Milton Berle Net Worth

What Is Milton Berle’s Net Worth?

Milton Berle, a prominent figure in American comedy and acting, had a net worth of $2 million at the time of his death on March 27, 2002. His career spanned over eight decades, beginning in silent films and transitioning to hosting popular television shows. Berle’s long career included starring in movies during the first Golden Age of Television.

Known by nicknames like “Mr. Television” and “Uncle Miltie,” Berle hosted the NBC television series *Texaco Star Theater* from 1948 to 1955. Despite his significant contributions to the entertainment industry, his financial status at the time of his death was modest compared to many of his contemporaries. A lifelong habit of gambling, particularly on horse races, is often cited as a contributing factor to his financial circumstances. Additionally, Berle was married four times, which likely contributed to his expenses.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Mendel Berlinger on July 12, 1908, in New York City, Milton Berle came from a Jewish family residing in Harlem. His parents, Moses and Sarah Berlinger, raised him alongside his three older brothers: Phil, Frank, and Jack. His father worked as a paint and varnish salesman. Frank and Jack later became production staff members on his television show, while Phil became a programming executive at NBC.

Berle’s career began at a young age. At five years old, Berle won a Charlie Chaplin contest in 1913. He began working as a child model and appeared in silent films as a child actor. In 1916, he enrolled in the Professional Children’s School. His early exposure to the entertainment world led him to vaudeville at the age of 16. In 1932, he appeared on Broadway in *Carrol’s Vanities*. Around this time, at the age of 16, Mendel Berlinger chose Milton Berle as his professional stage name.

Following his early successes, Berle was hired by producer Jack White to star in *Poppin’ the Cork*, a musical comedy featurette about the repeal of Prohibition. He also helped write the score for the film. Berle’s interest in songwriting led him to write the B-side track “Leave the Dishes in the Sink, Ma” for Spike Jones. Additionally, he wrote the title song for the film *Lil’ Abner* in 1940.

Berle’s radio career began with appearances on *The Rudy Vallee Hour* from 1934 to 1936. He was also a regular on *The Gillette Original Community Sing* and hosted *Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One* in 1939. In 1940, he expanded his radio presence by reducing his nightclub appearances to start the radio show *Three Ring Time*. From 1944 to 1945, he hosted the audience participation show *Let Yourself Go*.

In 1947, Berle started hosting *The Milton Berle Show*, featuring numerous guest stars. The show aired until mid-April 1948. While focusing on his radio career in the 1940s, Berle shifted his attention to television in 1948, reviving elements of his vaudeville act for *Texaco Star Theatre*, which premiered on NBC Television Network in June.

Initially not the permanent host, Berle became the regular host in the fall after several successful guest spots. The show was a massive hit, earning Berle and the show several Emmy Awards after its debut. This success propelled Berle to superstardom and earned him the nickname “Mr. Television.” He was also known as “Uncle Miltie,” a name given to him after he ended a broadcast with the advice, “Listen to your Uncle Miltie and go to bed.”

Television Stardom and Later Career

In 1951, NBC recognized Berle’s immense popularity and signed him to an exclusive 30-year television contract. In 1953, Texaco, the primary sponsor of *Texaco Star Theater*, withdrew its support and was replaced by Buick. The show’s format changed, and ratings began to decline, leading to Buick’s departure after two seasons. The final season of the show, from 1955 to 1956, was broadcast under the name *Milton Berle Show*.

Following the decline of his television career, Berle frequently performed in Las Vegas hotels, clubs, and casinos. He also made several film appearances in the mid-1950s and 1960s. He was praised for his dramatic acting performances and received an Emmy nomination for his role on *The Dick Powell Show*. In 1960, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In later years, Berle appeared on shows like *Saturday Night Live* and often presented awards at various ceremonies. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1984.

Milton Berle’s “Asset”: According to legend, Milton Berle was rumored to have a large penis. Comedy writer Alan Zweibel once met Milton backstage at *Saturday Night Live* and mentioned that he had written dozens of jokes about Milton’s member during his career. In response, Milton offered to show him the goods. Alana accepted and would later describe it as an “anaconda… It was enormous. It was like a pepperoni.”

Personal Life and Marriages

Berle married showgirl Joyce Mathews in 1941. They divorced in 1947, remarried in 1949, and divorced again in 1950. He married publicist Ruth Cosgrove in 1953, and they remained married until her death from cancer in 1989. In 1989, Berle disclosed that his mother had influenced the end of his marriage to Mathews.

In 1992, Berle married fashion designer Lorna Adams, who was 30 years younger than him. He had three children: an adopted daughter with Matthews, an adopted son with Cosgrove, and a biological son with showgirl Junior Standish. He also had two stepdaughters after marrying Adams.

In his autobiography, Berle discussed his extramarital affairs and sexual encounters, claiming close relationships with Marilyn Monroe and Betty Hutton, though these claims have been questioned. Milton Berle’s career and life provide insight into the complexities of fame, fortune, and personal relationships in the entertainment industry. Despite his prominence and influence, his net worth at the time of his death reflects the impact of various financial decisions and personal circumstances.

Milton Berle’s career spanned over eight decades, beginning in silent films and transitioning to hosting popular television shows. Milton Berle’s career included starring in movies during the first Golden Age of Television.Berle’s career and life provide insight into the complexities of fame, fortune, and personal relationships in the entertainment industry. Despite his prominence and influence, his net worth at the time of his death reflects the impact of various financial decisions and personal circumstances.

In 2001, Berle announced that he had a malignant tumor on his colon and opted not to have surgery. While he had been expecting the tumor to grow slowly and afford him several more years of life, he died in March 2002 of colon cancer. He is interred at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City.

Berle’s career and life provide insight into the complexities of fame, fortune, and personal relationships in the entertainment industry. Despite his prominence and influence, his net worth at the time of his death reflects the impact of various financial decisions and personal circumstances.

In later years, Berle appeared on shows like *Saturday Night Live* and often presented awards at various ceremonies. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1984.

Overview

What Is Milton Berle’s Net Worth?

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Television Stardom and Later Career

Personal Life and Marriages

Celebrity Net Worth