Richard O’Brien – Net Worth, Wife, and Current Life in 2025

Richard O’Brien, the British-New Zealand entertainer who created the cult classic The Rocky Horror Show and hosted the original The Crystal Maze, continues to live a quiet, creative life in New Zealand. Best known for his flamboyant stage presence and sardonic wit, O’Brien has built a career spanning theatre, television, and voice acting. Today, he remains active in writing and music, far from the Hollywood spotlight.

Born Richard Timothy Smith in Cheltenham, England, in 1942, O’Brien moved to New Zealand as a child and later returned to the UK to pursue acting. He shot to fame in 1973 with The Rocky Horror Show, a musical that became a global phenomenon. Decades later, he is recognised by new generations as the voice of Lawrence Fletcher in Phineas and Ferb.

Despite his success, O’Brien has often stated he “never was interested in money or fame.” He now lives in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, with his third wife, Sabrina Graf, and continues to write songs and host local television shows.

What Is Richard O’Brien Doing Now?

What Is Richard O’Brien’s Net Worth?

Estimates of Richard O’Brien’s net worth vary. The most credible figure comes from TheRichest, which places it at $15.7 million as of 2026. A separate source, the Express, once reported £190 million, but that figure appears to be an error or exaggeration. No official financial disclosure exists.

Who Is Richard O’Brien’s Wife?

O’Brien is married to Sabrina Graf, a Swiss woman 35 years his junior. They married on April 6, 2013, and live together in New Zealand. He also had two previous marriages: to Kimi Wong (with whom he has a son, Joshua) and Jane Moss (with whom he has two children, Linus and Amelia).

Key Insights

• O’Brien created the cult classic The Rocky Horror Show and co-wrote its 1975 film adaptation.
• He hosted the original UK game show The Crystal Maze from 1990 to 1993.
• He voiced Lawrence Fletcher in Phineas and Ferb from 2008 to 2015 and returned in 2025.
• O’Brien moved to New Zealand as a child and now holds dual citizenship.
• His net worth is estimated at $15.7 million (TheRichest).
• He is married to Sabrina Graf and has three children from previous relationships.

Snapshot Facts

What Was Richard O’Brien Like When He Was Young?

Born in Cheltenham, England, on March 25, 1942, Richard O’Brien (then Richard Timothy Smith) moved with his family to Tauranga, New Zealand, in 1951. He grew up in a small coastal town, far from the theatre world. As a young man, he returned to Britain and began his career as a horse rider in British films during the 1960s, before transitioning into acting and writing.

O’Brien has described his younger self as shy and drawn to the macabre. He later channelled those interests into The Rocky Horror Show, which he wrote in 1973 at age 31. The show’s blend of horror, camp, and rock music reflected his own eclectic tastes.

What Are Richard O’Brien’s Most Famous Movies and TV Shows?

What Is Richard O’Brien’s Role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show?

O’Brien wrote the stage musical The Rocky Horror Show in 1973 and co-wrote the screenplay for the 1975 film adaptation The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He also appeared in the film as Riff Raff, the hunchbacked servant. The movie became a cult classic, with midnight screenings still held worldwide.

What Is Richard O’Brien’s Connection to The Crystal Maze?

From 1990 to 1993, O’Brien presented the first four series of The Crystal Maze on UK’s Channel 4. He was known for his sardonic comments, colourful jackets, and habit of playing the harmonica. The show’s revival in 2016 with Richard Ayoade credited O’Brien’s original style as the benchmark.

What Is Richard O’Brien’s Role in Phineas and Ferb?

Starting in 2008, O’Brien voiced Lawrence Fletcher, the father of Candace and Phineas, in the Disney animated series Phineas and Ferb. He continued the role through the show’s run and reprised it in Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe (2020). In 2025, he returned to voice the character for the series’ revival.

How Did Richard O’Brien’s Career Develop Over Time?

1. 1942: Born in Cheltenham, England.
2. 1951: Family moves to Tauranga, New Zealand.
3. 1965: Begins career as a horse rider in British films.
4. 1973: Writes and stars in The Rocky Horror Show.
5. 1975: Appears in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
6. 1990–1993: Hosts The Crystal Maze.
7. 2008–2015: Voices Lawrence in Phineas and Ferb.
8. 2010s: Returns to New Zealand, occasional acting roles.
9. 2025: Returns to voice Lawrence in Phineas and Ferb revival.

What Do We Know and Not Know About Richard O’Brien?

What Is Richard O’Brien’s Cultural Impact?

The Rocky Horror Picture Show remains a cornerstone of pop culture, with its midnight screenings still drawing crowds decades after its release. O’Brien’s original hosting of The Crystal Maze set the tone for the show, and his sardonic style became iconic. His voice work on Phineas and Ferb introduced him to a new generation. O’Brien’s move from stage to screen to voice acting demonstrates remarkable versatility. He often speaks about his dual nationality and the influence of his New Zealand upbringing on his identity.

Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Richard O’Brien?

Authoritative sources include Wikipedia, IMDb, and the Eyes on New Zealand profile. The Express has published interviews, though its net worth figure should be treated with caution. O’Brien himself has given selected interviews over the years, such as those archived by the BBC and The Guardian.

“I always wanted to be an actor, but I never expected to create something that would become a cult.” – Richard O’Brien

“The Rocky Horror Show is a celebration of freedom.” – O’Brien (various sources)

What Is the Legacy of Richard O’Brien?

Richard O’Brien’s legacy is defined by his singular creative vision, from the audacious Rocky Horror to the playful wit of The Crystal Maze. He continues to live modestly in New Zealand, writing music and exploring his interests. While he is not expected to take on major new projects, his influence on theatre, television, and pop culture remains secure. For more on entertainers with similar longevity, see Bonnie Langford – Biography, Career, Family and Doctor Who Role and Phil Collins.

Frequently Asked Questions