How much is Steve McQueen's net worth? Unveiling the luxurious fortune amassed by the legendary actor..

Publish date: 2024-01-14 14:44:32

What was Steve McQueen's Net Worth?

Steve McQueen, a beloved American actor and cultural icon from the 1960s and 1970s, had a net worth of $30 million at the time of his death. Adjusted for inflation, this would be equivalent to $100 million in today's dollars. McQueen gained fame for his roles in popular films such as "The Thomas Crown Affair," "The Great Escape," and "The Sand Pebbles." Notably, during the mid-1970s, he was the highest-paid actor in the world and earned a staggering $12 million for his role in the 1974 film "The Towering Inferno," which today is equivalent to $66 million. Additionally, McQueen possessed a valuable collection of cars, motorcycles, and watches that remain highly sought after.

Early Life

Terrence Stephen McQueen, known as Steve McQueen, was born on March 24, 1930, in Beech Grove, Indiana, just outside of Indianapolis. He was raised by his maternal grandparents in a Roman Catholic family. His father, William, who worked as a stunt pilot, left his mother, Julia Ann, six months after they met. McQueen spent his early childhood on a farm until his mother took him to live with her and her new husband in Indianapolis. However, due to abusive treatment from his stepfather, McQueen resorted to a life on the streets, involving himself in petty crimes.

McQueen's early years were marked by moving back and forth between his mother's home, the streets, and the farm. Eventually, his mother sent him to the California Junior Boys Republic in Chino. Subsequently, he enlisted in the Marines but was arrested for taking unauthorized leave. After being honorably discharged from the Marines in 1950, McQueen focused on pursuing a career in acting.

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Career

McQueen utilized the financial support provided by the G.I. Bill to receive acting training at Sanford Meisner's Neighborhood Playhouse and HB Studio in New York City. During this time, he supplemented his income by participating in weekend Harley and Triumph motorcycle races. McQueen gradually landed minor roles in productions such as "The Member of the Wedding" and "Peg o'My Heart."

In 1955, McQueen relocated to California to be closer to Hollywood. He gained significant attention by starring in the NBC western series "Tales of Wells Fargo" and went on to secure roles in other successful series like "Wanted: Dead or Alive" and "Trackdown." These acting opportunities elevated McQueen's popularity, and he received a breakthrough role in the film "Never So Few" through Frank Sinatra's recommendation.

Following this, McQueen's career skyrocketed as he landed major film roles. His notable successes include "The Magnificent Seven," released in 1960, and the 1963 film "The Great Escape." He ventured into diverse genres, appearing in movies like "Love with the Proper Stranger," "Nevada Smith," "The Cincinnati Kid," and "The Sand Pebbles." Among these, McQueen received an Academy Award nomination for his exceptional performance in "The Sand Pebbles." However, his career took a backseat in 1974 when he decided to focus more heavily on his passion for racing motorcycles. He returned to the big screen in 1978 with the film "An Enemy of the People." McQueen's final two movies, "Tom Horn" and "The Hunter," were both released in 1980.

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World's Highest Paid Actor

In 1974, Steve McQueen earned a mind-boggling salary of $12 million for his role in "The Towering Inferno." After adjusting for inflation, this remarkable figure equates to $66 million today. As a result, McQueen became the highest-paid actor globally by a significant margin. He maintained this title for several years, even after his untimely death in 1980.

Personal Life

During his time in acting school in New York, McQueen dated Gia Scala. However, their relationship eventually ended, and he started dating actress and dancer Neile Adams. The couple tied the knot on November 2, 1956, and had a daughter in 1959 and a son in 1960. Despite their enduring marriage, several women have claimed to have had affairs with McQueen during this period.

After divorcing Adams in 1972, McQueen married actress Ali MacGraw, who was his co-star in "The Getaway." Their relationship, however, ended in divorce in 1978. Two years later, McQueen married model Barbara Minty in January 1980.

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McQueen was known for his intense daily exercise regime, which included weightlifting, running, and martial arts. He also struggled with various substance abuse issues, frequently indulging in alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana. Throughout his acting career, McQueen maintained his passion for racing motorcycles and cars and was a proud owner of numerous classic motorcycles, exotic cars, and aircraft. His commitment to the world of racing and his vast collection of unique vehicles showcased his adventurous spirit.

Real Estate

In 1979, McQueen and Barbara Minty purchased a 15.5-acre ranch in Santa Paula, California, located approximately 1.5 hours northeast of Los Angeles. They got married in the living room of their ranch in 1980. The property boasted a 4,500 square-foot hangar where McQueen stored his cherished car and motorcycle collection. Additionally, the ranch's proximity to the Santa Paula Airport provided convenience for McQueen, who housed his Stearman Model 75 biplane there.

Car Collection

After McQueen's passing, his car and motorcycle collection gained enormous value. His assortment included around 130 motorcycles and numerous remarkable cars, such as Ferraris, Porsches, and Jaguars.

In 2006, one of the highlights from his collection, the 1937 Crocker motorcycle, was sold for an impressive $276,000.

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In 2007, his 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta was sold at auction for a staggering $2.3 million.

Watches

Steve McQueen possessed a significant collection of watches and was a brand ambassador for Heuer during his lifetime. To this day, Tag Heuer pays royalties to McQueen's estate for using his image in their advertisements. One of the six Monaco Ref. 1133 watches that McQueen wore in the 1970 movie "Le Mans" fetched an extraordinary price of $2.208 million at an auction.

Death

In 1978, McQueen developed a persistent cough, which prompted him to quit smoking. However, the cough persisted, and he later learned that he had pleural mesothelioma, a type of cancer associated with asbestos exposure and having no known cure.

Despite seeking controversial treatments in Mexico in an attempt to combat the disease, McQueen's condition worsened. Numerous tumors were discovered in his abdomen, and despite American doctors deeming them inoperable, he traveled to Mexico to have a liver tumor removed. Sadly, McQueen passed away from a heart attack in November 1980 while still in Mexico.

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McQueen was cremated, and his ashes were scattered over the Pacific Ocean. Following his death, McQueen continued to be celebrated as an iconic figure and was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers and the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. His legacy lives on through museum exhibits, documentaries, and portrayals in feature films.

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