Patrick Labyorteaux holds an estimated net worth of $4 million, accumulated over a career spanning more than five decades in television, film, and voice acting. While many child stars struggle to transition into sustainable adult careers, Labyorteaux carved out a remarkably steady presence across network television. From playing Andy Garvey on Little House on the Prairie to spending a decade as Lt. Bud Roberts Jr. on JAG, his wealth reflects consistent employment, smart producing credits, and diverse entertainment industry ventures.
Understanding how this wealth accumulated requires looking beyond a single headline figure. His financial standing rests on a foundation of long-running television syndication residuals, recurring guest spots, voice acting, and behind-the-scenes television production.
Early Beginnings and Child Stardom
Born in Los Angeles in 1965, Labyorteaux entered the entertainment industry at an early age alongside his adoptive brother, Matthew Labyorteaux, who also achieved acting fame. Early television appearances included guest roles on classic 1970s shows like Shazam! and Captains and the Kings.
His major breakthrough arrived in 1977 when he was cast as Andrew "Andy" Garvey on NBC's hit historical drama Little House on the Prairie. Appearing in over 70 episodes through 1981, Labyorteaux became a recognizable face in American households. While child actors in the 1970s rarely commanded the multi-million-dollar salaries seen in later decades, steady weekly episodic fees provided his family with financial stability and laid the groundwork for a lifelong career. Furthermore, decades of syndication re-runs for Little House on the Prairie have continued to generate residual income, a quiet engine for many veteran actors of that era.
Transitioning to Adult Roles and Breakthrough on JAG
The transition from child actor to adult professional is a notoriously difficult hurdle in Hollywood. Labyorteaux navigated this phase by taking consistent guest roles in popular 1980s and 1990s television series, including 21 Jump Street, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, and Heathers (1988), where he played Ram Sweeney.
His defining adult role began in 1995 when he was cast as Ensign (later Lieutenant Commander) Bud Roberts Jr. on the legal drama JAG. Initially planned as a recurring character, his performance resonated with audiences, leading to a promotion to the main cast. He appeared in over 200 episodes across a ten-year run until the series concluded in 2005.
Network television contracts on long-running procedural hits like JAG—which aired during peak broadcast television eras before streaming fragmented viewership—typically offered substantial per-episode salaries. For a series regular appearing in hundreds of episodes, this decade-long tenure formed the core of Labyorteaux's financial portfolio. He later reprised the Bud Roberts role in multiple episodes of the smash-hit spin-off NCIS, keeping his connection to the franchise active and lucrative.
Expanding Into Voice Acting and Production
Labyorteaux diversified his income streams beyond traditional on-camera acting by moving into voice-over work and television production.
In the animation sphere, he voiced Flash Thompson in the popular 1990s Spider-Man: The Animated Series and contributed to projects like Godzilla: The Series. Voice work provides a reliable, guild-protected income stream that often comes with independent residual structures.
Behind the camera, Labyorteaux expanded his industry footprint as a writer and producer. Alongside his wife, television producer Tina Albanese, he co-created and produced the family sitcom See Dad Run, which starred actor Scott Baio and ran for three seasons on NickatNight. Transitioning into creator and executive producer roles allows artists to capture backend equity and ownership stakes in intellectual property, moving beyond standard wage-earning acting fees. Additional ventures include teaching and coaching within the Los Angeles creative community.
Factors Influencing Long-Term Celebrity Wealth
Evaluating an actor's net worth involves examining several moving parts that go beyond gross earnings. Industry longevity requires navigating specific financial realities:
- Residuals and Syndication: Shows like Little House on the Prairie and JAG air globally in syndication and streaming platforms, generating recurring quarterly residual checks through SAG-AFTRA.
- Production Equity: Owning a stake in television projects, such as co-creating See Dad Run, provides capital growth outside of performance wages.
- Real Estate and Investments: Like many established California-based actors, prudent management of early earnings and real estate investments in the Los Angeles area protects long-term assets against industry volatility.
For more details on his filmography and ongoing projects, check his profile on IMDb. Additional background on his television history is available through the Television Academy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Patrick Labyorteaux best known for?
He is primarily known for two major television roles: playing Andrew "Andy" Garvey on Little House on the Prairie (1977–1981) and Lt. Bud Roberts Jr. on JAG (1995–2005).
Is Patrick Labyorteaux related to Matthew Labyorteaux?
Yes, they are adoptive brothers. Matthew Labyorteaux is also an actor, widely recognized for playing Albert Quinn Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie.
Did Patrick Labyorteaux appear on NCIS?
Yes. Because NCIS originated as a spin-off of JAG, Labyorteaux reprised his iconic role as Bud Roberts in several episodes of NCIS over the years.
What production work has Patrick Labyorteaux done?
Alongside his wife Tina Albanese, he co-created and produced the Nickelodeon sitcom See Dad Run, which starred Scott Baio.
