring his continued relevance in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.
Financial or Career Metrics
Analyzing the specific financial metrics of Patrick Labyorteaux's career reveals the diverse nature of his income sources. His tenure on JAG alone, spanning a decade from 1995 to 2005, would have provided substantial earnings. Major television series regulars during that era could earn anywhere from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands per episode, depending on the show's success and the actor's negotiating power. While specific salary figures for Labyorteaux's JAG work aren't publicly available, the show's popularity and long run suggest significant compensation.
The production and writing work he has undertaken represents another important financial metric. He served as creator, writer, and executive producer for See Dad Run from 2012 to 2015, roles that typically command substantial fees and potential profit participation. Executive producers often receive a percentage of a show's profits, which can become quite lucrative if the show performs well or is sold to syndication or streaming platforms. His screenplay work, including co-writing Hollywood Palms, has also contributed to his overall earnings, though independent film projects typically generate more modest returns compared to major studio productions.
Voice acting has provided another revenue stream throughout his career. While voice work generally pays less than on-camera acting per project, the lower time commitment allows actors to take on multiple projects simultaneously. His voice work in prominent animated series would have provided steady supplemental income over the years. Additionally, his recent ventures, including the Working Actors School, represent entrepreneurial efforts to monetize his expertise and experience, creating new income streams as he enters a different phase of his career.
Challenges, Controversies, or Public Opinions
Throughout his career, Patrick Labyorteaux has maintained a relatively controversy-free public image, which is notable given his decades in the spotlight. However, his career has not been without its challenges. One interesting aspect of his JAG role involved public confusion about his character's storyline. Near the end of the series, Labyorteaux's character Bud Roberts lost his leg, leading to persistent rumors online that the actor had actually lost his leg in real life, which he has had to repeatedly clarify is not the case. This confusion, while minor, demonstrates how deeply audiences connected with his portrayal and the blurred lines between actor and character.
More recently, in December 2024, on the YouTube channel "Working Actors School," Labyorteaux claimed that while enrolled at a school for child actors at Universal Studios, his former Little House costar Jason Bateman would throw garbage at him and bully him. This revelation about his childhood experiences in the industry provided a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by young actors, even on beloved family shows. While not a controversy in the traditional sense, this disclosure highlighted the less glamorous realities of child stardom and sparked discussions about the treatment of young performers in Hollywood.
The acting profession itself presents inherent challenges, including periods of unemployment, typecasting, and the difficulty of maintaining relevance as the industry evolves. Labyorteaux's ability to transition from child actor to adult roles, and then into behind-the-camera work, suggests he successfully navigated these common industry challenges. His willingness to take on diverse roles, from comedy to drama to voice acting, demonstrates the adaptability necessary for long-term success in entertainment.
Personal Life and Related Influences
Patrick Labyorteaux's personal life has been notably stable, particularly by Hollywood standards. He has been married to Tina Albanese, a television producer, since 1998, and they have one child, a son named Jeau Bennett Labyorteaux, born in 2001. This long-term marriage to someone within the entertainment industry has likely provided both personal support and professional collaboration opportunities. Their partnership extends beyond their personal relationship, as evidenced by their joint creation of See Dad Run, demonstrating how their shared understanding of the industry has led to creative synergy.
His family background and adoption story have shaped his perspective and influenced his philanthropic work. The Youth Rescue Fund, which he co-founded with his brother, may well have been inspired by their own experiences as adopted children and their understanding of vulnerable youth. His adoptive parents' influence cannot be overstated, as they provided the support, connections, and encouragement necessary for him to pursue and sustain an entertainment career. The fact that both he and his brother Matthew found success in acting suggests their parents created an environment that nurtured their talents while providing the stability necessary to navigate the challenges of child stardom.
Beyond his immediate family, Labyorteaux has maintained connections with his fellow actors from various projects throughout his career. His podcast features many of his former colleagues, suggesting he has cultivated lasting relationships in the industry. These connections not only enrich his personal life but also contribute to his professional network, which can lead to new opportunities and collaborations. His involvement with The Groundlings comedy troupe further demonstrates his commitment to honing his craft and staying connected to the creative community.
Current Status and Updates
As of 2025, Patrick Labyorteaux remains active in the entertainment industry, though his focus has shifted somewhat from on-camera work to other pursuits. His podcast, The Patrick LabyorSheaux Show with Patrick Labyorteaux, which began in 2024, has already produced 37 episodes, featuring interviews with various celebrities and entertainment industry professionals. The podcast has received a positive reception, with guests including prominent figures like Carol Burnett, demonstrating Labyorteaux's continued ability to attract high-profile participants and engage audiences.
His most recent acting work includes appearances in contemporary series. According to recent information, he has worked on projects for streaming platforms, including the Apple TV+ show "For All Mankind" and the Paramount+ series "The Offer," showing his adaptation to the streaming era of television. These appearances, while perhaps not as prominent as his JAG role, demonstrate his continued presence in the industry and willingness to take on diverse projects.
Perhaps most significantly, Labyorteaux has established the Working Actors School, an online educational platform where he shares his decades of experience with aspiring and working actors. This venture represents both a new income stream and a way to give back to the acting community by providing practical, on-set experience and industry knowledge. The school's emphasis on real-world application rather than theoretical training reflects its pragmatic approach to the craft and business of acting. This educational initiative ensures his influence will extend to the next generation of performers, creating a legacy beyond his on-screen work.
Conclusion
Patrick Labyorteaux's net worth, estimated between $5 million and $10 million, reflects a career characterized by longevity, diversity, and smart professional choices. From his challenging beginnings as an adopted child labeled "unadoptable" to becoming a beloved television actor, successful producer, and entrepreneur, his journey embodies the American success story. His financial success stems not from a single blockbuster role or viral moment but from decades of consistent work across multiple entertainment mediums, demonstrating the value of versatility and adaptability in a notoriously unpredictable industry.
More importantly, Labyorteaux's story illustrates that net worth encompasses more than just monetary value. His contributions to children's television through Little House on the Prairie, his portrayal of a beloved character on JAG, his philanthropic work with the Youth Rescue Fund, and his current efforts to educate aspiring actors all represent forms of wealth that transcend financial metrics. He has built a career that has touched millions of viewers, supported important causes, and continues to evolve with the changing media landscape.
As he continues to expand his podcast, grow the Working Actors School, and selectively take on acting roles, Patrick Labyorteaux demonstrates that success in entertainment requires constant reinvention and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. His net worth, while substantial, is perhaps less significant than the enduring impact of his work and the example he sets for navigating a long-term career in one of the world's most challenging industries. For aspiring actors and entertainment professionals, his career offers valuable lessons in resilience, diversification, and the importance of building a multifaceted professional identity.
FAQs:
What is Patrick Labyorteaux's estimated net worth in 2025?
Patrick Labyorteaux's net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $10 million as of 2025. The variation in estimates reflects different calculation methodologies and the difficulty in precisely determining celebrity wealth. His fortune has been accumulated through decades of acting work, particularly his long-running roles on Little House on the Prairie and JAG, as well as his work as a producer, writer, and voice actor.
What are Patrick Labyorteaux's most famous roles?
Patrick Labyorteaux is best known for two major television roles: Andrew "Andy" Garvey on NBC's Little House on the Prairie from 1977 to 1981, and Lieutenant Commander Bud Roberts on CBS's JAG from 1995 to 2005. He also reprised the Bud Roberts character in three episodes of NCIS. Additionally, he appeared in notable films including Summer School (1987), Heathers (1989), and 3 Ninjas (1992).
Is Patrick Labyorteaux still acting?
Yes, Patrick Labyorteaux continues to act, though his focus has expanded to include other entertainment ventures. He has appeared in recent projects for streaming platforms, including Apple TV+'s "For All Mankind" and Paramount+'s "The Offer." He is also actively producing and hosting his podcast, The Patrick LabyorSheaux with Patrick Labyorteaux Show, and running the Working Actors School, an online educational platform for actors.
What philanthropic work has Patrick Labyorteaux done?
Patrick Labyorteaux co-founded the Youth Rescue Fund with his brother Matthew Labyorteaux, a charity dedicated to helping runaway youth. In 1992, the brothers appeared before a House sub-committee to advocate for runaways and successfully raised $11 million for youth shelters across America. This philanthropic work demonstrates his commitment to using his celebrity status to support vulnerable young people.
Who is Patrick Labyorteaux married to, and does he have children?
Patrick Labyorteaux has been married to Tina Albanese, a television producer, since October 3, 1998. The couple has one son together, Jeau Bennett Labyorteaux, who was born in 2001. Patrick and Tina have also collaborated professionally, co-creating, executive producing, and writing the Nick at Nite series See Dad Run, which starred Scott Baio and ran from 2012 to 2015.