Richard Kinard Sanders is best known for portraying the quirky, unforgettable Les Nessman on WKRP in Cincinnati. With a career that spans television, film, voice work, and screenwriting, Sanders has quietly built a lasting legacy beyond his most famous role. This article explores his net worth in 2025, age, biography, personal life, and key facts.
Early Life & Age (2025)
Richard Sanders was born on August 23, 1940, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, making him 84 years old in 2025.
He studied drama at Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) and later earned a Fulbright Scholarship to study Shakespearean theatre in England. Sanders also served in the Peace Corps in Brazil, demonstrating a depth of experience beyond acting.
Career Overview: Actor & Writer
WKRP in Cincinnati & The New WKRP
Sanders played Les Nessman, the inept but lovable news anchor on WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982), appearing in 90 episodes. He reprised the role in the syndicated sequel The New WKRP in Cincinnati (1991–1993) alongside original cast members Gordon Jump and Frank Bonner.
Notably, Les rotated his bandaged forehead into a trademark, after Sanders suffered a minor injury before filming the series pilot—an improvisation embraced in character afterward.
Television & Film Credits
Before WKRP, Sanders made guest appearances on period favorites like Lou Grant, The Rockford Files, Kojak, and Murder, She Wrote.
Post WKRP, he appeared in films such as Valley Girl, Midway, Men of Honor, and lent his voice in the cult classic point-and-click video game Day of the Tentacle as Bernard Bernoulli.
Screenwriting Contributions
Sanders also contributed behind the scenes—penning several episodes of WKRP in Cincinnati, often collaborating with his wife on writing projects.
He retired from acting around 2006 and resides in Woodinville, Washington, living quietly out of the spotlight.
Net Worth in 2025: How Much Is Richard Sanders Worth?
Estimated Net Worth: $2–2.5 Million
Public estimates peg Richard Sanders’s net worth at approximately $2 to $2.5 million as of 2025.
This estimate is based on:
- Residuals from WKRP in Cincinnati syndication
- Acting and writing credits over decades
- Occasional royalties from voice or film work
While not a celebrity millionaire, Sanders earned steady income through long-running television syndication and continued payments for writing credits.
Personal Life & Family
- Spouse: Married to Marilynn Marko-Sanders, according to public records.
- Children: No publicly documented children or extended family details.
- Privacy: Sanders is deeply private, rarely granting interviews. He preferred craft and character work over fame.
Physical Stats & Public Presence
- Height: 5 ft 7½ in (1.71 m) as listed on industry sites.
- Public Profile: No known verified Instagram, X, Threads, or TikTok presence. Philip his presence online comes through WKRP fan archives or retrospective interviews.
Interesting Facts About Richard Sanders
- The “Turkeys Away” episode of WKRP—featuring one of the show’s most iconic scenes—became legendary partly due to Sanders’s deadpan performance as Nessman, whose delivery has been hailed as comedic gold.
- He studied Shakespeare while in England and served in the Peace Corps in Brazil.
- Sanders co-wrote episodes of WKRP in Cincinnati, but his off-camera contributions are often overlooked.
- After retiring, he chose to live quietly in Washington State, praising the simplicity of life beyond Hollywood.
Summary Table: Richard Sanders at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Kinard Sanders |
| Birthdate | August 23, 1940 |
| Age (2025) | 84 |
| Occupation | Actor, Screenwriter |
| Most Famous Role | Les Nessman on WKRP in Cincinnati |
| Height | 5 ft 7½ in (1.71 m) |
| Net Worth (2025 est.) | $2–2.5 million |
| Spouse | Marilynn Marko-Sanders |
| Years Active | 1971–2006 |
| Notable Trivia | Peace Corps service, Shakespeare studies, Turkeys Away fame |
Frequently Asked Questions
What made Richard Sanders famous?
He became iconic for playing Les Nessman on WKRP in Cincinnati.
Did Sanders write for WKRP?
Yes, he co-wrote several episodes, occasionally with his wife.
Is he still alive?
Yes—he lives privately in Washington State as of 2025.
What is his net worth?
Estimated around $2–2.5 million, mainly from long-term syndication revenues.
Does he use social media?
None publicly verified—he maintains a low public profile.
Final Thoughts
Richard Sanders represents a rare breed of character actor whose impact extends beyond screen time. His performance as Les Nessman gave WKRP in Cincinnati not just comedy, but emotional resonance. Add to that his stage rooted acting education, writing roles, and modest retirement—all pointing to a life less defined by fame than by quiet professional craft.
At 84, his contributions live on in timeless reruns and fond fan memories—a testament to the power of character acting in shaping television history.
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