Ted Knight Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Ted Knight is an American actor celebrated for his comic performances on legendary television shows and a beloved film, remembered for both his talent and iconic roles.

Introduction

Ted Knight (born Tadeusz Wladyslaw Konopka on December 7, 1923) rose from modest beginnings to become a memorable face of American television comedy. Known for his unforgettable turn as the vain but endearing Ted Baxter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and as Judge Elihu Smails in the comedy film Caddyshack, Knight left an indelible mark on entertainment. His estimated net worth at the time of his death was around US$ 10 million.  He was married to Dorothy Smith, with whom he shared three children. 

Quick Facts

From Small Town Roots to Hollywood Spotlight

Born in Terryville, Connecticut, to Polish-American parents, Knight grew up far from the glitz of Hollywood.  His upbringing in a working-class family instilled a grounded sense of ambition. As a young man, he left high school to enlist in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving with the A Company, 296th Combat Engineer Battalion. He earned five battle stars for his service in the European Theater.

After the war, Knight pursued acting. He studied in Hartford, Connecticut, and honed skills in puppetry and ventriloquism. This unique blend of performance talents landed him early work hosting children’s television in Providence, Rhode Island — a humble start that set the stage for bigger things. 

Defining moments in Ted Knight’s journey include:

• Leaving high school to serve in World War II, demonstrating discipline and sacrifice.

• Embracing variety — puppetry, ventriloquism, and local television — which built his versatility.

• Taking a bold leap westward in the late 1950s to pursue a Hollywood career. 

• Landing the breakthrough role of Ted Baxter in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which became his signature character.

The Core Pillars of Ted Knight’s Wealth

Knight’s financial success was built on a combination of acting, voice work, and television contracts.

These combined ventures supported the estimated US$ 10 million net worth at his passing.

Relationships & Personal Life

Behind the curtain of fame, Ted Knight lived a life marked by dedication to family and privacy.

He married Dorothy Smith in 1948. Their long union lasted until his death, and together they had three children: Ted Knight Jr., Elyse Knight, and Eric Knight. 

Key insights into Ted Knight’s relationships and personal life:

• A stable, decades-long marriage with Dorothy Smith beginning in 1948.

• Fatherhood to three children — a private side of life away from his public persona. 

• A background rooted in modest means and working-class values, reflecting a grounded personal life despite Hollywood success. 

Beyond the Spotlight: Lifestyle, Passions & Legacy

Beyond acting, Knight’s story reflects a man anchored in craft and humble beginnings.

• Early passion for puppetry and ventriloquism — skills that shaped his early career in children’s TV. 

• A long television career spanning minor roles, voice-overs, and major sitcom successes — illustrating dedication over time.

• Recognition by peers and industry: a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame — a testament to his impact on television. 

Though public documentation about luxury homes, vehicles, or extravagant hobbies is scarce, Knight’s enduring legacy lies in the warmth, humor, and consistency he brought to millions of viewers.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

How experts arrive at the estimated net worth of roughly $10 million at the time of his passing:

Knight’s wealth was not the result of a single payday, but rather a career built over decades, marked by consistent work in television, film, and voice acting.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Ted Knight’s influence reached beyond mere entertainment. He became a symbol of comedic talent and television history.

• His portrayal of Ted Baxter remains a classic example of comedic anchorman satire, influencing how later generations viewed news-anchor archetypes. 

• His work bridged traditional acting and voice work, demonstrating versatility at a time when such transitions were less common — a precursor to modern character actors and voice artists.

• The star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and ongoing recognition in retrospectives speak to the lasting mark he left on television culture. 

Even today, viewers revisit The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Caddyshack to appreciate his timing, delivery, and comedic presence. His legacy lives on in laughter, memory, and classic TV history.

Conclusion

Ted Knight’s journey — from a small Connecticut town to the heights of Hollywood — exemplifies perseverance, talent, and the quiet dignity of a working actor. With an estimated net worth of US$ 10 million, a stable family life with Dorothy Smith, and a birthdate of December 7, 1923, his life was defined not by flash, but by lasting contribution.

His birthday, his relationships, and his body of work together tell a story of a man who, with grit and grit alone, built a legacy. For both fans and students of entertainment history, Ted Knight remains a beacon of how authenticity, hard work, and comedic soul can carve one’s place in the pantheon of beloved performers.