Net Worth Ranker
What Is Hal Holbrook’s Net Worth?
Hal Holbrook, a celebrated American actor with a career spanning over six decades, had a net worth of $12 million at the time of his death on January 23, 2021, at the age of 95. His wealth was accumulated through his extensive work in film, television, and theatre, most notably his long-running one-man show, “Mark Twain Tonight!”
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Harold Holbrook Jr. on February 17, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio, Holbrook’s early life was marked by his parents’ abandonment, leading to him and his two sisters being raised by their paternal grandparents. He attended Culver Military Academy and later Denison University, where he first conceived the idea for “Mark Twain Tonight!” His formal education and early theatrical experiences laid the foundation for his successful career. From 1942 to 1946, Holbrook served in the US Army, stationed in Newfoundland, Canada, where he continued to engage in theatrical productions, honing his skills and passion for the stage.
“Mark Twain Tonight!” and Theatrical Success
Holbrook’s career breakthrough came with his one-man play, “Mark Twain Tonight!” He first performed the show in 1954 at Lock Haven State Teachers College in Pennsylvania. Ed Sullivan spotted him, and Holbrook performed his act on “The Ed Sullivan Show” two years later, which significantly boosted his exposure and recognition. In 1959, “Mark Twain Tonight!” debuted off-Broadway in New York City, and in 1966, it premiered on Broadway, earning Holbrook a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play. He also received an Emmy Award nomination in 1967 for the television broadcast of the show. Holbrook continued to tour with “Mark Twain Tonight!” until his retirement in 2017, marking an extraordinary run of over six decades portraying the iconic American author. The final Broadway run occurred in 2005, during which, at 80 years old, Holbrook was older than Twain ever was, adding a unique layer to his performance.
Film Career and Notable Roles
In 1966, Hal Holbrook made his film debut in Sidney Lumet’s “The Group,” based on Mary McCarthy’s novel. Two years later, he starred in “Wild in the Streets.” The early 1970s saw him in films like “The People Next Door” and “The Great White Hope.” In 1973, he played a memorable role in “Magnum Force,” starring opposite Clint Eastwood. In 1976, he played Deep Throat in “All the President’s Men” and Commander Joseph Rochefort in “Midway.” Later in the decade, he appeared in “Julia” and “Capricorn One.” Holbrook continued to be active in film throughout the 1980s, appearing in “The Fog” (1980) as Father Malone, and portraying a fictional US President in “The Kidnapping of the President” (1980). He also featured in “Creepshow,” “Girls Nite Out,” and “The Star Chamber.” In the latter part of the decade, he acted in “Wall Street,” “The Unholy,” and “Fletch Lives.” In the 1990s, Holbrook appeared in films like “The Firm,” “Carried Away,” “Eye of God,” “Walking to the Waterline,” and lent his voice to Disney’s “Hercules.” The early 2000s included roles in “Waking the Dead,” “Men of Honor,” “The Majestic,” and “Shade.” A career highlight came in 2007 with his performance in “Into the Wild,” which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His later film credits included “Killshot,” “That Evening Sun,” “Water for Elephants,” “Lincoln,” “Promised Land,” and “Savannah.” His final film role was in “Blackway” (2015). His role as Ron Franz in Sean Penn’s “Into the Wild” particularly stands out, showcasing his range and depth as an actor. Although specific financial details from his film contracts are not publicly available, his consistent work in notable films undoubtedly contributed to his overall net worth.
Television Career and Emmy Awards
Hal Holbrook’s television career began in the 1950s on “The Brighter Day.” He gained further recognition in “The Bold Ones: The Senator” (1970-1971), winning an Emmy Award for his role as Senator Hays Stowe. He also starred in television films such as “Goodbye, Raggedy Ann” and “That Certain Summer.” From 1974 to 1976, he portrayed Abraham Lincoln in the miniseries “Lincoln,” earning another Emmy Award. He also appeared in various television films and miniseries throughout the 1970s, including “Our Town” and “The Awakening Land.” In the 1980s, Holbrook starred in “The Killing of Randy Webster” and “The Three Wishes of Billy Grier.” He portrayed John Adams in “George Washington” and reprised his role as Lincoln in “North and South.” He had a recurring role on “Designing Women” (1986-1989) opposite his wife, Dixie Carter. From 1990 to 1994, he starred in “Evening Shade.” In the 1990s, he appeared in television films like “Operation Delta Force” and “The Third Twin.” In the 2000s, Holbrook made appearances on “The Outer Limits,” “Family Law,” “The West Wing,” “The Sopranos,” “NCIS,” and “ER.” In 2010, he had recurring roles on “Sons of Anarchy” and “The Event.” His final television appearances were in 2017 on “Bones,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Hawaii Five-0.” Specific financial details regarding Holbrook’s earnings from his television roles are not publicly accessible. Nonetheless, his consistent presence in popular shows and his Emmy-winning performances contributed to his financial success.
Real Estate: Beverly Hills Mansion
For many years, Hal Holbrook and Dixie Carter resided in a Beverly Hills mansion. This 8,400 square-foot home was listed on the market by their heirs in February 2022, not long after Hal’s death. The initial asking price was $8.4 million. The property was eventually sold in June 2022 for just under $8 million. The sale of this property likely contributed to the estate’s overall assets and is a concrete example of the actor’s investment in real estate. This Beverly Hills property, located in a prestigious neighborhood, reflects the financial stability and success Holbrook achieved throughout his extensive career.
Personal Life and Marriages
Hal Holbrook was married three times and had three children: Victoria, David, and Eve. He had his first two children with his first wife, Ruby Holbrook. His third child was with his second wife, Carol Eve Rossen. Holbrook met his third wife, Dixie Carter, when he guest-starred on her TV show, “Designing Women.” They were married until her death in 2010. They lived in McLemoresville, Tennessee, Carter’s hometown. Holbrook passed away at his home in Beverly Hills, California, in January 2021 at the age of 95. The details of Holbrook’s personal life, while providing context to his overall biography, do not directly correlate with precise financial figures, but they illustrate his life beyond his professional achievements.
