Richard Burgi Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Height, Net Worth, Movies & TV Shows, Career

Richard William Burgi, known professionally as Richard Burgi, is an American film and television actor best recognized for his role as the enigmatic detective Jim Ellison on the cult series The Sentinel (1996–1999) and as the charming yet manipulative Karl Mayer, Susan Mayer’s ex-husband, on Desperate Housewives (2004–2012).

With a career spanning four decades, he first gained traction in daytime soaps like Another World and As the World Turns before transitioning to primetime with guest spots on 24 and Judging Amy.

Profile

• Full Name: Richard William Burgi
• Stage Name: Richard Burgi
• Born: July 30, 1958
• Age: 67 years old
• Birthplace: Montclair, New Jersey, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 1.87m
• Parents: Mr. Burgi and Mrs. Burgi
• Siblings: Chuck Burgi
• Spouse: Liliana Lopez (m. 2012), Lori Kahn (m. 1995–2011)
• Boyfriends: None
• Children: Samuel Burgi, Jack Burgi
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $3 million

Early Life and Education

Richard William Burgi entered the world on July 30, 1958, in Montclair, New Jersey, to parents referred to as Mr. Burgi and Mrs. Burgi.

He grew up alongside three siblings, including his older brother Chuck Burgi, a renowned rock drummer who has toured with Billy Joel and Hall & Oates, in a creative household that fueled his passion for performance.

Burgi attended Montclair High School, where he participated in community theater productions that sparked his interest in acting.

After graduation, he traveled across the United States and Europe, taking odd jobs to support himself while honing his craft through local stages.

His ethnicity is Swiss-German, and he has not publicly disclosed his religious beliefs.

Career

Richard Burgi began his acting career in the mid-1980s in New York City, landing recurring roles on daytime soaps like Another World (1986–1987) as Nick Hudson and As the World Turns (1988–1989), where he played Rick Decker, gaining experience in serialized drama and emotional storytelling.

He also appeared in a single episode of One Life to Live and the TV movie Chameleons (1989), marking his transition to more diverse roles.

After relocating to Los Angeles, Burgi joined Days of Our Lives in the early 1990s, portraying Scott Banning, which honed his skills in romance and intrigue.

His film debut came with small parts in projects like Lotto Lands (1994), but television remained his focus, leading to the lead role of detective Jim Ellison on The Sentinel (1996–1999).

Burgi’s primetime breakthrough solidified in the 2000s with guest arcs on high-profile shows like 24 (2005) as Christopher Henderson, Judging Amy (2001–2005) as David McClaren, and Las Vegas (2005–2007), showcasing his ability to play authoritative figures with moral complexity.

His film work expanded with roles in thrillers like Cellular (2004) opposite Kim Basinger, comedies Fun with Dick and Jane (2005), and horrors Hostel: Part II (2007) and Friday the 13th (2009), where he brought intensity to ensemble casts.

On Desperate Housewives (2004–2012), he portrayed Karl Mayer, Susan’s philandering ex-husband, appearing in over 50 episodes and earning praise for his charismatic villainy.

Burgi also recurred on Chuck (2007–2012) and One Tree Hill (2003–2012), balancing drama with levity.

Richard Burgi continues to thrive in daytime television, taking on the role of Paul Hornsby on General Hospital (2015–2020) and Ashland Locke on The Young and the Restless (2021–2022), where his commanding presence revitalized storylines around corporate intrigue and romance.

He has appeared in recent films like The Green Inferno (2013) and voiced characters in animated projects, while mentoring young actors through industry workshops.

Burgi’s influence persists through soap opera syndication and fan conventions, where he engages audiences with behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

His legacy as a versatile supporting player endures, bridging classic soaps with modern prestige TV.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: Unknown
• Facebook Handle: Unknown
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Richard Burgi married Lori Kahn in 1995, welcoming two sons, Samuel and Jack, before their divorce in 2011.

He wed Liliana Lopez in 2012, embracing a blended family life that keeps him grounded amid his career.

He leads a private existence in Los Angeles, enjoying surfing, travel, and quiet time with his sons, whom he prioritizes above Hollywood’s demands.

Filmography

• Cellular (2004)
• Fun with Dick and Jane (2005)
• Hostel: Part II (2007)
• Friday the 13th (2009)
• The Green Inferno (2013)

Net Worth

Richard Burgi has an estimated net worth of $3 million.

His wealth primarily stems from decades of television roles, including residuals from The Sentinel and Desperate Housewives, alongside soap opera stints on General Hospital and The Young and the Restless.

Film appearances in thrillers and comedies, plus guest spots on primetime series, provide steady income.