Robert Young Net Worth

What was Robert Young's net worth?

Robert Young was an American actor who had a net worth of $2 million at the time of his death in 1998. That's the same as around $4 million in today's dollars after adjusting for inflation.

Robert Young was a versatile American actor whose career spanned more than five decades, moving fluidly from golden age Hollywood films to some of the most beloved television roles of the 20th century. Though he appeared in more than 100 films, Young is best remembered for his iconic portrayals of calm, competent, and caring characters on TV: Jim Anderson in "Father Knows Best" and Dr. Marcus Welby in "Marcus Welby, M.D." These roles cemented his reputation as the quintessential American father and family doctor—figures of wisdom, warmth, and moral clarity. However, behind the scenes, Young battled alcoholism and depression, and he later became an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness. Despite personal struggles, he remained a steady and dependable presence in American entertainment for over 50 years. Young won multiple Emmy Awards, was celebrated by medical groups for his portrayal of Dr. Welby, and earned generations of loyal fans through his work on both the big and small screen.

Early Life

Robert George Young was born on February 22, 1907, in Chicago, Illinois, the fourth of five children to an Irish immigrant father who worked as a building manufacturer. His family moved west to Seattle and eventually settled in Los Angeles, where Young attended high school and began acting in student productions. After graduation, he worked a series of part-time jobs—drugstore clerk, loan collector—while pursuing acting at night at the Pasadena Community Playhouse. It was there that his talent and good looks caught Hollywood's attention.

Film Career

Young's screen career began in 1931 with a small role in the Charlie Chan mystery "The Black Camel." He quickly signed with MGM and became one of the studio's most reliable contract players. In just four years, he appeared in 24 films, often cast in supporting roles opposite major stars like Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Katharine Hepburn, and Myrna Loy. He developed a reputation as a dependable, likable screen presence—never quite a marquee star but always in demand.

His early film credits included "The Sin of Madelon Claudet," "Hell Divers," "Tugboat Annie," and "Strange Interlude." Among his most memorable work were performances in "Three Comrades" and "The Shining Hour" (both 1938), "Northwest Passage" (1940), and wartime dramas like "Joe Smith, American" and "Journey for Margaret" (1942). In the romantic fantasy "The Enchanted Cottage" (1945), Young delivered a powerful performance as a disfigured war veteran, earning some of the best reviews of his career.

Later film highlights included "Claudia" (1943), "Those Endearing Young Charms" (1945), "Crossfire" (1947), "Sitting Pretty" (1948), and "Goodbye, My Fancy" (1951). Though never a top box office draw, Young embraced his role as a "plodder," working steadily and reliably for decades.

Getty

Father Knows Best

Young transitioned to radio in 1949 with the creation of "Father Knows Best," which he helped develop in an effort to portray a more realistic and intelligent American father. He insisted that his character, Jim Anderson, not be portrayed as a buffoon, telling a producer, "I'd like to be the father, but not a boob."

The show moved to television in 1954 with Young as the only cast member to carry over from radio. Jane Wyatt played his wife Margaret, and the series followed the lives of their three children: Betty, played by Elinor Donahue; Bud, played by Billy Gray; and Kathy (nicknamed "Kitten"), played by Lauren Chapin. Set in the fictional Midwestern town of Springfield, the show struck a chord with audiences for its gentle humor and depiction of family life.

Though ratings were initially modest, fan demand saved the show from cancellation in 1955, and a new time slot helped it thrive. "Father Knows Best" ran for six seasons, ending in 1960 at the height of its popularity. It remained in reruns for years, becoming a staple of American family entertainment.

Young won two Emmy Awards for the role. Behind the scenes, however, he struggled with alcoholism and often attended AA meetings during production.

Robert Young and Jane Wyatt in 1958 (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Marcus Welby, M.D.

After a brief and unsatisfying retirement, Young returned to television in 1969 as the compassionate Dr. Marcus Welby in the ABC medical drama "Marcus Welby, M.D." He aggressively lobbied for the role after reading the pilot script, telling producers, "I want to be Marcus Welby."

The show premiered in September 1969 and was an immediate success. Young starred opposite James Brolin, and the series was notable for tackling serious health and social issues, including autism, drug addiction, and terminal illness. Young won a third Emmy Award for the role and was praised by medical organizations for humanizing the image of physicians. "Marcus Welby, M.D." ran for seven seasons and concluded in 1976.

Personal Life and Later Years

Young married Elizabeth Louise Henderson in 1933. They met as teenagers and remained together for over 60 years until her death in 1994. They had four daughters: Betty Lou, Carol, Barbara, and Kathy, as well as six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Despite his public image as the wholesome father and doctor, Young privately battled depression and alcoholism for decades. In 1991, he attempted suicide at age 83, an event he later spoke about publicly in order to raise awareness of mental health struggles among older adults. He became an advocate for more honest conversations around mental illness and addiction.

Legacy

Robert Young died at his home in Westlake Village, California, on July 21, 1998, at the age of 91. He left behind a remarkable body of work that spanned more than 100 films and two of the most iconic television series of their time. He won three Emmy Awards and was admired for his professionalism, warmth, and integrity on and off screen.

Real Estate

In 1974, Robert bought a half-acre lot in Westlake Village, California. He proceeded to have a 3,200 square foot home built on the lot. A few months after his death, Robert's estate listed the home for sale for $850,000. The home sold for $750,000 in June 1999.

Who's Richer?

Robert
Young

Compare!

Elinor
Donahue