Net Worth Ranker
What Is Danny Thomas’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing on February 6, 1991, Danny Thomas, the multifaceted American entertainer, had accumulated a net worth of approximately $9 million. This figure, adjusted for inflation to current values, equates to roughly $20 million. This substantial wealth was amassed through a diverse and successful career spanning acting, comedy, singing, television production, and philanthropic endeavors.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Born Amos Yaqoob Kairouz on January 6, 1912, in Deerfield, Michigan, Danny Thomas’s journey to stardom began in humble circumstances. Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, with his Lebanese immigrant parents, Margaret and Charles, he attended St. Francis de Sales Church, Woodward High School, and the University of Toledo. His foray into the entertainment world commenced in the early 1930s with performances on Detroit’s “The Happy Hour Club” radio program. In 1940, he moved to Chicago and honed his skills in clubs, leading to his own half-hour weekly radio show, “The Danny Thomas Show,” which aired on ABC from 1942 to 1943 and later on CBS from 1947 to 1948. During this period, he also participated in “The Bickersons” radio series alongside Don Ameche and Frances Langford and made appearances on “The Big Show” radio variety program during the early 1950s. These early radio ventures laid the groundwork for his future success in television and film.
Television Career and Production Ventures
Danny Thomas achieved his breakthrough in television in 1953 with the debut of “Make Room for Daddy” on ABC. As Danny Williams, a successful nightclub performer, he endeared himself to audiences. The show, co-starring Jean Hagen, Rusty Hamer, and Sherry Jackson as his family, underwent a title change to “The Danny Thomas Show” after its third season. It continued on ABC for another season before moving to CBS, where it remained until its conclusion in the spring of 1964. Post-“Danny Thomas Show,” he starred in the NBC anthology series “The Danny Thomas Hour” from 1967 to 1968. Subsequent television endeavors included “Make Room for Grandaddy,” a revival of his previous show, and “The Practice,” an NBC sitcom that aired from 1976 to 1977. He also made an appearance in the series finale of “Kojak” and starred in the ABC sitcom “I’m a Big Girl Now” from 1980 to 1981. Later in his career, he appeared in the sitcom “One Big Family” and the television film “Side by Side.”
Beyond acting, Danny Thomas made significant contributions as a television producer in the 1960s, often collaborating with renowned producers such as Aaron Spelling and Sheldon Leonard. His producing credits include iconic shows such as “The Andy Griffith Show,” “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “The Mod Squad,” “That Girl,” and Walter Brennan’s series “The Real McCoys,” “The Tycoon,” and “The Guns of Will Sonnett.” These successful production ventures significantly boosted his income and cemented his position in the entertainment industry.
Film Career
While primarily known for his television work, Danny Thomas also had a presence in film. His film debut occurred in the 1947 musical drama “The Unfinished Dance,” featuring Margaret O’Brien. He appeared in another Margaret O’Brien film, “Big City,” in 1948. In 1951, he starred in two musicals: “Call Me Mister” and “I’ll See You in My Dreams,” where he acted alongside Doris Day. He later starred in the 1952 remake of “The Jazz Singer.” After this, his appearances on the big screen became less frequent. He returned in 1964, playing himself in the romantic musical comedy “Looking for Love,” and had an uncredited role in the 1966 comedy “Don’t Worry, We’ll Think of a Title.” In 1972, he voiced the Tin Man in the animated musical “Journey Back to Oz.” Although his film career was not as extensive as his television career, it still contributed to his overall earnings.
Philanthropic Endeavors and Legacy
Danny Thomas’s most enduring legacy is his founding of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1962. This institution, dedicated to finding cures for pediatric diseases and saving children’s lives, has expanded across the United States to several other cities. Danny Thomas’s commitment to St. Jude was deeply personal, stemming from a vow he made during a difficult period in his early career. His daughter, Marlo Thomas, has been the long-time spokeswoman of St. Jude’s and has helped the organization raise hundreds of millions of dollars. While his philanthropic work was not directly income-generating, it solidified his reputation as a generous and compassionate figure, enhancing his public image and indirectly benefiting his career.
Real Estate and Significant Assets
In 2017, a Beverly Hills property formerly owned by Danny Thomas was listed for sale at $135 million. Although he did not own the property at the time of the listing, its high value reflects the kind of assets and lifestyle associated with someone of his financial standing. The property, located in the affluent Trousdale Estates neighborhood, offers panoramic city views and encompasses a substantial estate. While details about the specific vehicles he owned are not publicly available, it is plausible that Danny Thomas owned luxury cars, given his affluence.
Personal Life and Associations
A devout Roman Catholic, Danny Thomas was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre by Pope Paul VI. He was also a member of the Good Shepherd Parish and the Catholic Motion Picture Guild in Beverly Hills, and the first non-Jewish member of Los Angeles’s Hillcrest Country Club. Additionally, he was initiated into Freemasonry in Prudence Lodge No. 958 in Chicago and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Gothic Lodge No. 270 in New Jersey. These affiliations highlight his diverse social and religious connections.
Marriage, Family, and Death
In early 1936, Danny Thomas married singer Rose Mantell. They had three children: Margaret (Marlo), Theresa (Terre), and Charles (Tony), all of whom pursued careers in the entertainment industry. On February 6, 1991, Danny Thomas died from a heart attack at his home in Beverly Hills. He is buried alongside his wife in a mausoleum on the grounds of the original St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, a testament to his enduring commitment to the institution he founded. While detailed information about his daily routines and personal habits is not readily available, his public appearances and the accounts of those who knew him paint a picture of a dedicated entertainer, philanthropist, and family man.
