Net Worth Ranker
What Is Jake LaMotta Net Worth’ Net Worth
At the time of his death on September 19, 2017, at the age of 95, Jake LaMotta, the former American professional boxer, stand-up comedian, and actor, had a net worth of $1 million. This figure primarily reflected his earnings from a career in professional boxing, supplemented by income from acting roles, stand-up comedy performances, and ownership of bars. The valuation represents the culmination of a life marked by both substantial achievements and financial challenges.
Boxing Career and Earnings
Jake LaMotta’s boxing career, spanning from 1941 to 1954, forms the cornerstone of his net worth. He engaged in a total of 106 fights, securing 83 wins, 19 losses, and 4 draws. Of his victories, 30 were achieved by knockout, a testament to his aggressive fighting style. LaMotta’s peak earnings as a boxer were realized in June 1949 when he defeated Marcel Cerdan in Detroit, Michigan, to win the World Middleweight title. While the exact purse for this specific fight isn’t publicly detailed, title fights generally commanded higher payouts. He successfully defended his title against Tiberio Mitri in 1950, securing another significant purse, but details of that are not available. His career reached a violent climax on Valentine’s Day in 1951, in his sixth and final fight against Sugar Ray Robinson, known as the “Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre.” Despite losing his title, the bout significantly contributed to his earnings. Precise figures for these individual fight purses remain largely undisclosed, however, during that era, championship-level boxers could expect earnings ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars per fight, dependent on the opponent and the venue’s profitability. LaMotta admitted to throwing a fight against Billy Fox in late 1947 to gain favor with the Mafia, an action that secured him a title bout. The financial implications of this controversial decision, while not explicitly documented, likely involved monetary compensation. During his career LaMotta fought Sugar Ray Robinson six times, and although official numbers are not known, each one of these fights would have resulted in significant revenue to LaMotta’s net worth.
Post-Boxing Ventures: Acting and Comedy
After retiring from boxing, Jake LaMotta diversified his income streams by venturing into acting and stand-up comedy. He owned and managed a bar in Miami Beach, Florida, supplementing his income with profits from the establishment. LaMotta made appearances in films such as “The Hustler” (1961), where he had a small role, and “New Jack City.” He also appeared in several episodes of the NBC sitcom “Car 54 Where Are You?”. Specific compensation details for these roles are generally not public, but acting and stand-up performances would have provided supplemental income. In 1965, LaMotta acted in some performances of “Guys and Dolls” at the New York City Center. Compensation details are not known but that also would have increased his overall earnings.
“Raging Bull” and Legacy Earnings
The release of his memoir, “Raging Bull: My Story,” in 1970, marked a turning point in LaMotta’s financial and cultural legacy. The book’s adaptation into the 1980 film “Raging Bull,” directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, significantly impacted LaMotta’s financial standing. While LaMotta’s direct earnings from the film are not publicly itemized, the rights to his life story, along with potential consultant fees, would have provided a substantial financial boost. The film grossed over $23 million at the box office, contributing to LaMotta’s overall net worth through royalties or rights payments. In 2016, a film about LaMotta’s life and career called “The Bronx Bull” was released. William Forsythe portrays the boxer in the film. LaMotta’s revenue from the release is not known but that would have added to his existing wealth. “Raging Bull” received eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Director and Best Picture. Robert De Niro won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of LaMotta. The film is widely considered to be among the greatest American films ever made.
Real Estate and Business Interests
Details regarding Jake LaMotta’s real estate holdings are not extensively documented in publicly available sources. Following his retirement from boxing, LaMotta owned and managed a bar in Miami Beach, Florida. The specific location and financial performance of this establishment are not publicly detailed, its operation would have contributed to his income stream and overall net worth. The financial success of the bar would have directly affected his earnings. There is no information available about LaMotta’s ownership of a private plane or luxury vehicles, and there is no information available about any other personal investments.
Personal Life and Legal Issues
Jake LaMotta’s personal life was marked by multiple marriages and legal issues that likely had financial repercussions. He was married seven times and had two sons named Jake Jr. and Joseph, both of whom died in 1998, and four daughters, including Christi and Stephanie. Divorce settlements, which are not specified, may have impacted his financial resources. In 1958, LaMotta was arrested and charged with introducing men to an underage girl at his club. He was sentenced to six months on a chain gang. While the direct financial costs of these legal issues are not detailed, legal fees and potential settlements would have contributed to expenses affecting his net worth. The legal and personal turmoil in LaMotta’s life undoubtedly added complexity to his financial situation.
