Carol Lawrence is best known for originating the role of Maria in West Side Story on Broadway. Her decades-long career spans theater, television, and even cookbook publishing.
But how much has she earned from these ventures? Many wonder about her financial background, salary, and wealth management.
While exact figures remain undisclosed, Carol Lawrence’s income sources include Broadway performances, TV roles, and book sales. This article will explore Carol Lawrence net worth, her career earnings, and financial status in 2025.
Carol Lawrence Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Carolina Maria Laraia |
| Popular Name | Carol Lawrence |
| Birth Date | September 5, 1932 |
| Age (As of 03/18/2025) | 92 |
| Birthplace | Melrose Park, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian-American |
| Education | Proviso Township High School, Northwestern University (1 year) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse(s) | John Gregory (m. 1982–1983), Robert Goulet (m. 1963–1981), Cosmo Allegretti (m. 1956–1959) |
| Children | 2 (Christopher Goulet, Michael Goulet) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Italian ancestry (Father from Trivigno, Potenza, Italy) |
| Height | 1.65 meters |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Singing, Writing, Television |
What Is the Net Worth of Carol Lawrence in 2025?
Carol Lawrence’s exact net worth is not publicly available, but she remains an iconic figure in the entertainment industry.
Unlike modern Broadway stars, she built her wealth during a different era when salaries were lower. However, her work on stage, television, and publishing has contributed to her financial success.
In comparison, her ex-husband Robert Goulet had an estimated net worth of several million dollars before his passing. Other Broadway legends and TV personalities have accumulated wealth through similar careers, but financial details for actors from her time are often undisclosed.
Related People & Companies
- Robert Goulet
- Broadway theater
- Food Network
- General Hospital (TV show)
- Tony Awards
- West Side Story cast members
- Lauren Bacall
- Barbara Cook
- Lena Horne
- Jason Odell Williams
Looking for more about the most successful stars in entertainment? Check out our list of Hollywood’s wealthiest actors.
Carol Lawrence Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Did She Earn From Broadway and Acting?
Carol Lawrence’s Broadway career skyrocketed with West Side Story in 1957. While actors today can earn six-figure salaries per production, pay structures were different in her era.
Broadway salaries varied, and while lead roles earned more, financial security often depended on continuous work.
Beyond Broadway, she appeared in numerous stage productions, including Funny Girl, I Do! I Do! and Kiss of the Spider Woman.
Her time in musical theater provided steady income, though theater work alone was not always enough to build long-term wealth.
Her transition to television with shows like General Hospital and Murder, She Wrote added another layer of earnings. TV roles generally provided better financial stability than live theater, with recurring roles offering residuals and syndication pay.
What Are Her Main Sources of Income?
Carol Lawrence’s income sources expanded beyond theater. Her financial portfolio included:
- Acting – Broadway, television, and guest appearances
- TV hosting – Chef du Jour on the Food Network
- Book publishing – Carol Lawrence: The Backstage Story and her cookbook I Remember Pasta
- Public speaking & endorsements – Appearances at theater-related events
While acting remained her primary income stream, book sales and TV hosting offered additional revenue.
Did She Earn Money From Television and Film?
Yes, Carol Lawrence earned from her television career, which included:
- General Hospital (1991-1993) – Recurring role
- Rawhide – Guest appearance
- Murder, She Wrote – Guest role
- Sex and the City – Cameo appearance
Television offered a more stable paycheck compared to Broadway. While she never transitioned fully into Hollywood films, her TV roles helped sustain her career financially.
How Did She Build and Manage Her Wealth?
Carol Lawrence worked across multiple entertainment sectors, which allowed her to sustain financial stability. However, details about her investments, savings, or real estate holdings remain undisclosed.
Celebrities of her era did not have the same financial opportunities as today’s stars, meaning consistent work was key to maintaining wealth. Unlike modern actors who can build wealth through endorsements and social media, her financial strategy relied on diverse career choices.
What Role Did Book Sales and Endorsements Play in Her Finances?
Her autobiography, Carol Lawrence: The Backstage Story, and cookbook, I Remember Pasta, added another income stream through publishing. She also:
- Set cookbook sales records on the Home Shopping Network
- Hosted food-related television segments
- Made appearances on entertainment talk shows to promote her work
While publishing was not her primary income source, these ventures added to her financial portfolio.
Are Her Financial Details Publicly Available?
Unlike modern celebrities, Carol Lawrence has kept her financial details private. There are no confirmed figures for:
- Net worth
- Annual salary
- Investments or real estate
This is common for entertainers from earlier decades, as financial transparency was not a public expectation at the time. However, her career longevity suggests a well-managed financial approach.
Conclusion
Carol Lawrence’s financial legacy is built on Broadway success, television appearances, and publishing. While exact numbers remain unknown, her diverse career ensured long-term financial stability. Want to read more about celebrity finances? Visit andomoney.com for more insights.
What do you think about her financial journey? Let us know in the comments!
