Net Worth Ranker
What Was Fred Ward’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on May 8, 2022, Fred Ward, the versatile American actor, had a reported net worth of $3 million. This figure reflects his decades-long career in Hollywood, marked by roles in iconic films and television series across various genres.
Fred Ward’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Freddie Joe Ward on May 8, 1942, in San Diego, California, Fred Ward’s early life was marked by challenges. After completing high school, he served three years in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, Ward explored various professions, including a stint as a boxer and working as a lumberjack in Alaska. These diverse experiences likely contributed to the rugged and authentic persona he brought to his acting roles.
Ward’s foray into acting began in Italy, where he studied at the Herbert Berghof Studio in Rome. During his time abroad, he honed his skills by working as a mime and dubbing Italian films into English. He also secured roles in films by renowned neorealist director Roberto Rossellini, providing him with valuable on-set experience and exposure to the world of cinema.
Fred Ward’s Acting Career Highlights
Fred Ward’s American film debut came in 1975 with a role in “Hearts of the West,” marking the beginning of a prolific career in both film and television. One of his early notable roles was in the 1979 Clint Eastwood film “Escape from Alcatraz,” where he played John Anglin, one of the prisoners attempting to escape the infamous prison. This role helped to establish him as a strong character actor capable of portraying both tough and complex individuals.
In 1981, Ward portrayed a violent National Guardsman in Walter Hill’s “Southern Comfort,” further showcasing his ability to embody intense and gritty characters. The following year, he landed his first starring role in “Timerider: The Adventure of Lyle Swann” (1982). These early roles helped to solidify his presence in Hollywood and paved the way for even more significant opportunities.
A major breakthrough in Fred Ward’s career came with his portrayal of astronaut Gus Grissom in the acclaimed 1983 film “The Right Stuff.” This role, which depicted the early days of the American space program, garnered critical acclaim and further elevated his profile. In the same year, he also appeared in the action film “Uncommon Valor” alongside Gene Hackman and in the drama “Silkwood,” demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
The mid-1980s saw Ward taking on a variety of roles, including co-starring in “Swing Shift” (1984) and appearing in “Secret Admirer” (1985). However, a significant opportunity arose when he was cast as the title character in the action movie “Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins,” directed by Guy Hamilton. This film, intended to be the first in a series based on “The Destroyer” novels, ultimately underperformed at the box office, grossing approximately $15 million. While the film’s success was limited, it provided Ward with a starring role and further exposure.
In 1990, Fred Ward starred in the monster movie “Tremors,” a film that would become a cult classic and one of his most recognizable roles. He also appeared in “Henry & June” with Uma Thurman and in “Miami Blues” with Alec Baldwin and Jennifer Jason Leigh, showcasing his ability to work in both genre films and more serious dramas. In the same year, he was also cast in Dennis Hopper’s film “Catchfire,” further diversifying his filmography.
Throughout the 1990s, Ward continued to work steadily in a variety of roles. In 1991, he played H.P. Lovecraft in the HBO film “Cast a Deadly Spell.” He also starred in the thriller “Thunderheart,” the Hollywood satire “The Player,” the mystery-drama “Equinox,” and the Western comedy “Four Eyes and Six Guns,” for which he won a Cable ACE Award. Other films he appeared in during this period include “Short Cuts,” “Naked Gun 33+1/3: The Final Insult,” “The Blue Villa,” “Tremors II: Aftershocks,” “Chain Reaction,” “Best Men,” “…First Do No Harm,” and “Dangerous Beauty.”
The 2000s saw Fred Ward continuing to work in both film and television. He starred in the action-thriller “The Chaos Factor” and also appeared in the gangster movie “Circus,” the teen movie “Road Trip,” and the horror film “The Crow: Salvation.” In 2001, he was nominated for a Video Premiere Award as the best male actor in “Full Disclosure.” He also co-starred in “Joe Dirt,” “Summer Catch,” “Wild Iris,” “Dice,” and “Corky Romano.” In 2002, he appeared in “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Enough,” and “Abandon.”
After a short break from acting in the mid-2000s, Fred Ward returned as a guest in the television series “Grey’s Anatomy” and “ER.” He also appeared in “Feast of Love,” “Exit Speed,” “The Wild Stallion,” “Management,” and “Armored.” In 2009, he starred as Ronald Reagan in the French political thriller “L’affaire Farewell.” His later roles included appearances in “United States of Tara,” “In Plain Sight,” “Leverage,” and “2 Guns.”
Fred Ward’s Personal Life
Fred Ward’s personal life included three marriages. He married Carla Evonne Stewart in 1965, but they divorced a year later. He then married a woman named Silvia, with that marriage also ending in divorce. In 1995, Ward married Marie-France Boisselle. Although she filed for divorce in August 2013, they later reconciled and remained married until his death on May 8, 2022, at the age of 79. Details surrounding his death were not disclosed by his family.
While specific details about Fred Ward’s real estate holdings, private aircraft, or luxury cars are not publicly available, his estimated $3 million net worth reflects a successful and enduring career in the entertainment industry. He earned income through acting roles in films and television, as well as potential residuals from his past work. Without access to detailed financial records, it is impossible to provide a comprehensive breakdown of his assets. Fred Ward was a talented and respected actor whose career spanned several decades. His contributions to film and television will be remembered by fans for years to come.
