35+ Celebrities From Hollywood’s Golden Age!
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Hollywood’s Golden Age celebrities were more than just actors and musicians. No wonder then that the stars that fill our hearts are rewarded with lives of opulence. Check out Hollywood’s richest Golden Age celebrities.
Clint Eastwood – Worth $375 million
Clint Eastwood has practically become an American folk hero with his infamous drawl. Surprisingly, the way he talked about his clenched jaw was actually criticized by studio heads when he first got into the movie business.
Barbara Walters – Worth $170 million
Barbara Walters didn’t break the glass ceiling when she got into journalism, she shattered it, left a legacy, and changed the way Americans view the media. In 1974 Walters became the first woman to anchor a prime-time evening news program, using her powerful presence in front of the camera to secure numerous jobs at the most prestigious networks. Her talent and determination earned her a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Angie Dickinson – Worth $30 million
Angie Dickinson first appeared on screen in the 1950s, and although she initially landed small supporting roles, it was clear to many viewers that she would soon become a leading lady. Sure enough, in 1959, Dickinson landed his first major role in the 1959 film Rio Bravo, playing the titular role of Feather. She later became one of the leading ladies of the 1960s, best recognized for her work in Gun the Man Down and Dressed to Kill.
Ann Robinson – Worth $45 million
Many Americans have probably never heard of her, but Anne Robinson is a famous television personality in Great Britain. There, she is affectionately referred to as The Queen of Mean for the way she ruthlessly dismisses contestants while hosting The Weakest Link. Since then she has continued to host television shows, where UK audiences want to see what clever tricks the Queen of Mean has up her sleeve. He is currently the host of a quiz show called Taste the Nation.
Arlene Golonka – Worth $5 million
When one thinks of the carefree blonde, both eccentric in her wild and energetic personality that carries a magnetism that draws everyone in, Arlen Golanka fits that image. Although not fitting it, Golanka is credited with portraying it in a career that includes roles on the most successful television shows of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Although his career began in the late 60s, it continued for 30 years before Golanka retired to teach aspiring young actors instead.
Axl Rose – Worth $200 million
It’s possible that anyone who’s lived their entire life under a rock may never have heard of Axl Rose or his titular band Guns N’ Roses, but just hearing the name probably gives the impression of a hard rocker who loves music. Indeed this applies to Rose, who is credited with keeping this hard rock band aloft throughout their many years of rock n’ roll.
Alain Delon – Worth $200 million
Many in America had never heard of him, even during his peak throughout much of the 1960s, but if those Americans had traveled across the Atlantic Ocean, they would likely have seen Alain Delon’s name plastered across billboards from France to Japan. The French actor was a sex symbol of the era, whose critical acclaim brought him popularity across Europe and, oddly enough, a huge following in Japan. But despite all that, Delon never made it in Hollywood.
Betty Lynn – Worth $3 million
Betty Lynn was a fairly active actress who took her roles seriously, often portraying a dark and brooding woman in crisis. Just kidding of course! Betty Lynn was arguably one of the funniest actresses of her era, appearing in various television series, films and Broadway shows where she was also considered a talented singer. His most popular roles were in great shows like The Andy Griffith Show, The Egg and Eye, and Where’s Raymond?
Betty White – Worth $75 million
Betty White is a name that continues to resonate strongly with people of all generations. Ask anyone under the age of thirty and it may be surprising to discover that many people still recognize this talented centenarian. But it’s no secret why, White’s career spanned an impressive eighty years, after landing her first role in 1939 in the TV operetta The Merry Widow. Since then his talent, charm and humor have been recognized across the United States.
Bob Barker – Worth $70 million
Arguably one of the most recognizable hosts in television history, Bob Barker became one of the most famous television personalities through his work as host of Truth or Consequences. The job lasted an astonishing 12 years between 1956 and 1974, before Barker moved on to the role for which he is best remembered, The Price is Right. There he hosted an incredible 7,000 episodes over 35 years. A truly remarkable career achievement!
Cassandra Peterson – Worth $3 million
Even as a little girl, Cassandra Peterson refused to be pigeonholed by what was considered feminine at the time. She refused to play with Barbie dolls, preferring the mystery and thrill of horror shows instead. In his 20s, he took his talents to the stage where he was the lead singer of several rock bands in Italy. But that didn’t last forever, as Peterson’s career evaporated in the 1980s after landing her most iconic role, Elvira.
Catherine Deneuve – Worth $75 million
We’d challenge anyone to find a more beloved actress in France than Catherine Deneuve. Since 1957, Deneuve has appeared consistently on screens in France, the UK, Hollywood and, of course, worldwide. Even the people of France loved her so much that her face became that of Marianne, the national symbol of French independence—a distinct and unusual honor. Speaking of honors, Deneuve has several, including nominations for a BAFTA and an Oscar.
Cicely Tyson – Worth $10 million
On-screen and on stage, Cicely Tyson was a powerful presence that was impossible for audiences and critics to ignore. Throughout her career, spanning seven remarkable decades, Tyson would consistently play strong African American women, never letting the politics or stereotypes of the era keep her from playing roles with passion and devotion. His work was considered so important that he was the recipient of America’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Cloris Leachman – Worth $21 million
Another actress with a career that just wouldn’t quit, Cloris Leachman had a career that spanned seven decades. Leachman was frequently found on stage throughout her life, first appearing as a beauty pageant contestant. Even there she found success, becoming Miss Chicago and even competing for the title of Miss America. In addition to her competition, Leachman has been awarded an Academy Award and a record eight Primetime Emmy Awards.
David Crosby – Worth $40 million
As a solo artist and as part of some very recognizable and notable groups, David Crosby was a music icon. His career really took off in 1964, as a founding member of the band Byrds, the same Byrds that put Bob Dylan on the map with his hit single, Mr. Tambourine Man. He later found a new band called Crosby, Stills, and Nash, which won a Grammy for Best New Artist.v
Dick Van Dyke – $50 million
It doesn’t matter how serious the audience is, if they’re watching a movie or show starring Dick Van Dyke there’s a good chance they’ll be teary-eyed and in no time. A talented funnyman who is best known for two unforgettable roles, Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and who can forget Dick Van Dyke as Bart the Chimney Sweep in one of Disney’s most iconic films, Mary Poppins?
Ed Asner – Worth $10 million
Ed Asner, 90, shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. His remarkable and well-known career began in the 1950s – that means Asner has been hard at work for almost 70 years! For Asner, his big break came when he starred as the title character, Lou Grant, on The Lou Grant Show. The show was so successful that it eventually spawned The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which Asner was also a part of. His work continues today.
Ed Asner – Worth $10 million
Ed Asner, 90, shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. His remarkable and well-known career began in the 1950s – that means Asner has been hard at work for almost 70 years! For Asner, his big break came when he starred as the title character, Lou Grant, on The Lou Grant Show. The show was so successful that it eventually spawned The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which Asner was also a part of. His work continues today.
Gavin McLeod – Worth $10 million
First appearing on screen in 1950, Hollywood’s Golden Age actor Gavin McLeod has seen success after success and shows no signs of ever stopping. In addition to appearing in classic Hollywood films such as The Thousand Planes Raid, The Sword of Ali Baba, and A Man Called Gannon, he also starred in television series such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show. But his most recognizable work is as Captain Meryl Stubbing in the popular and critically acclaimed series, The Love Boat.
George Hamilton – Worth $20 million
When George Hamilton first started acting, it didn’t take long for him to gain positive acclaim and recognition. In fact, in a feat rarely seen in the competitive field of Hollywood films, Hamilton won his first Golden Globe for his first role! It didn’t take long for critics to realize that they needed to keep an eye on this flamboyant Hollywood star. Long ago Hamilton was playing the role, a trend that continues to this day.
Gladys Knight – Worth $28 million
Michael Jackson may be the King of Pop, and James Brown is called the Godfather of Soul, but those titles pale in comparison to the talented Gladys Knight, known to her fans as the Empress of Soul. Looking at Ken’s legacy, it’s no surprise. As an artist, he topped the charts continuously for 3 long decades, the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Additionally, Knight himself has won seven Grammy Awards.
Harry Belafonte – Worth $28 million
Harry Belafonte first stepped into a recording studio more than 60 years ago to record his debut album, Calypso. Since that fateful day, and since the release of his 1956 album, Belafonte has become a music sensation and national icon, lasting from the album’s debut in the mid-1950s to the present day. As a result, his reward is many. The critically acclaimed artist has 3 Grammys, an Emmy, a Tony, and, best of all, a National Medal of Arts.
Henry Winkler – Worth $30 million
When Henry Winkler first appeared on Happy Days it was thought of as just another television sitcom. But Winkler’s performance as the unforgettable Arthur The Fonz Fonzarelli brought the series to critical acclaim and made it one of the most-watched shows on television during its time. For Winkler, that meant he made it and was subsequently honored with two Golden Globes. It’s on top of giving us a TV character that will probably never be forgotten.
Jack Nicholson – Worth $400 million
There aren’t many other ways to say it, but Jack Nicholson is a living legend. The man has often graced the red carpet for some of Hollywood’s most famous productions and again accepted awards bestowed upon him to honor his performances. He was a frequent attendee of the Academy Awards where he won 3 Oscars and was nominated an additional 12 times! Unfortunately for Nicholson fans, the acclaimed actor hasn’t acted in 10 years.
Jane Fonda – Worth $200 million
Jane Fonda is certainly an American icon, and a controversial figure depending on one’s politics. But as an actress and businessman, it is clear that she deserves the recognition she has been given. In addition to film, television, and theater the last of the three earning her a Tony nomination, she was also a fashion model and prolific writer. Many of his works can be read in book form or simply as articles and blog posts.
Jane Powell – Worth $10 million
If there is one company that Jane Powell owes her success, it is probably the Hollywood studio giant, MGM. Not only did Powell sign with them as a teenager in the 1940s, but the company loved her so much that they actually made her their poster girl. He mainly appeared in musicals, mesmerizing the crowd with his voice and the dancers’ postures. Since then he has moved on to everything from theater to television shows.
Jane Kennedy – Worth $2 million
In the 1980s it was Coca-Cola, yes the same Coca-Cola all-fizzy soft drink, that declared Jane Kennedy the most admired black woman in America. It’s not hard for us to see why the company thought this. Kennedy began winning beauty pageants, even the coveted title of Miss Ohio. His varied career thereafter spoke volumes for his many talents. Throughout his career, Kennedy has worked as everything from a TV personality to a sports broadcaster.
Jerry Mathers – Worth $3 million
Jerry Mathers started his career in Hollywood as a child star if one can call his first role as a child star at the age of 2 as the titular Beaver Cleaver in the popular series Leave it to Beaver. Although the series ended in 1963, Mathers did not return to acting until the late 1970s. In between, he worked first in the Air Force Reserve Command before working in banking and eventually real estate.
Joan Baez – Worth $11 million
With a voice and musical talent honed from nearly 60 years of work, Joan Baez has more than earned her place as one of the greatest of Hollywood’s Golden Age. While singing into the microphone, he has released albums with a wide and varied genre including folk, folk-rock, country, pop, and even gospel. Not only has Baez released 30 albums, but he has also done so in eight different languages making his music popular worldwide.
Joan Collins – Worth $30 million
Seeing nine-year-old Joan Collins in her first acting role, anyone would have imagined that she would be remembered as a Golden Age icon of Hollywood. That being said he is here and we are here and it is all because of his incredible performance on screen. Her Hollywood movie list is impressive, but her crowning achievement is arguably playing Alexis Colby in the television drama Dynasty. That series ended Dallas’ longtime reign as TV champion.
Joan Woodward – Worth $50 million
Throughout the 1950s, Joan Woodward played several small television roles before quickly jumping into films in 1955. This leap, as the catalyst for Woodward’s success, would last his career long after he hit the big screen. Over 60 years. Woodward was no stranger to award shows at the time, taking home some of the most prestigious honors for acting. These include the Oscars, Golden Globes, Primetime Emmys and BAFTAs.
Joan Plowright – Value $1-5 million
Joan Plowright is not only a star in numerous mediums, including film, television, and stage, she is literally British royalty. Her full title is The Right Honorable Baroness Olivier, DBE. As jaw-dropping as that title apparently is, Laurence’s status as Olivia’s wife surpasses even her own baroness title. Titles aside, she is an accomplished actress, one of only four people in history to receive two Golden Globes in one year.
Joan of Arc – $10 million
Since 1966, Joan Van Ark has been relatively well-known in both television and theater. His talent was recognized early on when, after only 5 years of acting professionally, he won his first major award nomination – for a Tony. He then joined the cast of Dallas, one of the highest-rated shows on television, playing the role of Valen Ewing. She was then in numerous soaps and popular TV shows including The Young and the Restless.
John Amos – Worth $3 million
John Amos has been a familiar face on television since the 1970s when he appeared on the groundbreaking show, Good Times. In addition to being popular in its era, Good Times was notable for being the first show to focus on an African American two-parent family. Due to Amos’ work on the show, his career was taken to greater heights and he starred in shows like The West Wing, Roots, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Jon Voight – Worth $55 million
Although Jon Voight has only won one Academy Award, he has been nominated 3 times for Best Actor honors on four separate occasions and even for his talent as a Hollywood movie star. His biggest films that resulted in this impressive acclaim were Midnight Cowboy, Coming Home, Deliverance, and The Champ. Due to Amos’ work on the show, his career was taken to greater heights and he starred in shows like The West Wing, Roots, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Joyce Randolph – Worth $10 million
Joyce Randolph may be her real name, but there is another name that will probably identify her first. This name belongs to his incredibly popular character; The one, and only, Trixie Norton from the Honeymooners series. Trixie Norton was so beloved by audiences and critics alike that when Randolph was approached to continue her character on The Jackie Gleason Show, she immediately accepted. Unfortunately for all those Trixie Norton fans, Randolph hasn’t appeared on screen since 2000.
Judi Dench – Worth $35 million
This is another acclaimed actress who, through her extraordinary talent and successful career, was given the second highest honor of the British Empire and her title was permanently changed to Dame Judi Dench. Dame Judi Dench has been involved in numerous projects in both film and television since the 1950s, earning rave reviews from critics and being beloved by fans. Although Dench is no longer involved in the popular James Bond series, it doesn’t look like she’s retiring.
Karen Grassle – Worth $500,000
Based on the best-selling Little House book series, Little House on the Prairie is a classic American show starring Michael Landon, Melissa Gilbert, Melissa Sue Anderson, and, of course, Karen Grassle. She played Caroline Ingalls throughout the series. During these 10 years he, along with the show, became an American cultural icon. Unfortunately, she didn’t star in much else after her time on the show, leaving future opportunities for her very open.
Katherine Ross – Worth $5 million
Katharine Ross has had the privilege of starring in some of the biggest films of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Or perhaps these films have the privilege of having Kathryn Ross in them, depending on one’s perspective. Anyway, Ross rose to fame and fame after starring in the 1967 classic, The Graduate, starring none other than Dustin Hoffman. He was awarded both a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for his later work showing how talented he is.
Keith Richards – Worth $340 million
Arguably one of the most talented musicians alive, Keith Richards’ guitar prowess is the stuff of myth and folklore. For the past 60 years, especially in the 1960s, Richards was slamming his guitar on stage and entertaining audiences who came to hear the new and brighter sound of the Rolling Stones. Not only did Richards play in one of the most famous groups, but he was also a music producer from the rock n’ roll heydays of the 1960s.
Richard Keith – Worth $1 million
Although his name may remind listeners of legendary guitarist Keith Richards, Richard Keith became a star not from his music but from his role as Little Ricky in the incredibly popular I Love Lucy series. Ironically, Richard Keith was a musician before becoming an actor and was performing with his band till 2017. His real name though? Keith Thibodeaux changed it after finding it too difficult for others to pronounce.
Kenny Rogers – Worth $250 million
Quite possibly America’s best-loved singer, Kenny Rogers’ name is synonymous with slow, soulful, country music. Back in the early 1970s, Rogers began releasing his incredibly acclaimed music and eventually sold over 100 million records worldwide. Not one to be stuck as a musician, Rogers was a man who seemed to have it all. He was an actor, writer, and even an entrepreneur. Sadly, Kenny Rogers passed away in March 2020.
Kirstie Alley – Worth $40 million
Kirsty Alley was the talk of the town in the 1980s. He landed his first major role in 1982 when he was cast as Savic in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. The character was so beloved by Star Trek fans that he continued to play Savic in other Star Trek films since then. But that wasn’t her only project, 1987 saw her come on board the legendary show Cheers, where she played Rebecca Howe.
Lee Majors – Worth $15 million
Best known for his role as Colonel Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man, Lee Majors may star in a movie about himself, but this movie should be called The Fifteen Million Dollar Man. But colonel majors were not the only major role. Others included Heath Barkley in The Big Valley and Colt Seaver in The Fall Guy. According to reports, Majors has one more film, Spring Break ’83, that has yet to be released.
Lee Meriwether – Value $1-5 million
By 1955, Lee Meriwether was already gaining acclaim and showcasing his talent, but not yet on television or the silver screen. Meriwether actually won the very prestigious Miss America pageant, a win that catapulted her to fame and stardom. But Meriwether wasn’t just a pretty face, her well-known sci-fi characters throughout the 1960s earned her a wide fan base and earned her several Golden Globe awards as a result. His career subsequently spanned 50 years.
Lex Luger – Worth $4.5 million
Long before powerful wrestler and acting legend Dwayne The Rock Johnson, there was one man who consistently stole the show. That man was Lex Luger, a record breaker and in-ring trendsetter. A man whose reputation in professional wrestling is so well-known that even after retirement he agreed to return to WWE to work behind the scenes. In addition to his wrestling career, Luger was also a football player and even a professional bodybuilder.
Linda Ronstadt – Worth $130 million
It’s hard to categorize Linda Ronstadt as just one type of professional singer. Ronstadt was such a talented singer and performer that she released albums that fit into categories such as rock, country, opera, and even Latin. The multi-talented star has not only released this kind of music, but he has also been consistently appreciated for it. Ronstadt has been the recipient of not just one, but an astounding ten Grammy Awards. Additionally, Ronstadt received a Golden Globe and a Tony.
Liv Ullman – Worth $20 million
For our Scandinavian brethren and those unfamiliar with her contributions to the arts, this actress is Liv Ullmann. Ullman is unique in that she is an accomplished actress both in her native Norway and also in the United States where she won an Academy Award in 1972. Ullman is considered the muse of one of the most famous Swedish directors, a man named Ingmar Bergman. Today Ulman is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Luke Halpin – Worth $2 million
Starting at the age of eight, Luke Halpin jumped into the limelight and began entertaining the masses from the lights of the big screen. Although Halpin’s career spanned a full 30 years, there is one role for which he will always be remembered. That role is, of course, Sandy Ricks in the hugely popular movie Flipper. Not only has Halpin been lucky enough to be an actor all his life, but he has been involved with playing with dolphins for most of his acting career.
Jessica Lange – Worth $20 million
Jessica Lange is an American actress in a league of her own. She is the 13th actress in the world to achieve the triple crown of acting, meaning she has won two Academy Awards, three Emmys, a Tony, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and five Golden Globes. So, it’s no surprise that this overachiever has earned himself over $20 million in fixed assets. You may recognize him from older films like Tootsie but it was his role in FX’s American Horror Story that brought his name back into the limelight.
Max Baer Jr. – $50 million
There are things that most actors, even some of the best, fear. This is, of course, typecasting, or when an actor is so good at playing a certain role or a certain character that his career revolves around them recreating that character for other roles. Although Max Baer Jr. was praised for his role as dim-witted Jethro Bodine on the incredibly popular television series, The Beverly Hillbillies, he was typecast in the role.
Mel Brooks – Worth $85 million
When it comes to comedy legends who helped make Hollywood what it is today, there’s one name that won’t be forgotten! That name must be the one, the only, the legendary Mel Brooks. In the 1950s, Mel Brooks began working not only as an actor but also as a writer, producer, director, and even composer. His first major success was writing the comedy Get Smart, which became a huge sensation across the United States.
Michael Caine – Worth $75 million
Michael Caine (or, as we should say, Sir Michael Caine) has become a beloved film and television star since he was only 20 years old. As a result, people of all generations can point to a film starring Michael Caine regardless of whether the film is Alfie. , Zulu, The Italian Job, or any of the Batman movies starring Christian Bale. Caine’s talent is so evident that he has made the list of actors nominated for Academy Awards for five consecutive decades.
Michael York – Worth $22 million
Michael York looked like he was born to act. In 1967, Yorke stepped onto the stage for a Shakespeare play, and that seemed to resolve anyone’s doubts. Michael York is going to be an actor. He continued to act in plays and other stage roles before landing the role of Logan in the incredibly popular Logan’s Run. Even today, York is involved in numerous projects and is a regular guest star on popular shows like The Simpsons.
Morgan Freeman – Worth $20 million
Known for his deep commanding voice in films, Morgan Freeman has become one of the most recognizable actors in Hollywood today. But for a long time, it seemed that Freeman wasn’t going to make it in show business. Although he has been acting since 1964, Freeman didn’t catch his big break until 1987 when he received his first Oscar nomination. However, it wasn’t until his role in The Shawshank Redemption that he became a real star.
Ranking our favorite stars from the ’80s
Thalia Shepherd writes-
Every decade gives us new faces and fads to follow. But many people around the world have many iconic stars from the 80s. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite stars from the ’80s and what they’re up to today.
Christina Applegate
One of the most popular shows of the 80s was Married… With Children A major reason for this was Christina Applegate’s character.
Finally, he found his way in front of the camera. She has starred in films such as Anchorman and Bad Moms. Recently he is starring in his hit television show, Dead to Me.
C. Thomas Howell
C. Thomas Howell debuted in the early 80s in one of the biggest films of the decade and one of Hollywood’s most classic films of all time… E.T. Extra-terrestrial. After that, he would become one of the most in-demand young actors of the decade. The actor would go on to star in other iconic films like The Outsiders, Red Dawn, and The Hitcher.
He would also go on to star in a film that created quite a bit of controversy. This film was Soul Man. After that film, there was a bit of a slump in his career. But still, he continued to act even today.
Andrew McCarthy
Andrew McCarthy found fame like many of the 80s stars as part of the Brat Pack. In the 80s, he starred in movies like Less Than Zero and Pretty in Pink. He was the lead in many 80s romantic comedies, and for that, he left an impression on 80s culture.
He has continued to act well after the ’80s. Even finding himself in roles in many popular television shows. Some of these are Gossip Girl and The Family.
Brooke Shields
Starting modeling and acting at a young age Brooke Shields didn’t really hit it big until her seminal role in the classic Blue Lagoon. Though she went on to have a few other hits, she opted to take time off to go to college.
But when she returned in the ’80s, she found success more on the small screen with a hit T.V. show Suddenly Susan, and several other guest roles in major television shows. She has also released a few books and still does some projects here and there.
James Spader
Not quite a member of the Brat Pack but definitely Brat Pack adjacent, James Spader was one of those actors that everyone knew but flew under the radar. Yet still, he was a part of some of the most iconic ’80s films. He had roles in films like Pretty in Pink, Mannequin, Less Than Zero, and Wall Street, to name a few.
In the last few years, you can take in his talent as Raymond Reddington on the hit show, The Blacklist. He also played the motion-capture-performance role of Ultron in the blockbuster Avengers: Age of Ultron.
