Net Worth Ranker
What Is Richard Donner’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on July 5, 2021, Richard Donner, a prominent American director and producer, had a net worth of $200 million. This substantial net worth was a combined figure with his wife, Lauren Shuler Donner, who is also a mega-producer. They had been married since 1986 and jointly built their financial empire.
Richard Donner: A Career Overview
Richard Donner’s career began in the world of television in the early 1960s. He directed episodes of the Steve McQueen Western series “Wanted Dead or Alive” and later worked on other series, including “The Tall Man,” “Wagon Train,” and “The Rifleman.” His television directorial credits include one of the most famous episodes of The Twilight Zone ever produced, “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” starring William Shatner.
In 1961, Donner made his debut as a film director with the aviation drama “X-15,” which starred Mary Tyler Moore, David McLean, and Charles Bronson. His next feature, released in 1968, was the comedy “Salt and Pepper,” with Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford.
Donner’s breakthrough came in 1976 with the supernatural horror film “The Omen,” starring Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, and David Warner. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $60 million worldwide on a budget of just $2.8 million.
Two years later, in 1978, Donner directed “Superman,” starring Christopher Reeve. The film was a global sensation, grossing over $300 million worldwide on a budget of $55 million. “Superman” was the second highest-grossing film of its year and is credited with reinvigorating the superhero genre.
In 1985, Donner directed two films: “The Goonies” and “Ladyhawke.” “The Goonies” grossed over $61 million domestically on a budget of $19 million, while “Ladyhawke” grossed over $20 million on a budget of $18 million.
In 1987, Donner directed “Lethal Weapon,” starring Danny Glover and Mel Gibson. The film grossed over $120 million worldwide on a budget of $15 million. Donner directed three sequels to “Lethal Weapon,” released in 1989, 1992, and 1998. Each film was a commercial success, with “Lethal Weapon 2” grossing over $227 million worldwide, “Lethal Weapon 3” grossing over $321 million worldwide, and “Lethal Weapon 4” grossing over $314 million worldwide.
In 1988, Donner directed “Scrooged,” starring Bill Murray. The film grossed over $60 million domestically on a budget of $32 million.
In the 1990s, Donner directed “Radio Flyer,” “Maverick,” “Assassins,” and “Conspiracy Theory.” “Maverick,” starring Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, and James Garner, grossed over $183 million worldwide on a budget of $75 million. “Conspiracy Theory,” starring Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts, grossed over $137 million worldwide on a budget of $80 million.
Donner’s final two theatrical releases were “Timeline” in 2003 and “16 Blocks” in 2006. “16 Blocks,” starring Bruce Willis, grossed over $65 million worldwide on a budget of $50 million.
Donner’s Company and Real Estate Holdings
In 1986, Richard Donner and his wife, Lauren Shuler Donner, founded their own production company, initially named Shuler-Donner Productions, and later renamed The Donners’ Company. Through this company, they produced several successful films, contributing significantly to their combined net worth. Donner’s Company produced films such as “Free Willy,” which grossed over $153 million worldwide, and “X-Men,” which grossed over $296 million worldwide.
The Donners previously owned a custom-built mansion in Maui that sat on 160 feet of ocean frontage. They listed the home for sale in November 2015 for $22 million and sold it for $16.5 million a year later. They also own two homes in Los Angeles. The first is a relatively modest home in Beverly Hills. The second is a more impressive property in the Hills above the Sunset Strip that sits on 1.2-acres. They also own the 1.25-acre property next-door. The home on the first parcel is 9,000 square-feet.
Richard Donner’s financial success was the result of a career filled with blockbuster films and savvy business decisions, particularly through his production company. His real estate holdings further solidified his and his wife’s substantial net worth.
