Net Worth Ranker
What Is Tommy DeVito’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on September 21, 2020, Tommy DeVito, the musician and actor best known for his role in The Four Seasons, had an estimated net worth of $5 million. This figure largely reflects his earnings from a long career in music, revitalized later in life by the success of the “Jersey Boys” musical. The specifics of his earnings are spread across various sources including his time with the Four Seasons, subsequent ventures, and royalties from the musical.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Gaetano “Tommy” DeVito was born on June 19, 1928, in Belleville, New Jersey. Growing up in a large family of Italian immigrants, DeVito displayed an early interest in music. By the age of 12, he was performing in local taverns, having taught himself to play his brother’s guitar at the age of eight. His early forays into music were punctuated by legal troubles, leading to multiple jail stints for petty crimes and his eventual dropping out of school after the eighth grade. These early experiences shaped his career path. DeVito initiated his formal music career in the early 1950s, forming the Variety Trio with his brother Nick and Hank Majewski, performing under various names and lineups. This group eventually evolved into a quartet, adding Francis Castelluccio (later known as Frankie Valli), and was briefly renamed the Variatones. In 1956, they secured a recording contract with RCA Victor under the new name, The Four Lovers. During this phase, DeVito and Castelluccio remained the consistent core of the group, releasing seven singles and one album. Their debut single, “You’re the Apple of My Eye,” became their biggest hit, earning them a spot on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1956.
The Rise and Fall with The Four Seasons
After his brother Nick’s departure, DeVito and Valli restructured the group, leading to the formation of The Four Seasons in 1960. Introduced to Bob Gaudio and Nick Massi through Joe Pesci, the quartet found quick success. In 1962, they recorded their first number-one hit, “Sherry,” which Gaudio reportedly wrote just 15 minutes before a rehearsal. This breakout was followed by consecutive chart-toppers, “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man,” cementing their place in music history. In 1964, the band scored its last number-one hit in the US with “Rag Doll.” The changing musical landscape, influenced by the British Invasion, posed challenges for the band. Following Massi’s departure in 1965, the band briefly played with Charles Calello before adding Joe Long. In April 1970, DeVito left The Four Seasons before the release of “Half and Half.” Weariness of the constant travel, frequent costume changes, and repetitive performances, combined with significant gambling debts, prompted his exit. Upon leaving, DeVito sold his rights to the Four Seasons’ name, touring act, and material to Valli and Gaudio. Despite the financial hardships he faced post-departure, DeVito’s contribution to The Four Seasons remained significant. In 1990, along with the other original members, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, marking a milestone in his career.
Post-Four Seasons Career and “Jersey Boys”
After leaving The Four Seasons in 1970, Tommy DeVito moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where many of his siblings lived. Initially, he worked as a card dealer. However, financial difficulties soon set in, and within a year, he had depleted his savings and was forced to take up work cleaning houses to make ends meet. In 2005, Tommy DeVito joined Valli and Gaudio at the Broadway premiere of “Jersey Boys,” a jukebox musical chronicling the early days of The Four Seasons. The musical’s success significantly impacted DeVito’s financial situation and legacy. Winning four Tony Awards, “Jersey Boys” revived interest in The Four Seasons’ music. While the exact financial details of his earnings from the musical are not fully public, it is known that he benefitted from the royalties and attention the production brought to the band’s history. This late-career resurgence provided a significant boost to his net worth, surpassing what he had earned during his active years with the band. It underscored the enduring appeal of The Four Seasons’ music and highlighted DeVito’s role in the band’s success. While specific figures related to his investment in the musical are unavailable, it is suggested that his share in the royalties contributed significantly to his financial stability in his later years. “Jersey Boys” not only financially benefitted DeVito but also cemented his legacy as a founding member of one of the most successful bands of the 1960s.
Tommy DeVito’s Net Worth: Gambling, and Personal Life
Tommy DeVito’s gambling addiction played a significant role in his financial history. His serious debt due to gambling was a major factor in his decision to leave The Four Seasons in 1970. After leaving the band and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, DeVito initially tried his hand as a card dealer. However, his financial situation deteriorated rapidly, and he depleted his fortune within a year. This led him to take on work cleaning houses to make ends meet. The exact figures of his gambling losses remain private, but it is known that they contributed significantly to his financial instability during the years following his departure from The Four Seasons. His gambling habit not only affected his financial well-being but also influenced his career choices and personal life. DeVito was married twice and had two children from his first marriage and one daughter from his second. While information about specific assets such as real estate holdings or luxury vehicles is not publicly available, it is understood that his net worth primarily consisted of earnings from his music career and subsequent ventures like his involvement with “Jersey Boys.” The struggles and successes of his life, including his gambling issues, have been well-documented and remain an integral part of his story. His story emphasizes the complexities of managing fame, fortune, and personal challenges in the entertainment industry.
Death and Legacy
Tommy DeVito passed away in Las Vegas in September 2020, at the age of 92, due to complications from COVID-19. His death marked the end of an era for fans of The Four Seasons and the music industry. Although specific details of his estate and inheritance are not publicly available, it is understood that his net worth at the time of his death was approximately $5 million. This amount reflects the culmination of his earnings from his music career, his involvement with “Jersey Boys,” and other ventures throughout his life. His legacy continues to live on through the music of The Four Seasons and the enduring popularity of “Jersey Boys,” which has introduced his contributions to a new generation of fans. The precise distribution of his assets and the financial arrangements for his family remain private, but his impact on the music industry and his role in shaping the sound of The Four Seasons remain significant. DeVito’s contributions to the music world have been widely recognized and celebrated. His story is a reminder of the highs and lows of fame, the challenges of personal struggles, and the enduring power of music to transcend generations. DeVito’s memory and contributions continue to be honored by fans and fellow musicians alike. While precise figures regarding his assets, real estate, or other investments are not available, it is clear that his impact on the music world and popular culture endures.
