Net Worth Ranker
What Is Dick York’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on February 20, 1992, Dick York’s net worth was estimated to be around $1,000. This stark financial situation was a significant contrast to the success he experienced during his acting career, particularly during his time on “Bewitched”. York’s financial struggles were largely attributed to a debilitating back injury and subsequent health issues that hampered his ability to work consistently.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Dick York, born Richard Allen York on September 4, 1928, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, had humble beginnings. His father, Bernard York, worked as a salesman, while his mother, Betty York, was a seamstress. The family later moved to Chicago, where York spent his formative years. At the age of 15, his talent was recognized by a Catholic nun, which led to his early involvement in radio. He started working at a local radio station, which provided him with foundational experience in the entertainment industry. During the early 1940s, York starred on the CBS radio program “That Brewster Boy,” which further honed his acting skills.
Following his early radio work, York continued to expand his acting repertoire by appearing in numerous radio shows and instructional films. His ambition led him to New York City, where he pursued a career on Broadway. He secured roles in productions such as “Tea and Sympathy” and “Bus Stop,” showcasing his versatility as an actor. He also participated in live television broadcasts, collaborating with notable actors like Paul Muni and Joanne Woodward. York’s early film career included appearances alongside Jack Lemmon and Glenn Ford in movies like “My Sister Eileen” and “Cowboy,” establishing him as a rising talent in Hollywood.
“Bewitched” and Career Setbacks
In 1964, Dick York landed the role of Darrin Stephens on the ABC sitcom “Bewitched,” which catapulted him to widespread fame. His portrayal of the mortal husband to Elizabeth Montgomery’s witch character, Samantha Stephens, made him a household name. In 1968, York received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his work on “Bewitched,” acknowledging his contribution to the show’s success. Despite his success on the show, Dick York had a hard time coping with his injury during filming. The crew built him a slanted wall on which he could lean between scenes in order to allow him to rest a bit between breaks. During the third season of the show, his injury was further aggravated into a painful degenerative spine condition. This resulted in frequent delays in shooting as York required assistance to walk. Some episodes of the series were written to allow his character to be lying down on a bed or a couch for an entire episode. He did not appear in a number of episodes during the third and fourth seasons.
However, his career trajectory was significantly impacted by a severe back injury sustained in 1959 while filming “They Came to Cordura.” The injury, which involved the crushing of several vertebrae, resulted in chronic pain that plagued him for the rest of his life. It led to a growing dependence on painkillers, and was a constant problem on the set of “Bewitched”. By the show’s fifth season, York’s condition had deteriorated to the point where he had to leave the series. He was replaced by Dick Sargent, and a storyline was created to explain Darrin’s absence, indicating he was away on a business trip.
York’s departure from “Bewitched” marked a turning point in his career and financial stability. After leaving “Bewitched,” York spent around 18 months largely bedridden. He had developed a dependency on prescription painkillers, which he described in his memoir “The Seesaw Girl and Me.” He revealed that he used the drugs to deal with his injury as well as to come to terms with the end of his acting career.
Later Career and Personal Struggles
Following his departure from “Bewitched,” York’s health and financial situation declined. He struggled with addiction to prescription painkillers, a consequence of the chronic pain from his back injury. After getting clean, he found himself struggling financially, and even took a job as a house cleaner to make ends meet. Dick later quit the drugs cold turkey, which led to a six-month painful withdrawal period. He eventually beat the addiction. However, York continued smoking cigarettes. For much of his life, he was a three-pack-a-day smoker.
In the early 1980s, York attempted to revive his acting career, appearing in episodes of “Simon & Simon” (1983) as Martin Donlevy and “Fantasy Island” (1984) as Mr. Sutton. Unfortunately, his declining health prevented him from making a full comeback.
Philanthropic Efforts and Final Years
Despite his personal health challenges, Dick York dedicated his final years to helping others. Bedridden in his home in Rockford, Michigan, he founded a private charity called Acting for Life, aimed at assisting homeless individuals. York raised money for the charity by making calls from his bed to politicians, business people, and members of the public. His efforts demonstrated a strong commitment to social causes, even in the face of his own difficulties.
By 1989, York was using an oxygen tank to help him breathe. Dick York died of complications from emphysema at Blodgett Hospital in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, on February 20, 1992, at the age of 63. He was buried at Plainfield Cemetery in Rockford, Michigan. He was reportedly living off a $650 monthly pension from the Screen Actors Guild at the time of his death, reflecting his limited financial resources during his final years. His legacy remains as a talented actor who faced significant personal and health challenges throughout his life, ultimately impacting his net worth.
