What is Frankie Avalon's Net Worth?
Frankie Avalon, an American actor, singer, and playwright, boasts a net worth of $20 million. Avalon was one of the most popular teen idols of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Between 1958 and 1962, he had an impressive 31 Billboard singles in the United States, including number-one hits "Venus" and "Why." As an actor, Avalon appeared in numerous films such as "Guns of the Timberland," "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea," "Sail a Crooked Ship," "Fireball 500," "Grease," and multiple films in the "Beach Party" series. His frequent co-star was the equally famous Annette Funicello.
Early Life
Born Francis Avallone on September 18, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Avalon grew up in a family with Italian immigrant parents, Mary and Nicholas.
Music Career
Avalon entered the music scene as a talented trumpeter in the early 1950s. In 1954, two singles showcasing his trumpet skills were released. He also joined Bobby Rydell in the band Rocco and the Saints. Avalon's music career soared in the late '50s with his two major hits, "Venus" and "Why," both reaching the top of the Billboard charts in 1959. Between 1958 and 1962, he had 29 additional Billboard singles, including "Just Ask Your Heart," "I'll Wait for You," and "A Boy Without a Girl," predominantly penned by Chancellor Records head Bob Marcucci.
Film Career
Avalon's film career began with a cameo in the 1957 rock and roll film "Jamboree." His first significant acting role was in the 1960 Western "Guns of the Timberland," followed by a part alongside John Wayne in the epic film "The Alamo." The early 1960s saw Avalon in films like "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea," "Sail a Crooked Ship," and "Panic in Year Zero!" His breakthrough came in 1963 with the hit "Beach Party," which led to several sequels including "Muscle Beach Party" and "Bikini Beach." Avalon's comedy roles continued with movies like "I'll Take Sweden," "Ski Party," and "Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine."
In 1966, Avalon reunited with his "Beach Party" team for "Fireball 500," and starred in the spy film "The Million Eyes of Sumuru." He also featured in "Skidoo" and "The Haunted House of Horror." The 1970s saw Avalon in "The Take" and "Grease," where he played Teen Angel. The 1980s included roles in "Blood Song" and a reunion with Funicello in "Back to the Beach." Avalon later appeared sporadically in films, with cameo roles in "The Stoned Age" and a significant role in the 2018 film "Papa."
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Television Career
Avalon's television debut occurred in a 1952 episode of "The Jackie Gleason Show." He made another appearance on "The Honeymooners" in 1956. Throughout the 1960s, Avalon guest-starred on numerous shows, including "The Eleventh Hour," "The Patty Duke Show," "Rawhide," "Mr. Novak," "Combat!," and "The Lucy Show." In the 1970s, he appeared in "Love, American Style" and "The Love Boat." Avalon also had cameos in popular sitcoms like "Happy Days," "Full House," and "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," and he guest-starred on "Renegade" in 1996.
Other Endeavors
Besides his successful singing and acting career, Avalon ventured into health and cosmetics in the 1980s. He later published "Frankie Avalon's Italian Family Cookbook," sharing his passion for cooking.
Personal Life
In 1963, Avalon married beauty pageant winner Kathryn Diebel, whom he met during a card game at a friend's house. The couple has eight children: Frankie Jr., Tony, Dina, Laura, Joseph, Nicolas, Kathryn, and Carla.
