Net Worth Ranker
What Was Richard Mulligan’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on September 26, 2000, Richard Mulligan, the versatile American actor, had accumulated a net worth of $4 million. Adjusting for inflation, this equates to approximately $7 million in 2025. This figure reflects a career spanning decades, encompassing work in theater, film, and television.
Early Career and Broadway Beginnings
Richard Mulligan’s journey into acting began after serving in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He initially enrolled at Columbia University to study playwriting, however, during a play rehearsal he was persuaded to step into a role. His formal Broadway debut occurred in 1960 as both a stage manager and performer in “All The Way Home,” an adaptation of James Agee’s 1957 novel “A Death in the Family,” which had previously won the Pulitzer Prize.
Following “All The Way Home,” Mulligan solidified his presence in the theater world, appearing in a series of notable plays. In 1962, he performed in Herb Gardner’s “A Thousand Clowns” and Sumner Arthur Long’s “Never Too Late.” The following year, 1963, saw him in Ronald Alexander’s “Nobody Loves an Albatross.” He continued with William Alfred’s “Mating Dance” and “Hogan’s Goat” in 1965. A decade later, in 1974, Mulligan appeared in “Thieves,” another play by Herb Gardner, directed by Charles Grodin, and co-starring Marlo Thomas.
Film Career Highlights
Mulligan’s film career included roles in a variety of productions. His early film appearances included “40 Pounds of Trouble” (1962) and “Love With a Proper Stranger” (1963). In 1964, he appeared in “One Potato, Two Potato,” followed by “The Group” in 1966. He continued to secure roles in films such as “The Undefeated” (1969) and “Little Big Man” (1970).
The 1970s saw Mulligan in films like “A Change in the Wind” (1971), “Irish Whiskey Rebellion” (1972), “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler” (1973), and “Visit to a Chief’s Son” (1974). Later in the decade, he appeared in “The Big Bus” (1976) and “Scavenger Hunt” (1979).
In the 1980s, Mulligan took on roles in “S.O.B.” (1981), “Trail of the Pink Panther” (1982), and a series of films in 1984, including “Meatballs Part II,” “Teachers,” and “Micki & Maude.” He also appeared in “Doin’ Time” and “The Heavenly Kid” in 1985, followed by “A Fine Mess” in 1986. Mulligan also lent his voice to the character of Einstein in the animated Disney film “Oliver & Company” in 1988, which grossed over $126 million worldwide.
Television Stardom: “Soap” and “Empty Nest”
Mulligan achieved significant television success, particularly with his roles in two sitcoms. He portrayed Burt Campbell in “Soap” from 1977 to 1981, appearing in 82 episodes. For this role, he received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 1977.
He later starred as Dr. Harry Weston in “Empty Nest” from 1988 to 1995, appearing in 170 episodes. In 1989, he earned both a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical and another Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on “Empty Nest.” His presence on “The Golden Girls” from 1988 to 1989 further solidified his status in television comedy.
Before his iconic sitcom roles, Mulligan made numerous appearances in television shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s. These included “The Defenders” (1962), “Car 54, Where are You?” and “Route 66” (both in 1963). He also appeared in “The Hero” (1966), “The Rat Patrol,” “Mannix,” and “Gunsmoke” (all in 1967).
The late 1960s and early 1970s saw Mulligan in “I Dream of Jeannie” (1969), “The Most Deadly Game” (1970), and multiple episodes of “Love, American Style,” “Police Surgeon,” “Bonanza,” and “The Partridge Family” (between 1971 and 1973). Additional television credits include “The Circle of Fear” (1972), “Diana” (1973), “Medical Story” and “Matt Helm” (both in 1975).
Prior to landing his role on “Soap,” Mulligan continued to guest-star in various television shows, including “Little House on the Prairie,” “Switch,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Spencer’s Pilots,” “The McLean Stevenson Show,” and “Gibbsville,” all in 1976. After “Soap” and prior to “Empty Nest,” he appeared in “Hunter,” “Kingston Confidential,” and “Dog and Cat” in 1977, “The Love Boat” in 1978, “$weepstake$” in 1979, and “Reggie” in 1983. He also appeared in “The Twilight Zone” from 1985 to 1986 and “Highway to Heaven” in 1986.
Following “Empty Nest,” Mulligan continued to work in television, appearing in “The John Larroquette Show” in 1995, “The Angry Beavers” in 1997, and “Hey Arnold!” in 2001, the latter being a posthumous role.
Accolades and Legacy
Richard Mulligan’s contributions to the television industry were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 30, 1993. This honor serves as a permanent tribute to his successful career and his impact on television comedy.
Personal Life and Marriages
Richard Mulligan was married four times. His first marriage was to Patricia Jones from 1955 to 1960. He then married actress Joan Hackett in 1966; they divorced in 1973. His third marriage was to Lenore Stevens from 1978 to 1990. His final marriage was to Rachel Ryan in 1992, which lasted only six months.
Mulligan passed away from colorectal cancer at his home in Los Angeles on September 26, 2000, at the age of 67. His remains were cremated, according to his wishes. The “Richard Mulligan net worth” he amassed reflected not only his talent but also his sustained presence in the entertainment industry.
