Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ann Sothern Net Worth?
Ann Sothern, a versatile American actress whose career spanned stage, film, television, and radio, possessed a net worth of $16 million at the time of her death in March 2001, adjusted for inflation. This figure reflects her earnings throughout a multifaceted career that began in the late 1920s and continued for several decades.
Ann Sothern’s Early Career and Broadway Debut
Born Harriette Arlene Lake in Valley City, North Dakota, in January 1909, Ann Sothern’s early foray into the entertainment industry involved minor roles in films. Her talent quickly propelled her to the Broadway stage, where she made her debut in 1930. This marked a significant step in her career, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences in live performances.
The Maisie Ravier Film Series
A pivotal point in Sothern’s film career came in 1939 with the role of Maisie Ravier. She starred in the film series, beginning with “Congo Maisie.” The success of the initial film led to a series of sequels, including “Gold Rush Maisie,” “Up Goes Maisie,” and several others. These films solidified her status as a prominent actress and expanded her fan base. The “Maisie” films were produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), and were B-movies, running a little over an hour in length. The first film, “Congo Maisie” (1940) cost $224,000 to make, and grossed $1,756,000, making it extremely profitable for the studio. The films generally revolved around Maisie getting into and out of trouble in a variety of settings. Her salary for the “Maisie” movies is not publicly available but it is known that she had a contract with MGM at the time.
Television Success and Emmy Nominations
In 1953, Sothern transitioned to television, securing a starring role in the sitcom “Private Secretary”. The show proved to be a hit with audiences. Her performance was critically acclaimed, earning her three Primetime Emmy Award nominations. She was nominated in 1955, 1958, and 1959 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on the “Private Secretary” show. The success of “Private Secretary” led to another television venture, “The Ann Sothern Show,” a CBS sitcom where she continued to showcase her comedic talents. Although specific salary figures for these television roles are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that they contributed significantly to her overall net worth, particularly given the shows’ popularity and her status as the lead actress.
Voice Acting and Final Film Role
Beyond her on-screen work, Sothern also lent her voice to the character of Gladys Crabtree on the television series “My Mother the Car”. This demonstrated her versatility as a performer, capable of engaging audiences through various mediums. Her final film appearance was in the 1987 movie “The Whales of August.” For her performance in this film, she received her only Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This nomination came late in her career but served as a recognition of her enduring talent and contributions to the film industry.
Hollywood Walk of Fame and Marriages
Sothern’s contributions to the entertainment industry were formally recognized in 1960 with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for Motion Picture at 1612 Vine Street and another for Television at 1634 Vine Street. These stars stand as a testament to her lasting legacy and impact on both film and television. Sothern was married twice: first to Roger Pryor from 1936 to 1943, and then to Robert Sterling from 1943 to 1949. These marriages were significant parts of her personal life, though they do not directly correlate with her financial achievements.
Real Estate and Possessions
At one point in her life, Ann Sothern owned a substantial 23-room mansion in Bel Air, a testament to her financial success. The exact address and purchase price of this mansion are not publicly available. Later in life, she downsized, moving to a ranch property in Idaho. This move involved selling most of her former possessions, suggesting a simplification of her lifestyle in her later years. The specifics of the sale, including the proceeds and the size of the ranch, are not available. This does indicate a shift in her priorities and a move away from the lavish lifestyle associated with Hollywood.
Ann Sothern’s Death and Legacy
Ann Sothern passed away on March 15, 2001, at the age of 92. Her death marked the end of a long and successful career that spanned several decades and various entertainment mediums. While detailed financial records are not publicly accessible, her $16 million net worth (adjusted for inflation) at the time of her death provides a concrete measure of her financial success. This success was built upon her work in film, television, and stage, as well as her business acumen in managing her earnings and assets.
Detailed Career Timeline and Income Streams
Sothern’s career can be dissected into several distinct phases, each contributing to her overall net worth. Her early years in the 1930s involved a mix of stage performances and minor film roles. While specific salary figures from this period are scarce, it’s plausible that her income was relatively modest at this stage. The “Maisie” film series (1939-1947) represents a period of increased visibility and income. Though the exact compensation for each film is not available, the recurring nature of the role would have provided a stable income stream.
The 1950s and 60s were dominated by her television work, particularly “Private Secretary” (1953-1957) and “The Ann Sothern Show” (1958-1961). Given her starring role in both series, her earnings during this period would have been substantial. Leading roles in successful television shows typically command significant salaries, along with potential residuals from syndication. Voice acting roles, such as Gladys Crabtree in “My Mother the Car” (1965-1966), would have provided additional income, although likely less than her starring roles. Her later career included guest appearances on various television shows and her final film role in “The Whales of August” (1987). While these later roles may not have been as lucrative as her earlier work, they contributed to her overall income and maintained her presence in the entertainment industry.
Specific Earnings and Contract Details (Where Available)
It’s challenging to provide precise figures for Sothern’s earnings from specific projects due to the lack of publicly available data. However, analyzing industry norms and comparable salaries can offer insights. For example, leading actresses in successful television sitcoms during the 1950s and 60s could earn thousands of dollars per episode. Given Sothern’s popularity and the success of “Private Secretary” and “The Ann Sothern Show,” it’s reasonable to estimate that she earned a significant salary for each episode. Furthermore, successful shows like “Private Secretary” often generated revenue through syndication, providing residual income to the cast and creators. While the exact amount of residuals Sothern received is not known, this would have contributed to her overall net worth over time. Contracts with studios like MGM would have included various clauses regarding salary, royalties, and ownership of intellectual property. These contracts could have provided additional financial benefits beyond her immediate salary.
Personal Investments and Financial Management
While specific details about Sothern’s personal investments are not publicly available, it can be inferred that she engaged in some form of financial planning and investment to manage her earnings effectively. Owning a large property like the 23-room mansion in Bel Air suggests a willingness to invest in real estate. Downsizing later in life to a ranch property in Idaho could indicate a shift in investment strategy or a desire to reduce expenses. Without detailed information, it’s impossible to determine the specific types of investments Sothern held (e.g., stocks, bonds, real estate), but it’s likely that she sought professional financial advice to manage her assets and ensure her long-term financial security. It’s common for high-earning individuals in the entertainment industry to diversify their investments to mitigate risk and maximize returns.
Impact of Divorce Settlements on Net Worth
Sothern’s two divorces, from Roger Pryor in 1943 and Robert Sterling in 1949, could have potentially impacted her net worth. Divorce settlements often involve the division of assets and income, and the terms of these settlements can significantly affect the financial standing of both parties. Without specific details about the divorce agreements, it’s impossible to determine the extent to which these settlements influenced Sothern’s net worth. However, it’s plausible that she was required to share a portion of her assets or income with her former husbands, which would have reduced her overall net worth to some degree. It’s also possible that she received assets or income as part of the settlements, which could have increased her net worth. The impact of divorce settlements on an individual’s net worth depends on a variety of factors, including the length of the marriage, the assets accumulated during the marriage, and the legal agreements reached by the parties involved.
Philanthropic Activities and Charitable Contributions
Information regarding Ann Sothern’s philanthropic activities and charitable contributions is limited. Public figures often engage in charitable giving to support causes they believe in and to improve their public image. It’s possible that Sothern made donations to various charities throughout her life, but these donations are not publicly documented. Charitable contributions can have a dual impact on net worth: while they reduce the individual’s taxable income, they also decrease the total assets they possess. Without specific information about Sothern’s charitable giving, it’s impossible to assess the extent to which this impacted her overall net worth.
Details of Ann Sothern’s Personal Life
While precise day-to-day details of Ann Sothern’s personal life are not readily available, it is known that she lived a very private life away from the cameras. Her move from a mansion in Bel-Air to a ranch in Idaho suggests a preference for a quieter existence. Her lifestyle and spending habits would have undoubtedly influenced the management of her finances. For example, maintaining a large mansion in Bel Air would have involved significant expenses, including property taxes, maintenance costs, and staffing. Moving to a ranch in Idaho likely reduced these expenses, allowing her to conserve more of her earnings. It is known that during the time of her career, she had a close circle of friends but was mostly concerned with her career. Sothern owned properties and lived in Los Angeles, New York, and Ketchum, Idaho.
Summary of Ann Sothern’s Net Worth Influencers
Ann Sothern’s $16 million net worth at the time of her death was the culmination of a career that started in the 1920s. Her career earnings, investments, potential divorce settlements, and personal spending habits would have all contributed to this net worth. Her most prominent roles in successful television series were likely the biggest influencers on her net worth.
