Net Worth Ranker
What Is Robert Conrad’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on February 8, 2020, Robert Conrad, the American actor and singer, had a net worth of $10 million. This figure represents the culmination of a career that spanned several decades and included successful roles in television, film, and music. Conrad’s primary source of wealth was his acting career, with notable roles in television series like “The Wild Wild West” contributing significantly to his earnings. He also generated income from singing, producing, and directing. Beyond his entertainment industry earnings, Robert Conrad’s net worth was also influenced by his real estate holdings, including properties in Thousand Oaks and Malibu, California.
Robert Conrad’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Robert Conrad, born Conrad Robert Norton Falk on March 1, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, faced a challenging start. His father, Leonard Henry Falk, was just 17 years old at the time of his birth, while his mother, Alice Jacqueline Hartman, was only 15. Alice, who later became the first publicity director of Mercury Records under the name “Jackie Smith,” divorced Conrad’s father and married Chicago radio personality Eddie Hubbard in 1948. This early instability led Conrad to begin working full-time at the age of 15, dropping out of school to work as a truck driver and load trucks. Despite these challenges, he later pursued theater arts at Northwestern University, which ignited his passion for acting. One of his first paying roles was arranged by his mother, posing outside a Chicago theater screening the film “Giant” (1956) due to his resemblance to James Dean. This early experience, though small, provided him with a taste of the entertainment industry and motivated him to pursue further opportunities. In 1957, Conrad’s meeting with actor Nick Adams proved pivotal. Adams, recognizing Conrad’s ambition, encouraged him to move to California, where he believed the major roles were located. Conrad took Adams’ advice, and Adams promptly secured him a small role in the film “Juvenile Jungle” (1958). This brief appearance enabled him to join the Screen Actors Guild, marking the official start of his professional acting career. Soon after his move, Nick Adams facilitated Conrad’s signing with Warner Bros., leading to both acting roles and singing opportunities.
Robert Conrad’s Rise to Fame and Notable Roles
Robert Conrad’s early career with Warner Bros. included a minor “Billboard” hit song, “Bye Bye Baby,” in 1961. The studio also featured him in successful detective shows like “77 Sunset Strip” and “Hawaiian Eye,” where he played detective Tom Lopaka in both series. These roles provided him with valuable exposure and experience, setting the stage for his breakout role. In 1965, Robert Conrad landed his first starring role as government agent James West on the CBS show “The Wild Wild West,” a series that aired until 1969. This role was pivotal in establishing his net worth, not only through his salary but also through the recognition and opportunities it brought. Known for performing his own stunts and fight scenes, Conrad’s dedication to the role solidified his image as a tough and capable action star, further enhancing his appeal and marketability. While starring in “The Wild Wild West,” Conrad also ventured into production, forming his own company, Robert Conrad Productions. Through this company, he wrote, starred in, and directed the Western film “The Bandits” (1967). This entrepreneurial move allowed him to gain more control over his career and potentially increase his earnings through production profits. In 1984, Conrad was honored with a star on the Walk of Western Stars in Newhall, California (now part of Santa Clarita), acknowledging his contributions to the Western genre. Later in his career, in 2005, Conrad ran for President of the Screen Actors Guild, indicating his continued involvement and interest in the industry. In 2006, he was inducted into the Hollywood Stuntmen’s Hall of Fame for his work on “The Wild Wild West,” further cementing his legacy. From 2008 to 2019, he hosted a weekly two-hour national radio show, “The PM Show with Robert Conrad,” on CRN Digital Talk Radio, providing him with another avenue for income and engagement with his fans.
Robert Conrad’s Personal Life and Later Years
Robert Conrad’s personal life included two marriages. His first marriage to Joan lasted 25 years, during which they had five children before divorcing in 1977. Later that year, he met LaVelda Ione Fann, whom he married soon after. Together, they had three children before divorcing in 2010. Some of Conrad’s children, including sons Shane and Christian, and daughter Nancy, appeared with him on television shows, highlighting his family’s involvement in his career. Another daughter, Joan, became a television producer, further extending the family’s presence in the entertainment industry. Robert Conrad was actively involved with the not-for-profit organization Bear Valley Search and Rescue in Bear Valley, California, for many years. His involvement in this organization inspired the television series “High Mountain Rangers.” On March 31, 2003, Conrad was involved in a serious car accident when he drove his Jaguar over the center median and collided with a Subaru driven by Kevin Burnett. The accident led to felony charges, and Conrad pleaded no contest, resulting in a conviction for drunk driving. He was sentenced to six months of house confinement, alcohol counseling, and five years of probation. In 2005, Kevin Burnett died at the age of 28 from perforated ulcers, which his family attributed to the difficult recovery from the crash. Conrad himself suffered severe nerve injuries from the accident, resulting in partial paralysis on his right side. Robert Conrad died of heart failure in Malibu, California, on February 8, 2020, at the age of 84. His net worth of $10 million at the time of his death reflected his successful career in entertainment and various business ventures.
