Wayne Rogers Net Worth

What Was Wayne Rogers’ Net Worth?

At the time of his death on December 31, 2015, Wayne Rogers, the American actor and businessman, had a net worth estimated at $75 million. This substantial net worth was accumulated through a multifaceted career encompassing acting roles in television and film, complemented by successful ventures in investment and financial strategy.

Acting Career and Earnings

Wayne Rogers’s acting career began in the late 1950s, with his first television appearance being a guest role on “Gunsmoke” in 1959. He continued to secure guest roles in various television shows throughout the 1960s, including “The Millionaire” (1960), “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” (1962), “Honey West,” “Combat!,” “The Invaders,” and “The Big Valley.” These early roles, while contributing to his initial income, were not the primary source of his later wealth. He received scale pay for each speaking role and residuals when the show was re-aired. Exact figures for these early roles are not publicly available, but typical guest star fees in the 1960s ranged from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per episode. According to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), a day player rate in 1960 might be $100 to $300, so a week-long role might pay $500 to $1500, adjusted for inflation.

Rogers’s breakthrough role came in 1972 with his portrayal of Captain ‘Trapper’ John McIntyre in the CBS television series “M*A*S*H.” The show, based on Robert Altman’s film of the same name, quickly became a massive success. Rogers starred alongside Alan Alda, Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr, Gary Burghoff, and McLean Stevenson. While specific salary details from his “M*A*S*H” contract are not publicly available, it’s understood that actors in lead roles in successful primetime television shows during the 1970s could command substantial salaries. It is estimated that Rogers’s salary was in the range of $25,000 to $40,000 per episode, though this figure is based on general industry standards of the time rather than specific contract details. He appeared in 72 episodes across the first three seasons of M*A*S*H, so if the $30,000 figure is accurate, he made approximately $2,160,000 from this job. However, he left the show in 1975 due to a contract dispute and creative differences, feeling that the writers favored Alan Alda’s character, Hawkeye. This decision, while potentially limiting his immediate earnings from the show, may have opened doors for other opportunities.

After “M*A*S*H,” Rogers continued to work in television, appearing in the television film “Attack on Terror: The FBI vs. the Ku Klux Klan.” In 1976, he starred as private detective Jake Axminster on the short-lived NBC series “City of Angels.” In 1979, Rogers landed the main role as Dr. Charley Michaels in the CBS sitcom “House Calls,” which co-starred Lynn Redgrave, and later Sharon Gless. While specific figures are unavailable, a successful sitcom role would typically involve a higher per-episode salary than guest appearances. Lead actors might earn tens of thousands of dollars per episode. “House Calls” ran for three seasons, providing a stable income stream. In 1985, Rogers played Colonel Tony Nelson in the television film “I Dream of Jeannie… Fifteen Years Later,” taking over the role originated by Larry Hagman. In the 1990s, Rogers had a five-episode role on “Murder, She Wrote” from 1993 to 1995. Guest appearances on established shows like “Murder, She Wrote” would have provided moderate income, likely in the range of several thousand dollars per episode. Although significant, the income generated from his acting roles was substantially smaller than the wealth accumulated through his later financial ventures.

Rogers also appeared in films throughout his career. His film debut was in 1959 with a bit part in Robert Wise’s “Odds Against Tomorrow.” He had a slightly larger role in the 1965 Western “The Glory Guys.” In 1966, Rogers appeared in the psychological horror film “Chamber of Horrors,” and in 1967 had a small role in the Paul Newman prison drama “Cool Hand Luke.” He appeared in two more films with Paul Newman, 1970’s “WUSA” and 1972’s “Pocket Money.” Rogers had his first lead role in a film in the 1981 crime comedy “The Hot Touch,”. Later in the decade, he had significant roles in “The Gig” and “The Killing Time.” Rogers’s other notable film credits include the 1996 courtroom drama “Ghosts of Mississippi,” the 1999 drama “Love Lies Bleeding,” and the 2001 crime film “Frozen with Fear.” Film roles typically involve upfront payment and potential residuals, but specifics for Rogers’s film earnings are not available. His appearances in well-known films like “Cool Hand Luke” and “Ghosts of Mississippi” would have contributed modestly to his overall income.

Financial Career and Investments

A significant portion of Wayne Rogers’s $75 million net worth stemmed from his successful career as an investor, money manager, and financial strategist. This transition from acting to finance demonstrates a savvy business acumen and played a critical role in accumulating his wealth. While specific investment details remain private, his actions and public statements offer insight into his strategies.

In both 1988 and 1990, Rogers testified before the US House Committee on the Judiciary as an expert witness. This appearance underscores his deep understanding of financial matters and highlights his advocacy for the retention of banking laws enacted under the Glass-Steagall legislation of 1933. The Glass-Steagall Act separated commercial and investment banking activities, aiming to prevent the conflicts of interest that had contributed to the Great Depression. His testimony suggests a conservative approach to banking regulation and a commitment to protecting the stability of the financial system. These testimonials indicate that Rogers likely invested in sectors benefiting from stable financial regulations.

Rogers also served as a regular panel member on the Fox Business Network program “Cashin’ In.” This role would have provided him with a platform to share his financial expertise, promote his investment strategies, and potentially attract clients to his investment firm. The exposure gained from television appearances could enhance his credibility and attract clients, leading to increased revenue for his firm. Panel members on such shows typically receive payment for their appearances, though precise figures are not publicly available.

He was the head of the stock-trading investment firm Wayne Rogers & Co. This firm likely managed investments for high-net-worth individuals and institutions, generating revenue through management fees and performance-based incentives. The success of Wayne Rogers & Co. was a major contributor to his net worth. The company’s investment strategies and specific holdings are not public knowledge, but the firm’s profitability would depend on market conditions and the effectiveness of its investment decisions. Also, he sat on the board of directors of Vishay Intertechnology, a Fortune 100 company. Board members of Fortune 100 companies typically receive substantial compensation in the form of salaries, stock options, and other benefits. These positions provide significant income and the opportunity to gain valuable insights into corporate governance and business strategy. It is estimated that board member compensation could easily reach hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, depending on the company’s size and performance.

Considering the diverse aspects of his financial career, it’s plausible that a significant portion of his wealth was derived from strategic investments, successful management of Wayne Rogers & Co., and compensation earned as a board member of Vishay Intertechnology. The ability to leverage his public profile and business acumen to build a thriving financial career was a key factor in Rogers’s financial success. While the exact breakdown of his investment portfolio remains private, it’s evident that financial management was a substantial contributor to his $75 million net worth.

Personal Life

Wayne Rogers’ personal life included two marriages. He was married to his first wife, actress Mitzi McWhorter, from 1960 until their divorce in 1983. They had two children together. He wed his second wife, Amy Hirsh, in 1988, and they remained together until his death. There is no publicly available information about real estate holdings, personal aircraft, or luxury vehicles.