Gloria Loring is an American actress, singer, author, and philanthropist with a net worth of $5 million. She became a familiar name in the 1980s thanks to her role as Liz Chandler on Days of Our Lives and her chart-topping duet “Friends and Lovers” with Carl Anderson. Beyond her success in entertainment, Loring made a name for herself as a songwriter, wellness advocate, and dedicated supporter of diabetes research. With a career spanning more than five decades, she’s managed to stay both relevant and respected in multiple industries.
Early Life and Musical Start
Gloria Loring was born Gloria Jean Goff in New York City. Her career began when she was still a teenager, performing in nightclubs and touring across the country during the 1960s. Her voice, a natural fit for the adult contemporary sound that would later define her musical brand, helped her gain recognition early on. In the 1970s, she released her first albums and made several guest appearances on TV programs such as The Carol Burnett Show, The Merv Griffin Show, and The Tonight Show, where she showcased her vocal talent to national audiences.
Breakthrough on Days of Our Lives
In 1980, Loring joined Days of Our Lives as Liz Chandler, a role that allowed her to merge her acting and musical skills. As a nightclub singer on the show, she performed several songs that were later released commercially. Her time on the soap opera lasted six years, and she became a fan favorite for both her dramatic performances and on-screen musical moments.
It was during this period that she recorded “Friends and Lovers” with Carl Anderson. First introduced to viewers on Days of Our Lives, the duet became a massive hit and reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. That same year, she released her album Gloria Loring, which included the hit single and cemented her place in the adult contemporary music scene.
A Songwriter Behind the Scenes
While Loring was in the spotlight, she was also quietly working as a successful songwriter. Alongside her then-husband Alan Thicke, she co-wrote two of television’s most memorable theme songs: The Facts of Life and Diff’rent Strokes. Both became embedded in American pop culture and were staples of 1980s television.
She also co-wrote “Our Love,” which became a Top 10 adult contemporary hit and was recorded by both Loring and Dionne Warwick. Her songwriting extended into pop and television, with her work recorded by various artists in the U.S. and Canada.
Personal Life and Connection to Alan Thicke
Gloria Loring married actor and singer Alan Thicke in 1970. The couple had two sons, Brennan and Robin Thicke. Robin later rose to global fame as a singer-songwriter with hits like “Blurred Lines.” Loring and Thicke divorced in 1984 but stayed on good terms and occasionally collaborated creatively even after their separation.
Their shared love for entertainment and music left a lasting impact, and both remained influential in their respective fields. While their relationship was private for the most part, their legacy as creative collaborators is well remembered.
Advocating for Diabetes Research
One of the most meaningful chapters of Gloria Loring’s life began after her son Brennan was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Rather than stepping back from the spotlight, she chose to use her platform to raise awareness and funds for diabetes research. She became a national spokesperson for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and developed several fundraising projects.
Among her most successful efforts was The Days of Our Lives Celebrity Cookbook series, which featured recipes from soap stars and raised millions of dollars for diabetes research. Her advocacy has earned her awards and recognition from multiple nonprofit organizations.
Writing and Wellness
Loring has also established herself as an author. Her memoir Coincidence Is God’s Way of Remaining Anonymous combined deeply personal stories with spiritual lessons and reflections. It was praised for its warmth and openness and resonated with readers facing adversity or seeking emotional growth.
She also co-wrote Living With Type 1 Diabetes, a resource aimed at families and individuals navigating the complexities of the condition. In recent years, Loring has been active as a public speaker, often combining her music with messages of resilience, wellness, and spiritual awareness.
A Career That Blends Talent and Purpose
Gloria Loring’s net worth of $5 million reflects not just her success in entertainment but her ability to reinvent herself across different platforms. She’s had chart-topping songs, starred on a beloved soap opera, written hit theme songs, published impactful books, and led major fundraising efforts. Her work has reached people in many ways, whether through music, television, advocacy, or storytelling.
She continues to appear at events, host wellness seminars, and make occasional media appearances. Her voice and message still resonate, proving that her impact goes far beyond the stage and screen.
Final Thoughts
Gloria Loring’s journey shows what can happen when talent is matched with heart and persistence. From early performances to soap opera fame and hit music charts, to fighting for her son’s health and supporting families nationwide, she has lived a full and inspiring life. With a net worth of $5 million and a legacy of artistic and humanitarian accomplishments, Gloria Loring remains a respected name in both the entertainment and philanthropic worlds.