Overview

William M. “Sonny” Landham III (1941-2017) was an American actor and stuntman. He was known for his imposing physique and booming voice, often cast in roles requiring a strong physical presence. Landham broke into mainstream film with a small role in ‘The Warriors’ (1979). He gained recognition for his roles as Billy Bear in ’48 Hrs.’ (1982) and as the Native American tracker Billy Sole in ‘Predator’ (1987). He appeared in other action films such as ‘Action Jackson’ and ‘Lock Up’. Early in his career, Landham worked in the adult film industry. Later in life, he became involved in politics, running for Governor of Kentucky and the U.S. Senate. Landham passed away on August 17, 2017, from congestive heart failure. He was of Cherokee and Seminole descent.

What Is Sonny Landham Net Worth’ Net Worth?

Sonny Landham, the American actor and stuntman best known for his role as Billy Sole in “Predator,” had a net worth of $100,000 at the time of his passing in August 2017. This figure represents the culmination of earnings from his diverse career in the entertainment industry, which included acting in films and television, stunt work, and even venturing into directing and producing.

Sonny Landham’s Career and Earnings

Landham’s career was marked by appearances in several memorable films. His role in “Predator” (1987) remains his most iconic, but he also featured in “The Warriors,” “Gloria,” “Southern Comfort,” “Poltergeist,” and “48 Hrs.” These roles, while contributing to his overall earnings, likely varied in compensation based on the size and significance of each part. For instance, his work in “Predator” would have commanded a higher salary compared to smaller roles in lesser-known films. While exact salary figures for these roles aren’t publicly available, industry standards and the film’s success can provide context. In the 1980s, a supporting role in a major studio film like “Predator” could have paid anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the actor’s experience and negotiating power. Furthermore, Landham’s contribution to the film industry extended beyond acting. As a stunt coordinator for the television series “Ryan’s Hope” in 1980, he would have received a salary commensurate with his responsibilities in planning and executing stunts. Stunt coordinators in television typically earn a weekly rate, which in 1980 could have ranged from several hundred to a few thousand dollars per episode, depending on the complexity and danger of the stunts involved. He also made appearances in television shows such as “The A-Team,” “The Dirty Dozen: Next Mission,” “Hardcastle and McCormick,” “The Fall Guy,” “North Star,” and “Miami Vice.” Television roles generally pay per episode, and earnings vary depending on the show’s popularity, the size of the role, and the actor’s experience. Guest appearances on popular shows like “Miami Vice” could have brought in a few thousand dollars per episode.

In 1996, Landham took on the roles of star, producer, and director for the film “Billy Lone Bear.” This venture represents a significant investment of his time and potentially his own funds. As a producer and director, Landham would have been responsible for securing financing, managing the production, and overseeing the distribution of the film. The financial success of “Billy Lone Bear” would have directly impacted his earnings, with potential revenue streams from theatrical release, home video sales, and television rights. However, without specific data on the film’s performance, it’s challenging to determine the exact financial outcome of this project.

Landham’s early career included appearances in pornographic films, a period of his life that preceded his mainstream acting roles. While this work contributed to his initial income, specific earnings from this period are not publicly documented. It’s important to note that the adult film industry in the 1970s and early 1980s had varying pay scales, with actors’ earnings depending on their experience, popularity, and the production budget. As an American actor, Sonny Landham accumulated a net worth of $100,000 through his work in the entertainment industry.

Other Ventures and Personal Life

Beyond his entertainment career, Sonny Landham’s life took several unexpected turns, including a period of incarceration and a foray into politics. His three-year prison sentence for making threatening and obscene phone calls would have undoubtedly impacted his ability to work and earn income during that time. Subsequently, his political aspirations led him to run for Governor of Kentucky and U.S. Senate. While these campaigns may have generated some income through fundraising and donations, they also would have incurred significant expenses, such as advertising, travel, and staff salaries. It is unlikely that these political endeavors contributed substantially to his overall net worth. Specific details about any real estate holdings or other significant assets owned by Landham are not publicly available. Therefore, it’s not possible to provide a breakdown of his net worth beyond the estimated $100,000 figure derived from his entertainment career.

Sonny Landham passed away on August 17, 2017, at the age of 76, due to congestive heart failure. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated to be $100,000, reflecting the culmination of his diverse and sometimes turbulent life. Despite the lack of detailed financial records, it’s evident that Landham’s career in acting, stunt work, and filmmaking, along with other ventures, contributed to his overall financial standing. The estimated $100,000 net worth offers a snapshot of Landham’s financial situation at the end of his life, recognizing the various factors that shaped his earnings and expenses throughout his career.

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