James Drury, the legendary actor best known for his role in The Virginian, has left a lasting mark on Hollywood. But how did this Western TV star build his fortune?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into James Drury net worth, his career earnings, and the financial overview of his life.
If you’re curious about how he managed to accumulate his wealth, this article provides the details you’ve been looking for.
James Drury Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | James Child Drury Jr. |
| Popular Name | James Drury |
| Birth Date | April 18, 1934 |
| Age | 85 (Died: April 6, 2020) |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | University of California, Los Angeles, New York University |
| Marital Status | Widowed |
| Spouse | Carl Ann Head (m. 1979–2019), Phyllis Mitchell (m. 1968–1979), Cristall Orton (m. 1957–1964) |
| Children | 2 sons (including Timothy Drury), 1 stepdaughter, 2 stepsons |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | James Drury, Sr. |
| Height | 1.82 meters |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million (at the time of his death) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting |
What is the Net Worth of James Drury in 2025?
As of 2025, James Drury’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million, based on reports at the time of his passing in 2020.
While this amount may seem modest compared to other stars, it’s a testament to his wealth built from years of hard work in the television industry.
Drury’s long-running role in The Virginian not only made him a household name but likely contributed significantly to his financial legacy.
When compared to other actors from similar Western TV series or television legends, Drury’s wealth is in line with those who may not have had massive earnings outside of their peak roles but still managed to build lasting careers. Other related figures in his career include:
- MGM Studios
- 20th Century Fox
- Elvis Presley
- Pat Boone
- Walt Disney
For those curious about richest celebrities, explore more on our website for up-to-date net worth information.
James Drury Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did James Drury Build His Wealth Through Acting?
James Drury’s rise to fame began early in his career, thanks to his strong performances in both film and television.
He started in Hollywood with MGM, where he appeared in minor roles in films like Forbidden Planet (1956) and Love Me Tender (1958) alongside Elvis Presley. These roles, though secondary, laid the groundwork for his eventual breakthrough in television.
The real turning point in his wealth accumulation came when he landed the lead role as the ranch foreman in the popular TV series The Virginian in 1962.
The show, which aired for nine seasons on NBC, became one of the longest-running Western TV dramas, making Drury a household name. This role not only provided him with a steady income for almost a decade but also opened doors to further opportunities in Hollywood.
Beyond The Virginian, Drury made guest appearances on various TV shows, such as Perry Mason and Bourbon Street Beat, which contributed to his income.
His career, while dominated by Westerns, also included smaller roles in Disney films, which helped cement his financial stability.
How Much Did He Earn from His TV and Movie Roles?
Drury’s primary source of wealth was his acting salary, especially from The Virginian. TV shows in the 1960s and 1970s typically paid well for lead roles, and Drury, being the central figure of such a successful series, likely earned a comfortable sum.
While precise salary figures are not available for most of his roles, it’s clear that his consistent work in television and film provided him with a steady flow of income.
Beyond The Virginian, Drury also appeared in smaller films and made guest spots on TV shows, which contributed to his income over time.
His roles with major studios like 20th Century Fox and appearances alongside top names like Pat Boone and Elvis Presley further boosted his earnings.
How Did He Manage His Wealth and Finances?
Drury’s financial management was likely conservative, as evidenced by his ability to live comfortably after the end of his television career. Though not much is publicly known about his personal finance management, his relatively low-profile lifestyle suggests that he made wise financial decisions.
In the years following his peak TV roles, Drury lived a quiet life. While it’s unclear whether he engaged in significant investments or other financial ventures, it’s reasonable to assume that he maintained a modest but steady income from his past works.
Additionally, the royalties from The Virginian continued to provide him with income even after the show ended in 1971.
Did James Drury Have Other Sources of Income Beyond Acting?
While acting was his primary source of income, Drury may have found other ways to supplement his wealth.
Many actors from his era often engaged in endorsements or had businesses outside of acting. However, there is no detailed public record of such ventures for Drury.
Still, his fame from The Virginian likely led to opportunities for personal appearances or speaking engagements, which could have supplemented his earnings.
Additionally, like many in the entertainment industry, Drury may have invested in real estate or other forms of passive income.
What Was James Drury’s Legacy and How Did It Impact His Financial Standing?
Even after The Virginian ended, James Drury’s legacy continued to provide financial benefits. The show remains one of the most popular Western TV series, and the residuals and royalties from its continued airings likely contributed to his income long after the series ended.
His role in The Virginian cemented his status as a Western TV icon, and his name continued to hold value in the entertainment industry.
While he wasn’t as publicly visible in the later stages of his career, his financial legacy remained intact due to the continued popularity of the show and his role in it.
Conclusion
James Drury’s wealth is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the entertainment industry.
From his iconic role in The Virginian to his quiet retirement, his financial journey reflects the power of steady work and careful financial management.
If you enjoyed learning about his finances, feel free to leave a comment, share this article, or check out more celebrity finance articles on Pennbookcenter.com.
