For fans of the hit 1980s TV show The Fall Guy, Heather Thomas will always be remembered as the fearless and stylish Jody Banks. With her golden locks and action-packed stunts, she quickly became a household name. But what happened after her Hollywood years?
Now 67 years old (as of 2025), Heather Thomas has moved away from the limelight, focusing on writing, activism, and family life. With a net worth of $2 million, her financial journey has been different from many of her fellow ’80s stars. Unlike some celebrities who stayed in entertainment, Thomas took a step back, prioritizing creative pursuits and personal causes.
Early Days in Hollywood
Born on September 8, 1957, in Greenwich, Connecticut, Heather Thomas always had a passion for storytelling and the arts. She attended Santa Monica High School and later graduated from UCLA Film School, setting the stage for her career in the entertainment industry.
Her first major break came as a teenager when she hosted Talking with a Giant on NBC. But it was The Fall Guy (1981-1986) that made her a TV icon. Starring alongside Lee Majors, she played Jody Banks, a stuntwoman-turned-investigator. The show was a hit, running for five seasons and bringing Thomas both fame and financial success.
Hollywood Success & Career Shift
Throughout the ’80s, Thomas made a name for herself with appearances in popular TV shows like T.J. Hooker, The Love Boat, and Swamp Thing. She also starred in the comedy film Zapped! (1982). At the height of her acting career, she was earning well from TV and film roles, securing her place among the rising stars of that era.
But in 1998, Heather Thomas made a surprising decision—she stepped away from acting to focus on screenwriting and activism. Unlike many of her contemporaries who remained in Hollywood, she opted for a different path.
Writing & Publishing
After leaving acting, Thomas transitioned into writing. One of her biggest successes came when she sold her screenplay School Slut to Touchstone Pictures, proving her talent behind the scenes. In 2008, she published the novel Trophies, adding another source of income to her portfolio. While book sales and screenwriting didn’t bring the same financial windfall as TV acting, they gave her the creative freedom she wanted.
Personal Life & Family
Heather Thomas has been married to entertainment attorney Harry M. Brittenham since 1992, and the couple has three daughters: India Rose, Kristina, and Shauna Brittenham. Before that, she was briefly married to Alan Rosenthal from 1985 to 1986.
Her husband’s legal career has likely provided financial stability, allowing her to focus on writing and activism without pressure to return to Hollywood.
Activism & Life Beyond Fame
A passionate advocate for environmental and social causes, Thomas has supported organizations like the Amazon Conservation Team and The Rape Foundation. She’s also been open about her past struggles with substance abuse, using her experiences to help others through organizations like Cocaine Anonymous.
Her activism isn’t about publicity—it’s about making real change. While it doesn’t directly contribute to her net worth, it’s a major part of her life today.
Where Does She Stand Financially?
As of 2025, Heather Thomas’ net worth is estimated at $2 million. Compared to some of her Fall Guy co-stars like Lee Majors, who has a significantly higher net worth, Thomas’ fortune is more modest. This is largely due to her decision to leave Hollywood and focus on personal projects rather than high-paying roles.
Unlike some celebrities who invest in businesses or endorsements, Thomas prioritized family, writing, and activism. While this meant a slower financial climb, it also gave her a stable, low-profile lifestyle without the pressures of Hollywood.
