Net Worth Ranker
What Is George Kennedy’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on February 28, 2016, George Kennedy, the accomplished American actor, had a net worth of $5 million. This figure reflects his extensive and diverse career in film and television, spanning several decades. Kennedy’s financial stability stemmed from a combination of consistent acting roles, strategic career choices, and prudent financial management.
Early Career and Transition to Acting
George Kennedy was born on February 18, 1925, in New York City. His early exposure to the performing arts came through his father, George Harris Kennedy, a musician and orchestra leader. Sadly, his father passed away when George was only four years old. His mother, Helen, a ballet dancer, raised him and further nurtured his artistic inclinations. Kennedy’s stage debut occurred at the tender age of two, marking the beginning of his lifelong involvement in the entertainment industry. He attended Chaminade High School in Long Island, New York, graduating in 1943. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army during World War II. He dedicated 16 years of his life to military service, rising to the rank of captain. He served under General George S. Patton and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. Although specific financial details from his early career are unavailable, his transition from the military to acting laid the groundwork for his future financial success.
Breakthrough Roles and Academy Award Win
Kennedy’s acting career gained momentum in the early 1960s. One of his early notable roles was as a policeman on the television sitcom “The Phil Silvers Show,” where he also served as a technical advisor. His first film role came in 1961 with “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come.” Over the next few years, he appeared in films such as “Lonely Are the Brave,” “Charade,” and “Strait-Jacket,” working alongside prominent actors like Cary Grant and Kirk Douglas. 1965 proved to be a pivotal year, with Kennedy appearing in “Mirage” alongside Gregory Peck, “The Flight of the Phoenix” with James Stewart, “In Harm’s Way” with John Wayne, and “The Sons of Katie Elder” with Dean Martin and Wayne. These roles significantly raised his profile in Hollywood, leading to more substantial and financially rewarding opportunities. In 1967, Kennedy’s portrayal of Dragline in “Cool Hand Luke” alongside Paul Newman earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This prestigious award not only solidified his reputation as a serious actor but also significantly increased his earning potential. While the exact salary for “Cool Hand Luke” is not publicly available, winning an Oscar typically leads to higher paychecks in subsequent roles, reflecting Kennedy’s enhanced market value.
Continued Success in Film and Television
Following his Oscar win, Kennedy continued to secure significant roles in major films. He appeared in “The Dirty Dozen,” “Bandolero!” and “The Boston Strangler,” further establishing himself as a versatile and reliable actor. In 1970, he starred in the Academy Award-winning disaster film “Airport,” playing Joe Patroni, one of the film’s main characters. He reprised this role in “Airport 1975,” “Airport ’77,” and “The Concorde…Airport ’79,” being the only original cast member to appear in all four films. While specific salary figures for these films are not publicly available, leading roles in blockbuster films like the “Airport” series would have contributed significantly to Kennedy’s income during the 1970s. Kennedy also starred alongside Clint Eastwood in “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot” and “The Eiger Sanction,” and appeared in ensemble casts in “Earthquake” and “Death on the Nile.” From 1971 to 1972, he starred in the television series “Sarge,” and then in “Blue Knight” from 1975 to 1976. His involvement in these television series provided a consistent income stream during this period. Although details about his specific earnings from these shows are not public, television roles typically offered actors a steady salary and potential for residuals.
International Ventures and Later Career
In 1977 and 1980, Kennedy ventured into international cinema, starring in two Japanese films, “Proof of the Man” and “Virus,” produced by Haruki Kadokawa. These films featured extensive international casts and were shot in various international locations. While the films did not achieve significant success in the United States, they broadened Kennedy’s international exposure and provided unique professional experiences. Specific financial details about his involvement in these Japanese films are not widely available. In 1984, Kennedy starred in “Bolero” opposite Bo Derek. Throughout the 1980s, he also appeared in films such as “Savage Dawn,” “The Delta Force,” and “Creepshow 2.” His role as Captain Ed Hocken in the comedy film “The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!” in 1988, alongside Leslie Nielsen, revitalized his career. He reprised this role in the subsequent two sequels, further cementing his status as a comedic actor. These films were box-office successes, contributing significantly to his income during the late 1980s and early 1990s. From 1988 to 1991, Kennedy also had a starring role on “Dallas,” one of the most popular television series of the era. Although the specific amount Kennedy earned from “Dallas” is not public information, a prominent role in a successful primetime series would have provided a substantial and consistent income. In the late 1990s, he reprised his role in the television films “Dallas: J.R. Returns” and “Dallas: War of the Ewings.”
Later Years and Final Projects
Throughout the 2000s, Kennedy continued to work in independent films. He also made a return to television in the soap opera “The Young and the Restless.” In 2005, he made a cameo appearance in the film “Don’t Come Knocking.” His final film appearance was in “The Gambler” in 2014, where he played the dying grandfather of Mark Wahlberg’s character. While specific financial details about these later projects are not publicly available, Kennedy’s continued work in film and television ensured a steady income stream in his later years, contributing to his overall net worth. His longevity in the entertainment industry is a testament to his talent, professionalism, and ability to adapt to changing trends, all of which contributed to his financial stability.
Personal Life and Real Estate
George Kennedy’s personal life included four marriages. In the 1940s, he married Dorothy Gillooly, who served in the Women’s Army Corp. They had a son, Kevin, before divorcing in the 1950s. In 1959, Kennedy married Norma Wurman. They had two children, Christopher and Karianna. They divorced in 1971 but remarried in 1973, only to divorce again in 1978. In the same year, Kennedy married Joan McCarthy, and they remained married until her death in September 2015. During their marriage, they adopted three children. Details about any specific real estate holdings are not widely available, but it is known that in his later years, Kennedy resided in Eagle, Idaho. Owning property in Eagle, Idaho, would have contributed to his overall asset base, but specific details are not publicly accessible.
Hobbies and Interests
Kennedy had a keen interest in aviation. He held a pilot’s license and owned several airplanes, including a Cessna 210 and a Beechcraft Bonanza. While the specific purchase prices and maintenance costs for these aircraft are not known, owning and maintaining private planes would have represented a significant expense, reflecting his financial comfort and personal interests. These assets would have been considered when calculating George Kennedy’s net worth.
George Kennedy’s Net Worth: Summary
In summary, George Kennedy’s $5 million net worth at the time of his death reflects a long and successful career in film and television. His career highlights include winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for “Cool Hand Luke,” starring in the “Airport” film series, and appearing in “The Naked Gun” comedy films. His consistent work in film and television, combined with strategic career choices and prudent financial management, contributed to his financial stability. While specific details about his earnings from individual projects and his real estate holdings are not widely available, his overall net worth is a testament to his success as an actor.
