Net Worth Ranker
What Is Burt Lancaster’s Net Worth?
Burt Lancaster, a celebrated figure in Hollywood’s golden era, accumulated a substantial net worth of $60 million throughout his illustrious 45-year career. This wealth was primarily a result of his acting roles, production ventures, and astute financial decisions.
Burt Lancaster’s Salary Highlights From Acting Roles
Lancaster’s earnings from his acting roles steadily increased throughout his career. Securing his first major role in 1946’s “The Killers,” he was paid $20,000, equivalent to approximately $265,000 today. The following year, Lancaster’s salary rose to $45,000 for his role in “Brute Force,” which adjusts to about $600,000 after inflation. In 1948, he earned $50,000 for “All My Sons.”
By 1953, Lancaster’s prominence allowed him to command a salary of $120,000 for “From Here to Eternity,” equivalent to approximately $1.2 million in today’s currency. His compensation continued to climb in subsequent years, with $150,000 earned for “The Young Savages” in 1961.
One of Lancaster’s most lucrative paydays came in 1961 with “Judgment at Nuremberg,” where he earned $750,000, roughly $6.3 million when adjusted for inflation. He negotiated the same amount, $750,000, for 1977’s “Twilight’s Last Gleaming,” approximately $3.2 million in today’s dollars after adjusting for inflation.
In 1970, Lancaster starred in “Airport,” a film he himself deemed a “piece of junk.” He negotiated a 10% share of the film’s profits and, as “Airport” grossed $100 million on a $10 million budget, he earned a staggering $5 million, about $30 million in today’s value. This one role significantly boosted his net worth.
Hecht-Hill-Lancaster Productions’ Contribution to Burt Lancaster’s Net Worth
Burt Lancaster was a pioneer among actors who ventured into running their production companies. His company, Hecht-Hill-Lancaster, achieved remarkable success in the 1950s, generating hits like “Trapeze,” “Sweet Smell of Success,” and “Separate Tables.” Hecht-Hill-Lancaster, was one of the most successful studios in Hollywood in the 1950s. Lancaster was also honored as number nineteen on the list of the greatest male stars of all time, according to the American Film Institute.
The company, initially Norma Productions, was co-founded with his agent Harold Hecht. They produced a number of movies throughout the late 40s and early 50s before Norma signed a contract with Columbia Pictures. The company was renamed Hecht-Lancaster Productions. Burt continued to appear in a vast number of the films produced by this company. During the 50s, Lancaster worked with United Artists and produced films like “The Kentuckian,” which was his directorial debut, but he never took on this role again, with the one exception in 1974.
Burt Lancaster’s Real Estate Holdings
In 2020, Burt Lancaster’s former residence in the Beachwood Canyon neighborhood of Hollywood was listed for sale at approximately $2.4 million. This property, located below the Hollywood sign, was originally built in 1941 and sold for $270,000 in 1996, two years after Lancaster’s death. It was then sold again in 2017 for $1.77 million.
The house features 2,800 square feet of living space, with four bedrooms, French doors, and a master suite, including a fireplace. The exterior includes hillside views, a guest suite, and a private yard filled with trees. It also features a two-car garage.
In 2016, another property that once belonged to Lancaster was listed for $2.65 million. Described as a Spanish-style condo within Century Towers, a high-rise in Century City, the apartment spans 2,800 square feet due to the combination of two separate units.
The condo features glass walls that provide views and was purchased in 1976, and he owned it until his passing.
Burt Lancaster’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Burton Stephen Lancaster was born on November 2, 1913, in Manhattan, New York City. Raised in a working-class, Protestant household with Irish roots, Lancaster spent his childhood in East Harlem. At the age of 9, he began working with Nick Cravat, a stunt and circus performer. Together, they performed in many circus acts before Burt was later forced to retire due to injury. During World War II, Lancaster joined the army as a special soldier who was tasked with entertaining the troops and maintaining morale. Upon returning to New York, Burt booked a role in the Broadway play “A Sound of Hunting” before catching the eye of Hollywood agent Harold Hecht. He started with the film “Desert Fury” before breaking out with a role in “The Killers.”
Burt Lancaster’s Later Career and Filmography
In 1961, Burt appeared in “Judgment at Nuremberg.” He then followed up with “Birdman of Alcatraz” in 1962. Lancaster’s success continued throughout the 60s and 70s. He also became known for a number of films during the 80s, including “Atlantic City.” His last film was “Field of Dreams” in 1989. Hulton Archive/Getty Images Lancaster appeared in over 74 films throughout his career, including staples such as Desert Fury. He also appeared in approximately twelve television productions between 1974 and 1991.
Burt Lancaster’s Personal Life
Lancaster was married three times, first to June Erst from 1935 to 1946, then to Norma Anderson from 1946 to 1969, and lastly to Susan Martin from 1990 until his death. He died on October 20, 1994. He suffered a stroke on November 30, 1990, which caused him to be partially paralyzed, followed by a heart attack on October 20, 1994.
