Net Worth Ranker
What Is Roddy McDowall’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death in October 1998, Roddy McDowall, a multifaceted English-American actor, voice artist, director, and photographer, had accumulated a net worth of $4 million. Adjusting for inflation, this sum is equivalent to approximately $7.5 million in 2025 dollars. McDowall’s financial standing was a result of his extensive and diverse career spanning several decades, from his early beginnings as a child actor to his later roles in film, television, and theatre.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Roddy McDowall’s journey to building his net worth began in London, England, where he was born on September 17, 1928. Enrolled in elocution lessons at the young age of five, McDowall demonstrated an early aptitude for performance, securing roles in several films before reaching the age of ten. While specific early earnings figures are unavailable, these roles provided a foundation for his burgeoning career and contributed to his initial financial stability. His early success was significantly boosted by his role as Huw Morgan in the 1941 film “How Green Was My Valley.” While his exact salary for the role remains undisclosed, the film’s widespread success – it earned $3 million at the box office against a $1.25 million budget – and Academy Award wins, including Best Picture, raised his profile considerably and opened doors for more lucrative opportunities. The subsequent Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor further solidified his position in the industry.
Moving to the United States during World War II also proved pivotal in McDowall’s career trajectory. His roles in films such as “Lassie Come Home” (1943) and “The Keys of the Kingdom” (1944) further cemented his status as a sought-after child actor. Although precise salary information from these early films is difficult to obtain, child actors during this era often earned significantly less than adult leads, with earnings potentially ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per film, depending on the role’s size and the studio’s budget. In 1943, the average weekly wage in the US was around $40, putting McDowall’s earnings into perspective.
Transition to Television and Theatre and the “Planet of the Apes” Franchise
In the 1950s, McDowall strategically diversified his career, venturing into television and theatre, which not only broadened his artistic range but also provided consistent income streams. His appearances in television series like “The Twilight Zone” and “The Wild Wild West” provided steady work, even if the episodic fees weren’t as large as film roles. Actors in guest roles during this era might earn between $500 to $1,500 per episode, depending on their recognition and the network’s budget. McDowall’s presence on Broadway further contributed to his financial portfolio. While specific salaries for his theatre roles in productions such as “The Crucible” and “The Lion in Winter” are not publicly available, successful Broadway actors could earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per week, depending on the play’s popularity and their role’s prominence.
The “Planet of the Apes” franchise in the 1960s marked a significant resurgence in McDowall’s film career and a substantial boost to his net worth. His portrayal of Cornelius, the chimpanzee scientist, became iconic, and he reprised the role in four sequels: “Beneath the Planet of the Apes” (1970), “Escape from the Planet of the Apes” (1971), “Conquest of the Planet of the Apes” (1972), and “Battle for the Planet of the Apes” (1973), as well as the television series. While precise salary figures for each film are not publicly available, it is estimated that McDowall’s earnings per film in the franchise likely increased with each installment, reflecting his growing importance to the series. Considering the success of the initial film (which grossed over $62 million against a budget of $5.8 million), McDowall’s salary for subsequent films could have ranged from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars per movie.
Later Career and Diverse Ventures
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, McDowall maintained a steady presence in both film and television, further solidifying his financial standing. He appeared in films such as “Crocodile Dundee II” (1988), which grossed over $239 million worldwide, “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992), and “The Flintstones” (1994). While specific salary details for these roles remain private, his involvement in commercially successful films ensured a continued stream of income. His recurring roles in television series such as “The Ray Bradbury Theater” (1985-1992) and “Babylon 5” (1993-1998) provided consistent work. Guest appearances and recurring roles in popular television shows during this era could earn actors several thousand dollars per episode, contributing to McDowall’s overall net worth.
McDowall also established himself as a successful voice actor, lending his talents to animated series such as the “Planet of the Apes” animated series (1975-1976) and the “Peter Pan” animated series (1989-1990). Voice acting can be a lucrative field, with established actors earning thousands of dollars per episode or film, depending on the project’s scale and their role’s importance. His voice work, combined with his film and television appearances, allowed him to maintain a diverse income stream and contribute to his overall net worth.
Real Estate and Personal Life
Roddy McDowall’s long-time residence in Studio City, California, played a role in his estate’s value. He lived in the same home for nearly three decades. The property was sold a few months after his death for $1.3 million. While this sale contributed to the overall value of his estate, it is essential to note that the $4 million net worth figure represents the total value of his assets at the time of his death, encompassing not only real estate but also other investments, royalties, and personal property. The house, which was located at an undisclosed address in Studio City, likely appreciated in value over the three decades that McDowall owned it, contributing to his overall net worth. His decision to remain in the same home for an extended period suggests a preference for stability and long-term investment, both factors that can positively impact one’s financial standing.
While McDowall was known to be a private individual, his passion for animal rights and close friendships with other actors and actresses suggest a rich and fulfilling personal life. These aspects of his life, while not directly contributing to his net worth, likely played a significant role in his overall well-being and professional success. His friendships within the industry could have led to collaborative opportunities and increased visibility, while his advocacy for animal rights may have resonated with audiences and contributed to his public image.
Net Worth Summary
Roddy McDowall’s $4 million net worth at the time of his death in 1998, equivalent to $7.5 million in 2025, was the result of a long and varied career. His early success as a child actor, followed by his transition into television and theatre, and his iconic role in the “Planet of the Apes” franchise, all contributed to his financial stability. His later work in film, television, and voice acting ensured a consistent income stream throughout his career. While specific salary figures for many of his roles remain undisclosed, his long-term presence in the entertainment industry and his canny diversification into various mediums of his craft enabled him to accumulate a significant net worth over his lifetime.
