Burgess Meredith Net Worth

Publish date: 2024-05-05

Contents

Burgess Meredith Net Worth: An Overview of His Life and Legacy

Introduction

Burgess Meredith is known for his iconic performances on film, television, and stage. From his portrayal of the Penguin in the classic 1960s Batman TV series to his Oscar-nominated performance in Rocky, Meredith’s career spanned over six decades. In this article, we will discuss his net worth and salary, early life and education, career, personal life, real estate, and legacy.

Net Worth and Salary

Burgess Meredith’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million at the time of his death. He earned most of his money from his long and successful acting career. According to sources, he earned an average salary of $52,000 per year for his performance in movies and TV shows.

Early Life and Education

Burgess Meredith was born on November 16, 1907, in Cleveland, Ohio. His parents, Ida Beth and William George Meredith, were both physicians. When he was nine, his parents divorced, and he moved to New York City with his father. Meredith attended Amherst College but dropped out after two years to pursue acting.

Career

Meredith’s career started in the theater, where he appeared in many productions on and off-Broadway. He made his film debut in 1936 in a small role in Winterset. However, it was his role in the 1940 film adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men that brought him widespread acclaim.

In the 1960s, Meredith became a household name when he portrayed the Penguin in the Batman TV series. He went on to appear in several popular TV shows, including The Twilight Zone, The Fugitive, and Bewitched. In 1976, he received an Academy Award nomination for his performance as Mickey Goldmill in Rocky.

Personal Life

Meredith was married four times. His first wife was Helen Derbyshire, whom he married in 1931. They divorced in 1933. He then married Margaret Perry in 1936, but they divorced in 1939. He married his third wife, Paulette Goddard, in 1944 but they separated in 1949. His final marriage was to Kaja Sundsten in 1950, and they remained married until his death.

Real Estate

Meredith owned several properties throughout his life, including a home in Bel Air, California. However, he was forced to sell the property in the 1980s after he suffered financial difficulties.

Illness and Death

Meredith continued to work in film and television throughout his 70s and 80s. However, in 1996, he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, which forced him to retire from acting. On September 9, 1997, Meredith passed away at the age of 89. He was buried in the Memorial Garden of Saint John’s Cathedral in New York City.

Legacy

Meredith’s legacy is one of great talent and versatility. He was known for his ability to play a wide range of characters, from the comical Penguin to the wise boxing trainer Mickey Goldmill. He received many awards and accolades throughout his career, including two Primetime Emmy Awards for his work in the TV series The Twilight Zone and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

FAQs

1. Was Burgess Meredith a Method actor?

No, Burgess Meredith was not a Method actor. While he was known for his ability to fully embody the characters he portrayed, he did not use the Method acting techniques popularized by actors such as Marlon Brando and James Dean.

2. Did Burgess Meredith do his own stunts in Rocky?

No, Burgess Meredith did not do his own stunts in Rocky. The fight scenes were choreographed by former professional boxer and fight coordinator Jimmy Gambina, who used stunt doubles for the more dangerous stunts.

3. What was Burgess Meredith’s most famous role?

Burgess Meredith is best known for his portrayal of the Penguin in the 1960s Batman TV series. He also received critical acclaim for his performance as Mickey Goldmill in Rocky.

4. Was Burgess Meredith married?

Yes, Burgess Meredith was married four times. His final marriage was to Kaja Sundsten, whom he remained married to until his death.

5. What was Burgess Meredith’s first film?

Burgess Meredith’s first film was the 1936 movie Winterset, in which he played a minor role.

6. Who did Burgess Meredith play in The Twilight Zone?

Burgess Meredith appeared in four episodes of The Twilight Zone, including the famous episode “Time Enough at Last.” He also won two Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on the show.

7. Did Burgess Meredith serve in the military?

Yes, Burgess Meredith served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He was stationed in China as a captain and served as a public affairs officer.

8. What other famous actors were contemporaries of Burgess Meredith?

Burgess Meredith was a contemporary of many famous actors, including Marlon Brando, James Dean, Cary Grant, Bette Davis, and Clark Gable.

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