How Leah Remini Increased Her Net Worth

Leah Remini net worth is estimated at $20 million, reflecting a multifaceted career as an actress, television host, author, producer, and outspoken activist. Best known for her long-running role as Carrie Heffernan on the hit CBS sitcom The King of Queens, Remini has also earned significant income from reality television, bestselling books, documentary production, and hosting roles. In recent years, her work exposing the Church of Scientology has further elevated her public profile and influence.

Early Life

Leah Marie Remini was born on June 15, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York. Her mother, Vicki Marshall, was a schoolteacher, while her father, George Remini, owned an asbestos removal company. She grew up alongside her sister Nicole and several half-siblings in a large blended family.

Raised Catholic, Remini’s childhood took a dramatic turn when her mother joined the Church of Scientology. At age nine, Leah moved with her family to Clearwater, Florida, home to a major Scientology base, before relocating to Los Angeles at age 13. Determined to pursue acting, Remini dropped out of school at 14 to focus on auditions and early career opportunities.

Acting Career

Leah Remini began her acting career in the late 1980s, making early appearances on popular television shows such as “Head of the Class,” “Who’s the Boss?,” and “Cheers.” Her first major break came in 1989 when she was cast in Living Dolls, a short-lived Who’s the Boss? spin-off that also starred Halle Berry.

Throughout the early 1990s, Remini built a steady résumé with recurring roles on “Saved by the Bell,” “Saved by the Bell: The College Years,” “Evening Shade,” “Friends,” and “NYPD Blue.” These early television roles laid the foundation for the financial success that would follow later in her career.

Breakthrough with The King of Queens

Leah Remini’s career—and net worth—changed dramatically in 1998 when she was cast as Carrie Heffernan opposite Kevin James on The King of Queens. The sitcom ran for nine seasons and 207 episodes, becoming one of CBS’s most successful comedies of the era.

During the show’s peak years, Remini earned substantial per-episode salaries, making The King of Queens the primary driver of her long-term wealth. The series continues to generate residual income through syndication, contributing steadily to Leah Remini net worth even years after the show ended in 2007.

Television Hosting

After The King of Queens, Remini expanded her television presence beyond scripted sitcoms. From 2010 to 2011, she co-hosted the daytime talk show “The Talk,” further boosting her visibility and income.

She also appeared on reality and competition television, including “Dancing with the Stars” in 2013, where she finished in fifth place. From 2014 to 2015, Remini starred in and executive produced the TLC reality series “Leah Remini: It’s All Relative,” which followed her family life and ran for two seasons.

Film Career

Although best known for television, Leah Remini has also appeared in several films. Her movie credits include “Old School,” “The Clapper,” and “Handsome: A Netflix Mystery Movie.” She has continued to make guest appearances across television, including reuniting with Kevin James on his CBS sitcom “Kevin Can Wait” in 2017.

In recent years, Remini has also served as a guest panelist on “The Masked Singer,” a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance,” and, since 2021, the host of the game show “People Puzzler.”

Leaving Scientology and Activism

One of the most defining chapters of Leah Remini’s life—and public identity—began in 2013, when she left the Church of Scientology after more than three decades as a member. Her decision made international headlines and significantly reshaped her career.

In 2015, Remini released her memoir, “Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology,” which became a New York Times No. 1 bestseller. The book provided a detailed account of her experiences within the organization and marked a new, highly successful phase of her career as an author and activist.

Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath

Building on the success of her memoir, Remini co-produced and hosted the A&E documentary series “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” from 2016 to 2019. The show investigated alleged abuses within the Church of Scientology and gave former members a platform to share their stories.

The series won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Series or Special in 2017 and ran for three seasons. Both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, the show became a major contributor to Leah Remini net worth through hosting fees, production credits, and long-term licensing deals.

Production Company

In 2020, Remini’s production company, No Seriously Productions, signed a first-look deal with Critical Content to develop unscripted television projects. One of the company’s first major efforts, “Seeking Justice,” focuses on exposing organizations accused of physical, mental, and sexual abuse.

These production ventures signal Remini’s transition from actress to media executive, creating new income streams beyond acting.

Legal Action Against Scientology

In 2023, Leah Remini filed a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology, alleging harassment, stalking, psychological abuse, and a long-running campaign intended to damage her personal and professional life. The lawsuit further cemented her role as one of the organization’s most prominent critics.

Personal Life

Leah Remini married actor Angelo Pagán in July 2003. The couple welcomed a daughter, Sofia, in 2004, and Pagán has three sons from a previous marriage. Together, they starred in Leah Remini: It’s All Relative.

In August 2024, after 21 years of marriage, Remini filed for divorce. Despite personal challenges, she has remained active professionally and publicly.

Education and Philanthropy

In 2021, Remini was accepted into an associate degree program in liberal arts at New York University, reflecting her continued commitment to personal growth. She is also active in philanthropy, supporting organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Wounded Warrior Project, CHILD USA, and DonorsChoose.

Real Estate Investments

Real estate has also played a role in Leah Remini’s financial portfolio. In 2003, she purchased a 10,000-square-foot mansion in Studio City, California, for $3.75 million. After several price adjustments, she sold the property in July 2024 for $9.3 million, securing a significant profit.

Leah Remini Net Worth

Leah Remini net worth is estimated to be $20 million.