What was Robert Conrad's Net Worth?
Robert Conrad, the American actor and singer, amassed a notable net worth of $10 million at the time of his passing on February 8, 2020. Best remembered for his role in the television series "The Wild Wild West" (1965-1969), Conrad's talents extended beyond the screen. He was a family man, survived by eight children and 18 grandchildren. He owned properties in Thousand Oaks and Malibu, California, the latter being where he spent his final moments.
Early Life and Career
Born Conrad Robert Norton Falk on March 1, 1935, in Chicago, Robert Conrad had an interesting upbringing. His father, Leonard Henry Falk, was merely 17, while his mother, Alice Jacqueline Hartman, was 15 when he was born. Alice, known as "Jackie Smith," was the first publicity director of Mercury Records. The couple separated, and Alice later married Chicago radio personality Eddie Hubbard. Conrad dropped out of high school at 15 to work, juggling jobs as a truck driver and loading trucks while attending Northwestern University to study theater arts, which steered him toward an acting career. A pivotal moment came when he was hired to pose outside a theater showing "Giant" (1956) due to his resemblance to the film's star, James Dean.
Career Highlights
In 1957, Conrad moved to California, prompted by his friend Nick Adams. His first break came with a bit part in the film "Juvenile Jungle" (1958). This role enabled Conrad to join the Screen Actors Guild, and soon after, he signed a contract with Warner Bros. Conrad starred as detective Tom Lopaka in Warner Bros.' successful series "77 Sunset Strip" and "Hawaiian Eye." In 1965, Conrad took on his most famous role as government agent James West in "The Wild Wild West," noted for doing his own stunts and fight scenes.
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Beyond acting, Conrad was an entrepreneur. He founded Robert Conrad Productions, producing, writing, and starring in "The Bandits" (1967). His contributions earned him a star on the Walk of Western Stars in Newhall, California, in 1984 and induction into the Hollywood Stuntmen's Hall of Fame in 2006.
From 2008 to 2019, Conrad hosted "The PM Show with Robert Conrad" on CRN Digital Talk Radio.
Personal Life
Conrad married Joan Kenlay in 1952, and the couple had five children before divorcing in 1977. Later that year, he married LaVelda Ione Fann, with whom he had three children before their 2010 divorce. Interestingly, some of his children followed him into showbiz; Shane and Christian appeared in various shows, Nancy acted, and Joan became a television producer.
Conrad was actively involved with Bear Valley Search and Rescue in California, a charity effort that inspired the TV series "High Mountain Rangers." However, he faced hardships as well. In 2003, a car accident involving his Jaguar led to severe nerve injuries and eventual conviction for drunk driving, resulting in house arrest and probation. This incident indirectly led to the death of Kevin Burnett, the other driver, due to complications from injuries sustained in the crash.
Robert Conrad's life was an intricate tapestry of highs and lows, ending on February 8, 2020, when he succumbed to heart failure in Malibu.
