Net Worth Ranker
What Is Art Linkletter’s Net Worth?
Art Linkletter, a prominent figure in American radio and television history, amassed a substantial net worth estimated at $90 million. This fortune was primarily built through his long and varied career in broadcasting, endorsements, and astute investments. While the exact breakdown of his assets isn’t publicly available, we can examine key aspects of his career that contributed to this impressive financial standing.
Early Career and Broadcasting Successes
Born Gordon Arthur Kelly in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1912, Linkletter’s early life involved a move to California, where he later attended San Diego State University. He joined the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and graduated in 1934 with a teaching degree. However, he pivoted to the burgeoning field of radio. He started his broadcasting career at local station KGB, marking his entry into the entertainment industry. The specifics of his initial salary at KGB are not publicly documented, but this role served as a crucial stepping stone. Despite not being a U.S. citizen, Linkletter applied for citizenship. After paying a $500 fine for falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen, he became a naturalized citizen in the early 1940s.
His career took off when he began hosting “People Are Funny” with John Guedel. This radio program eventually transitioned to television in the mid-1950s, enjoying a successful seven-year run. While precise figures for his earnings from “People Are Funny” aren’t accessible, the show’s popularity ensured a steady income through salary and potential profit-sharing arrangements. He also hosted “Life With Linkletter” and “Hollywood Talent Scouts,” further expanding his presence on television. These shows contributed to his overall income, although specific financial details for these projects remain private. He was also casted in movies, such as “Champagne for Caesar” and “People Are Funny.” He covered the live opening of Disneyland in 1955 with Bob Cummings and Ronald Reagan.
Endorsements, Investments, and Business Ventures
Beyond his broadcasting career, Linkletter demonstrated a keen eye for business and investment. One notable example is his investment in the hula hoop. While the exact amount of his investment and subsequent returns are not publicly known, the hula hoop craze of the late 1950s proved incredibly lucrative for those involved. He also endorsed the popular board game, The Game of Life. His endorsement deals likely provided a significant boost to his income. Details of his specific endorsement contract are not readily available. His involvement with these ventures highlights his understanding of consumer trends and his ability to capitalize on them. He guest hosted “The Tonight Show” for several weeks and in the early 60’s he was part of a Stan Fine cartoon “Art Linkletter’s Kids”.
Real Estate and Other Assets
Information regarding Art Linkletter’s real estate holdings and other significant assets is not widely available. Details about specific properties he owned or any private aircraft or luxury vehicles are not part of the public record. Typically, this kind of information remains private unless explicitly disclosed or part of legal proceedings. Without access to estate records or financial documents, it’s impossible to provide specifics on these aspects of his net worth.
Political Affiliations and Philanthropy
Art Linkletter was an active member of the Republican Party and served on Pepperdine University’s Board of Regents. While these affiliations didn’t directly contribute to his financial wealth, they highlight his involvement in influential circles and potentially opened doors to various opportunities. He also received a Daytime Emmy in 2003 for lifetime achievement, a testament to his lasting contributions to the entertainment industry.
Personal Life and Family
Linkletter married his wife, Lois, in San Diego a year after graduating college. They had five children together and outlived three. Art Linkletter died in 2010, about six months before their 75th wedding anniversary. The specifics of any inheritance or estate planning related to his family are not publicly accessible. He also held several honorary university degrees and is the writer of the foreword for the bestseller “Release Your Brakes!” by James W. Newman.
While a precise breakdown of Art Linkletter’s $90 million net worth remains elusive due to the private nature of financial records, his career trajectory provides valuable insights. His success in radio and television, coupled with strategic investments and endorsements, played a crucial role in accumulating his wealth. The exact figures for specific deals and assets may not be available, but the overall picture demonstrates a long and prosperous career in the entertainment and business world. Even though exact addresses, model numbers and earnings from specific gigs are not available, the range of his activities clearly supports a net worth as high as $90 million.
