Lea Delaria has made waves in the entertainment industry. Known for her roles in acting, comedy, and jazz, her financial success reflects her diverse career.
In this article, Ando Money breaks down Lea Delaria net worth and how her work in Broadway, Orange Is the New Black, and music has contributed to her earnings.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Lea DeLaria |
| Popular Name | Lea DeLaria |
| Gender | Female |
| Birth Date | May 23, 1958 |
| Age | 65 |
| Parents | Robert George DeLaria, Jerry Jean Cox |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Birthplace | Belleville, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian (Paternal side) |
| Education | Catholic elementary school |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Dating | N/A (previously engaged to Chelsea Fairless) |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Comedy, Jazz |
| Height | 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) |
What is the Net Worth of Lea Delaria in 2024?
Lea Delaria’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million as of 2024. Her career spans acting, comedy, and jazz music, making her a versatile entertainer.
She is known for her role in Orange Is the New Black, along with her contributions to Broadway and jazz albums.
While her net worth is impressive, it’s lower compared to some of her contemporaries in the entertainment industry. Here’s a look at some other notable figures in similar fields:
- Arsenio Hall
- Uzo Aduba
- Samira Wiley
- John Larroquette
- Drew Carey
- Dascha Polanco
- Ian Shaw
- Alysia Reiner
- Maggie Cassella
To see where she ranks among the wealthiest performers, check out our feature on the richest comedians.
Salary and Finance Overview
How She Built Her Wealth Through Acting and Comedy
Lea Delaria‘s financial success comes primarily from her extensive career in acting and comedy.
She first gained public attention when she broke barriers as the first openly gay comic on The Arsenio Hall Show in 1993.
Since then, her stand-up comedy specials, particularly on Comedy Central, have contributed significantly to her income.
However, her most prominent role came in Orange Is the New Black, where she portrayed Carrie “Big Boo” Black from 2013 to 2019, elevating her career and bringing in substantial earnings.
Her raunchy, bold comedy style, combined with her powerful presence, made her a standout in both the LGBTQ+ community and mainstream media.
This exposure led to her involvement in various TV shows, including guest appearances on Friends and Will & Grace, further boosting her earnings.
Impact of Her Broadway and Film Performances on Her Earnings
Broadway has been another significant source of income for her. She has taken on key roles in productions like The Rocky Horror Show and the more recent POTUS.
These Broadway performances helped diversify her income and establish her as a multifaceted performer, enhancing her financial portfolio.
Film appearances in movies like The First Wives Club and Edge of Seventeen also provided additional sources of income, though less substantial compared to her television and Broadway earnings.
Each of these contributions helped Lea maintain a steady stream of revenue throughout her career.
Contributions of Her Jazz Music Career to Her Income
Lea Delaria’s jazz career is another essential aspect of her financial success. She has released several jazz albums, including Play It Cool and Double Standards.
Her jazz performances and album sales have brought in revenue, especially from niche markets that appreciate her fusion of traditional and modern be-bop jazz.
Although jazz might not be her primary source of wealth, it showcases her versatility and contributes to her steady income.
Touring and live performances also brought additional financial gains.
Awards and Recognition
Lea’s achievements in the entertainment industry were further cemented when she received the Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance in Orange Is the New Black.
Awards and recognition have helped her gain a broader audience and increased her earning potential.
Winning prestigious awards has not only brought Lea more acting opportunities but has also enhanced her overall value as an entertainer.
Recognition like the Equality Illinois Freedom Award has further elevated her public profile.
Television and Voice Acting Work
In addition to her on-screen work, she has found success in voice acting. Notable voice roles include Helga Phugly in The Oblongs and EJ Randell in Clarence.
Voice work, although not as high-profile as her acting roles, has provided a steady stream of income over the years.
These roles, combined with her frequent guest appearances on popular TV shows like Friends and Matlock, have rounded out her career and ensured a diversified income.
How Her Personal Life and Engagements
Lea’s personal life, particularly her engagement to Chelsea Fairless, has also attracted media attention, further boosting her public profile.
The engagement brought her into the spotlight beyond her professional life.
Although the engagement ended in 2017, the public interest surrounding her relationships and life as an LGBTQ+ icon continues to contribute to her visibility, which indirectly impacts her financial success.
The Role of LGBTQ+ Advocacy in Enhancing Her Public Image
She has been a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ advocacy, often incorporating this into her work.
Her career has been shaped by her unapologetic identity as a “butch dyke,” making her an influential figure in the community.
This has not only increased her visibility but has also opened doors for partnerships, endorsements, and other financial opportunities.
Her advocacy has cemented her role as a public figure beyond the entertainment industry, with financial benefits that extend into endorsements and partnerships that support LGBTQ+ causes.
Future Projects and Potential Earnings Growth
Looking ahead, she continues to be a dynamic force in entertainment. Future acting roles, Broadway performances, and potential new music projects are likely to increase her earnings.
As her career evolves, it’s likely we will see continued financial growth, particularly with her unique blend of acting, comedy, and music keeping her relevant in the industry.
FAQs about Lea Delaria
How did she become famous?
Lea Delaria gained fame as the first openly gay comic to appear on a late-night talk show, specifically The Arsenio Hall Show in 1993.
What are her most notable roles?
Lea is best known for her role as Carrie “Big Boo” Black on Orange Is the New Black and for her performances in Broadway shows like The Rocky Horror Show.
Has she won any major awards?
Yes, she has won a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance in Orange Is the New Black and received the Equality Illinois Freedom Award in 2015.
What are her other career highlights besides acting?
In addition to acting, she has released several jazz albums and has a successful stand-up comedy career, with two comedy albums to her name.
Who was she engaged to?
Lea was engaged to fashion editor Chelsea Fairless in 2015, though the engagement ended in 2017.
What type of music does she perform?
Lea is known for performing be-bop jazz, and she has released multiple jazz albums throughout her career.
What kind of roles has she voiced?
Lea has voiced characters in several animated shows, including Helga Phugly in The Oblongs and EJ Randell in Clarence.
What is her background in Broadway?
Lea has appeared in multiple Broadway productions, including notable performances in The Rocky Horror Show and POTUS.
How has she contributed to LGBTQ+ advocacy?
Lea has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, often incorporating her identity into her comedy and public appearances, making her a significant figure in the community.
Does she have any upcoming projects?
Lea is expected to continue working on both stage and screen, with potential new music projects on the horizon.
Conclusion
Lea Delaria’s career is a testament to her versatility as an entertainer. Feel free to leave a comment, share this article, or read more on Ando Money’s website.
