Richard Kline is an American actor and director who boasts a net worth of $3 million. Most widely recognized for his memorable portrayal of Larry Dallas on the beloved sitcom “Three’s Company” and its spin-offs “The Ropers” and “Three’s a Crowd,” Kline’s career is a study in perseverance, versatility, and the enduring allure of classic American television. In a professional journey spanning over five decades, Richard Kline has left an indelible mark on both the screen and stage, demonstrating his range from comic roles to dramatic theater.
## Richard Kline: A Summary of Personal and Professional Milestones
| Field | Details |
|——————–|————————————————–|
| Full Name | Richard Kline |
| Birth Name | Richard Klein |
| Date of Birth | April 29, 1944 |
| Birthplace | Queens, New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, Director |
| Years Active | 1971–present |
| Education | MFA in Theater, Northwestern University |
| Marital Status | Married to Beverley Osgoode (2002–present); |
| | Previously married to Sandy Molloy and Kathleen Doyle |
| Children | 1 |
| Height | 5′ 10″ (1.78 m) |
| Military Service | United States Army, 101st Airborne, Vietnam War |
| Net Worth (2025) | $3 Million |
## Foundations in Queens: Early Life and Influences
Long before becoming Larry Dallas, Richard Kline grew up in Queens, New York, nurtured by parents practicing Reform Judaism. His foundation in the arts began at Queens College and was solidified at Northwestern University, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in theater. It was an education steeped not only in the practicalities of performance but also in the classical traditions of acting. Kline’s artistic sensibility was further tempered by his military service in Vietnam, where he served as a lieutenant in the famed 101st Airborne Division. This unique blend of rigorous discipline and creative exploration would inform his professional choices for decades to come.
## The Big Break: Larry Dallas and the “Three’s Company” Phenomenon
Richard Kline’s defining role arrived in 1977 with the launch of “Three’s Company.” As Larry Dallas, the womanizing best friend and neighbor of Jack Tripper (played by John Ritter), Kline found nationwide recognition. Larry Dallas was, on the surface, a shallow bachelor ever on the prowl, but Kline imbued the character with enough warmth and comedic timing to blossom into a regular series and, eventually, an enduring fan favorite.
“Three’s Company” ran until 1984 and, during its tenure, was a linchpin of ABC’s comedy lineup. The show’s immense popularity led to the creation of spin-offs: “The Ropers” and “Three’s a Crowd,” with Kline’s character uniquely appearing across all three series. Besides John Ritter, Kline is the only actor to have played the same role in each iteration, an impressive testament to both his importance within the franchise and his rapport with audiences.
## Evolution Beyond a Sitcom Star: Transitioning to Diverse Roles
The shadow cast by such an iconic sitcom role is long, and many actors have floundered in its aftermath. Not so with Richard Kline. Rather than be pigeonholed, he leveraged his television fame to branch out. Kline landed guest spots on era-defining procedural dramas—“Hill Street Blues,” “St. Elsewhere,” and “Hunter”—showcasing his adaptability in roles that diverged from farce. The diversity continued through the 1980s and 1990s as he appeared in popular primetime series such as “NYPD Blue,” “Family Matters,” “That ’70s Show,” “Judging Amy,” and even the medical drama “ER.” This period saw Kline establishing himself as a go-to character actor on television, his friendly face a familiar sight for audiences across genres.
Not content to remain in front of the camera, Kline also moved behind the scenes, stepping into the director’s role on sitcoms like “Evening Shade” and “Harry and the Hendersons.” This directorial turn provided Kline with new creative challenges and a broader understanding of television production, setting him apart from many of his sitcom-era peers.
## Return to Stage: Broadway, National Tours, and Musical Theater Accomplishments
While his fame was cemented on television, Richard Kline has always balanced that public persona with a deep passion for the stage. A classically trained singer and accomplished stage performer, Kline made his Broadway debut in 1989 in the multi-award-winning musical “City of Angels.” Critics praised his transition to the rigors and intimacy of live theater, and Kline found a second professional home on stage.
In the years that followed, he accumulated a portfolio of stage work that included starring as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the national tour of the blockbuster musical “Wicked.” Kline’s voice and presence brought a charismatic flair to the part, and the tour introduced him to a fresh generation of theatergoers. He has consistently returned to the stage for both musicals and dramas, underscoring his lifelong commitment to the craft and ensuring that his résumé brims with both commercial success and artistic integrity.
## Continuity and Adaptation: Navigating Changing Landscapes in Entertainment
Kline’s career is characterized by adaptability. The entertainment world has shifted dramatically over the decades, with sitcoms ebbing in and out of fashion, theater evolving in response to cultural moments, and television production embracing new approaches. Through these transitions, Richard Kline has maintained a steady presence. Whether as a sitcom staple in the 1970s, a dramatic guest star in the 1990s, or a Broadway performer into the 21st century, Kline’s commitment to craft and his willingness to explore new ground have kept him relevant.
His foray into the classroom is another example of this adaptive spirit. Since 2009, Kline has shared his knowledge with aspiring performers, teaching courses on acting in comedy at Middlesex County College. In this role, Kline passes on decades of professional wisdom—drawing from the highs of network television, the rigors of Broadway, and his experiences as both an actor and director.
## Film and Other Media: Beyond TV and Theater
Beyond television and stage, Richard Kline has also graced the big screen. He appeared in “Problem Child” (1990) and “Beverly Hills Ninja” (1997), both Dennis Dugan comedies. Though not headline roles, these appearances contributed to Kline’s reputation as a dependable comedic performer and helped him navigate the world of feature films. Further, his brief run on the soap “The Bold and the Beautiful” in the mid-1990s introduced him to audiences outside of his sitcom base, reinforcing the breadth of his appeal.
## Private Life: Resilience and Surprising Truths
Richard Kline’s private life has been as eventful as his professional one. He weathered three marriages and is currently married to Beverley Osgoode. A little-known fact is that Kline survived being struck by lightning during his military service in Vietnam—a dramatic turn in an already dramatic early adulthood.
His academic accomplishments, resilience under fire, and firsthand experience navigating the pressures of Hollywood and Broadway all contribute to the well-rounded persona he projects off-screen. Few actors have thrived as consistently as Kline, weathering the industry’s inevitable ups and downs with such composure.
## Becoming a Television Icon: The Enduring Legacy of Larry Dallas
Among television historians and fans alike, the character of Larry Dallas remains Kline’s most enduring contribution. A product of late-1970s culture, Larry reflected the era’s freewheeling bachelor archetype while remaining fundamentally likable—a testament to Kline’s comic instincts and nuanced approach. Offbeat but genuine, Larry Dallas continues to inspire nostalgia, referenced and parodied in later sitcoms, an indicator of his influence on pop culture.
Yet, Richard Kline’s career cannot be reduced to just one role. His trajectory has been defined by reinvention. Whether in sitcoms, serious TV drama, big screen comedies, or the highest tiers of the American theater, Kline has repeatedly demonstrated the versatility and stamina required to thrive in show business for over 50 years.
## The Net Worth Equation: Valuing a Life in the Arts
As of 2025, Richard Kline’s net worth is estimated at $3 million. This figure reflects a career defined more by steady, respected work than by overnight blockbuster success. The entertainment industry is notorious for its instability, and Kline’s ability to maintain both relevance and solvency speaks to his professionalism and adaptability.
Unlike many stars who experience sharp rises and equally steep declines in fortune, Kline has built his wealth gradually, balancing prime-time salaries with recurring theater roles, directorial efforts, guest-starring work, and public appearances. His $3 million valuation is as much a testament to his shrewdness off-stage as his talent on it.
## Reflection: Richard Kline’s Place in American Entertainment
Richard Kline’s journey is emblematic of the American actor who bridges generations, genres, and mediums. His work on “Three’s Company” ensured his fame, but it is his ongoing engagements—from acclaimed Broadway debuts to scene-stealing guest roles on modern television—that spotlight his enduring passion for performance. Kline’s willingness to transition from front-of-camera antics to the teaching of performance arts demonstrates his commitment to both his peers and the next generation of actors.
As television nostalgia remains high and classic sitcoms find new audiences through streaming, Richard Kline’s Larry Dallas continues to make viewers laugh. Just as importantly, the actor behind the character continues to inspire, proving that talent, professionalism, and a willingness to adapt are the true hallmarks of a lasting legacy in the arts.
Richard Kline remains not only an actor and director of note in 2025, but a dedicated craftsman whose story intertwines with essential chapters of American stage and television history.
