Alan Autry Net Worth
Introduction: The Reinvention of Alan Autry
Alan Autry is an American who has lived multiple major careers: from professional football to acting, film production, radio hosting, and political leadership. Best known as Bubba Skinner on In the Heat of the Night, he also served two terms as Mayor of Fresno, California and has built a life marked by faith, public service, and creative work.
While net worth estimates vary, the most credible sources currently place Alan Autry’s wealth around USD $3 million, stemming from his work in entertainment, politics, and media. Less verified sources inflate that figure (some say up to $12 million), but the $3 million number aligns more closely with known income streams and public records.
In this article, you’ll get a full view of his early life, football beginnings, Hollywood journey, personal struggles and faith, political chapters, family, achievements, legacy, and answers to frequently asked questions about him.
Table of Contents
Early Life & Background
Alan Autry’s story starts in difficult surroundings, which shaped much of his character:
- Birth and Name: Born Carlos Alan Autry Jr. on July 31, 1952, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Shortly after his birth, his parents, Carl Autry Sr. and Verna Brown, divorced. When he was about one year old, his mother remarried, and his surname was changed to Carlos Brown.
- Childhood: He grew up working alongside his mother and stepfather, traveling through California’s San Joaquin Valley, living in migrant-worker camps, harvesting crops like cotton and grapes. He witnessed hardship, poverty, and the instability of farm work.
- High School & Education: Around age twelve, the family settled in Riverdale, California. He attended Riverdale High School, where he shone as a football quarterback. Later, he received an athletic scholarship to the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, where in his senior year he played as a second-string tight end.
These early years instilled in him a strong work ethic, humility, and the idea that reinvention is possible when faced with hardship.
Football Career: From Promise to Pivot
Though Alan’s football career was brief, it marked a major turning point:
- NFL Draft & Packers: In 1975, he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers. In the 1976 season, he started three games as quarterback under coach Bart Starr. However, outcomes were mixed, and the team released him after that season.
- CFL Stint: In 1979, using his earlier surname Carlos Brown, he sought to continue his football career with the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was the third-string quarterback, but this chapter did not lead to sustained athletic success.
Although his athletic path didn’t bring lasting fame in the NFL or CFL, it gave him discipline, public exposure, and a foundation he later built upon when transitioning to acting.

Hollywood & Acting Career
After football, Alan Autry turned toward acting. His early years were modest but set the groundwork for later prominence.
- Name Change & Return to Autry: After reconnecting with his biological father during filming in Shreveport, Louisiana, Autry reverted to using his original surname and adopted “Alan” as his professional first name.
- Early Screen Appearances: His first film role was Remember My Name (1978). Over the next several years, he appeared in guest roles on shows like Cheers, The A-Team, Hunter, Newhart, and Dukes of Hazzard.
Signature Role: In the Heat of the Night (1988-1995)
- In 1988, Alan Autry landed the role of Officer Bobby “Bubba” Skinner, later promoted to Captain and then Chief of Police in the series In the Heat of the Night. His character was a key part of the show’s ensemble.
- The show ran for seven seasons, ending in 1995, and remains what many people remember him for
Why Did He Appear Less in Some Seasons?
One question often asked: Did Alan Autry leave the show? The answer: He didn’t permanently leave In the Heat of the Night. He appeared less frequently in some seasons (especially Season 6) because he was working on a film project based on a story he had acquired the rights to. He then returned. The show continued until its final episode, and his character remained part of it throughout.
Other Acting & Behind-the-Camera Work
- After Heat, Autry appeared in Grace Under Fire (1995-96) and other guest TV roles. (
- He founded Dirt Road Productions in 1997. Under this banner he has written, directed, and starred in films, often with Christian or family values themes. The Legend of Jake Kincaid (2002) is one example.
Personal Transformation & Faith
Alan’s personal life includes struggle, transformation, and a strong religious grounding:
- Turning Point / Faith: He became a born-again Christian, which he has credited with helping him overcome addiction, refocus his priorities, and pursue later ventures (politics, family, production) with different values and purpose. This transformation also coincided roughly with his separation from his first marriage.
Political Career: Mayor of Fresno
Alan Autry’s involvement in politics was serious and made a local impact:
- Election & Terms: He ran for Mayor of Fresno, California, as a Republican, winning in November 2000, and took office January 5, 2001. He was re-elected in 2004, serving two four-year terms until January 2009.
- Focus Areas: Public safety, infrastructure improvements, downtown revitalization, and tackling homelessness. His political style was direct; he made many public appearances and engaged with local issues publicly. These roles added to his public profile, though not as lucrative as acting.
Other Ventures, Media & Business
Outside acting and politics, Autry has built additional streams:
- Radio Hosting: From about 2008 to 2011, he hosted a radio show on KYNO AM 940 in Fresno. As of recent years, he hosts a midday show on KXEX 1550 AM.
- Production Company: Dirt Road Productions produces films, many with faith-based or family themes. Producing, writing, and directing contribute to income beyond acting pay
Family, Personal Life & Relationships
- First Marriage: To Vicky Brown in 1980; one daughter Lauren born in 1981. Divorce in 1986.
- Second Marriage: Married Kimberlee Autry since 1994. Together they have children including Heather (Kimberlee’s from previous, adopted) and Austin.
- Wife & Kimberlee Autry: Kimberlee has largely maintained a private profile. There is no robust public data about her separate net worth. Most profiles focus on Alan’s and treat Kimberlee more as partner and collaborator in family & projects.
Physical Stats: Height, Age, Appearance
- Height: Alan Autry is about 6 ft 3 in (≈1.91 meters).
- Weight: About 95 kg (≈209 lbs) (though this may vary by source).
- Age: Born July 31, 1952, so as of 2024-2025, he is around 72 years old.
Net Worth & Financial Overview
- Most Credible Estimate: ≈ USD $3 million, based on sources like Celebrity Net Worth and several biographical databases.
- Alternative Claims: Some outlets (e.g. Urban Splatter) estimate as high as $12 million, citing real estate and business ventures, though these are less substantiated.
Sources of Income
- Acting Paychecks: Especially from In the Heat of the Night (seven seasons) and recurring TV roles.
- Directing & Producing: Through Dirt Road Productions.
- Political Salary: Serving as mayor for eight years contributed a steady, though modest, public salary.
- Radio Hosting / Media Appearances: Regular radio show work adds to income.
- Investments & Real Estate: There is some suggestion of real estate investments, though public data is limited.
The more moderate estimate ($3 million) reflects conservative accounting, whereas higher figures assume greater returns from private investments.
Key Achievements & Highlights
- Long-term role as Bubba Skinner in In the Heat of the Night.
- Serving as Mayor of Fresno (2001-2009), overseeing city initiatives.
- Building a successful second act in media and local politics after acting.
- Founding a production company.
- Overcoming personal struggles with addiction, poverty, and making faith a center of life.
Challenges, Controversies & Why He Left Some Episodes
- He never fully left In the Heat of the Night, but he did reduce appearances, especially around Season 6, to work on film projects. This sometimes created rumors about his departure.
- Criticism in politics: Some residents criticized his approaches to homelessness, development, and public safety as too strong or not sufficient. Every mayor faces opposition.
- Personal issues: His earlier substance abuse, marital strain with first marriage, and transition phases were publicly acknowledged.
What is Alan Autry Doing Now?
- Radio: Hosts a midday show on KXEX 1550 AM in Fresno.
- Production & Faith-based Projects: Continues to produce films, often with Christian or family themes.
- Community & Public Speaking: He remains a local figure in Fresno, participating in charitable events, faith organizations, and community service.
- Occasional Acting Guest Appearances: Though not in a major, steady acting role, he does make appearances.
Legacy & Personal Philosophy
Alan Autry’s legacy is not just in the roles he played or the offices he held, but in the story of transformation:
- A childhood of poverty → discipline from sports → not giving up even when a career in football didn’t sustain → reinvention in acting → openness about struggle → pivot to politics and public service.
- He emphasizes humility, faith, service, family. He’s known for being personable, community-oriented, not ostentatious.
- His roles often resonated with law enforcement, small town values, redemption — matching his life philosophy.
Similar to Alan Autry, James Lankford has built his public image around integrity and service — You can read about James Lankford’s net worth and carrer,
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are updated FAQs including your extra questions:
Conclusion: The Story of Alan Autry
Alan Autry’s life is a powerful example of perseverance, transformation, and diversified success. From humble beginnings to brief NFL stardom, then Hollywood recognition, acting, directing, political leadership, and media work, his is not a one-chapter story. His estimated net worth of $3 million may not rival A-list celebrities, but for someone who has repeatedly reinvented himself, faced adversity, and chosen purpose and service over fame, it represents something more meaningful.
If there’s one lesson from Autry’s biography: talent matters, but character, faith, and persistence matter perhaps more. He shows that setbacks don’t define you, but how you respond does.