What Was Lee Van Cleef's Net Worth?
Lee Van Cleef was an American actor with a net worth of $2 million at the time of his death in 1989. Known for his menacing roles, he later transitioned to the Spaghetti Western genre. Van Cleef had more than 170 acting credits, including classics such as "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (1966), "Sabata" (1969), "The Magnificent Seven Ride!" (1972), "Escape from New York" (1981), and "Thieves of Fortune" (1990). His television career was equally extensive, featuring notable series like "Space Patrol" (1952–1953), "The Lone Ranger" (1952–1953), "The Range Rider" (1952–1953), "Cavalcade of America" (1953–1954), "The Adventures of Kit Carson" (1953–1955), "Lawman" (1958–1960), and "Gunsmoke" (1960–1966). Lee also starred as John Peter McAllister in NBC's "The Master" (1984). A WWII Navy veteran, he was awarded the Bronze Star. Lee passed away from a heart attack on December 16, 1989, at the age of 64.
Early Life
Lee Van Cleef, born Clarence LeRoy Van Cleef Jr., was born on January 9, 1925, in Somerville, New Jersey. His parents were Marion and Clarence Van Cleef. Lee graduated from Somerville High School at 17 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 1942. He served as a sonarman on the minesweeper USS Incredible and earned multiple distinctions before his discharge in March 1946.
Career
After leaving the military, Van Cleef began his acting career with a role in a Little Theater Group production of "Our Town" in Clinton, New Jersey. Talent scouts soon noticed him, and he made his film debut in the 1952 classic "High Noon." He appeared in numerous films like "Untamed Frontier" (1952), "Kansas City Confidential" (1952), and "The Lawless Breed" (1953). His television debut came in 1952 with an episode of "Sky King." Van Cleef continued to appear in several television shows and films, solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
His filmography includes significant works like "Ten Wanted Men" (1955), "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral" (1957), and "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962). In 1966, he played "Angel Eyes" in the iconic "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly." Lee also had starring roles in "Sabata" (1969) and "Return of Sabata" (1971). He continued acting throughout the '70s and '80s with titles like "Barquero" (1970) and "Escape from New York" (1981). His final film, "Thieves of Fortune," was released posthumously in 1990.
Personal Life
Lee married Patsy Ruth Kahle in 1943 and had three children: Deborah, Alan, and David. They divorced in 1958. He then married Joan Marjorie Drane in 1960; they divorced in 1974. In 1976, he married Barbara Havelone, and they were together until his death. Lee suffered a severe knee injury in a car accident in 1958, which caused him chronic pain. During a career break, he co-founded an interior decoration business with Joan and painted seascapes and landscapes.
Death
Lee Van Cleef died on December 16, 1989, at the age of 64, due to a heart attack at his home in Oxnard, California. He had a history of heart disease and a pacemaker. Throat cancer was also listed as a contributing factor. He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Hollywood Hills, with an inscription on his grave marker that reads "BEST OF THE BAD."
Awards
Throughout his career, Lee Van Cleef received numerous accolades. He was honored with a Golden Boot at the Golden Boot Awards in 1983. For his military service, he received several medals including the Bronze Star Medal, U.S. Navy Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.
