Net Worth Ranker
What Is Edward G. Robinson’s Net Worth?
While Edward G. Robinson’s net worth at the time of his death, adjusted for inflation, is often reported to be around $100 million, a more concrete understanding of his financial status can be gleaned from examining his assets and career earnings. It’s important to note that precise figures are difficult to ascertain, but by looking at his known income, investments, and possessions, a clearer picture emerges.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Emanuel Goldenberg in Bucharest, Romania, on December 12, 1893, Edward G. Robinson immigrated to the United States with his family in 1904. They settled on the Lower East Side of New York City. He initially considered becoming a rabbi or a lawyer but discovered a passion for acting while attending City College. This led him to an American Academy of Dramatic Arts scholarship. He began working in stock productions in 1913, adopting the stage name Edward G. Robinson. His Broadway debut came two years later, marking the start of a steady 15-year career on stage. These early stage roles, while not providing the same level of income as his later film work, were crucial in establishing his career and building his reputation.
Film Career and Earnings
Robinson’s film career took off with the advent of sound films. His role as the gangster Enrico “Rico” Bandello in “Little Caesar” (1931) catapulted him to stardom. This role set the standard for movie gangsters and led to numerous subsequent roles in similar films. After “Little Caesar”, Robinson starred in a series of successful films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. These included biographical works like “Dr. Ehrlich’s Magic Bullet” (1940) and psychological dramas such as “Double Indemnity” (1944). Although specific salary figures for many of his early films are not readily available, it’s clear that his earnings significantly increased as his star power grew. By the end of the 1930s, he was earning millions per year in current dollars. His role in “Double Indemnity,” where his performance is considered a career highlight, further solidified his status and earning potential.
Robinson’s career continued to thrive in the 1950s and 1960s, with roles in films like “The Ten Commandments” (1956) and “The Cincinnati Kid” (1965). He also made appearances on television, including roles in “Playhouse 90” and “Rod Serling’s Night Gallery”. These later roles, while perhaps not as iconic as his earlier gangster portrayals, still contributed to his income. It is important to note that in 1952, Edward G. Robinson testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee. This event temporarily impacted his film career.
Art Collection and its Value
One of the most significant aspects of Edward G. Robinson’s financial legacy was his extensive art collection. He began collecting art in the 1930s and, by the 1940s, had built his own gallery to house his growing collection. By 1953, his collection included works by renowned artists such as Renoir, Cezanne, Degas, Picasso, Gauguin, Matisse, and Van Gogh. Robinson reportedly went into debt to finance his art collection, demonstrating his passion for art and his willingness to invest heavily in it.
In 1957, Robinson was forced to sell his art collection as part of a divorce settlement. The entire collection was sold to Greek shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos for $3.5 million. This amount is equivalent to approximately $36 million today. While this sale provided a substantial sum, it also meant losing a significant portion of his assets. It’s worth noting that Niarchos’s acquisition of Robinson’s art collection for $3.5 million in 1957 (approximately $36 million today) underscores the collection’s immense value. This included iconic works by masters like Degas, Cezanne, and Renoir, which Niarchos housed in his Paris Hôtel de Chanaleilles. Some of these artworks are now estimated to be valued at $2.2 billion as part of Philip Niarchos’s collection.
Real Estate and Personal Possessions
Edward G. Robinson owned a spectacular Beverly Hills estate during the height of his career in the 1930s. This mansion was recently for sale at $21.95 million. This property, located behind wrought iron gates, featured luxurious amenities such as a grand foyer with a chandelier, a master suite with a spa tub, a library with classic wood walls, a unique fitness center, and a backyard with a private paradise. The mansion also included staff quarters, a playroom, and a detached guesthouse. While specific details about other real estate holdings are not readily available, it’s reasonable to assume that Robinson, given his success, owned additional properties throughout his career.
Beyond real estate, Robinson likely owned other valuable personal possessions, including luxury cars and other assets. However, detailed information about these items is not publicly available.
Net Worth Calculation and Final Years
Considering Robinson’s earnings from his extensive film and stage career, his significant art collection, and his real estate holdings, it is plausible that his net worth, adjusted for inflation, could have reached $100 million at the time of his death in 1973. However, it is important to acknowledge that this figure is an estimate. The $2.5 million estate that he left behind in 1973 largely consisted of rare works of art. Edward G. Robinson passed away on January 26, 1973, at the age of 79, from bladder cancer. He received an Honorary Academy Award in 1973 for his contributions to the art of motion pictures.
Legacy and Conclusion
Edward G. Robinson’s financial legacy is intertwined with his successful acting career and his passion for art. While precise figures are difficult to obtain, his earnings from films, his art collection, and his real estate holdings all contributed to a substantial net worth. Although he was forced to sell his art collection, it remained a significant part of his financial story, reflecting both his wealth and his personal interests. His career earnings snowballed with every gig, earning him millions per year in current dollars.
