Marta Kristen net worth is estimated between $1 million and $2 million as of 2025, built through decades of television, film work, and fan convention appearances. The Norwegian-born actress is best remembered for her role as Judy Robinson in the classic 1960s science fiction series Lost in Space, which aired from 1965 to 1968. This article explores her financial journey, career highlights, income sources, and how she built her wealth over a six-decade entertainment career. We’ll cover her early beginnings, breakthrough role, earnings from Lost in Space, other career ventures, and her current activities that contribute to her financial standing.
Who Is Marta Kristen?
Marta Kristen is an American actress who became a household name playing Judy Robinson, the eldest daughter of the Robinson family in CBS’s Lost in Space. Born as Birgit Annalisa Rusanen on February 26, 1945, in Oslo, Norway, she’s now 80 years old and still active in the entertainment community. Her journey from war-torn Norway to Hollywood stardom is remarkable and shapes her unique story.
The actress had a challenging start to life. Her mother was Finnish and her father was a German soldier killed during World War II. At just two months old, she was placed in a Norwegian orphanage before being adopted in 1949 by Harold and Bertha Soderquist from Detroit, Michigan. They renamed her Martha Annalise Soderquist, and her adoptive father worked as a professor at Wayne University. When her father took a sabbatical in 1959, the family moved to Los Angeles, setting the stage for her acting career.
Breaking Into Hollywood
Kristen’s entry into show business happened by chance. Producer James B. Harris discovered her while she was eating at a Los Angeles deli. He tested her for the lead role in the controversial film Lolita (1962), though the part ultimately went to Sue Lyon. But this initial setback didn’t stop her momentum.
Her television debut came in 1961 on Alfred Hitchcock Presents in an episode called “Bang! You’re Dead,” where she worked alongside Billy Mumy, who’d later become her Lost in Space co-star. She quickly landed guest spots on popular shows like The Loretta Young Show, Leave It to Beaver, and My Three Sons. Her first film role was in Walt Disney’s Savage Sam in 1963, giving her valuable experience before the role that would define her career.
Lost in Space and Early Earnings
The role of Judy Robinson almost didn’t happen. Kristen turned down producer Irwin Allen multiple times before finally accepting the part. Lost in Space ran for three seasons from 1965 to 1968, producing 84 episodes that followed the Robinson family’s adventures in outer space. The show became a cultural touchstone, though the cast’s compensation didn’t reflect the series’ popularity.
Her salary per episode tells an interesting story about television economics in the 1960s. During season one, Kristen earned $850 per episode. This increased to $1,100 for season two and $1,534 by season three. While these amounts might seem reasonable for the era, they pale in comparison to what actors earn today. More significantly, the cast received zero residual payments for reruns or merchandising licensing. This was standard practice at the time, but it meant missing out on potentially millions of dollars as Lost in Space entered continuous syndication starting in 1968.
The show’s format shifted focus from the Robinson family to Dr. Smith and the Robot in later seasons, which diminished Kristen’s character’s importance. Despite this, her portrayal of Judy Robinson remains iconic and continues to generate income through convention appearances decades later.
Film Career and Other Projects
Beyond Lost in Space, Kristen appeared in several notable films. She played the mermaid Lorelei in Beach Blanket Bingo (1965), a popular beach party film that’s become a cult classic. Years later, she starred in Battle Beyond the Stars (1980), playing the character Lux alongside Robert Vaughn. She also appeared in Terminal Island (1973) and The Gemini Affair (1975).
Her television work extended far beyond her most famous role. Kristen made guest appearances on over 40 different TV shows throughout her career. These included popular series like Mannix, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Wagon Train, Trapper John M.D., Fame, Murphy Brown, and Scarecrow and Mrs. King. In 1996, she appeared in the Hallmark Hall of Fame film Harvest of Fire with Patty Duke. She even made a cameo as Reporter #1 in the 1998 Lost in Space film remake, bringing her career full circle.
How Marta Kristen Earns Money Today
After Lost in Space ended, Kristen made a strategic career shift. She focused on raising her daughter Laura, who was born in 1969, and appeared in over 40 television commercials. Commercial work offered steady income while requiring less time away from home, allowing her to balance family priorities with financial stability.
Today, her income comes from multiple sources. Convention appearances represent a significant revenue stream, as she regularly attends fan conventions and comic cons across the country. Events like Akron Comic Con, Pensacon, and Northeast Comic Con bring her face-to-face with Lost in Space fans who pay for autographs, photo opportunities, and meet-and-greet sessions. She’s also available on Cameo, where fans can purchase personalized video messages. While she receives limited residuals from Lost in Space reruns, these convention activities and personal appearances keep her financially active.
Personal Life and Recognition
Kristen’s personal life has had its share of ups and downs. She married a graduate student in 1963 but divorced in 1973. On May 4, 1974, she married attorney Kevin Kane, who remained her husband until his death in May 2016. In 1997, she discovered she had additional siblings living in Finland and Australia, connecting her to her Norwegian roots.
Her career achievements include a nomination for the GI Film Festival – San Diego Local Film Showcase Award for Best Actress in Breaking Point (2018). While she hasn’t accumulated the kind of wealth that modern television stars enjoy, she’s maintained financial stability through smart career choices and continued engagement with her fan base. At 80 years old, Kristen remains active and continues celebrating the show that made her famous.
Conclusion
Marta kristen net worth of approximately $1 million to $2 million reflects a solid career in entertainment spanning more than six decades. Though she didn’t benefit from the residual payments and merchandising deals that would be standard in today’s television industry, her diverse income sources have provided long-term financial security. From her breakthrough role in Lost in Space to her current convention appearances, Kristen has successfully maintained her connection to fans while building a respectable financial foundation. Her story shows that success isn’t just about massive paychecks—it’s about sustainability, smart choices, and staying connected to what made you famous in the first place.
