What happens when a Hollywood actress known for blockbuster hits finds herself filing for bankruptcy?
That’s the story behind Teri Polo—a name once associated with high earnings and A-list roles, now caught in a financial reality many didn’t expect.
In this article, PBC dives into the numbers and facts behind her wealth, salary, and financial trajectory.
Let’s unpack her story.
Teri Polo Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Theresa Elizabeth Polo |
| Popular Name | Teri Polo |
| Birth Date | June 1, 1969 |
| Age | 55 (as of March 28, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Dover, Delaware, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | German, Italian, English |
| Education | School of American Ballet, New York |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Anthony Moore (1997–2005) |
| Children | 2 (Griffin Moore, Bayley Wollam) |
| Dating | Jamie Wollam (2007–2012) |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Jane Polo (mother), Vincent Polo (father) |
| Height (meters) | 1.65 |
| Net Worth | $200,000 |
| Source of Wealth | Acting |
What is the Net Worth Of Teri Polo in 2025?
In 2025, Teri Polo’s net worth is estimated at $200,000. While this may seem modest for someone who starred in major projects like Meet the Parents, it’s the result of long-term financial struggles, including bankruptcy and significant IRS debt.
When compared to others in her field, her financial standing falls far below. Even mid-tier television actors often retain multi-million dollar net worths, making her case a notable exception. Despite roles in high-profile projects and recognition in media like Playboy, the inconsistency of acting gigs paired with personal obligations seems to have deeply impacted her financial stability.
Related individuals/companies in her career ecosystem:
- Ben Stiller
- Robert De Niro
- Sherri Saum
- Jamie Wollam
- Anthony Moore
- The Fosters (TV series)
- Freeform
- IRS
- Meet the Parents franchise
- Celebrity Net Worth
If you’re curious about other stories like this, check out some celebs who earn surprisingly less.
Teri Polo Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How She Faced Major Financial Challenges in Her Life
She’s not the first celebrity to face bankruptcy, but Teri Polo’s 2014 filing painted a vivid picture of her struggles. According to court documents, she owed over $772,000 to the IRS, had $30,000 in credit card debt, and faced a $30,000 claim from a landlord. These figures, confirmed in financial disclosures, showcased a spiral driven by tax issues and personal obligations.
Though she filed bankruptcy, the story didn’t end there. As someone who had net worth far beyond six figures during her peak, these financial issues shocked many fans. Her story reflects how an actress can owe substantial amounts to the IRS and still face the harsh spotlight of public scrutiny.
What Led to Her Bankruptcy Filing in 2014
The reason behind her financial collapse wasn’t simply poor money management. A combination of inconsistent income, legal disputes, and obligations tied to past relationships seems to have added pressure. Her divorce from Anthony Moore and relationship with Jamie Wollam, which included raising two children, likely increased personal expenses.
Also, the acting world is competitive. Teri wasn’t consistently landing blockbuster roles post-Meet the Fockers. Even though she worked in TV movies and guest-starring roles, these don’t always equate to financial security. With no clear endorsements or investments in her profile, it’s easy to see how her finances began to crumble.
How Much She Owed and Who She Owed It To
Her debt portfolio at the time of filing was unusually specific. She owed the IRS $772,000, which likely accumulated over years of unpaid taxes or penalties. On top of that, credit card companies claimed $30,000, and her former landlord sought another $30,000 in damages.
This triad of debts built a wall she couldn’t scale, leading her to declare bankruptcy in California. It’s also possible that her financial advisor—if any—failed to act in time or that inconsistent gig work left her no choice.
How She Earned Her Income Throughout Her Career
Teri’s early career offered promise. From Loving and Northern Exposure to The West Wing, she steadily built her resume. But her biggest financial breakthrough came when she starred in the Meet the Parents trilogy. The commercial success should have given her financial cushion—but acting income isn’t always long-lasting.
She earned additional income from TV series like The Fosters and appearances in Law & Order, Castle, and The Big Leap. Not to mention, her Playboy feature in 2005 may have provided a one-time paycheck, but it didn’t sustain her lifestyle. Over time, the shift from leading roles to sporadic ones meant a smaller, less predictable income.
The Most Lucrative Roles She Played
While she appeared in several films and shows, her financial peak likely coincided with her role as Pam Byrnes-Focker in the Meet the Parents trilogy, co-starring Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro. These films were box-office hits, and her recurring presence kept her in the spotlight.
Then came The Fosters, where she played Stef Adams Foster across five seasons. Though it’s unknown exactly how much she was paid, this main role on a network series like Freeform provided steady work from 2013 to 2018. Her earlier recurring role as Helen Santos in The West Wing also gave her high visibility.
But after these, she moved to smaller TV films and guest appearances, including Hallmark movies and a brief stint in animation, notably The Bravest Knight. These roles are respectable but likely came with lower salaries.
Her Relationship History and Its Financial Influence
Her personal life intersects with her finances. She divorced Anthony Moore, with whom she shares a son, and later dated Jamie Wollam, the father of her daughter. Raising two kids while balancing a fluctuating income could easily drain savings.
Her breakup in 2012 with Wollam may have shifted living expenses or support responsibilities. While there’s no public data showing spousal or child support payments, the nature of Hollywood relationships often includes financial compromise. Personal and legal obligations, combined with career instability, clearly played a role in her declining wealth.
Where She Stands Financially After the Bankruptcy
Today, Teri’s finances seem modest. With an estimated net worth of $200,000, she’s far from destitute but also distant from the millionaire status many assume actors reach. Since the 2014 bankruptcy, she’s taken on various roles—supporting, voiceover, and guest appearances—but hasn’t returned to headline projects.
Still, she remains active in the industry. Her return as Stef Adams Foster in Good Trouble and her involvement in The Big Leap show a steady, if quiet, persistence. There’s no recent news of new debt or financial issues, hinting at a period of stability. Yet, it’s unclear if her earnings have helped her recover or merely sustain her current lifestyle.
How Her Story Reflects the Financial Realities of Acting Careers
Teri Polo’s financial journey mirrors a larger truth: success in entertainment is fleeting. For every actor who earns millions, there are dozens more with unstable incomes. Despite her roles in box-office hits and critical TV dramas, she filed bankruptcy, owed hundreds of thousands, and saw her net worth shrink.
It’s a reminder that acting careers often lack financial sustainability, especially for those without multiple income streams. Teri’s story is about more than money—it’s about unpredictability, the burden of public image, and the pressure of maintaining relevance in an industry that moves fast and forgets faster.
Conclusion
Teri Polo’s financial journey is a lesson in the highs and lows of fame.
Like, dislike, or neutral—her story sparks conversation.
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