Net Worth Ranker
What Is Peter Graves’ Net Worth
At the time of his passing in March 2010, American actor Peter Graves had a net worth of $10 million. This figure represents the culmination of a career that spanned several decades, encompassing notable roles in film and television.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Peter Aurness in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on March 18, 1926, Peter Graves’ upbringing provided a foundation for his future endeavors. He attended Southwest High School, graduating in 1944. His early life was marked by service in the US Army Air Forces during World War II, where he achieved the rank of corporal. Post-war, Graves utilized the GI Bill to attend the University of Minnesota. Graves’s brother, James Arness, found success as the lead in “Gunsmoke”.
Film Career Highlights and Earnings
Graves’s entry into the film industry began in 1951 with a leading role in the Western film “Rogue River.” His early film work continued with “Fort Defiance” later that year. In 1952, he starred in the science-fiction film “Red Planet Mars.” A supporting role in Billy Wilder’s “Stalag 17” (1953) added to his resume. The 1950s saw Graves in a variety of films, including “Killers from Space,” “The Yellow Tomahawk,” “Black Tuesday,” “Wichita,” and “The Night of the Hunter.” While specific financial figures for these early roles are not publicly available, they contributed to his growing profile and income.
The 1960s brought fewer film roles, with appearances in “A Rage to Live,” “Texas Across the River,” “The Ballad of Josie,” and “The Five Man Army.” His focus shifted more toward television in the 1970s. Notable film appearances during this decade included “Sidecar Racers,” “The Tehran Incident,” “The Rebels,” and “Parts: The Clonus Horror.”
One of Graves’s most memorable roles came in 1980 with “Airplane!,” where he played Captain Clarence Oveur. He reprised this role in the 1982 sequel. Other film appearances in the 1980s included “The Guns and the Fury,” “Savannah Smiles,” and “Number One with a Bullet.” Later film credits include “Addams Family Values” and “Men in Black II.” Financial details regarding his compensation for these roles are not publicly disclosed, but these films were essential to his career.
Television Career and Income
Graves’s television career began with the lead role of Jim Newton in the NBC Western series “Fury,” which aired for five seasons from 1955 to 1960. From 1959 to 1960, he also starred as Christopher Cobb in the Australian Western series “Whiplash.” In 1966, he played Major Frank Whittaker in the British series “Court Martial.” Graves also had guest roles on shows such as “The Virginian,” “Branded,” “Daniel Boone,” “The F.B.I.,” and “The Invaders.” The financial specifics of these TV roles, including his salary per episode or total earnings from these series, are not publicly available.
His most famous role came in 1967 when he took over as Jim Phelps on the CBS spy drama series “Mission: Impossible.” He played this role for six seasons, until early 1973. Subsequently, Graves starred in TV films such as “Call to Danger,” “The President’s Plane is Missing,” and “SST: Death Flight.” In 1983, he starred in the miniseries “The Winds of War.” That same year, Graves began hosting the PBS series “Discover: The World of Science.” From 1988 to 1990, he reprised his role as Jim Phelps in the revival of “Mission: Impossible.” He also reprised his “Winds of War” role in “War and Remembrance.” From 1987 to 1999, he hosted the documentary series “Biography.” Graves’s final substantial role was a recurring part on “7th Heaven” from 1996 to 2007. The exact figures for his salary or earnings from each of these television shows and films remain private.
Commercial Endorsements and Voice Work
Toward the end of his career, Graves became a spokesperson for American Advisors Group, a reverse mortgage lender. He also appeared in web videos for AirTran Airways and lent his voice to the video games “Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust” and “Darkstar: The Interactive Movie.” Specific financial details about these endorsement deals and voice acting jobs are not publicly available.
Personal Life and Family
In 1950, Peter Graves married Joan Endress. They had three daughters: Amanda, Kelly, and Claudia. The couple remained married for 60 years until Graves’s death in March 2010.
Real Estate and Assets
While there’s no detailed public record available regarding Peter Graves’ specific real estate holdings or other significant assets, it is presumed that a portion of his $10 million net worth was tied to real estate investments and personal property acquired over his career. His primary residence was likely in the Los Angeles area, where he spent much of his career working in the entertainment industry. The details of any mortgages, property taxes, or other ownership specifics remain private.
Net Worth Components
Peter Graves’ net worth of $10 million was a combination of several factors:
- Earnings from Film Roles: Throughout the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
- Television Salaries: This was a major contributor.
- Commercial Endorsements: Spokesperson roles added to his income.
- Voice Acting: His work in video games.
- Real Estate Investments: Over the years.
Income Details and Contract Information
Details of Peter Graves’ contracts and income from his various acting roles are not publicly accessible. Actors’ salaries are often kept confidential, with the specifics known only to their agents, managers, and the studios or production companies involved. Therefore, the exact figures for his compensation from “Mission: Impossible,” his commercial endorsements, and other ventures remain private.
