What is William Devane’s Net Worth?
William Devane, a distinguished actor recognized for his versatile performances across film, television, and theatre, has accumulated a net worth of $5 million. This financial standing reflects his long and successful career, marked by notable roles in iconic productions. Devane’s income streams have been diversified through his acting engagements, spanning decades and various genres, from soap operas to action dramas and cinematic roles.
Early Career and Television Success
Born on September 5, 1939, in Albany, New York, William Devane embarked on his acting journey after graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1962. His early career was significantly shaped by his involvement with the New York Shakespeare Festival, where he participated in 15 plays. This experience laid a solid foundation for his subsequent television roles. His career began to flourish in the 1970s and 1980s, marked by numerous appearances in television series and films. His participation in the police drama “N.Y.P.D.” from 1967 to 1969 further honed his skills in the television medium.
Devane’s portrayal of President John F. Kennedy in the 1974 television film “The Missiles of October” was a significant milestone, enhancing his reputation as a versatile actor capable of handling complex roles. The late 70s and early 80s saw him in series such as “From Here to Eternity,” where he reprised his role, increasing his visibility. In 1983, Devane secured his most famous role as politician Greg Sumner on the primetime soap opera “Knots Landing,” a position he held until the show’s conclusion in 1993. This role was a consistent source of income for a decade, solidifying his financial stability. It is reasonable to estimate that his salary per episode of “Knots Landing” increased over the years, likely starting around $10,000-$15,000 and potentially reaching $25,000-$40,000 per episode during the later seasons, contributing significantly to his total William Devane Net Worth.
Film Career and Memorable Roles
William Devane’s contributions to cinema include roles in critically acclaimed films such as Alfred Hitchcock’s “Family Plot” (1976) and John Schlesinger’s “Marathon Man” (1976). He appeared in five films in 1971 including “The Pursuit of Happiness”, “The 300 Year Weekend”, “McCabe & Mrs. Miller”, “My Old Man’s Place” and “Lady Liberty”. His work in these films, and later in productions like “Space Cowboys” (2000) and Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” (2014), highlights his versatility and sustained presence in the film industry. While specific salary details for these film roles aren’t publicly available, these appearances undoubtedly added to his overall earnings and William Devane Net Worth. His role in “Interstellar,” for example, while a supporting one, would have likely commanded a substantial fee given the film’s high budget and Nolan’s reputation.
In 2012, Devane played a supporting role as the President of the United States in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises”. While this role wasn’t a main role, his presence in such a blockbuster undoubtedly contributed to his income that year. His roles in films such as “Rolling Thunder” (1977) and “Yanks” (1979) further increased his earning potential.
Television Work in the 1990s and 2000s
The 1990s and 2000s were also productive periods for Devane in television. In 1993-1994, he starred in the sitcom “Phenom.” The show’s run was short, but Devane continued to secure roles in series such as “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” (1994) and “The Monroes” (1995). His television work included appearances in “Early Edition” and “Turks,” demonstrating his continued demand in the industry. These series, though short-lived, provided steady income. He further augmented his income through guest appearances on various shows and roles in made-for-television movies. His salary for “Phenom” could have been in the range of $15,000 to $30,000 per episode, depending on his contract negotiations and prior reputation. During the early 2000s, Devane maintained a steady presence on television, appearing in shows like “The West Wing” and “Stargate SG-1.” His work in these series added to his financial portfolio and reinforced his reputation as a reliable character actor. He played James Heller on “24”, and again in “24: Live Another Day.” During this time his recurring role in “Jesse Stone” was yet another source of income, with television movie roles often paying in the range of $50,000 to $150,000, depending on the project’s scope and the actor’s prominence.
“24” and Later Career
From 2005 to 2007, Devane portrayed James Heller on the action drama series “24,” a role he reprised in the 2014 limited-run sequel “24: Live Another Day.” This role on “24” increased his prominence and likely commanded a higher salary. Given the show’s popularity and his recurring status, Devane could have earned between $40,000 and $75,000 per episode. In 2015, Devane had a main role on the short-lived legal comedy series “The Grinder.” Though the series was short-lived, it provided him with another significant acting credit and income stream. The show “The Grinder,” though short-lived, likely paid him a salary comparable to his work on “24,” further contributing to his yearly earnings. His later credits include appearances on “Psych,” “NCIS,” and “Revenge,” maintaining his consistent presence in popular television series. These guest appearances and recurring roles added incremental income to his portfolio, reinforcing his steady stream of revenue.
Real Estate and Personal Investments
While specific details of William Devane’s real estate holdings and investment portfolio are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that he has invested in real estate and other assets to secure his financial future. Prudent investments over his long career would contribute to his overall wealth accumulation, adding to his $5 million William Devane Net Worth. It is common for actors to invest in real estate, stocks, and other financial instruments to diversify their income and build long-term wealth. Devane’s long and stable career suggests he would have had ample opportunities to make such investments.
Endorsements and Other Ventures
There is no publicly available information to suggest that William Devane has significant income from endorsements or other business ventures outside of acting. His primary source of income has been his acting roles in film and television. While it’s possible he has had minor endorsement deals or investments that are not publicly disclosed, these would likely not significantly alter his overall William Devane Net Worth. Actors often supplement their income with endorsements, public appearances, and other ventures, but Devane’s career has primarily been focused on acting roles.
Personal Life
William Devane married his wife Eugenie in 1961, and they have two sons, Joshua and the late Bill. The details of his personal life are relatively private, and there is no publicly available information to suggest that his personal expenses or lifestyle have significantly impacted his William Devane Net Worth.