Susan Harris Net Worth

What is Susan Harris' net worth?

Susan Harris is an American television comedy writer and producer who has a net worth of $100 million.

Susan Harris stands as one of television's most influential writer-producers, creating groundbreaking sitcoms that redefined American comedy in the 1970s and 1980s. Best known for creating "The Golden Girls," Harris built a remarkable career crafting shows that tackled controversial social issues with humor and sensitivity. Her company, Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions, became a powerhouse in television, producing hits like "Soap," "Benson," and "Empty Nest." Harris distinguished herself by writing complex, three-dimensional female characters at a time when women were often relegated to supporting roles. Her work earned her numerous Emmy nominations, a Writers Guild of America Award, and induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. Though she retired from television in the early 1990s, Harris's legacy endures through her innovative storytelling and her willingness to push boundaries in network television.

Early Life and Career

Born Susan Spivak on October 28, 1940, in Mount Vernon, New York, Harris began her career as a freelance writer in the late 1960s. Her early writing credits included episodes for popular shows like "Love, American Style" and "All in the Family." Her talent for sharp dialogue and character development quickly caught the attention of industry executives, including producer Norman Lear, who became an important mentor in her early career.

Harris's breakthrough came when she wrote a controversial two-part episode of "Maude" in 1972 that dealt with abortion, becoming the first primetime television show to address the topic. The episode aired just months before the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision and demonstrated Harris's willingness to tackle sensitive social issues through comedy.

Creating "Soap" and Pushing Boundaries

In 1977, Harris created "Soap," a satirical sitcom that parodied daytime soap operas while addressing taboo subjects including homosexuality, infidelity, impotence, and interracial relationships. The show sparked significant controversy before it even aired, with religious groups organizing boycotts of the network and its sponsors. Despite the backlash, "Soap" ran for four seasons and developed a devoted following, establishing Harris as a fearless creative force willing to challenge television conventions.

The show was also notable for featuring one of television's first recurring gay characters, Jodie Dallas, played by Billy Crystal. Though the portrayal may seem dated by modern standards, it represented a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ representation on network television.

"The Golden Girls" and Lasting Impact

Harris's crowning achievement came in 1985 with the creation of "The Golden Girls," a sitcom centered on four older women sharing a home in Miami. The show was revolutionary for its focus on female friendship and for portraying older women as vibrant, sexual beings with full lives ahead of them. "The Golden Girls" won multiple Emmy Awards and maintained high ratings throughout its seven-season run.

What made the show particularly remarkable was Harris's ability to balance humor with poignant explorations of aging, loneliness, and family dynamics. The show addressed AIDS, same-sex marriage, and elder care at a time when these topics were rarely discussed on primetime television.

Production Company and Business Acumen

Together with producers Paul Junger Witt and Tony Thomas, Harris formed Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions, which became one of the most successful independent production companies of its era. The company produced several successful spin-offs from Harris's original creations, including "Benson" (from "Soap") and "Empty Nest" (from "The Golden Girls").

Harris was known for maintaining creative control over her shows, often writing many episodes herself to ensure quality and consistency of vision. Her business savvy, combined with her creative talents, made her one of the most powerful women in television production during the 1980s.

Personal Life and Legacy

From 1965 to 1969, Susan was married to Berkeley Harris. Their son, Sam Harris, would eventually go on to become a successful author, podcaster and neuroscientist. Susan married television producer Paul Junger Witt in 1983, and they remained together until his death in 2018. She largely retired from television writing in the early 1990s after the conclusion of "The Golden Girls," choosing to step away at the height of her success and influence.

Brentwood Mansion

In 2000, Susan paid $5 million for a 10,000-square-foot mansion set on three acres. Today this property is likely worth $20 million.