Net Worth Ranker
What Was James Garner’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing in 2014, James Garner, a celebrated American actor recognized for his work in both film and television, possessed a net worth of $20 million. This wealth was accumulated over a career spanning several decades, marked by iconic roles in television series and a string of successful film appearances.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
James Scott Bumgarner, later known as James Garner, was born on April 7, 1928, in Denver, Oklahoma. His early life included serving in the United States Merchant Marine and later enlisting in the California Army National Guard. He served 14 months in Korea as a rifleman with the 5th Regimental Combat Team and was awarded a Korean Service Medal, a United Nations Service Medal for Korea, and a Purple Heart. These early experiences shaped his character and later influenced his acting.
Garner’s acting career began in 1954 when a friend encouraged him to take a nonverbal role in the Broadway production of “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.” This initial foray into acting led to roles in commercials and television. His breakthrough came with the role of Bret Maverick in the ABC Western series “Maverick” in 1957. The show’s success was substantial, surpassing “The Steve Allen Show” and “The Ed Sullivan Show” in viewership during its time slot. Garner’s portrayal of Bret Maverick earned him an Emmy Award nomination and solidified his position as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Film Career in the 1960s and Beyond
Following a dispute with Warner Bros., Garner’s film career flourished in the 1960s. He starred in “The Children’s Hour” (1961) alongside Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine, marking the beginning of a successful period. Subsequently, he starred in “Boys’ Night Out” with Kim Novak, and “The Thrill of it All” and “Move Over, Darling” both with Doris Day, further establishing his versatility as an actor. He showcased his talent in World War II dramas, including “The Great Escape,” “The Americanization of Emily” with Julie Andrews, and “36 Hours” with Eva Marie Saint. His filmography expanded with roles in “The Art of Love,” the Westerns “Duel at Diablo” and “Hour of the Gun,” the adventure comedy “A Man Could Get Killed,” and the racing drama “Grand Prix.” Garner concluded the decade with films such as “The Pink Jungle,” the comedy Western “Support Your Local Sheriff!,” and the detective drama “Marlowe,” portraying private investigator Philip Marlowe.
In the 1970s, Garner starred in the Western series “Nichols” and films such as “Support Your Local Gunfighter!” and “Skin Game.” His most significant success during this time was his role as private investigator Jim Rockford in “The Rockford Files,” which premiered in 1974. The series, conceived as a modern-day reimagining of “Maverick,” aired for six seasons, earning Garner Emmy Award nominations each season and winning one in 1977. This role contributed significantly to his earnings and net worth.
Later Career and Notable Roles
In 1981, Garner reprised his role as Bret Maverick in the revival series “Bret Maverick.” Although the show garnered reasonable ratings and another Emmy nomination for Garner, NBC canceled it after a single season. Subsequently, he appeared in numerous television movies, including “Heartsounds” with Mary Tyler Moore, “Promise” with Piper Laurie and James Woods, and “My Name is Bill W.,” also with James Woods. Each of these performances earned him Emmy Award nominations.
One of Garner’s most acclaimed performances came in the 1985 romantic comedy “Murphy’s Romance,” starring opposite Sally Field. This role earned him his first and only Academy Award nomination. Following this, he portrayed Wyatt Earp for the second time in the 1988 film “Sunset.” In the 1990s, Garner appeared in the short-lived television series “Man of the People,” played the lead role in the HBO movie “Barbarians at the Gate,” and reprised his role as Jim Rockford in eight television films based on “The Rockford Files.” He also appeared in the film adaptation of “Maverick,” starring Mel Gibson. In 1996, Garner starred opposite Jack Lemmon in the comedy film “My Fellow Americans,” and in 1998, he appeared in the thriller “Twilight.”
Late Career and Final Years
Garner’s later film credits included “Space Cowboys” with Clint Eastwood, “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood,” and the romantic drama “The Notebook,” which earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. In television, Garner joined the cast of “8 Simple Rules” in 2003, following the death of star John Ritter. He played Jim Egan until the series concluded in 2005. Throughout his television career, Garner received a total of 15 Emmy Award nominations.
James Garner’s net worth of $20 million reflected not only his earnings from these roles but also his financial management and investments throughout his career. While specific details of his investments are not publicly available, his long and successful career undoubtedly provided substantial income.
Personal Life and Real Estate
James Garner married Lois Josephine Fleischman Clarke in 1956 after meeting her at a party. They had one daughter, Greta, who became an author, artist, and philanthropist. Garner and Clarke briefly separated in 1970 for three months and again in 1979 before reconciling in 1981. His health suffered due to the physically demanding work on “The Rockford Files,” leading to multiple knee operations. In 1988, he underwent quintuple bypass heart surgery, and in 2008, he had surgery following a severe stroke. In 2014, Garner passed away at the age of 86 due to a heart attack caused by coronary artery disease.
In 1966, James Garner purchased a newly constructed home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. This residence served as his primary home for the remainder of his life. Following his death in 2014, the property remained in his family until March 2020, when it was sold for $10 million. This real estate transaction provides insight into the value of his assets at the time of his passing.
