Net Worth Ranker
What Was Lee Van Cleef’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on December 16, 1989, Lee Van Cleef, the American actor known for his distinctive features and roles in Westerns, had a net worth of $2 million. This figure represents the culmination of a career spanning several decades, encompassing work in film and television.
Lee Van Cleef’s Early Career and Rise to Fame
Clarence LeRoy “Lee” Van Cleef Jr. was born on January 9, 1925, in Somerville, New Jersey. His early life provided a foundation for his later success. He was the son of Marion and Clarence Van Cleef. Van Cleef’s ambition led him to graduate early from Somerville High School at the age of 17 so that he could enlist in the U.S. Navy.
Van Cleef’s journey into acting began after his military service. He started as a reader for a Little Theater Group production of “Our Town” in Clinton, New Jersey. His talent soon landed him the role of boxer Joe Pendleton in “Heaven Can Wait.” This role caught the eye of a talent scout who introduced him to MCA talent agent Maynard Morris in New York City. Morris facilitated Van Cleef’s audition for the play “Mister Roberts” at the Alvin Theater, marking a pivotal moment in his early career.
Van Cleef’s film debut came in 1952 with “High Noon.” This appearance led to a series of roles in films such as “Untamed Frontier” (1952) and “Kansas City Confidential” (1952), establishing him in the industry. His early television work included an episode of the Western series “Sky King” in 1952, followed by six episodes of “The Adventures of Kit Carson” from 1953 to 1955. These roles helped build his profile and versatility as an actor.
Lee Van Cleef’s Film and Television Roles
Lee Van Cleef amassed over 170 acting credits throughout his career. His earlier roles often typecast him as a villain due to his unique, somewhat sinister features. This typecasting, while initially limiting, eventually led him to the Spaghetti Western genre, where he found significant success and recognition.
One of Van Cleef’s most iconic roles was as “Angel Eyes” / “The Bad” in the 1966 film “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” This film, directed by Sergio Leone, significantly boosted his career and solidified his status as a Western icon. Other notable film appearances included “Sabata” (1969), for which he also played the title role, “The Magnificent Seven Ride!” (1972), “Escape from New York” (1981), and “Thieves of Fortune” (1990), which was released posthumously. He also reprised his role as Sabata in 1971’s “Return of Sabata.”
In television, Van Cleef starred in the NBC series “The Master” (1984), where he played John Peter McAllister. He also made numerous guest appearances on popular shows such as “Space Patrol” (1952–1953), “The Lone Ranger” (1952–1953), “The Range Rider” (1952–1953), “Cavalcade of America” (1953–1954), and “Gunsmoke” (1960–1966). These diverse roles across film and television contributed to his income and overall net worth.
Van Cleef’s filmography includes roles in “Ten Wanted Men” (1955), “The Road to Denver” (1955), “A Man Alone” (1955), and “The Conqueror” (1956). He also appeared in “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” (1957), “Day of the Bad Man” (1958), and “The Young Lions” (1958). Later, he took on roles in “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (1962) and “How the West Was Won” (1962), further expanding his repertoire. In the 1970s, Van Cleef’s film credits included “Barquero” (1970), “El Condor” (1970), “Captain Apache” (1971), and “Bad Man’s River” (1971). His performances in these films enhanced both his reputation and income.
Lee Van Cleef’s Later Years and Legacy
In the later part of his career, Lee Van Cleef continued to work in a variety of films, including “The Octagon” (1980), “Goma-2” (1984), “Code Name: Wild Geese” (1984), and “Jungle Raiders” (1985). These roles added to his income and helped maintain his presence in the film industry. His participation in these projects contributed to his financial stability and net worth.
Van Cleef’s service in the U.S. Navy during World War II also played a role in shaping his life and career. Enlisting at 17, he served on a submarine chaser and later as a sonarman on the minesweeper the USS Incredible. His military service earned him a Bronze Star and several other medals, including a minesweeper patch, the rank of Sonarman First Class, the U.S. Navy Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. While his military service didn’t directly contribute to his financial net worth, it influenced his character and the roles he later played.
During his life, Lee Van Cleef faced personal challenges, including a car accident in 1958 that resulted in a knee injury, causing him pain for the rest of his life. This injury led him to take a break from acting, during which he launched an interior decoration business with his second wife, Joan Marjorie Drane. He also spent time painting landscapes and sea scenes. These ventures provided alternative sources of income during periods when acting opportunities were limited.
Lee Van Cleef’s death on December 16, 1989, at the age of 64, was attributed to a heart attack, with throat cancer listed as a secondary cause. His passing marked the end of a prolific career that left a lasting impact on the Western genre. Van Cleef was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills, with an inscription on his grave marker reading “BEST OF THE BAD.” His contributions to film and television continue to be celebrated, cementing his legacy as a significant figure in the entertainment industry. This legacy, built on decades of work, culminated in a net worth of $2 million at the time of his death.
