What Was Joey Bishop's Net Worth?
Joey Bishop was a renowned American entertainer who amassed a net worth of $10 million by the time of his death in 2007. After his passing, legal proceedings revealed his estate to be valued at $8 million, roughly equivalent to $10 million today when adjusted for inflation.
Early Life
Bishop was born Joseph Abraham Gottlieb on February 3, 1918, in New York City. His parents, Anna and Jacob Gottlieb, were Polish-Jewish immigrants. Joey was the youngest of five siblings. Following his birth, the family relocated to South Philadelphia. Joey's father worked as a bicycle repairman. During World War II, Joey served in the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of sergeant in the Special Services, stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Career
Joey's entertainment journey began in a stand-up comedy act with his brother Maury. His first notable appearance was on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' on May 28, 1950. Over the years, Joey's comedic talent landed him multiple TV show appearances, eventually leading to guest-hosting opportunities on 'The Tonight Show.' Remarkably, Bishop substituted for Johnny Carson 175 times during the 1960s and 1970s.
Bishop headlined 'The Joey Bishop Show,' a situation comedy that debuted in 1960 and ran for 123 episodes across NBC and CBS. He later transitioned to hosting a late-night talk show by the same name in 1967, competing against 'The Tonight Show' until 1969. His sidekick was the then-up-and-coming Regis Philbin.
In addition to his television career, Joey ventured into films. His early filmography includes 'The Deep Six,' 'The Naked and the Dead,' and 'Onionhead,' all released in 1958. He played a significant role in the original 'Ocean's 11,' alongside Rat Pack members Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Peter Lawford. The group performed together at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas during the filming. Joey later starred in 'Sergeants 3' (1962) and 'Texas Across the River' (1966), where he portrayed an American Indian.
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Personal Life and Death
In 1941, Joey married Sylvia Ruzga, remaining together until her death from lung cancer in 1999. They had one son, Larry Bishop, who became a film director and actor. Following Sylvia's passing, Joey shared his later years with companion Nora Garibotti. Bishop passed away on October 17, 2007, at 89, in his Newport Beach, California, home. He was the last surviving member of the Rat Pack. As per his wishes, Bishop was cremated, and his ashes scattered in the Pacific Ocean. He is survived by his son Larry and two grandsons, Kirk and Scott.
Legacy
The Broadcast Pioneers of Pennsylvania inducted Joey Bishop into their Hall of Fame in 2009. His career across multiple entertainment platforms left an indelible mark in show business. His versatility as a stand-up comedian, TV host, actor, and Rat Pack member continues to be remembered and celebrated.
