Today, we’re taking a leisurely stroll down memory lane to explore the fascinating life of Glenn Ford. From his humble beginnings to his incredible success in Hollywood, Ford’s story is one of resilience, determination, and undeniable talent. Now, we’ll delve into his early life, career highlights, and, of course, his net worth. So, let’s buckle up and get ready to learn more about the iconic Glenn Ford!
Net Worth: $12 Million
Salary: –
Date of Birth: May 1, 1916 – Aug 30, 2006
Place of Birth: Sainte-Christine-d’Auvergne, Quebec, Canada
Gender: Male
Profession: Actor
Glenn Ford Early Life
Born Gwyllyn Samuel Newton Ford on May 1, 1916, in Sainte-Christine-d’Auvergne, Quebec, Canada, our main man Glenn had quite the unique upbringing. His father, Newton Ford, was a railroad executive and his mother, Hannah Wood, was a homemaker. When Ford was just a wee lad, the family moved to Santa Monica, California, where his father got a job with the Southern Pacific Railroad.
Ford’s first brush with the world of entertainment came when he started working part-time at a local theater, where he developed a passion for acting. He went on to study at Santa Monica High School and made his stage debut in a school production of “The Children’s Hour.” As a young man, Ford also showed an interest in dancing and became an accomplished dancer – a talent that would later serve him well in his acting career.
It wasn’t long before Ford got his first big break in Hollywood. In 1939, he signed a contract with Columbia Pictures and made his film debut in the drama “Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence.” The rest, as they say, is history.
Glenn Ford Personal Life
Glenn Ford’s personal life was a rollercoaster of love, loss, and numerous relationships. He was married four times and had one child, a son named Peter Ford, born in 1945 to his first wife, Eleanor Powell. Powell was an accomplished actress and dancer herself, and the couple enjoyed a 16-year marriage before calling it quits in 1959.
Ford’s second marriage was to actress Kathryn Hays in 1966, but the union was short-lived and ended after just two years. In 1973, Ford married Cynthia Hayward, a model 27 years his junior. Their marriage also ended in divorce after five years. Ford’s final marriage was to Jeanne Baus in 1993, but it too ended in divorce after three years.
In addition to his marriages, Ford was known for his numerous affairs and romantic relationships with other Hollywood stars. Some of his notable paramours included Rita Hayworth, Hope Lange, and Brigitte Bardot.
Glenn Ford Career
Glenn Ford’s career in the film industry is nothing short of legendary. He worked with some of the most renowned directors and actors of his time, earning a reputation as a versatile and reliable performer. Throughout his career, Ford seamlessly transitioned between various genres, including film noir, westerns, and dramas.
Ford’s big break came in 1946 when he starred opposite Rita Hayworth in the film noir classic “Gilda.” The film was a massive success and catapulted Ford to stardom. He went on to work with director Fritz Lang on multiple occasions, starring in films like “The Big Heat” (1953) and “Human Desire” (1954).
In the late 1950s, Ford starred in two critically acclaimed westerns: “3:10 to Yuma” (1957) and “Jubal” (1956). His performance in “3:10 to Yuma” as the outlaw Ben Wade earned him high praise and solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood.
Ford continued to act in successful films throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He appeared in the comedy-drama “Pocketful of Miracles” (1961) alongside Bette Davis, and in the action-packed war film “The Green Berets” (1968) with John Wayne. One of his most famous roles came in 1978 when he played Pa Kent, Superman’s adoptive father, in Richard Donner’s “Superman.”
As Ford grew older, he transitioned into television work, appearing in numerous TV movies and series. He had a recurring role on the popular show “Cade’s County” (1971-1972) and starred in the miniseries “Once an Eagle” (1976-1977).
Even in the final years of his career, Ford continued to work on various projects, including the TV movie “Day of Reckoning” (1994) and a guest appearance on the hit show “Walker, Texas Ranger” (1995). Ford’s dedication to his craft was unwavering, and he left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
Glenn Ford Net Worth
Glenn Ford’s illustrious career spanned more than five decades, and he starred in over 100 films, making him one of the most successful actors of his time. Some of his most memorable roles include Sgt. Dave Bannion in “The Big Heat” (1953), Ben Wade in “3:10 to Yuma” (1957), and Pa Kent in “Superman” (1978). Ford’s performances earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and he was ranked 27th on the American Film Institute’s list of the 50 Greatest American Screen Legends.
So, how much was Glenn Ford worth? At the time of his death in 2006, Ford had an estimated net worth of around $12 million. While that might not be as jaw-dropping as some of today’s Hollywood A-listers, it’s still a pretty impressive sum, considering the era in which he worked. Ford’s net worth was accumulated not just through his acting career, but also from his savvy real estate investments. In the 1950s, he purchased a 12-acre ranch in the San Fernando Valley, which he later sold for a substantial profit. Ford was also known for his passion for horses and owned several successful racehorses throughout his life.
Despite his wealth and success, Ford faced his share of challenges. His personal life was marked by a series of tumultuous relationships, including four marriages and multiple affairs. He struggled with alcoholism and even attempted suicide in the early 1960s. However, Ford was able to overcome these obstacles and continued to work in the film industry up until the late 1990s.
