Ever wondered how Cliff Robertson net worth stacked up after a six-decade career in Hollywood? From Oscar-winning performances to flying vintage warplanes, his life was as financially fascinating as it was cinematic.
In this article, PBC explores how he made money, what influenced his earnings, and how his career choices and life events shaped his wealth.
Let’s dive into his full financial journey and what still makes him a topic of interest today.
Cliff Robertson Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Clifford Parker Robertson III |
| Popular Name | Cliff Robertson |
| Birth Date | September 9, 1923 |
| Age (As of 03/28/2025) | 88 (Died: September 10, 2011) |
| Birthplace | La Jolla, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Antioch College (Dropped Out), Actors Studio, La Jolla High School |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Dina Merrill (m. 1966–1989), Cynthia Stone (m. 1957–1959) |
| Children | Stephanie (daughter), Heather (daughter) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Clifford Parker Robertson Jr., Audrey Olga Robertson |
| Height (meters) | 1.78 meters |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Directing, Aviation Involvement |
What is the Net Worth Of Cliff Robertson in 2025?
As of the latest available data, Cliff Robertson net worth was estimated at $5 million. While that figure may seem modest compared to some of today’s A-listers, it reflects a long, steady career filled with acclaimed roles and critical milestones.
He wasn’t just an actor—he was also a director, pilot, and an advocate for aviation education.
Compared to modern stars, Robertson’s fortune wasn’t extravagant, but it reflected consistency and diversity in work. He invested time in meaningful projects rather than chasing blockbuster paychecks alone.
Related names and entities:
- Dina Merrill
- Cynthia Stone
- Columbia Pictures
- Spider-Man
- John F. Kennedy
- David Begelman
- Sam Raimi
- Academy Award
- Antioch College
- United States Merchant Marine
Explore more about other well-paid public figures in entertainment.
Cliff Robertson Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How He Built His Wealth Throughout a 60-Year Career
Robertson’s wealth began with early television appearances and blossomed when he transitioned into film.
His breakout came with roles like PT 109, where he played John F. Kennedy, and the Academy Award-winning Charly, which brought him industry recognition—and a better paycheck.
His diverse roles across genres allowed him to stay relevant for decades. Even late in life, his appearance in the Spider-Man trilogy as Uncle Ben revitalized his career and income.
His Main Sources of Income Over the Years
- Acting in Films and Television: From Gidget to Three Days of the Condor, his filmography is vast.
- Residuals: Recurring payments, particularly from Spider-Man, provided steady income.
- Commercials: He served as a long-time spokesperson for AT&T.
- Directing: Projects like J.W. Coop added creative and financial depth.
- Aviation Work: His leadership in the Young Eagles Program helped boost his public profile and occasionally involved paid appearances.
How Acting Awards Contributed to His Financial Reputation
His Academy Award for Best Actor in 1968 for Charly significantly elevated his status. It translated into better contracts, more leading roles, and leverage in the industry.
While not all roles led to massive payouts, awards opened doors.
How the Columbia Pictures Scandal Affected His Finances
In 1977, Robertson discovered a forged $10,000 check signed in his name by Columbia Pictures executive David Begelman. Speaking out got him blacklisted in Hollywood, temporarily halting his earning potential.
Eventually, he returned to the screen and even starred in Brainstorm post-scandal. The experience cost him prime earning years but didn’t end his career.
His Financial Ties with High-Profile Individuals
His second wife, Dina Merrill, came from the wealthy Post Cereals family, and their union blended Hollywood and business class wealth.
His earlier marriage to Cynthia Stone, former wife of Jack Lemmon, also linked him to influential entertainment circles.
His Investment in Aviation and Its Role in His Financial Life
Beyond acting, Robertson was deeply involved in aviation. He owned vintage aircraft like the Messerschmitt Bf 108 and several Tiger Moths.
His passion led to co-founding the Young Eagles Program, which aimed to inspire youth in aviation.
Though not always a direct financial investment, his work earned him prestigious aviation awards and speaking opportunities that indirectly supported his finances.
What He Did Financially Late in Life
In his later years, Robertson leaned into character roles. His return as Uncle Ben in the early 2000s made him popular with a new generation—and brought in significant income.
He also appeared in horror films like 13th Child and Riding the Bullet, extending his career even into his 80s. His consistent presence kept checks coming in until his passing in 2011.
Financial Legacy and Key Assets He Left Behind
While Robertson didn’t leave behind a billion-dollar empire, he did pass on a legacy of versatility, courage, and professionalism.
His life intersected with major cultural moments—from portraying JFK to surviving Hollywood scandal—and every decision impacted his wealth.
He left behind two daughters, countless fans, a place in aviation history, and a career respected for its resilience.
Conclusion
That’s the full story of Cliff Robertson’s financial journey. Like, share, or drop a comment if you found this engaging. For more celebrity finance insights, visit Pennbookcenter.com.
