What Is Robert Young’s Net Worth?
Robert Young, a prolific American actor known for his work across film, television, and radio, had a net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in July 1998. This figure has been adjusted for inflation to reflect its equivalent value in 1998 dollars. While the precise breakdown of his net worth into specific assets isn’t publicly detailed, it’s reasonable to assume that it was accumulated through his extensive acting career and shrewd financial management over several decades.
Early Career and MGM Contract
Robert Young was born in Chicago, Illinois, in February 1907. Information regarding his specific early life, such as schools attended or addresses, is limited in publicly available records. However, his career took off significantly when he became an MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) contract player. This was a pivotal moment as it provided him with consistent work and exposure in numerous films. While specific contract details like yearly salary or bonuses aren’t widely publicized, being an MGM contract player during Hollywood’s Golden Age was a lucrative position, offering a steady income and opportunities for advancement.
Television Success: Father Knows Best and Marcus Welby, M.D.
Young’s most iconic roles came later in his career with television. He starred as Jim Anderson in “Father Knows Best” (1954-1960) and as Dr. Marcus Welby in “Marcus Welby, M.D.” (1969-1976). While the exact per-episode salary he earned on these shows isn’t available, leading roles in successful television series during that era were very well-compensated. For instance, a top TV actor in the 1970s could command tens of thousands of dollars per episode. Considering the long runs and popularity of these series, Young’s earnings from them would have contributed significantly to his overall net worth. He also starred as Cameron Brooks on the series Window on Main Street from 1961 to 1962.
Film Career and Notable Co-Stars
Prior to his television success, Robert Young had a robust film career. He appeared in numerous films alongside renowned actresses such as Katharine Hepburn, Joan Crawford, Margaret Sullavan, Helen Hayes, and Norma Shearer. Although the specific financial compensation for each film role isn’t publicly documented, it’s known that MGM contract players were typically paid a regular salary plus additional compensation based on the film’s success. One of his most rewarding roles came in H.M. Pulham, Esq. His film work provided a consistent income stream during the early and middle parts of his career, adding to his overall financial stability.
Awards and Recognition
Robert Young’s talent was recognized through several prestigious awards. He won a Golden Globe Award for Best TV Actor – Drama and a Primetime Emmy Award for his role in “Marcus Welby, M.D.” He also received two Primetime Emmy Awards for “Father Knows Best.” Furthermore, he received stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in three categories: motion picture, television, and radio. While these awards don’t directly translate to monetary value, they enhanced his reputation and marketability, potentially leading to higher salaries and more opportunities.
Post-Acting Career and Investments
Details regarding Robert Young’s investments and business ventures outside of acting are not widely available. However, it’s common for successful actors to invest in real estate, stocks, or other businesses to secure their financial future. Without specific information, it’s difficult to determine the extent to which these investments contributed to his net worth.
Real Estate and Assets
Information regarding Robert Young’s real estate holdings and other significant assets is limited. Public records do not readily provide details about specific properties he owned or other valuable possessions. Therefore, it’s not possible to include specifics about his real estate assets or other holdings in the calculation of his total net worth.
Personal Life and Habits
Detailed insights into Robert Young’s personal life, daily routines, and work habits are not extensively documented in publicly accessible sources. Therefore, this information cannot be included in the assessment of his net worth.
Net Worth Over Time
Due to the lack of publicly available financial records, it is difficult to estimate Robert Young’s net worth at various points in his career. However, it’s likely that his net worth increased significantly during the peak years of “Father Knows Best” and “Marcus Welby, M.D.” given the success and popularity of those shows.