Tony Curtis Net Worth

Tony Curtis – A Hollywood Icon

Tony Curtis, born Bernard Schwartz in 1925, was an American actor who dominated the film industry from the late 194s until the end of his career in the early 21st century. He was known for his on-screen versatility and his ability to transition from dramatic roles to comedic ones with ease. His career spanned six decades, and he worked alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars in some of its most iconic films. While he may be gone, Tony Curtis’ impact on the entertainment industry will be felt forever.

What is Tony Curtis known for?

Tony Curtis is known for his roles in some of Hollywood’s most iconic movies such as ‘Sweet Smell of Success,’ ‘The Defiant Ones,’ ‘Some Like it Hot,’ ‘Operation Petticoat,’ ‘Spartacus,’ and ‘The Boston Strangler.’ His on-screen versatility made him equally adept at playing dramatic roles and comedic ones alike.

Early Life and Education

Tony Curtis was born to Hungarian-Jewish emigrants Helen and Emanuel Schwartz in New York City. At the age of six, Tony and his younger brother Julius were sent to an orphanage when their parents could no longer afford to feed them. Julius passed away four years later after being hit by a truck.

Tony joined a neighborhood gang when he was growing up but was saved from a life of delinquency when he was sent to a Boy Scout camp. Tony had his first role in a school play while attending Seward Park High School.

Following the Pearl Harbor attack, Tony joined the US Navy, where he served until the end of World War II aboard the USS Proteus. Tony then took advantage of the GI Bill and attended City College of New York before studying acting at the New School in Greenwich Village.

Career Beginnings on Film

Curtis got his start in the film industry when he moved to Hollywood in 1948 and signed a contract with Universal Pictures. He changed his name from Bernard Schwartz to Anthony Curtis at this time. His first film appearance was an uncredited role in ‘Criss Cross’ in 1949.

He had small parts in ‘City Across the River,’ ‘The Lady Gambles,’ and ‘Johnny Stool Pigeon’ the same year. Curtis was prolific over the next few years and starred in quite a different type of movie, including the musical ‘So This is Paris’ and the films noir ‘Six Bridges to Cross’ and ‘The Square Jungle,’ which showcased his acting ability.

Film Career Peak

1957 was a breakthrough year for Tony Curtis. His performance in ‘Sweet Smell of Success’ earned him widespread critical acclaim, which established him as a dramatic heavyweight. His career reached new heights when he appeared in four films in the following year, including ‘Trapeze,’ ‘The Vikings,’ and ‘Kings Go Forth.’

During the late ’50s and early ’60s, Curtis starred in many successful comedies, including ‘The Perfect Furlough,’ ‘Some Like it Hot,’ and ‘Operation Petticoat.’ The latter even managed to seize $25 million at the box office, giving him starring roles in future comic films.

Further Film Career

Heading into the ’60s, Curtis appeared in ‘(Who Was That) Lady?’, with Dean Martin and Janet Leigh, a comedy about an academic who believes his wife is cheating on him. He followed up with parts in movies such as ’40 Pounds Of Trouble’ and ‘The Rat Race.’

Curtis snagged top billing in the 1964 historical picture ‘The Great Race,’ co-starring Jack Lemmon, Peter Falk, and Natalie Wood. Curtis played “The Great Leslie,” a handsome and egotistical daredevil who plans to race an automobile from New York to Paris for a $1 million wager.

Television Career

In the 197s, Curtis appeared more frequently on television programs, showcasing his versatility with guest appearances on shows like ‘The Persuaders!’ Alongside Roger Moore.

He hosted the Quebec Winter Carnival festivities in 1973 after winning the informal title of “King of the Carnaval.” Curtis made a guest appearance on the animated series ‘The Flintstones’ (as composer “Stoney Curtis”) in 1977. In 1978, he starred in The Bad News Bears Go To Japan which was very popular.

Personal Life and Death

From 1951 to 1962, Tony Curtis was married to Janet Leigh. Together, they had two children, including actress Jamie Lee Curtis. Later he married and divorced 5 other women.

Tony Curtis died in 201 at the age of 85 from cardiac arrest in his Las Vegas home after battling pneumonia. He has been remembered by his fans as one of Hollywood’s true greats.

Net Worth Details – How Rich Was Tony Curtis?

Tony Curtis had an estimated net worth of $60 million when he passed away in 201; he had amassed his wealth through a successful career in acting. Curtis had several successful movies under his belt during his career as well as appearing on television shows as the leading man that allowed him to increase his net worth exponentially.

Achievements

In 1958, Curtis was acclaimed for his role in ‘The Defiant Ones,’ which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. His other notable successes were ‘Some Like it Hot’ and ‘Trapeze,’ which helped cement him as a Hollywood icon.

In the 196s and 197s, he appeared less, opting for more, fulfilling smaller roles that he believed spoke to his personal politics. His legacy is upheld with his rich pool of films that entertained many for over six decades.

Conclusion

Tony Curtis remains one of the most iconic faces to ever grace the silver screen. His performances in movies such as ‘The Defiant Ones,’ ‘Some Like it Hot,’ and ‘Sweet Smell of Success’ are held in high regard even today. His ability to adapt to distinguished roles that spanned from serious to comedic made him a performer without peer. Tony had an impeccable reputation and remained one of the coolest and best-looking stars throughout his entire career. We remember him as an accomplished actor who gave his audience memorable performances over six decades.