Robert Wagner Net Worth

What Is Robert Wagner Net Worth?

Renowned for his enduring charm and versatile talent, Robert Wagner boasts a remarkable career in the entertainment industry, amassing a substantial net worth of $20 million.

This impressive fortune is shared with his longtime spouse, the glamorous actress Jill St. John. Wagner has left an indelible mark on television history with his memorable performances in iconic series such as “It Takes a Thief,” “Switch,” and the beloved “Hart to Hart.”

His career, spanning several decades, reflects not just a legacy of excellence but also a partnership that has captivated audiences both on and off the screen.

Early Life

Robert Wagner was born Robert John Wagner Jr. on February 10, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan. His mother, Hazel, was a telephone operator. His father, Robert Sr., was a traveling salesman who made a small fortune selling paint to the automotive industry and lacquer to Ford, which was used on their dashboards.

When Wagner was 7, the family moved to Los Angeles. His father had apparently earned enough money to retire in sunny Southern California. They even custom-built a home in Bel Air, overlooking the Bel Air Country Club, which took over a year to complete.

Robert Jr. was actually sent to California before the family. He was put on a train solo and literally shipped off to the Hollywood Military Academy. He attended four different military schools in Southern California, and many of his classmates were the children of famous actors. Wagner graduated from Saint Monica Catholic School in 1949.

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Career

Robert Wagner, an iconic figure in American television and film, began his career in the 1950s as an extra, making his film debut in “The Happy Years” (1950). By 20, he had signed with Twentieth Century Fox, starring in “Halls of Montezuma” (1951) and gaining attention with “With a Song in My Heart” (1952).

His rise continued with lead roles in “Beneath the 12-Mile Reef” (1953), “Prince Valiant” (1954), and “A Kiss Before Dying” (1956).

In the 1960s, Wagner formed Rona Productions with his then-wife Natalie Wood. His television breakthrough came with “It Takes a Thief” (1968-1970), earning him an Emmy nomination.

He starred in “Switch” in the mid-70s and became a household name with “Hart to Hart” (1979-1984), receiving four Golden Globe nominations.

Wagner’s career resurgence in the 1990s included his role as Number 2 in the “Austin Powers” films. He continues to make notable guest appearances on shows like “Seinfeld” and “NCIS.” Today, he shares a combined net worth of $20 million with his wife, actress Jill St. John.\

Personal Life

In his memoirs, Robert Wagner reveals an intriguing tapestry of Hollywood romances, claiming to have had affairs with legendary actresses such as Joan Crawford, Elizabeth Taylor, and Joan Collins.

His personal life has been as captivating as his career. Wagner’s first marriage to Natalie Wood in December 1957 ended in 1962, only to be rekindled a decade later. They remarried on July 16, 1972, and had a daughter named Courtney, embodying one of Hollywood’s most storied love affairs.

Between his marriages to Wood, Wagner wed actress Marion Marshall in July 1963. Their union produced a daughter, Katie, but ended in divorce in 1971.

Wagner’s romantic journey also included an engagement to Tina Sinatra from 1970 to 1972. Despite the break-up, Wagner’s love story with Wood found its way back, cementing a legacy of romance that matched the dramatic flair of his on-screen performances.

Today, Robert Wagner’s life story, filled with high-profile relationships and enduring love, stands as a testament to a life well-lived both in the limelight and beyond.

Natalie Wood Death

The tragic death of Natalie Wood on November 29, 1981, remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring mysteries. Wood drowned near Catalina Island while aboard the yacht Splendour, accompanied by her husband Robert Wagner, actor Christopher Walken, and the yacht’s captain, Dennis Davern. Curiously, Walken’s wife, Georgianne, was notably absent from the trip.

Wagner later recounted that when he retired for the night, Wood was not in their cabin. The autopsy revealed multiple bruises on her body, abrasions on her cheek, a blood alcohol content of 0.14%, and traces of a motion sickness pill and a painkiller.

In his memoir “Pieces of My Heart,” Wagner disclosed that he and Wood had argued before she vanished. Witnesses on a nearby boat reported hearing a woman screaming for help that night. Initially, the Los Angeles County coroner concluded that her death was an accidental drowning complicated by hypothermia.

However, the case was reopened in November 2011 after Davern confessed to lying during the initial investigation. He claimed to have witnessed a heated argument between Wood and Wagner, alleging that Wood had been flirting with Walken, triggering Wagner’s jealousy.

Davern further accused Wagner of preventing him from turning on the searchlights and notifying authorities after Wood went missing, suggesting Wagner’s culpability in her death.

In February 2018, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officially named Wagner as a person of interest in the ongoing investigation into Wood’s death, a charge Wagner has consistently denied. Following Wood’s untimely demise, Wagner assumed guardianship of her 11-year-old daughter, Natasha Gregson Wagner.

In the wake of this personal tragedy, Wagner found solace in the companionship of actress Jill St. John. Their relationship blossomed, and after eight years together, they married in 1990, adding another chapter to Wagner’s storied life, marked by resilience and enduring love.

Real Estate

In 1983, Robert Wagner made a visionary investment by acquiring a 1+ acre property in LA’s prestigious Brentwood neighborhood for $220,000. Originally constructed in 1940 by the renowned architect Cliff May as his personal family residence, the property had a storied past.

Wagner, demonstrating his keen eye for legacy and craftsmanship, later purchased the adjacent property, creating an expansive 1.6-acre compound. This estate boasted a grand main house, a guest house, tennis courts, and horse stables, all unified under May’s architectural genius.

Wagner even commissioned Cliff May himself to undertake a comprehensive renovation and expansion, ensuring the property retained its historic elegance while embracing modern luxury.

In August 2007, Wagner and his wife Jill St. John sold this remarkable estate for $14 million to Rita Hogan, heiress to a Japanese video game empire, and her husband, Richard Edlund, an Oscar-winning cinematographer.

Surprisingly, the property remained uninhabited for over 12 years following the purchase. After Rita Hogan’s passing in 2019, the mansion, still steeped in Wagner’s and St. John’s legacy, was sold in January 2021 for $11 million.

Following the sale of their Brentwood mansion, Wagner and St. John relocated permanently to their beloved Aspen, Colorado home, which they had cherished since 1995.

Their residence in Aspen represents a serene retreat amid the mountains, reflecting their enduring partnership and shared love for nature. They also maintain a condo in Los Angeles, allowing them to stay connected to the vibrant city that played a significant role in their illustrious careers.

This dual residence lifestyle epitomizes the blend of glamour and tranquility that defines Robert Wagner’s remarkable journey.