Robert Forster Net Worth

What was Robert Forster's net worth?

Robert Forster was an American actor who had a net worth of $3 million at the time of his death. Robert Forster died on October 11, 2019 at the age of 78.

Robert Forster made his film debut in 1967 in the drama "Reflections in a Golden Eye", and went on to appear in a number of other notable films, including "The Stalking Moon" (1968), "Medium Cool" (1969), "The Black Hole" (1979), "Alligator" (1980), and "Jackie Brown" (1997).

Forster was also a prolific television actor, appearing in a number of series, including "Banyon" (1972), "Nakia" (1974), and "Miami Vice" (1984). He received critical acclaim for his performance in the 1997 Quentin Tarantino film "Jackie Brown", for which he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Forster continued to work steadily throughout his career, and his final film appearance was in the 2019 film "El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie". He had previously starred in a small role on "Breaking Bad" the series.

Early Life and Education

Robert Wallace Forster, Jr. was born on July 13, 1941. His father, Robert Wallace Forster, Sr., was an elephant trainer for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Forster attended the University of Rochester, where he studied psychology and aspired to work in law. However, a chance encounter with a casting director during his senior year changed his path, leading him to pursue a career in acting.

Early Acting Career: Promising Start

Forster made his film debut in 1967 with the film "Reflections in a Golden Eye," starring Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor. He soon followed this up with the critically acclaimed 1969 film "Medium Cool." His naturalistic performance and on-screen charisma garnered him recognition, and he was hailed as a promising newcomer.

Mid-Career Struggles

Despite his early success, Forster's career faced a slump in the 1970s and 1980s. He struggled to find meaningful roles and was often typecast in low-budget B-movies. Despite the quality of films, Forster continued to give earnest performances, demonstrating his dedication to his craft.

Career Revival: The Tarantino Effect

Quentin Tarantino and Robert Forster first met at a coffee shop that Forster frequented in West Hollywood. As Forster would later describe:

"I was sitting here with my friend, another actor, and I saw him and yelled at him. He came in and sat down with us. One of the things I said was, 'What are you up to?' He said, 'I am writing an adaptation of Elmore Leonard's "Rum Punch." Why don't you read it?'."

Six months later Forster walked into that coffee shop and saw Quentin. Quentin had the script for "Jackie Brown" in his hands and told him he had Robert in mind for the lead role of aging bondsman Max Cherry.

He wrote the role with Forster specifically in mind, and the script he gave to Forster had a note that said, "I wrote this for you." At the time Robert's career was so cold that he didn't even have an agent and didn't think Quentin could get the studio to hire him. Quentin replied: "I hire anybody I want."

Forster gave a tour-de-force performance in the film and wound up getting nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Tarantino has said that casting Forster in Jackie Brown was one of the best decisions he ever made. He said that Forster brought a "world-weary wisdom" to the role of Max, and that he helped to ground the film and give it its emotional heart.

Forster and Tarantino remained friends after Jackie Brown, and they worked together again on the film Grindhouse (2007).

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Later Career and Television Work

Following "Jackie Brown," Forster enjoyed a robust career in film and television. He landed roles in films such as "Me, Myself & Irene," "Mulholland Dr.," and "The Descendants." He also enjoyed a successful run on television, featuring in series like "Karen Sisco," "Heroes," and the critically acclaimed "Breaking Bad" and its subsequent film, "El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie."

Personal Life and Legacy

Robert Forster was a dedicated family man. He had three daughters, one of whom, Kate Forster, followed in his footsteps into acting. Forster was known for his generosity, often sharing his insights and experiences with young, aspiring actors.

Forster passed away on October 11, 2019, from brain cancer.