Lorne Greene Net Worth

What Was Lorne Greene's Net Worth and Salary?

Lorne Greene was a Canadian actor, broadcaster, singer, and television personality who had a net worth of $4 million at the time of his death in 1987. That is equal to approximately $12 million in today's dollars after adjusting for inflation.

Lorne Greene was best known for playing Ponderosa ranch owner Ben Cartwright on the NBC Western series "Bonanza." He appeared throughout the show's 14-season run and became one of television's most recognizable father figures.

Before achieving international fame as an actor, Greene was a prominent Canadian radio broadcaster whose commanding baritone earned him the nickname "The Voice of Canada." He later moved to the United States and appeared in Broadway plays, movies, and live television dramas before being cast in "Bonanza."

Greene subsequently played Commander Adama in the original science-fiction series "Battlestar Galactica" and appeared in projects including "Roots," "Earthquake," "Griff," and "Code Red." He also enjoyed an unlikely recording career, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with the 1964 spoken-word Western song "Ringo." During his final years, Greene hosted and produced the wildlife series "Lorne Greene's New Wilderness."

Early Life

Lorne Greene was born Lyon Himan Green on February 12, 1915, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He was the only child of Dora and Daniel Green, Jewish immigrants from the Russian Empire. His father worked as a shoemaker.

Greene enrolled at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, intending to become a chemical engineer. He became increasingly involved with the university's Drama Guild, acting in, producing, and directing its plays. He also gained early broadcasting experience through the university's radio workshop.

After graduating, Greene studied acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York. He returned to Canada but initially found few opportunities to support himself as a professional actor.

The Voice of Canada

The outbreak of World War II created an unexpected opportunity for Greene. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation needed a newsreader with a strong, authoritative voice to deliver wartime reports, and Greene became one of the country's most prominent radio broadcasters.

His deep voice and measured delivery earned him the nickname "The Voice of Canada." Because he frequently announced grim reports about military casualties, some listeners also called him "The Voice of Doom."

Greene worked as a narrator, producer, and broadcasting executive and helped establish an acting academy in Toronto. He also developed a stopwatch that counted backward, allowing radio announcers to see exactly how much time remained in a program.

By the early 1950s, Greene had grown dissatisfied with the opportunities available in Canadian television. He moved to the United States in 1953 and began pursuing acting more aggressively.

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Early American Career

Greene appeared in Broadway productions and live television anthology programs, including "Studio One." He received particular praise for playing O'Brien, the sinister Thought Police official, in a television adaptation of George Orwell's "1984."

His early film roles included Saint Peter in "The Silver Chalice." Greene also appeared on television programs such as "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Climax!," and "Wagon Train."

His guest appearance on "Wagon Train" attracted the attention of producer David Dortort, who believed Greene possessed the authority and warmth needed to lead a new Western series.

Bonanza

In 1959, Greene began playing Ben Cartwright on "Bonanza." The series followed the widowed Cartwright as he operated the enormous Ponderosa Ranch near Lake Tahoe while raising three sons, each born to a different mother.

Pernell Roberts played Ben's intelligent eldest son, Adam. Dan Blocker portrayed the large and gentle Hoss, while Michael Landon played the impulsive youngest son, Little Joe. Victor Sen Yung appeared as the family's cook, Hop Sing. In later seasons, the household expanded to include characters played by David Canary, Mitch Vogel, and Tim Matheson.

"Bonanza" struggled in the ratings during its first season, when it aired opposite "Perry Mason." After NBC moved it to Sunday nights, the series became an enormous success. It ranked as the highest-rated show on American television for three consecutive seasons during the mid-1960s.

Greene modeled Ben's calm authority partly on his own father. The character was stern when necessary but also thoughtful, compassionate, and intensely devoted to his sons. Greene's off-screen relationship with the younger actors reportedly reflected that paternal dynamic. He advised Blocker and Landon on business matters and helped oversee investments that made all three men wealthy.

"Bonanza" remained on NBC until January 1973, producing 431 episodes across 14 seasons. Greene was one of the show's central stars for its entire run.

Bonanza Salary and Business Ventures

Greene's salary increased substantially as "Bonanza" became one of NBC's most valuable programs. By the middle of the show's run, its principal stars were earning more than $10,000 per episode and had reportedly negotiated compensation connected to reruns.

At a time when a network television season could contain more than 30 episodes, Greene could earn several hundred thousand dollars annually from the series. Adjusted for inflation, that would be equivalent to earning several million dollars per year.

Greene also pursued business investments with Blocker and Landon. Greene's long tenure on "Bonanza," investments, recording income, commercial work, and later television earnings helped him build a substantial fortune.

Recording Career

Greene capitalized on his Western image by recording country, folk, and spoken-word albums. His biggest success was "Ringo," a dramatic ballad about Old West outlaw Johnny Ringo.

Released in 1964, the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Greene also recorded "Saga of the Ponderosa," which told the fictional history of the Cartwright family and their ranch.

Battlestar Galactica and Later Career

After "Bonanza," Greene starred as a former police officer turned private investigator in "Griff." He also appeared in the disaster movie "Earthquake" and television productions including "The Moneychangers," "The Bastard," and the landmark miniseries "Roots."

In 1978, Greene began playing Commander Adama in "Battlestar Galactica." Much like Ben Cartwright, Adama was a wise paternal leader responsible for guiding and protecting an extended family. Greene reprised the role in "Galactica 1980."

He later starred as fire department chief Joe Rorchek in "Code Red." Greene also hosted nature programs, including "Last of the Wild." Beginning in 1982, he hosted and co-produced "Lorne Greene's New Wilderness," an educational series focused on animals, conservation, and environmental issues.

Personal Life and Death

Greene married Rita Hands in 1938. They had twins, Belinda and Charles, before divorcing in 1960. In 1961, Greene married actress and artist Nancy Deale. They had a daughter, Gillian. Gillian married director Sam Raimi in 1993. They have five children together. She filed for divorce in May 2024 after 31 years of marriage.

Lorne Greene died on September 11, 1987, at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California. He had undergone surgery for a perforated ulcer and developed pneumonia while recovering. He was 72 years old.

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