Ruta Lee Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Ruta Lee is a Canadian-American actress and dancer whose enduring career in Hollywood’s Golden Age made her a celebrated screen and television presence.

Born on May 30, 1935, Ruta Lee (birth name Ruta Mary Kilmonis) has entertained decades of audiences with memorable performances in film, television, musicals and game shows. Her estimated net worth is approximately US$30 million, and she was married to Texas restaurateur Webster B. “Webb” Lowe Jr. until his death in 2020.

Quick Facts

From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood Screens

Born in Montréal to Lithuanian immigrant parents — a tailor father and a homemaker mother — Ruta Lee spent her earliest years in a modest household shaped by her parents’ hard work and immigrant journey. In 1948, her family moved to Los Angeles, where Lee attended Hollywood High School and later studied at Los Angeles City College and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Her first job in Hollywood was modest: she worked as a cashier and candy-girl at the legendary Grauman’s Chinese Theatre — a job she lost after a $40 cash discrepancy. That setback, however, didn’t halt her ambitions. Soon, she landed small roles in television shows, which led her to the agent who would change her life.

The defining breakthrough came when she was cast — while still billed as Ruta Kilmonis — as one of the brides in the 1954 musical feature film Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The success of that film opened the door to a robust career that would span musicals, dramatic cinema, television series, and game shows.

Defining moments in Ruta Lee’s journey include:

• Landing the role in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers straight from small-theater work.

• Transitioning successfully from musicals to dramatic and Western films such as Witness for the Prosecution and Sergeants 3.

• Establishing a sustained television and game-show career that kept her a visible presence for decades.

The Core Pillars of Ruta Lee’s Wealth

The core pillars of Ruta Lee’s wealth include:

• Film career — starting with musicals, then branching into dramatic roles and Westerns. Her participation in classic films afforded her long-term earning potential through residuals and re-releases.

• Television and game-show appearances — a steady source of income during decades when TV syndication and repeated airings were lucrative, especially given her recurring roles and frequent guest appearances.

• Stage and live performances — musicals, theatre productions, and live appearances over many years added to her earning base.

• Real estate holdings — owning multiple homes across locations such as Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Fort Worth, and even a property in Mexico, as reported in public biographical notes.

• Charitable legacy and brand value — while not a direct income source, her long-term involvement with charity and public recognition likely contribute to opportunities that support her wealth over time.

Relationships & Personal Life

Ruta Lee’s personal life has been relatively private yet marked by stability and quiet commitment. In 1976 she married Texas restaurant executive Webster B. “Webb” Lowe Jr. — a union that lasted until his death in 2020. The couple did not have children. They split their time among various homes in Hollywood, Palm Springs, Fort Worth (Texas), and Mexico.

Key insights into Ruta Lee’s relationships and personal life:

• Her marriage to Lowe was a long-term, enduring partnership spanning more than four decades. 

• Despite her public life, she maintained a private domestic life, with no public record of children. 

• Her heritage and roots remained important — born to Lithuanian immigrant parents, she later secured Lithuanian citizenship, reflecting a personal tie to her ancestry.

Lifestyle, Assets & Passions

Beyond her screen roles, Ruta Lee’s life reflects a blend of glamour, cultural grounding, and philanthropic commitment.

• She has maintained multiple residences over the years — including homes in Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Fort Worth, and even in Mexico — demonstrating a lifestyle shaped by mobility and comfort.

• Her passions have extended beyond entertainment: for decades she played a central role in the charitable organization The Thalians, which focuses on mental health at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

• Her work in stage productions—especially musicals and live theatre—after her film and TV peak shows a dedication to the craft, not just celebrity.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Because public records about her investments or other business deals are limited, much of Ruta Lee’s net worth estimate (≈ US$30 million) rests on the enduring value of her film/TV roles, real estate holdings, and her brand longevity in Hollywood.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Ruta Lee stands as a bridge between the Golden Age of Hollywood and modern entertainment — one of the few actresses whose career traversed musicals, dramatic cinema, television Westerns, game shows, and theatre. Her versatility and willingness to adapt have earned her lasting respect.

Her philanthropic work, especially with The Thalians, demonstrates a commitment not just to fame, but to mental-health advocacy, giving her public image a dimension of compassion and civic-mindedness beyond celebrity.

Moreover, her survival through decades of change in the entertainment industry — shifting from film to television to live performance — underscores an adaptability and resilience that many regard as inspirational.

Conclusion

Ruta Lee’s story — from a Lithuanian immigrant family in Montréal to the stages and screens of Hollywood — illustrates perseverance, talent, and adaptability. With an estimated net worth of US$30 million, a rich tapestry of film, television, stage and game-show credits, and a long-lasting marriage to Webster B. “Webb” Lowe Jr., Ruta Lee’s life blends professional success with personal dignity.

Born May 30, 1935, Ruta Lee’s birthday remains a milestone in entertainment history — not merely for the years she’s lived, but for the legacy she has built. Her journey reminds us that true success comes from enduring passion, versatility, and heart.