Net Worth Ranker
What Is Red West’s Net Worth?
Red West, an accomplished American actor, stuntman, and songwriter, possessed a net worth of approximately $2 million at the time of his passing. This valuation represents the culmination of his diverse career spanning film, television, and music, with contributions extending beyond mere performance to authorship and songwriting.
Career Highlights and Earnings
West’s career was marked by a prolific output across various entertainment mediums. While specific contract details and precise earnings for individual roles remain largely undisclosed, a review of his notable projects offers insight into the sources contributing to his $2 million net worth.
Acting: Red West’s acting career included over 100 credits. He gained initial recognition in the television series “The Wild Wild West” between 1967 and 1969. Later, from 1977 to 1978, he had a notable role as Sergeant Andy Micklin on the TV series “Black Sheep Squadron”. His film appearances encompassed a range of genres and included roles in “Road House”, “Goodbye Solo”, “Walking Tall”, “Her Hidden Truth”, “The Rainmaker”, “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer”, and “Glory Road”. While individual salaries for these roles are not publicly available, the cumulative impact of these appearances significantly contributed to his overall income. Assuming an average of $20,000 per role across his 100+ acting credits (a conservative estimate considering his diverse work), this alone could account for $2 million before taxes and expenses.
Stunt Work: As a stuntman, West brought both physical prowess and a degree of risk to his profession. Stunt work pay fluctuates based on the risk involved and the budget of the production. Although precise earnings figures for his stunt work are not known, his involvement in high-profile projects would have added to his financial portfolio. Stunt work is physically demanding, and requires specialized skill sets that command higher compensation.
Songwriting: In addition to his acting and stunt work, West was a songwriter. While the specific number of songs he penned and their commercial success remain undocumented, royalties and licensing fees from successful songs could have provided a steady income stream. The actual amount earned from his songwriting activities is difficult to determine without access to royalty statements and publishing agreements.
Author: West also authored the book “Elvis: What Happened?”, a tell-all account that exposed Elvis Presley’s drug dependence. The financial success of the book is not precisely quantifiable, but sales figures and royalties would have added to his income. The book generated significant attention upon its release, and its controversial content could have translated into substantial sales.
Early Life and Background
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in March 1936, Red West’s early life was intertwined with Elvis Presley, his childhood friend. This relationship played a crucial role in shaping his career. Specific details about his early education, address, or upbringing are not widely documented.
Relationships and Connections
West’s connection to Elvis Presley was a pivotal aspect of his life and career. Beyond friendship, he served as a confidant and bodyguard to Presley. His cousin, Sonny West, also played a similar role as a friend and bodyguard for Elvis. While these relationships may have opened doors to certain opportunities, their direct financial impact is difficult to assess.
Real Estate and Personal Assets
Details about Red West’s real estate holdings, private aircraft, or luxury cars are not publicly available. The $2 million net worth is primarily attributed to his earnings from acting, stunt work, songwriting, and authorship, rather than significant investments in high-value assets or properties.
Net Worth Milestones
Given the lack of precise year-by-year income data, it is challenging to pinpoint specific milestones in Red West’s net worth accumulation. However, it can be inferred that his net worth gradually increased over time as a result of his consistent work in the entertainment industry. Acting and stunt work in the 1960s and 1970s likely contributed significantly to his early financial stability. Later roles and songwriting ventures added to his earnings.
Death and Legacy
Red West passed away on July 18, 2017, at the age of 81, due to an aortic aneurysm. His death marked the end of a multifaceted career that spanned decades. While his net worth of $2 million is a reflection of his financial success, his legacy extends beyond monetary value. He left a lasting impact as an actor, stuntman, songwriter, and author, and he will be remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
