Net Worth Ranker
What Is David Birney Net Worth’ Net Worth?
David Birney, the accomplished American actor and director, had a net worth estimated at $5 million at the time of his death in April 2022. Birney’s financial success stemmed primarily from his extensive career in television, film, and theatre. While precise details regarding his assets aren’t publicly available, his consistent work in the entertainment industry over several decades allowed him to accumulate a sizable estate.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
David Edwin Birney was born on April 23, 1939, in Washington, D.C. His father, Edwin Birney, was a special agent for the FBI, while his mother, Jeanne (née McGee), initially worked as a housewife before transitioning into a career as a real estate agent. Birney spent his formative years in Brooklyn, Ohio, and later graduated from West High School in Cleveland. He excelled both academically and athletically, earning membership in the National Honor Society and lettering in basketball, football, and track. After high school, Birney pursued higher education at Dartmouth College, where he earned a B.A. in English Literature with “High Distinction” in English Honors. He furthered his studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), obtaining an M.A. in Theatre Arts.
Detailed Career and Earnings
Birney’s acting career began in earnest with performances in repertory companies such as the Barter Theatre in Virginia and the Hartford Stage Company. These early roles provided invaluable experience and exposure, setting the stage for his later success. His breakthrough came with television roles. From 1972 to 1973, Birney starred as Bernie Steinberg in the CBS sitcom “Bridget Loves Bernie”. Although the show was short-lived, lasting only one season due to controversy surrounding its depiction of an interfaith marriage, it significantly raised Birney’s profile. He secured a lead role as Officer Frank Serpico in the television series “Serpico” from 1976 to 1977, further cementing his status as a leading man. In the early 1980s, Birney portrayed Dr. Ben Samuels in the acclaimed medical drama “St. Elsewhere” (1982-1983). While his stint on the show was relatively brief, it added another successful credit to his resume. Throughout his career, Birney consistently appeared in television movies, mini-series, and guest roles on popular shows such as “Fantasy Island”, “Hawaii Five-O”, “Murder, She Wrote”, and “The Love Boat”. He also starred as Harry Chandler Moore in the series “Live Shot” in 1995.
Theatre Performances and Recognition
Beyond television, David Birney was a respected stage actor. His Broadway credits include starring roles in “Amadeus”, “Benefactors”, and “Man and Superman”. He also played leading roles at prestigious regional theatres such as the American Shakespeare Festival, New York’s Lincoln Center Repertory Theatre, and the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. In 1968, he won the Clarence Derwent Award and the Theatre World Award for his lead role in “Summertree” at New York’s Lincoln Center. In 1965, he won the Barter Theater Award which enabled him to spend a season acting in shows at the prestigious Barter Theater in Abingdon, VA.
Other Ventures and Contributions
Birney’s career extended beyond acting. He adapted and directed Mark Twain’s “The Diaries of Adam and Eve” for the stage, also starring in the production for the PBS series “American Playhouse”. He also served as co-chair of the American Diabetes Association for five years, actively participating in fundraising and awareness campaigns. Additionally, Birney contributed to the arts community by serving on the Large Theatre Panel of the National Endowment for the Arts and as a board member of the Foundation for Biomedical Research. He also served on the Theatre and Dance Panel of the Jacob Javits Fellowship Foundation and initiated and chaired the Class of ’61 Legacy: The American Tradition in Performance for Dartmouth College.
Real Estate and Personal Assets
Specific details about David Birney’s real estate holdings and other personal assets are not publicly available. Like many individuals in the entertainment industry, it is likely that he owned property in California, potentially in areas like Santa Monica, where he resided at the time of his death. The value of any real estate, investments, and personal property would have contributed to his $5 million net worth.
Net Worth Summary
David Birney’s estimated $5 million net worth reflects a long and successful career in the entertainment industry. His work in television, film, theatre, and audiobooks, along with his contributions to directing and producing, all contributed to his financial standing. While details of his investments and specific assets remain private, his career achievements clearly established him as a financially secure and respected figure in the performing arts.
