Ralph Waite Net Worth

Overview

Ralph Waite (June 22, 1928 – February 13, 2014) was an American actor best known for his role as John Walton Sr. on the CBS TV series ‘The Waltons’, which aired for nine seasons and which he occasionally directed. His portrayal of the family patriarch endeared him to millions of viewers. He also played the slave ship third mate Slater in the mini-series Roots. Later in his career, he appeared as Reverend Norman Balthus for 16 out of 24 episodes over the two seasons of the HBO series Carnivàle (2003–2005). Beyond acting, Waite had a diverse background, including serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and earning a master’s degree from Yale University Divinity School. He worked as a Presbyterian minister and religious editor before pursuing his acting career. Ralph also ventured into politics, running for Congress unsuccessfully three times. Waite’s personal life was marked by both joy and tragedy, including the loss of his eldest daughter at a young age. He was married three times and had three daughters from his first marriage.

What Is Ralph Waite’s Net Worth?

At the time of his death on February 13, 2014, American actor Ralph Waite had a net worth of approximately $2 million. This amount was accumulated through his extensive career in film, television, and theater, as well as his endeavors as a director.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Ralph Waite was born in White Plains, New York, on June 22, 1928, to Ralph H. Waite, a construction engineer, and Esther (née Mitchell) Waite. He was the eldest of five children. In 1946, Ralph graduated from White Plains Senior High School. Too young for World War II, from 1946 to 1948, Waite served in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his military service, he attended Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Waite continued his education at Yale University Divinity School, obtaining a master’s degree.

Before dedicating himself to acting, Waite explored several career paths. He briefly worked as a social worker. Subsequently, Waite served as a Presbyterian minister and religious editor for Harper & Row in New York. In 1963, Waite joined the Peninsula Players summer theater program. That same year, he made his Broadway debut as the Minister in June Havoc’s play “Marathon ’33.” Throughout the 1960s, he consistently worked in both Broadway and off-Broadway productions in New York.

Acting Career and Earnings

Ralph Waite transitioned to acting later in life, finding his passion at the age of 30. Waite’s career included a variety of roles in both film and television. He is perhaps most widely known for his role as John Walton, Sr. on “The Waltons” (1972-1981) which he occasionally directed. By 1977, Ralph Waite was earning $10,000 per week for his role on “The Waltons,” an amount he considered “obscene”. This weekly salary is equivalent to approximately $44,000 today.

Waite appeared in a steady stream of film and television projects, including “Five Easy Pieces”, “The Magnificent Seven Ride”, “Roots”, “Bonanza”, “The Gentleman Bandit”, “Murder, She Wrote”, “Growing Pains”, “Desperate Hours”, “The Bodyguard”, “Cliffhanger”, “Time Trax”, “All My Children”, “The Practice”, “NCIS”, “Days of Our Lives”, and “Bones”.

In 1975, Waite founded the Los Angeles Actors Theatre and served as its artistic director.

Other Ventures and Activities

Beyond acting, Waite had political aspirations and ran for Congress three times, though he was unsuccessful in each attempt. In 1990 and 1998 he ran for a Congressional seat.

After 50 years away from organized religion, in 2010, Waite became an active member of Spirit of the Desert Presbyterian Fellowship in Palm Desert, California.

Personal Life

Waite was married three times. His first marriage to Beverly Waite lasted from 1951 to 1966, producing three daughters. His eldest daughter, Sharon Waite, died of leukemia when she was 9 years old in 1964. From 1977 to 1981, he was married to Kerry Shear Waite. In 1982, he married Linda East.

Real Estate and Assets

Specific details regarding Ralph Waite’s real estate holdings and other assets are not publicly available. It is known that he resided in Palm Desert, California, during his later years.