In the glamorous world of Hollywood, few actors have enjoyed as long and illustrious a career as Robert Wagner. With his debonair charm and captivating smile, Wagner has stolen the hearts of millions throughout his six-decade-long career. While he may not be as active in the entertainment industry today, his contributions to the world of film and television are still remembered and celebrated by fans across the globe. So, let’s take a casual stroll down memory lane and learn more about this iconic actor’s early life, career, and net worth.
Net Worth: $20 Million
Date of Birth: Feb 10, 1930
Place of Birth: Detroit, Michigan
Gender: Male
Profession: Actor, Film Producer
Robert Wagner Early Life
Robert John Wagner Jr., known to friends and family as “RJ,” was born on February 10, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan. The son of a telephone company executive and a homemaker, Wagner’s family moved to Los Angeles when he was just seven years old. It was here, in the land of sun, surf, and stars, that the young Wagner first caught the acting bug.
Growing up in the shadows of Hollywood, RJ was always fascinated by the magic of the silver screen. Inspired by the likes of Errol Flynn and Clark Gable, he harbored dreams of making it big in the entertainment world. Little did he know just how big he would become!
Wagner attended Black Fox Military Institute and later graduated from Saint Monica Catholic High School. But it wasn’t long before he decided to pursue his acting ambitions wholeheartedly. In 1950, Wagner landed his first small role in the film “The Happy Years.” This marked the beginning of a successful and enduring career in the world of showbiz.
Robert Wagner Personal Life
Robert Wagner’s personal life has seen its fair share of ups and downs. He has been married four times, with three of those marriages being to two women. Wagner first married actress Natalie Wood in 1957, but the couple divorced in 1962. He then married actress Marion Marshall in 1963, with whom he had a daughter named Katie. Wagner and Marshall divorced in 1971.
In a twist worthy of a Hollywood romance, Wagner and Wood rekindled their love and remarried in 1972. They had a daughter together, Courtney, before Wood’s tragic and mysterious death in 1981. The circumstances surrounding Wood’s death have been the subject of much speculation and controversy over the years, but Wagner has always maintained his innocence in the matter.
In 1990, Wagner found love again with actress Jill St. John, and the couple has been happily married ever since. The actor also has a son, Alexander, from a previous relationship with a model.
Robert Wagner Career
Robert Wagner’s career is nothing short of remarkable, spanning over six decades and featuring numerous roles in both film and television. He has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and has left an indelible mark on the industry.
Wagner’s early film roles in the ’50s and ’60s included starring in classics such as “A Kiss Before Dying,” “Broken Lance,” and “The Pink Panther.” He continued to act in films throughout the ’70s and ’80s, with notable roles in “The Towering Inferno” and “The Concorde…Airport ’79.”
However, as mentioned earlier, it was Wagner’s work in television that truly cemented his status as a Hollywood icon. From his role as the charming cat burglar Alexander Mundy in “It Takes a Thief” to the sophisticated and wealthy Jonathan Hart in “Hart to Hart,” Wagner consistently charmed audiences with his good looks and charisma.
In recent years, Wagner has continued to make appearances in both film and television. He has enjoyed recurring roles on popular shows like “NCIS,” where he played Anthony DiNozzo Sr., and “Two and a Half Men,” where he portrayed the character of Evelyn’s boyfriend, Nathan. His most recent film role was in 2014’s “The Hungover Games,” a parody of “The Hunger Games” franchise.
Despite the challenges and controversies he has faced throughout his life, Robert Wagner’s enduring career stands as a testament to his talent and resilience. He remains a beloved figure in Hollywood and continues to captivate audiences with his charm, both on and off the screen.
Robert Wagner Net Worth
Throughout his acting career, Robert Wagner has amassed quite a fortune, thanks to his numerous roles in films, television series, and commercials. His estimated net worth, as of 2023, was around $20 million. This impressive sum is a testament to his hard work, talent, and perseverance in an industry known for its highs and lows.
Wagner’s career took off in the 1950s, as he appeared in several films, including “With a Song in My Heart” and “Titanic” (the 1953 version, not the famous one with Leo and Kate). However, it was his role as the charming and mischievous Prince Valiant in the 1954 film of the same name that catapulted him to stardom. His dashing good looks and charismatic screen presence made him a fan favorite and a leading man in Hollywood.
While Wagner continued to enjoy a successful film career, it was his ventures into television that truly solidified his status as a household name. He starred in the popular TV series “It Takes a Thief” in the late ’60s, and his role as the suave and sophisticated Jonathan Hart in the ’70s-’80s hit show “Hart to Hart” endeared him to audiences worldwide. Working alongside Stefanie Powers, the duo solved crimes and captured hearts with their on-screen chemistry.
In addition to his acting work, Wagner has also dabbled in the world of business. Along with friend and fellow actor Paul Newman, Wagner co-owned the successful food company Newman’s Own, which donates 100% of its profits to charity. He has also invested in real estate, adding to his already impressive net worth.
Despite some personal tragedies, including the untimely death of his wife Natalie Wood in 1981, Wagner has continued to work in the entertainment industry. In recent years, he has appeared in guest roles on popular TV shows like “NCIS” and “Two and a Half Men.” As he enters his nineties, Wagner shows no signs of slowing down.
