What was James Coburn's Net Worth?
James Coburn was an acclaimed American actor with a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death in 2002. Over his nearly 50-year career, he featured in over 70 films and more than 100 television programs, gaining fame for his roles in Western and action films. Notable mentions include 'The Magnificent Seven,' 'The Great Escape,' 'Our Man Flint,' and 'Affliction,' the latter of which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1998.
Early Life and Education
James Coburn III was born on August 31, 1928, in Laurel, Nebraska, to James II and Swedish immigrant Mylet. Raised in Compton, California, he attended Compton Junior College before being drafted into the US Army in 1950, where he served as a truck driver. Coburn pursued higher education at Los Angeles City College.
Film Career in the 1960s and 70s
Coburn made his film debut in 1959 with Budd Boetticher's Western 'Ride Lonesome.' The same year, he appeared in 'Face of a Fugitive' and soon landed his breakthrough role as Britt in 'The Magnificent Seven.' Coburn's collaboration with Steve McQueen in 'Hell is for Heroes' and 'The Great Escape' further cemented his rising stardom.
In the mid-60s, Coburn starred in 'Our Man Flint' and its sequel 'In Like Flint,' securing his status as a leading man. Other significant films of the era included 'Charade,' 'Major Dundee,' and 'The President's Analyst.'
During the 1970s, Coburn's roles diversified to include films like 'Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid,' 'The Last of Sheila,' and 'Cross of Iron.'
(Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)
Late Film Career
The 1980s saw Coburn in lead roles in 'The Baltimore Bullet' and 'Mr. Patman,' but severe rheumatoid arthritis limited his acting during the decade. However, he re-emerged in the 1990s with roles in 'Young Guns II,' 'Hudson Hawk,' and the Oscar-winning 'Affliction.'
In his last years, Coburn worked on 'Intrepid,' 'Texas Rangers,' and 'The Man from Elysian Fields,' and voiced a character in 'Monsters, Inc.' His final performances included 'Snow Dogs' and 'American Gun' in 2002.
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Television Career
James Coburn began his television career in the 1950s, featuring in anthology series such as 'Studio One' and 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents.' He became a frequent guest on Western series like 'The Rifleman,' 'Bat Masterson,' and 'Bonanza.'
In the 1960s, he extended his TV presence by appearing on 'Perry Mason' and 'Combat!' His television appearances dwindled in the 1970s, but he returned in 1980 as the host of 'Darkroom' and starred in several TV movies in the 1980s and 1990s. Coburn's final television appearance was in an episode of 'Arliss' in 2002.
Personal Life and Death
Coburn married Beverly Kelly in 1959, and they had two children before divorcing in 1979. In 1993, he married actress Paula Murad, remaining with her until his death. On November 18, 2002, Coburn passed away from a heart attack at his Beverly Hills home at the age of 74.
Real Estate
In 1996, James sold a home in Sherman Oaks, California, for $865,000. In 1991 he custom-built a home in Beverly Hills, which he attempted to sell for $5.9 million shortly before his death. The estate remains with his widow.
