Net Worth Ranker
What Is Michael Callan Net Worth?
At the time of his passing on October 10, 2022, Michael Callan’s net worth was estimated to be $3 million. This fortune was primarily accumulated through his extensive and multifaceted career in the entertainment industry, spanning Broadway, film, and television. His early start and consistent work ethic contributed significantly to his financial success.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Michael Callan, born Martin Calinoff on November 22, 1935, in Chester, Pennsylvania, displayed an early interest in the performing arts. Growing up in Philadelphia, he began taking singing lessons at the age of nine and dancing lessons at eleven. His father, a restaurateur, supported his artistic pursuits. By fifteen, Callan was performing in local nightclubs under the name Mickey Calin. At the age of 17, he moved to New York City to further his career. His professional career began with a dancing role in the Broadway show “The Boy Friend” (1954), starring Julie Andrews. He followed this with another musical, “Catch a Star” (1955). His big break came when he was cast as Riff in the original Broadway production of “West Side Story” in 1957. This role not only showcased his talent but also caught the attention of Columbia Pictures, leading to a seven-year contract.
After signing the seven-year contract with Columbia Pictures, Callan appeared in films such as “They Came to Cordura” (1959) where he played Private Andrew Hetherington, “The Flying Fontaines” (1959) as Rick Rias, and “Because They’re Young” (1960). For his role in “Because They’re Young”, Callan won a Golden Globe Award in 1961 for Most Promising Newcomer – Male. Although he did not reprise his role as Riff in the film edition of “West Side Story” due to contract issues, he had notable roles with Columbia, including Eddie Horner in “Gidget Goes Hawaiian”. In 1960, talent agents spotted Callan on Broadway and he eventually signed a seven-year contract with Columbia with a $650-a-week starting salary.
Film and Television Career
Throughout his career, Michael Callan starred in numerous films and television shows. Some of his notable film works include “Gidget Goes Hawaiian” (1961) where he portrayed Eddie Horner, “Mysterious Island” (1961) playing Herbert Brown, “The Interns” (1962) starring as Dr. Alec Considine, and “Cat Ballou” (1965) as Clay Boone. Other notable films include “They Came to Cordura”, “Because They’re Young”, “Pepe”, “13 West Street”, “Bon Voyage!”, “The Victors”, “The New Interns”, “You Must Be Joking!”, “The Magnificent Seven Ride”, “Lepke”, “Record City”, “The Cat and the Canary”, “Chained Heat”, “Freeway”, “Leprechaun 3”, “Stuck on You”, and “The Still Life”.
In addition to his film career, Callan had a successful television career. He starred as Peter Christopher on the NBC sitcom “Occasional Wife” (1966–1967). He also made guest appearances on various TV series, including “One Life to Live,” “Mary Tyler Moore,” and “Love, American Style”. Other TV appearances include “American Style”, “Police Story”, “Charlie’s Angels”, “T.J. Hooker”, “One Life to Live”, and “Murder, She Wrote”. He also returned, occasionally, to the stage in both straight plays and musicals including Absurd Person Singular, Killjoy, Love Letters, Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah, The Music Man, and George M!. Callan appeared in the Off-Broadway musical Bar Mitzvah Boy in 1987. His later credits included Stuck on You (2003) and The Still Life (2006). His TV credits also include Viper, shot in Canada, and 65 episodes of a cop show, Crosstown, as well as ER.
Additional Ventures and Personal Details
In 1982, Callan produced and starred in his own film, “Double Exposure”. In recent years, Michael also produced the hilarious hit musical “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah!”. He also guest starred in Viper, The Adventures of Super Boy and E.R.
Michael Callan was married three times. His first marriage was to Carlyn Chapman in 1960, with whom he had two daughters, Dawn and Rebecca. He later married Patricia Harty in 1968, and then Karen Malouf in 1975. For the past few years, Michael had returned to his theatre roots as he has toured Europe and the United States with international and regional groups performing “Killjoy, Love Letters, and Allen Ackborn’s “Absurd Person Singular.” Michael resided in California so he could be close to his two daughters, Dawn and Rebecca. He plays tennis, jogs , and plays an occasional game of backgammon with close friends. He’s still surprised and a little overwhelmed by the fact that old friends and fans still know him as Mickey.
Michael Callan passed away on October 10, 2022, at the age of 86 due to pneumonia. He died at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills. His death marked the end of a significant era in American theater and film. His work continues to be celebrated by fans and scholars alike, and his performances remain a testament to his talent and dedication to the arts.
