Net Worth Ranker
What Is Perry Como’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing in May 2001, Perry Como, the beloved American singer and television personality, had a net worth estimated at $40 million. This substantial wealth was primarily accumulated through his immensely successful career in music, television, and film, spanning over five decades. Como’s financial success was a testament to his widespread appeal and enduring popularity with audiences worldwide.
Perry Como’s Career Earnings
Perry Como’s career was marked by significant financial milestones. In 1959, he secured a landmark deal with NBC, which guaranteed him an annual income of $1.2 million. Adjusted for inflation, this figure is equivalent to approximately $10 million today. This lucrative contract made him one of the highest-paid performers in the television industry at the time, solidifying his status as a top-tier entertainer. Como’s earnings were further augmented by his record sales with RCA Victor. His record sales grew so large that he allegedly asked the record company to stop counting them.
While specific details about Como’s earnings from individual record sales and concert tours are not publicly available, his long-standing relationship with RCA Victor and numerous successful tours throughout the United States and the United Kingdom undoubtedly contributed significantly to his overall net worth. His appearances in Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe also contributed to his earnings during his later career.
Perry Como’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on May 18, 1912, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Pierino Ronald Como, later known as Perry Como, was the seventh of thirteen children born to Italian immigrants Pietro and Lucia. Growing up, Como was immersed in music, taking lessons and learning to play various instruments. He showcased his musical talent by playing the trombone in the town’s brass band, singing at weddings, and serving as an organist at his church. However, Como also pursued a career as a barber. At the age of 14, he owned his own barbershop, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic. His dedication to his craft led him to aspire to become the best barber in Canonsburg, even amidst his musical pursuits.
In 1932, Como’s musical journey took a significant turn when he left Canonsburg for Meadville, Pennsylvania, a regular stop for dance bands touring the Ohio Valley. His talent was recognized by singer Freddy Carlone, who offered him a job with his band after hearing Como perform at the Silver Slipper Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio. He performed with Carlone’s band for three years before joining Ted Weems and his orchestra. This marked a pivotal moment in Como’s career, as he transitioned from a local barber to a professional singer, laying the foundation for his future success. He left the band in late 1942.
In March 1943, Tommy Rockwell at General Artists Corporation contacted Como and offered him his own radio show and a recording contract. Como debuted on CBS and signed to RCA Victor, and recorded the song “Goodbye, Sue.” His success during this time grew as he performed in theaters and nightclubs, including the Copacabana in New York City. He then hosted another radio program, “The Chesterfield Supper Club.”
Perry Como’s Television Career
Como’s foray into television began on Christmas Eve, 1948, with the televised debut of his radio show “The Chesterfield Supper Club.” This marked the start of his successful television career, which included “The Perry Como Chesterfield Show” on CBS. In 1955, Como launched “The Perry Como Show” on NBC, a weekly hour-long variety show that became his best-known program. It was during this time that he began wearing his signature cardigan sweaters. Como’s announcer, Frank Gallop, frequently appeared on the show as a foil to his jokes.
In 1959, Como secured a deal with Kraft Foods, leading to “Perry Como’s Kraft Music Hall.” His widespread popularity resulted in him becoming the highest-paid performer in television history at the time. Although he reduced his television appearances in the late 1960s, Como continued to host seasonal and holiday specials, particularly Christmas-themed ones. His last Christmas special was filmed in 1994 at the Point Theatre in Dublin, Ireland.
Perry Como’s Film Career
Perry Como’s physical appeal led to a seven-year contract with 20th Century Fox in 1943. He starred in four films for the studio between 1943 and 1946: “Something for the Boys,” “March of Time,” “Doll Face,” and “If I’m Lucky.” Como also starred in the 1948 MGM musical “Words and Music,” which was his last film.
Perry Como’s Honors and Awards
Throughout his career, Como received numerous awards and honors. In the 1950s, he won a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Performance, Male; five Emmy Awards; a Christopher Award; and a Peabody Award, which he shared with his friend Jackie Gleason. In 1987, he received a Kennedy Center Honor. He was posthumously awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002 and inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2006. Como has three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for each of his contributions to music, radio, and television.
Perry Como’s Personal Life and Real Estate
Perry Como married Roselle Belline in the summer of 1933, after meeting her a few years earlier at a local picnic. Together, they had three children: Ronnie, David, and Terri. After 65 years of marriage, Roselle passed away in 1998. On May 12, 2001, Como passed away in his sleep at his home in Jupiter Inlet Colony, Florida. He was 88 years old, six days away from his 89th birthday. He reportedly suffered from symptoms of Alzheimer’s. In his later years, Perry Como resided in a 6,000-square-foot waterfront mansion in Jupiter Inlet Colony, Florida. Following his death, his estate sold the home in September 2002 for $3.25 million. Today, the home is estimated to be worth $17 million.
