Fred Williamson Net Worth

Overview

Frederick Robert Williamson (born March 5, 1938), nicknamed “The Hammer”, is an American actor, filmmaker, and former professional American football defensive back. Williamson rose to prominence as one of the first Black male action stars of the “blaxploitation” genre of the early 1970s, and has since had a long career as an actor, director, writer, and producer. Before acting, Williamson played professional football in the AFL for the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs, and briefly in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After retiring from football, Williamson began acting, first appearing on television in series such as Julia and then in films like M*A*S*H. He gained recognition for his roles in blaxploitation films such as Black Caesar and Hammer. Williamson also started his own production company, Po’ Boy Productions, and has directed and produced numerous films.

Po’ Boy Productions

Owner

What Is Fred Williamson Net Worth?

Fred Williamson, an American actor, filmmaker, and retired NFL player, has an estimated Fred Williamson net worth of $15 million. He was born on March 5, 1938, in Gary, Indiana. Williamson’s career spans professional sports and entertainment, showcasing his diverse talents and business acumen. He is also known by his nickname, “The Hammer.”

Early Career and Football Earnings

Williamson’s journey began on the football field. He played college football at Northwestern University before entering the NFL. He played as a defensive back in the American Football League (AFL) during the 1960s. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers for one season in 1960, where his salary was $9,500. After his first year in Pittsburgh, Al Davis offered him $10,000 to play for the Oakland Raiders. He spent four seasons with the Oakland Raiders, where he was an AFL All-Star for three years consecutively from 1961 to 1963. He concluded his football career with the Kansas City Chiefs, playing for them for three seasons, from 1965 to 1967, winning the AFL Championship in 1966.

Transition to Acting and Film Career

After retiring from football in 1968, Fred Williamson transitioned to acting. He gained recognition in the 1970s through roles in action and blaxploitation films. His early film roles included appearances in *M*A*S*H*. He gained fame starring as Tommy Gibbs in the 1973 crime drama *Black Caesar* and its sequel *Hell Up In Harlem*. Williamson’s portrayal of African American characters resonated with audiences, establishing him as a prominent figure in the genre. He has appeared in dozens of films, including *Starsky & Hutch* and *From Dusk Till Dawn*. According to rogerebert.com, Williamson estimates that he has made 50 films altogether and none of them has ever lost money.

Directing and Producing Career with Po’ Boy Productions

Fred Williamson established his own production company, Po’ Boy Productions, in 1974. He has since directed and produced over 20 movies. As a producer, Williamson raised money through foreign sales to maintain control over his product and profits. He would sell directly to individual countries like France and Germany. According to a 2023 interview, Williamson’s highest-budget film was valued at $2.5 million using this method. However, he reported being disadvantaged when Orion took over the film, which went into bankruptcy just three weeks into distribution after netting almost $40 million, leaving Williamson without his earnings. An example of his work includes the film *One Down, Two to Go*, released in 1982, which had a budget of $4 million and grossed over $1 million in its first month. Another movie he produced, ‘Original Gangstas’, made $40 million, but Orion Pictures went bankrupt and Fred never saw his earnings.

Real Estate and Other Ventures

In addition to his acting and production work, Fred Williamson has also been involved in real estate. Since 1997, Williamson has had a home in Palm Springs, California.

Accolades and Recognition

Williamson’s contributions to both sports and entertainment have solidified his reputation as a multifaceted talent. He was selected for the AFL All-Star team three times during his football career. He is also known for a record 75-yard fumble return for the Raiders. Fred Williamson’s career has inspired audiences around the world, marking him as a trailblazer from the gridiron to the big screen.