Ken Kercheval Net Worth

Overview

Kenneth Marine Kercheval (July 15, 1935 – April 21, 2019) was an American actor, best known for his role as Cliff Barnes on the television series Dallas and its 2012 revival. Kercheval began his acting career on Broadway, debuting in 1962 in ‘Something About a Soldier’. He also appeared in other productions, including ‘The Apple Tree,’ ‘Cabaret,’ and ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’ In 1966, he landed his first television role on the soap opera ‘Search for Tomorrow.’ However, it was his role as Cliff Barnes, J.R. Ewing’s nemesis on ‘Dallas,’ that brought him widespread recognition. He remained with the show from 1978 to 1991, also appearing in the show’s revival. A lifelong smoker, Kercheval battled lung cancer and had part of his lung removed in 1994. He was married and divorced three times and had five children. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with his family in Clinton, Indiana. Kercheval died of pneumonia on April 21, 2019, at the age of 83.

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What Is Ken Kercheval’s Net Worth?

At the time of his passing in April 2019, Ken Kercheval, the American actor best known for his role as Cliff Barnes on the television series “Dallas,” had a net worth of approximately $800,000. This figure represents the culmination of his earnings over a career spanning several decades in television, film, and theatre.

Early Career and Rise to Fame: Dallas and Beyond

Ken Kercheval began his acting journey with formal training at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City. This foundational experience led to his Broadway debut in 1962 in “Something About a Soldier”. Kercheval’s early career included roles in various television productions, setting the stage for his iconic role in “Dallas”.

Kercheval’s most prominent role was as Cliff Barnes in “Dallas,” a character he played from the late 1970s until 1991. Despite initial casting considerations for the role of Ray Krebbs, Kercheval secured the part of Cliff Barnes, appearing in every episode of the series. After the show’s original run, he reprised the role in subsequent revivals, solidifying his association with the character and “Dallas”. The specific contract details for his work on “Dallas,” including per-episode salary or bonuses, are not publicly available.

Beyond “Dallas,” Ken Kercheval appeared in other TV shows such as “Super Password”, “I Still Dream of Jeanie”, “The Golden Palace”, “Walker, Texas Ranger”, “A Perry Mason Mystery: The Case of the Grimacing Governor”, and “Diagnosis Murder”.

Ken Kercheval’s Income Sources and Earnings

Kercheval’s income was primarily derived from his acting roles across various media. While detailed financial records, such as specific earnings from each acting job, are not publicly accessible, it is possible to analyze the types of roles he undertook and their likely compensation structures. For example, his work on “Dallas” would have provided a consistent income stream for many years. The exact amount would depend on factors like his contract negotiations, pay raises over time, and any profit-sharing arrangements. His income was further supplemented by guest appearances on TV shows, roles in TV movies, and occasional film work. These engagements would have varied in terms of pay scale, ranging from smaller fees for brief appearances to potentially more substantial salaries for larger roles.

While specific data on real estate holdings or other investments is not publicly available, it’s common for actors with sustained careers to invest in assets like real estate, stocks, or other ventures. The success of these investments can significantly impact overall net worth.

Later Career and Projects

In his later career, Kercheval continued to work in television, with roles in shows like “Diagnosis Murder” and “Corrado.” These roles, while potentially less prominent than his work on “Dallas,” contributed to his income. Specific details of his salary for these roles are not publicly known.

Personal Life and Family

Ken Kercheval was married and divorced four times and had seven children from these unions. Details about alimony or child support payments are not publicly accessible and therefore cannot be factored into his net worth calculation.

Health Challenges and Passing

Ken Kercheval passed away on April 23, 2019, at the age of 83, after battling cancer. Any medical expenses incurred during his illness would have potentially impacted his estate and net worth.