Fred MacMurray Net Worth

Overview

Frederick Martin “Fred” MacMurray (August 30, 1908 – November 5, 1991) was an American actor who had a net worth equal to $150 million at the time of his death in 1991. During his nearly half-century-long career (1930 through the 1970s), he appeared in more than 100 movies as well as many highly popular television series. Fred was probably best known worldwide for playing the role of Steve Douglas, the widowed patriarch on the TV series “My Three Sons” which ran on ABC from 1960–1965 and then on CBS from 1965–1972. MacMurray was also effective in psychological drama, such as in Double Indemnity (1943), in which he fell victim to the wiles of Barbara Stanwyck, The Caine Mutiny (1954), in which he played a supercilious but weak-willed officer, and The Apartment (1960), in which he played a hypocritical businessman and womanizer. In the 1950s and ’60s he appeared in few westerns and, most notably, in a variety of comedies in which he played a lovable bumbler.

Paramount Pictures

Actor

What Is Fred MacMurray’s Net Worth?

At the time of his death in 1991, Fred MacMurray’s net worth was estimated to be $150 million. This substantial net worth was primarily accumulated through his extensive acting career and shrewd real estate investments.

Fred MacMurray’s Career and Earnings

Fred MacMurray’s career spanned nearly half a century, from the 1930s to the 1970s, during which he appeared in over 100 movies and numerous television series. While specific financial details for each of his roles aren’t publicly available, his prominence in Hollywood undoubtedly led to significant earnings over the years. He started his career playing saxophone in local bands. In 1930, MacMurray played saxophone in the Gus Arnheim and his Coconut Grove Orchestra alongside Bing Crosby and Russ Columbo. This early exposure to the entertainment industry likely contributed to his later success in film and television.

One of MacMurray’s most recognizable roles was as Steve Douglas, the widowed patriarch in the TV series “My Three Sons.” The show aired on ABC from 1960 to 1965 and then on CBS from 1965 to 1972, running for a total of 12 seasons and 380 episodes. While his exact salary for “My Three Sons” isn’t publicly documented, leading roles in long-running, successful TV shows typically command considerable compensation.

MacMurray’s talent was not limited to television. In 1939, artist C.C. Beck used MacMurray as the initial model for the superhero character who became Fawcett Comics’ Captain Marvel. In 1961, MacMurray was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for “The Absent-Minded Professor,” demonstrating his success in a diverse range of roles. In 1987, he was the first person honored as a Disney Legend.

In 1943, Fred MacMurray was earning $420,000 per year from Paramount Pictures. In today’s money, that equates to approximately $6.5 million per year. This made him the highest-paid actor and one of the five highest-paid individuals in America in 1943.

Fred MacMurray’s Real Estate Investments

Beyond his acting career, Fred MacMurray was known for his financial acumen, particularly his investments in real estate. While specific details of all his real estate holdings are not readily available, it is documented that his real estate portfolio was worth between $100 million and $150 million at the time of his death in 1991. This significant portfolio was amassed through careful and shrewd investments over many years.

MacMurray’s approach to finances was reportedly very conservative. Known for being frugal, he diligently invested his earnings, with real estate being a primary focus. While specific addresses and names of his real estate properties are not widely publicized, the total value of his holdings demonstrates the scale of his investments. He understood that a successful acting career could allow him to generate considerable income, but that real estate was a more sustainable investment than an acting career alone.

Personal Life

Fred MacMurray was married twice. He married Lillian Lamont on June 20, 1936, and they adopted two children, Susan (born 1940) and Robert (born 1946). Following Lillian’s death from cancer on June 22, 1953, MacMurray married actress June Haver the following year. He and Haver adopted twins, Katherine and Laurie (born 1956). The couple remained married until MacMurray’s death on November 5, 1991. He was entombed in Holy Cross Cemetery. In 2005, June Haver, aged 79, was entombed with her husband.