Net Worth Ranker
What Is Abe Vigoda’s Net Worth?
Abe Vigoda, the American actor known for his roles in “The Godfather” and “Barney Miller,” had a net worth of $1 million at the time of his death. Vigoda’s career spanned several decades, during which he appeared in numerous films and television shows, contributing to his overall financial standing. While the precise breakdown of his assets isn’t publicly available, his net worth reflected his earnings from acting roles, potential residuals, and other financial investments he may have had.
Abe Vigoda’s Career and Earnings
Abe Vigoda’s career began in radio in the late 1940s, followed by his television debut in 1949 on “Studio One.” However, it was his roles in Broadway productions during the 1960s and early 1970s, such as “Marat/Sade,” “The Man in the Glass Booth,” and “Tough to Get Help,” that brought him initial recognition. While specific financial details regarding his earnings from these stage performances are not publicly documented, they contributed to his early income streams.
His breakthrough role as Salvatore Tessio in the 1972 film “The Godfather” significantly boosted his profile. Although the exact salary he received for this role is not publicly known, its success led to further opportunities in film and television. He appeared in Richard Fleischer’s crime film “The Don is Dead” in 1973 and briefly in “The Godfather Part II” in 1974. The cumulative effect of these roles enhanced his financial stability.
Vigoda’s television career was marked by his role as NYPD detective Phil Fish on the sitcom “Barney Miller,” which aired from 1974 to 1982. He starred in the first four seasons and returned for the seventh. His popularity led to a spin-off series, “Fish,” in 1977, though it lasted only two seasons. While the specific salary per episode for “Barney Miller” and “Fish” is not publicly available, successful television roles generally provide actors with a steady income and potential for residuals.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Vigoda continued to work in film, with roles in “Cannonball Run II” (1984), “Look Who’s Talking” (1989), “Joe Versus the Volcano” (1990), “Sugar Hill” (1993), and “Jury Duty” (1995). One notable role was as Otis, a fast-food worker, in the 1997 teen comedy “Good Burger,” based on the sketch from “All That.” While the exact compensation for these roles varies, they collectively contributed to his earnings over the years.
Abe Vigoda’s filmography includes a range of supporting roles in various genres. His appearances in films like “The Cheap Detective” (1978), “The Stuff” (1985), and “Plain Clothes” (1988) added to his income. While details about the specific contracts and salaries for these roles are not publicly accessible, working consistently in film and television allowed him to maintain a steady income stream.
Vigoda also made guest appearances on television shows such as “The Rockford Files,” “The Bionic Woman,” “MacGyver,” and “Murder, She Wrote.” While the pay for guest roles may be less than for starring roles, these appearances provided additional income and helped him stay active in the industry. In the 2000s, he appeared in “Manhattan, AZ” and voiced himself in an episode of “Family Guy,” adding to his later career earnings.
Abe Vigoda’s Assets and Investments
Specific details regarding Abe Vigoda’s real estate holdings and investments are not publicly available. Like many actors, he may have owned a home and had investments in stocks, bonds, or other financial instruments. However, without access to private financial records, it is impossible to provide a precise breakdown of his asset allocation.
Abe Vigoda’s Personal Life and Expenses
Abe Vigoda was born on February 24, 1921, in Brooklyn, New York City, to Russian Jewish immigrants Lena and Samuel Vigoda. He had two half-brothers, Hy and Bill, from his father. After leaving school, Vigoda worked as a printer and enlisted in the US Army in 1943. Following his military service, he studied acting on the GI Bill at the American Theatre Wing. The costs associated with his education and early career endeavors would have factored into his overall financial management.
Vigoda married Sonja Gohlke in 1939, and they had a daughter named Carol before divorcing in 1963. He later married Beatrice Schy in 1968, and they remained together until her death in 1992. Personal expenses, including those related to family life, would have influenced his financial planning and expenditures throughout his life.
The recurring gag on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” which poked fun at false reports of his death, became a notable part of his public persona. While this didn’t directly contribute to his income, it kept him in the public eye and likely contributed to continued opportunities in the entertainment industry. The costs associated with maintaining his public image, such as travel and appearances, would have been part of his overall expenses.
Abe Vigoda passed away on January 26, 2016, at the age of 94, at his daughter’s home in Woodland Park, New Jersey. He was interred in Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, New York. Funeral and burial expenses would have been part of his estate’s financial considerations.
