Donald Bellisario Net Worth

What Is Donald Bellisario's Net Worth?

Donald Bellisario, a highly prolific American television producer, has a net worth of $500 million. He amassed his fortune by creating iconic television shows such as "JAG," "Quantum Leap," "Magnum, P.I.," and "NCIS."

Early Life

Born on August 8, 1935, in Cokeburg, Pennsylvania, Donald Bellisario's father was of Italian descent and his mother of Serbian heritage. Bellisario served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1955 to 1959, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He later earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Penn State and started his career as a copywriter for an advertising agency. Within three years, he became a creative director at the Bloom Agency in Dallas, Texas. In the early 1970s, Bellisario moved to Hollywood with aspirations of becoming a screenwriter.

Television Career

Bellisario created several major TV series that went into syndication, generating substantial revenue. He worked with prominent producers like Glen A. Larson and Stephen J. Cannell, learning successful TV production techniques. He was notable for using a small, talented group of actors in many of his productions, a strategy still emulated by modern producers.

His notable creations include "Magnum, P.I.," "Airwolf," "Quantum Leap," "JAG," and "NCIS." Bellisario also contributed to shows like "Black Sheep Squadron" and "Battlestar Galactica." He directed the 1988 feature film "Last Rites," starring Daphne Zuniga and Tom Berenger.

"Magnum, P.I." enjoyed an eight-season run, while "Quantum Leap" remains a fan favorite despite its shorter, four-season duration. "JAG" ran for ten seasons, and "NCIS" has been airing since 2003, continuing to captivate audiences.

Bellisario received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004. After disputes with "NCIS" actor Mark Harmon, he retired in 2007 but stayed on as an executive producer in name only. He later sued CBS over "NCIS: Los Angeles," claiming his contract entitled him to first rights and profit shares for any "NCIS" spin-offs. The lawsuit was settled in 2011 for an undisclosed amount.

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Awards and Philanthropy

Penn State recognized Bellisario as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2001. He established a $1 million Trustee Matching Scholarship for veterans attending the College of Communications at Penn State. Bellisario also received the Visionary Award at the UCLA Neurosurgery Visionary Ball in 2016. In 2017, Penn State renamed its College of Communications to the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications after his $30 million endowment, one of the largest in university history.

Trivia

"Belisarius Productions" was named after the Roman general Belisarius and also mirrors the Italian-language variant of Bellisario's surname.

Personal Life

Donald Bellisario has been married several times and has multiple children and stepchildren. His daughter, Troian Bellisario, is known for her role on "Pretty Little Liars." In 1998, he married Vivienne Lee, whose son, Sean Murray, stars on "NCIS."

Real Estate

Donald Bellisario resides in Montecito, California. In 2008, he bought a home there for $4.2 million and sold it in 2015 for $5.9 million. In 2020, he bought a property across the street from his former home for $5.2 million. In 2012, he purchased another mansion in Montecito for $9 million. He also owned a home in Studio City, California, which he bought in 1985 for $1.3 million and sold in 2019 for $5.85 million.