Robert Wagner Net Worth
$20 Million
Robert Wagner net worth is estimated at $20 million, a combined fortune with his longtime wife, actress Jill St. John. His success spans decades in Hollywood, where he built his reputation as a talented and charismatic actor. Through his work in television, film, and other ventures, Wagner has secured his financial stability while maintaining his status as a Hollywood icon.
Wagner rose to fame through his roles in classic television series such as It Takes a Thief, Switch, and Hart to Hart. His performances showcased his versatility, making him one of the most recognizable actors of his generation. Over the years, he continued to take on roles in films and television, ensuring his long-term presence in the entertainment industry.
Beyond acting, Robert Wagner net worth has been boosted by strategic investments and business opportunities. His ability to remain relevant in Hollywood has contributed to his financial success. With a career spanning multiple generations, Wagner remains a respected and admired figure in the world of entertainment.
Robert Wagner’s Biography
Robert Wagner, born on February 10, 1930, is a well-known American actor with a career spanning several decades in television. He gained fame starring in popular TV series like It Takes a Thief (1968–1970), Switch (1975–1978), and Hart to Hart (1979–1984). Later, he had recurring roles in hit shows such as Two and a Half Men (2007–2008) and NCIS (2010–2019), further solidifying his television legacy.
In addition to television, Wagner made a name for himself in films, starring in several notable productions over the years. He played Prince Valiant in Prince Valiant (1954) and earned critical acclaim for his performance in A Kiss Before Dying (1956). His roles in The Pink Panther (1963), Harper (1966), and The Towering Inferno (1974) showcased his versatility in Hollywood.
One of Wagner’s most recognizable film roles came in the Austin Powers trilogy (1997, 1999, 2002), where he played the villainous Number 2. He also appeared in The Concorde… Airport ’79 (1979), proving his ability to adapt to various film genres.
Robert Wagner’s Early Life And Education
Robert Wagner was born Robert John Wagner Jr. on February 10, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan. His mother, Hazel, worked as a telephone operator, while his father, Robert Sr., was a successful traveling salesman. His father made a small fortune selling paint to the automotive industry and lacquer to Ford for dashboard production. When Wagner was seven, his family relocated to Los Angeles, where his father had accumulated enough wealth to retire.
The Wagner family settled in Bel Air, constructing a custom-built home overlooking the Bel Air Country Club. The house took over a year to complete, reflecting the family’s financial success. Before his parents officially moved, young Robert was sent alone to California by train and enrolled in the Hollywood Military Academy. His early education was shaped by his time in prestigious military schools.
Throughout his schooling, Wagner attended four different military academies in Southern California, often surrounded by classmates from Hollywood families. He ultimately graduated from Saint Monica Catholic School in 1949, laying the foundation for his future career.
Robert Wagner’s Acting Career And Rise To Fame
Robert Wagner started his career in the 1950s as an extra, making his film debut in The Happy Years (1950) in an uncredited role. At just 20 years old, he signed with Twentieth Century Fox and appeared in Halls of Montezuma (1951), a World War II film. He gained early recognition in With a Song in My Heart (1952), where his brief but powerful performance as a shell-shocked soldier caught audiences’ attention.
As his career progressed, Wagner landed leading roles in films like Beneath the 12-Mile Reef (1953), Prince Valiant (1954), and A Kiss Before Dying (1956). Despite starring in Westerns like Broken Lance (1954) and The True Story of Jesse James (1957), some projects underperformed at the box office. In 1961, he co-founded Rona Productions with then-wife Natalie Wood, producing The War Lover (1962) before moving to Europe for films like The Pink Panther (1963).
Wagner’s television career took off in the late 1960s with To Catch a Thief (1968-1970), marking his major comeback. He starred in Switch (1975) and became widely popular as Jonathan Hart in Hart to Hart (1979-1984), earning multiple Golden Globe nominations. In the 1990s, he reached a new generation by playing Number 2 in the Austin Powers franchise, followed by guest appearances on Seinfeld, Boston Legal, and NCIS, solidifying his long-lasting career.
Robert Wagner’s Later Career And Continued Success
In the late 1980s, Robert Wagner starred in Love Among Thieves (1987) with Audrey Hepburn and Windmills of the Gods (1988) with Jaclyn Smith. He worked alongside Pierce Brosnan in Around the World in 80 Days (1989) and had a supporting role in Delirious (1991). Wagner appeared in Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993) and performed on stage in Love Letters with Stefanie Powers. He later reprised his role in Hart to Hart through a series of TV movies.
Wagner’s career saw a resurgence with his portrayal of Number 2 in the Austin Powers trilogy (1997-2002), starring Mike Myers. He also took on roles in Wild Things (1998), Crazy in Alabama (1999), Play It to the Bone (2000), and Sol Goode (2001). In 2005, he became the host of Hour of Stars and later served as a spokesperson for reverse mortgage companies like Guardian First Funding.
Continuing his television career, Wagner guest-starred in Hustle (2007) and played President Garfield in Netherbeast Incorporated (2007). He appeared in Two and a Half Men and portrayed Anthony DiNozzo Sr. in 13 episodes of NCIS. Although he was set to star in the Charlie’s Angels reboot (2011), scheduling conflicts forced him to drop out. In 2017, he reunited with Raquel Welch in the Canadian series Date My Dad.
Robert Wagner’s Personal Life And Marriages
Robert Wagner’s personal life has been filled with high-profile relationships and marriages to well-known Hollywood figures. In his memoirs, he claimed to have had affairs with legendary entertainers such as Joan Crawford, Elizabeth Taylor, and Joan Collins. His romantic history made headlines, keeping him in the public eye beyond his acting career.
In December 1957, Wagner married actress Natalie Wood, one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1962. The following year, he married actress Marion Marshall, and they welcomed a daughter, Katie. Unfortunately, their marriage did not last, and they divorced in 1971. Shortly after, Wagner became engaged to Tina Sinatra, but their relationship ended in 1972 before they could marry.
After his engagement with Sinatra ended, Wagner rekindled his romance with Wood. They remarried on July 16, 1972, and later had a daughter, Courtney. The couple remained together until Wood’s tragic and mysterious passing in 1981, a loss that deeply impacted Wagner’s life.
The Mysterious Death Of Natalie Wood
On November 29, 1981, Natalie Wood drowned near the yacht Splendour while it was anchored off Catalina Island. Onboard were her husband Robert Wagner, actor Christopher Walken, and the yacht’s captain, Dennis Davern. It remains unclear why Walken’s wife, Georgianne, was not on the trip, adding to the mystery. Wagner later stated that when he went to bed, Wood was not there, leaving many questions unanswered.
In his memoir Pieces of My Heart, Wagner admitted arguing with Wood before she vanished that night. Nearby boaters claimed they heard a woman screaming for help. The Los Angeles County coroner ruled her death an accidental drowning and hypothermia. However, in 2011, Davern changed his statement, alleging that Wagner prevented him from searching for Wood. He claimed that Wood flirted with Walken, sparking Wagner’s jealous rage, leading to speculation that Wagner was involved.
In February 2018, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department named Wagner a person of interest in Wood’s death. Wagner denied any involvement. Following Wood’s passing, he became the legal guardian of her daughter, Natasha Gregson Wagner. A few months later, he began dating actress Jill St. John, whom he married in 1990.
Robert Wagner’s Real Estate Investments
In 1983, Robert Wagner bought a 1-acre property in Brentwood, Los Angeles, for $220,000. The home was originally designed in 1940 by renowned architect Cliff May as his personal residence. Wagner later expanded the property by purchasing the neighboring lot, creating a 1.6-acre estate with a main house, guest house, tennis courts, and horse stables. He even hired Cliff May to renovate and enlarge the home to match his vision.
In August 2007, Wagner and his wife, Jill St. John, sold their Brentwood estate for $14 million. The buyers, video game heiress Rita Hogan and Oscar-winning cinematographer Richard Edlund, never moved in, and the house sat vacant for over a decade. After Rita’s passing in 2019, the estate was eventually sold again in January 2021 for $11 million, marking the end of Wagner’s ownership.
After selling their Brentwood mansion, Wagner and St. John relocated permanently to Aspen, Colorado, where they had owned a home since 1995. They also continue to maintain a condominium in Los Angeles.
FAQs About Robert Wagner Net Worth
Q1. What is Robert Wagner net worth?
A. Robert Wagner’s net worth is estimated at $20 million, a combined fortune with his wife, actress Jill St. John.
Q2. What are Robert Wagner’s most famous TV roles?
A. He is best known for starring in It Takes a Thief, Switch, and Hart to Hart, along with recurring roles in NCIS.
Q3. What are some of Robert Wagner’s notable films?
A. Wagner starred in The Pink Panther, The Towering Inferno, A Kiss Before Dying, and played Number 2 in the Austin Powers films.
Q4. What happened to Natalie Wood?
A. Natalie Wood drowned in 1981 under mysterious circumstances, with Robert Wagner being named a person of interest in 2018.
Q5. Who is Robert Wagner married to?
A. Wagner married actress Jill St. John in 1990 after previously being married to Natalie Wood and Marion Marshall.
Q6. Where does Robert Wagner live now?
A. After selling their Brentwood mansion, Wagner and Jill St. John moved full-time to Aspen, Colorado, and also own a condo in L.A.
Conclusion
Robert Wagner’s career spans decades in Hollywood, making him a household name in both television and film. From starring in hit TV series to appearing in blockbuster films, he has remained relevant through generations. His personal life, including his marriages and the controversy surrounding Natalie Wood’s death, has kept him in the public eye. Today, Wagner continues to be a respected figure in entertainment, enjoying his later years with his wife, Jill St. John.
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