Net Worth Ranker
What Is Mary Tyler Moore’s Net Worth?
At the time of her passing on January 25, 2017, Mary Tyler Moore possessed a net worth estimated at $60 million. This substantial wealth was accumulated over a career that spanned five decades, encompassing her work as an actress, model, producer, and humanitarian. Moore’s legacy is marked by her significant contributions to television, particularly her roles in “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” which not only brought her fame but also considerable financial success.
Early Career and Initial Earnings
Mary Tyler Moore’s journey into the entertainment industry began in the mid-1950s. One of her earliest roles was as “Happy Hotpoint,” a dancing elf in commercials for Hotpoint appliances, broadcast during “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.” This brief stint proved lucrative, earning her $6,000 within just five days. Adjusted for inflation, this would be equivalent to approximately $58,300 in today’s USD, demonstrating her early earning potential. Following this initial success, Moore took on a lighter workload for a few years due to pregnancy. During this period, she also worked anonymously as a model for record album covers and made uncredited appearances in films. In 1959, she secured a role as a secretary in ten episodes of the action television series “Richard Diamond, Private Detective,” and made guest appearances on “Bronco” and “Bourbon Street Beat” later that year. The year 1960 saw Moore feature in episodes of ten different television series, including “77 Sunset Strip,” “Wanted: Dead or Alive,” “The Tab Hunter Show,” “Bachelor Father,” and “The Millionaire,” showcasing her versatility and growing presence in the industry.
Breakthrough with “The Dick Van Dyke Show”
Moore’s breakthrough came in 1961 when she was cast by Carl Reiner in “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” The show, which followed the life of comedy writer Dick Van Dyke, quickly became a hit and ran from 1961 to 1966. Over its run, “The Dick Van Dyke Show” won 15 Emmy Awards out of 25 nominations. Moore’s performance earned her two Emmy Awards, solidifying her status as a rising star. Her character’s wardrobe, often compared to that of Jackie Kennedy, further boosted the character’s popularity. A year after the show’s conclusion, Moore starred alongside Julie Andrews in the musical comedy “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” In 1969, she co-starred with Elvis Presley in the crime drama film “Change of Habit”.
“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and Subsequent Success
In 1970, Moore launched her own spin-off show, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” which proved to be a pivotal moment in her career. The sitcom, which centered on Mary Richards working in a newsroom with Ed Asner as her boss, Lou Grant, ran for seven years and garnered 29 Emmy Awards. The popularity of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” rivaled that of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and led to spin-off series for cast members Ed Asner, Valerie Harper, and Cloris Leachman. Moore won three Emmy Awards for her performance in the series. While filming “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” she also made guest appearances on the television shows “Phyllis,” “Rhoda,” and “Mary.” In 1979, Moore starred in “The Mary Tyler Moore Hour,” which was nominated for an Emmy. The following year, she starred in the film “Ordinary People,” which won four Oscars.
Film and Stage Career
Beyond television, Mary Tyler Moore also ventured into film, television movies, and theater. In 1976, she starred in the television movie “Mary’s Incredible Dream,” which was nominated for three Emmy Awards. In 1978, she starred in “First, You Cry,” which was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. Moore spent much of the 1990s starring in television movies such as “The Last Best Year,” “Stolen Babies,” and “Payback.” In 1996, she had a role in the comedy “Flirting with Disaster,” and in 1997, she appeared in the thriller “Keys to Tulsa.” On stage, she starred in a musical version of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” called “Holly Golightly” in 1966, although the production was scrapped before reaching Broadway due to negative reviews. She also starred in the Broadway play “Whose Life Is It Anyway” in 1980, followed by “Sweet Sue” in 1987. Her diverse career in television, film, and stage contributed significantly to her financial success and solidified her net worth.
MTM Enterprises and Production Ventures
In 1970, Mary Tyler Moore and her then-husband, Grant Tinker, established MTM Enterprises, a production company that became highly influential in the television industry. MTM Enterprises produced several successful television series, including “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Hill Street Blues.” While specific financial details regarding Moore’s earnings from MTM Enterprises are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that her role as co-founder and producer contributed significantly to her overall net worth. Production credits often yield royalties and ongoing income, enhancing long-term financial stability. The success of the shows MTM Enterprises produced further cemented Moore’s reputation in the industry and added to her financial portfolio.
Real Estate Holdings
In December 2006, Mary Tyler Moore and her husband, Robert Levine, purchased a mansion in Greenwich, Connecticut, for $9 million. The property, spanning 7.3 acres, features a mansion of over 13,000 square feet. This real estate investment represents a substantial portion of her assets. In September 2023, after Moore’s death, Robert listed the home for sale for a bit under $22 million. This significant increase in property value over time indicates a sound investment. The Greenwich mansion highlights Moore’s ability to invest wisely in real estate, further contributing to her net worth.
Legacy of Mary Tyler Moore’s Net Worth
Mary Tyler Moore’s $60 million net worth at the time of her death in 2017 reflects a lifetime of successful endeavors in television, film, and production. Her early earnings as “Happy Hotpoint,” her Emmy-winning performances in “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and her role in MTM Enterprises all contributed to her wealth. Additionally, her real estate investments, such as the Greenwich mansion, played a role in increasing her net worth over time. Mary Tyler Moore’s financial success is a testament to her talent, hard work, and business acumen.
