What was Don Ameche’s Net Worth?
Don Ameche, an American actor, comedian, and vaudevillian, had a net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in 1993. Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to $10 million in today’s dollars. In the early 1940s, Ameche was one of the highest-paid actors in the world, earning $247,667 per year, which is equivalent to $4.5 million today.
Early Life
Don Ameche, originally named Dominic Felix Amici, was born on May 31, 1908, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. His father, Felice Amici, was a bartender from Italy, while his mother, Barbara Etta Hertel, had Scottish, Irish, and German ancestry. Ameche was the second oldest of eight children and developed an interest in acting while attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Career
Ameche’s career began in vaudeville and eventually led him to Chicago, where he joined the radio shows “Empire Builders,” “First Nighter,” and “Betty and Bob.” In the late 1930s, he made his way to Hollywood with the help of producer Darryl Zanuck. Ameche became known for his romantic lead roles and appeared in films such as “The Story of Alexander Graham Bell” and “Hollywood Cavalcade.” He continued to work in both film and theater throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
In 1985, Ameche won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Cocoon.” He also appeared in films like “Coming to America,” “Harry and the Hendersons,” and “Cocoon: The Return” in the 1980s. Ameche continued to act in the 1990s, appearing in “Oddball Hall” and voicing a character in “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.”
Personal Life and Death
Ameche was married to Honore Prendergast for over 50 years, and they had six children together. He followed the Roman Catholic faith and was a Republican. Ameche also had involvement in sports, co-owning the Los Angeles Dons football team in the late 1940s. In his mid-80s, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and passed away on December 6, 1993, at the age of 85.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much was Don Ameche worth at the time of his death?
A: Don Ameche had a net worth of $5 million.
Q: What were Don Ameche’s most notable films?
A: Don Ameche appeared in films such as “Cocoon,” “Coming to America,” and “Harry and the Hendersons.”
Q: Did Don Ameche win any awards?
A: Yes, Don Ameche won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Cocoon” in 1985.
Final Thought
Don Ameche was a talented actor who achieved great success in his career. With a net worth of $5 million at the time of his death, he left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His contributions to film and theater will always be remembered.