Matthew Laborteaux Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Matthew Laborteaux is an American actor and voice-artist celebrated for his early dramatic work on television and his later voice roles — best known as Albert Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie and a voice actor in animated series and films.

Introduction

Matthew Laborteaux (born December 8, 1966) has traversed a remarkable journey from a challenged childhood to becoming a familiar face on American television and in animation. With an estimated net worth of approximately US$400,000, he remains recognized by fans for his early breakthrough in Little House on the Prairie and for his contributions as a voice actor in animation and video games.  In his personal life, he is married — a fact that adds a human dimension beyond his professional legacy.

Quick Facts

Rising Against the Odds — The Early Life That Shaped a Performer

Born in Los Angeles on December 8, 1966, Matthew was adopted as an infant by Ronald and Frances Labyorteaux. His early years were marked by serious health and developmental challenges: he was born with a hole in his heart, did not walk until age three, and did not speak until about age five.  Diagnosed as autistic — or “retarded,” as some early reports say — and advised by experts to be institutionalized, Matthew’s future might have looked uncertain. 

However, his adoptive parents refused to give up. They discovered his problems stemmed from low blood sugar, and once his diet was adjusted, his health and behavior improved dramatically. 

Growing up with older adoptive siblings already in show business, Matthew was exposed early to acting. As a young child, he accompanied his brother to auditions — and surprisingly, a casting director offered him a chance. To his mother’s amazement, Matthew didn’t react with a tantrum, but rather walked in and accepted the audition. That bold step set him on a path in entertainment. 

Defining moments in Matthew Laborteaux’s journey include:

• Overcoming serious childhood health and developmental challenges through early medical intervention and family support.

• Getting discovered as a child actor by accompanying his brother to a casting call, leading to early roles.

• Landing a significant role on Little House on the Prairie, which provided stability and exposure. 

How Work Built His Wealth — Core Pillars Behind the Net Worth

The core pillars of Matthew Laborteaux’s wealth include:

• Television acting earnings: His role as Albert Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie from the late 1970s into the early 1980s provided his foundational income. 

• Voice acting for animation and video games: As he transitioned into adulthood, Matthew leveraged his voice — contributing to animated films, series, and video games.

• Legacy residuals and appearances: Periodic reunions, cast events, and legacy royalties from his early work continue contributing to his financial standing. 

While no public record suggests major business ventures or billionaire-level investments, these streams formed the backbone of his publicly estimated net worth.

Relationships & Personal Life — Life Beyond the Screen

Matthew’s personal life reflects the quiet stability many former child stars seek. On July 17, 2020, he married his wife, Leslie. Through marriage he became a stepfather to Leslie’s children, embracing a family life away from the spotlight.

His family background is also noteworthy: he shares a close bond with his brother Patrick Labyorteaux (also an actor), and they once co-founded a charitable organization aimed at helping youth in crisis.

Key insights into Matthew Laborteaux’s relationships and personal life:

• He found long-term companionship and family in his marriage to Leslie.

• He is a stepfather, embracing parental responsibilities outside the limelight.

• With Patrick, he previously co-founded the Youth Rescue Fund, showing an interest in philanthropy and social support for youth.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests — A Quiet Passion Outside Fame

Beyond career success, Matthew Laborteaux leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Gaming and vintage video-game culture: In his youth, Matthew was known as a skilled gamer — he placed 10th in the world championships for the arcade game Centipede, and even became a U.S. champion at a celebrity Pac-Man tournament. 

• Philanthropy and youth support: Through the Youth Rescue Fund, Matthew and his brother channeled their celebrity toward helping runaway and at-risk youth. 

• Privacy and low-key public presence: Unlike many former child stars, Matthew has largely kept a modest profile in adult life — eschewing the tabloid spotlight, focusing on family and personal passions rather than public self-promotion.

Net Worth Breakdown & What Shapes It

Note: The publicly available figure likely reflects conservative estimates. Many factors — unreported residuals, private investments or finances — may not be captured, but the $400,000 figure is widely cited in public databases.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence — More Than a Child Star

Matthew Laborteaux’s name still carries weight among fans of classic television and animation. His journey — from a child overcoming severe developmental obstacles to a productive actor and voice artist — resonates as a story of resilience.

In the broader industry, he stands as an example of a child star who transitioned into adulthood without scandal, relying on talent and a willingness to evolve. His work on Little House on the Prairie remains iconic in classic-TV culture, and his voice work in animation and games maintains his relevance among newer audiences.

As someone who co-founded a charitable foundation in his youth, Matthew also demonstrates how early fame can be leveraged for social impact — even if that chapter is largely in the past. 

Closing Thoughts

The story of Matthew Laborteaux is one of quiet strength and sustained craft. From a fragile childhood to a successful acting and voice-over career, he has navigated challenges with resilience and dignity. With a publicly estimated net worth of roughly US$400,000, a stable family life, and a legacy that spans beloved television and voice roles, he remains a testament to longevity and adaptability in entertainment.

On the merits of his early breakthroughs, enduring credits, and personal resilience, Matthew Laborteaux continues to embody the heartfelt journey of a child star who grew up — on screen, off screen, and within life itself.