Net Worth Ranker
What Is Robert Blake’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death in 2023, Robert Blake, the American actor, had a net worth estimated at -$3 million. This figure represents a significant downturn from a period when his net worth was as high as $10-15 million. The decline is largely attributed to the financial repercussions stemming from the legal battles surrounding the death of his second wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Michael James Gubitosi on September 18, 1933, in Nutley, New Jersey, Robert Blake’s journey into the entertainment industry began early. In 1938, his family relocated to Los Angeles, where he and his siblings found work as movie extras. This marked the start of his involvement in Hollywood. He appeared in “Bridal Suite” at the age of six and became known for his role in MGM’s “Our Gang” short films. He further gained recognition in the “Red Ryder” western TV series. By 17, he was in films like “The Black Rose” and “Black Hand.” His early career, while providing opportunities, was also marked by personal challenges, including allegations of abuse.
In 1950, Blake’s career was interrupted when he was drafted into the US Army. After his service, he faced difficulties finding acting roles. He eventually became addicted to drugs like cocaine and heroin. He later took acting classes and had roles in Western TV shows like “26 Men” and “The Cisco Kid,” and films like “The Purple Gang” and “Pork Chop Hill.” His career breakthrough came in 1967 with his role in “In Cold Blood.”
“Baretta” and Subsequent Roles
Robert Blake’s most iconic role arrived with the debut of “Baretta” in 1975. As a plainclothes police detective, Blake became known for his catchphrases, significantly boosting his recognition and potentially his earnings during the show’s run until 1978. After “Baretta” concluded, Blake continued to work in television and film, with appearances in TV series such as “Blood Feud” and “Hell Town,” as well as movies like “Money Train” and “Lost Highway.” His role in “Lost Highway” marked his retirement from acting.
Personal Relationships and the Death of Bonnie Lee Bakley
After his first marriage to Sondra Kerr, which produced two children, Robert Blake entered into a relationship with Bonnie Lee Bakley in 1999. Bakley had a history of exploiting older men for financial gain. During her relationship with Blake, she was also involved with Christian Brando, Marlon Brando’s son. She became pregnant and claimed that either Christian or Robert was the father. A DNA test later confirmed that Robert was the child’s father, and the two married in 2000.
In 2001, Bonnie Lee Bakley was fatally shot while with Robert Blake in Studio City. Blake claimed he had returned to a restaurant to retrieve a pistol, and upon his return, he found his wife had been shot in the car. This event triggered a series of legal battles that would significantly impact Blake’s financial standing.
Legal Issues and Financial Decline
In 2002, Robert Blake was arrested for the murder of Bonnie Lee Bakley. His bodyguard was also arrested for allegedly being involved in the conspiracy. In 2005, a California civil court found Blake liable for Bakley’s wrongful death. Retired stuntmen claimed that Blake had tried to hire them to kill his wife. He was found not guilty of the murder, as the court couldn’t link him to the murder weapon, and he had no gunpowder residue on his hands. After Bakley’s children filed a wrongful death lawsuit against him, he was found liable for his wife’s death. He was ordered to pay $30 million, which was later reduced to $15 million.
Bankruptcy and Later Years
In 2006, Robert Blake filed for bankruptcy, listing $3 million in liabilities. In 2010, the state of California filed a lien against the actor seeking $1,110,878 in unpaid back taxes. Blake also reportedly had large amounts of unpaid legal fees. Facing these financial difficulties, Blake considered returning to acting. However, at the age of 85, he announced that he would not be returning to Hollywood. The legal battles, settlements, and unpaid taxes significantly eroded his assets, leading to the reported -$3 million net worth at the time of his death.
Real Estate Holdings
Robert Blake purchased a compound in Studio City in 1983. The property was put on the market in 2001 for $1 million. The residence features seven bedrooms and almost 5,000 square feet of living space. In 2003, Alexandra Kingston listed the residence for $1.6 million and eventually sold it for $1.5 million. In 2018, the property was sold for $3.35 million, $400,000 above the asking price. The sale of this property, while generating revenue, was likely insufficient to offset the significant legal and tax liabilities he faced.
