Did Agnes Moorehead accumulate a fortune from her long career in Hollywood?
Best known for her role as Endora in Bewitched, she was also a renowned radio, film, and theater actress. Her financial legacy remains a topic of curiosity.
While her net worth was never publicly disclosed, her earnings from films, television, and Broadway certainly contributed to a substantial fortune.
This article delves into Moorehead’s wealth, salary, estate, and financial decisions that shaped her legacy.
Agnes Moorehead Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Agnes Robertson Moorehead |
| Popular Name | Agnes Moorehead |
| Birth Date | December 6, 1900 |
| Age | 73 (at death, April 30, 1974) |
| Birthplace | Clinton, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Muskingum College, University of Wisconsin, American Academy of Dramatic Arts |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Robert Gist (m. 1954–1958), John Griffith Lee (m. 1930–1952) |
| Children | None |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Peggy (Margaret Ann) |
| Parents | John Henderson Moorehead (father), Mary McCauley Moorehead (mother) |
| Height | 1.69 m |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source of Wealth | Acting (film, TV, radio, theater), investments |
What is the Net Worth of Agnes Moorehead in 2025?
Agnes Moorehead’s net worth remains undisclosed. However, given her extensive Hollywood career spanning five decades, her earnings were likely substantial. She starred in iconic films like Citizen Kane and The Magnificent Ambersons, along with her legendary TV role in Bewitched. Unlike some of her contemporaries, she maintained financial stability, investing in real estate and making significant donations to institutions like Muskingum College.
When comparing Moorehead’s financial status with others in the industry, she stood among some of the most successful stars of her era. For a broader look at financially successful celebrities, check out this list of the wealthiest stars.
Notable Figures Related to Agnes Moorehead
- Bette Davis
- Orson Welles
- Elizabeth Montgomery
- Dick York
- Susan Hayward
- John Wayne
- Lucille Ball
- Joseph Cotten
- Paul Lynde
- Vincent Price
Agnes Moorehead Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Did She Earn Throughout Her Career?
Agnes Moorehead’s earnings came from various sources, primarily acting. Her career in Hollywood, spanning radio, film, and television, provided her with steady income.
- Radio: Moorehead was a staple in radio dramas, including Suspense and Sorry, Wrong Number. At a time when radio actors were well-paid, her voice-acting career likely provided her with consistent income.
- Films: Starring in Citizen Kane, Dark Passage, and Johnny Belinda, she built a reputation as a talented character actress. Her contract with MGM reportedly allowed her to earn a significant salary.
- Television: Bewitched was one of the highest-rated TV shows of the 1960s, making Moorehead a household name. While her exact salary remains unknown, actors on successful shows often earned lucrative contracts.
What Were Her Main Sources of Income?
Moorehead’s wealth stemmed from multiple revenue streams, including:
- Hollywood Salary: She negotiated a $6,000-a-week contract with MGM, a substantial amount for its time.
- Theater: Her Broadway performances, including Don Juan in Hell, brought in additional revenue.
- Real Estate Investments: Her Beverly Hills estate was a valuable asset.
- Residuals: Although less common in her era, some television contracts provided residual earnings.
How Did She Manage Her Wealth?
Moorehead was known for her financial prudence. Unlike many celebrities who faced financial hardships later in life, she carefully managed her earnings.
- Investments: She diversified her wealth through real estate and savings.
- Philanthropy: She donated $25,000 to Muskingum College and supported John Brown University.
- Estate Planning: Her estate was distributed according to a detailed will, favoring institutions over individuals.
What Happened to Her Estate After Her Passing?
Upon her death in 1974, Moorehead’s estate was divided among educational institutions and charities.
- Muskingum College: Received a financial donation and part of her manuscript collection.
- John Brown University: Inherited her Ohio farm and religious books.
- Beverly Hills Estate: Bequeathed to her attorney rather than family members.
- Foster Son Sean Lee: Not included in the will.
Did She Make Any Charitable Contributions?
Moorehead had a strong philanthropic side, especially towards education.
- $25,000 donation to Muskingum College: Established scholarships in her name.
- Donations to religious institutions: She was deeply religious and supported causes aligned with her beliefs.
- Educational legacy: She left half of her manuscripts to Muskingum College and the University of Wisconsin.
What Assets Did She Own?
- Real Estate: Beverly Hills property, Ohio farm.
- Jewelry & Personal Items: Bequeathed to her mother.
- Scripts & Manuscripts: Donated to educational institutions.
- Automobiles & Luxury Items: No public record of high-end luxury purchases.
How Does Her Financial Legacy Compare to Other Hollywood Stars of Her Era?
Compared to other Golden Age Hollywood actors, Moorehead maintained a strong financial position.
- Bette Davis & Orson Welles: While they also had successful careers, both faced financial struggles at various points.
- Lucille Ball: Built a media empire, far surpassing Moorehead’s financial status.
- John Wayne & Susan Hayward: Similar real estate investments but larger overall wealth.
Conclusion
Agnes Moorehead may not have been the wealthiest actress of her era, but she was financially savvy.
Her investments, donations, and estate planning ensured a lasting legacy.
For more insights into celebrity finances, visit Pennbookcenter.com. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
