At 46 years old in 2025, Courtney Henggeler has an estimated net worth of $4 million—earned over two decades of navigating the highs and lows of the entertainment industry. Best known for her role as Amanda LaRusso in Cobra Kai, and Missy Cooper on The Big Bang Theory, Henggeler built a reputation as a versatile actress with wit, charm, and staying power. But in March 2025, she surprised fans and Hollywood alike by announcing her retirement from acting.
So why did she walk away at the height of her success? Let’s take a closer look at her journey, her earnings, and what’s next for the actress-turned-creative powerhouse.
How Did Courtney Henggeler Get Her Start in Hollywood?
Courtney’s acting career started in the early 2000s, filled with the kind of roles that every aspiring actor recognizes—blink-and-you-miss-it cameos, guest spots on network shows, and auditions that led to polite rejections.
One of her first speaking lines came on House M.D., where she delivered a single “Sorry.” These early appearances, though brief, were stepping stones in a tough industry where simply booking work is a win.
She kept grinding, with guest appearances on Criminal Minds, NCIS, Bones, and Mom, slowly building a resume that showcased her range and work ethic.
What Was Her Breakthrough Role?
Many fans first noticed Henggeler as Missy Cooper, the twin sister of Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory. While the role was small, it left a lasting impression. Her comedic timing and down-to-earth delivery made Missy a fan favorite, and it gave Henggeler a boost of visibility.
But it was Netflix’s Cobra Kai that truly launched her into the spotlight. As Amanda LaRusso, the wife of Karate Kid legend Daniel LaRusso (played by Ralph Macchio), Henggeler brought a refreshing mix of strength, sarcasm, and emotional intelligence to the action-packed series.
She wasn’t just the “wife” character—she was the glue that held much of the show’s emotional core together.
How Much Did She Earn from Cobra Kai?
While exact salary details for Cobra Kai aren’t public, industry estimates suggest that supporting cast members on a hit streaming series can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000 per episode, especially in later seasons when renegotiated contracts come into play.
With Cobra Kai running multiple successful seasons, and Henggeler appearing in nearly every episode, it’s safe to say a significant portion of her $4 million net worth came from her work on the show.
Add to that her past TV work, brand endorsements, and her recent writing ventures, and it paints the picture of a well-earned fortune.
Why Did Courtney Henggeler Retire from Acting?
In March 2025, Henggeler announced her retirement in a deeply personal Substack essay titled “20 Plus Years.” She described the acting grind as creatively draining—even after reaching what most people would consider “success.”
She explained how she spent years chasing roles, feeling like a “cog in the machine” of Hollywood, where the hustle never ends, and validation is always external.
Her declaration, “I want to be the machine,” captured a shift in mindset: she’s no longer content waiting for approval from casting directors or producers. Instead, she’s stepping into a new chapter where she can write, create, and lead on her own terms.
What Will She Do After Acting?
While Henggeler hasn’t detailed all of her post-acting plans, she’s hinted at working on original creative projects, possibly writing and producing content independently.
Her retirement isn’t about leaving creativity behind—it’s about reclaiming it. She’s moving from actor-for-hire to creator-with-purpose.
Her voice in the Substack essay felt like that of a woman ready to redefine success on her own terms, not through IMDb credits or red carpet appearances.
What Is Her Personal Life Like?
Courtney has been married to producer Ross Kohn since October 2015, and the couple shares two children. Together, they’ve built a life that balances Hollywood hustle with family focus.
In September 2024, the family purchased a $2.1 million home in Fairfield, Connecticut—a shift away from the bright lights of LA toward quieter surroundings. It’s a move that reflects the bigger life changes she’s embracing.
What Makes Her Retirement So Impactful?
It’s rare for actors to walk away while they’re still on a career high. Henggeler’s honesty about burnout, creative hunger, and the emotional toll of the entertainment world offers a refreshing counter-narrative.
She didn’t leave acting because she failed—she left because she refused to let success be defined by someone else’s rules. Her words challenge a system that often demands actors compromise their passion just to stay relevant.
And in doing so, she might have started something bigger: a conversation about agency, power, and what it means to truly create.
