Introduction
Sterling Hayden was a Hollywood legend known for his roles in iconic films such as “Dr. Strangelove” and “The Godfather.” However, what many people don’t know is that he was also an accomplished sailor and author. In this blog post, we will reveal the untold story of Sterling Hayden’s stunning net worth.
Sterling Hayden’s Early Life and Career
Sterling Hayden was born in Montclair, New Jersey, in 1916. He grew up in a wealthy family and attended prestigious schools such as the Hackley School and the Choate School. However, at the age of 16, he dropped out of school and ran away from home to become a sailor.
Hayden spent the next 20 years working as a sailor, from serving in the US Marine Corps during World War II to sailing around the world on his own. During this time, he also began writing, publishing his first book “Wanderer” in 1963.
It wasn’t until the 1940s that Hayden began acting, starting with small roles in films such as “Virginia” and “The Asphalt Jungle.” His breakthrough role came in 1950 in the film “The Asphalt Jungle,” which led to a long and successful acting career.
Sterling Hayden’s Net Worth
Sterling Hayden’s net worth at the time of his death in 1986 was $10 million. This may not seem like a lot compared to modern-day celebrities, but it was a significant amount for someone who spent so much of their life away from Hollywood.
Hayden’s net worth was primarily the result of his acting career, but he also made money from his writing and his love of sailing. He owned several boats throughout his life, including a 92-foot schooner named “Wanderer,” which he sailed around the world in 1959.
Famous Roles and Achievements
Sterling Hayden is best known for his roles in two iconic films of the 20th century. In 1964, he played Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper in Stanley Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.” He also played the corrupt police captain McCluskey in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” in 1972.
In addition to his acting career, Hayden also achieved significant success as a sailor and writer. He won two prestigious sailing races in the 1950s, the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race and the Transpacific Yacht Race. He also published several books, including his memoir “Wanderer” and the novel “Voyage: A Novel of 1896.”
Sterling Hayden’s Personal Life
Sterling Hayden was married five times and had seven children. He was known for his rugged and unconventional lifestyle, which included living on his boat for long stretches of time and his involvement in leftist politics during the McCarthy era.
In his later years, Hayden struggled with alcoholism and depression. He committed suicide at his home in Sausalito, California, in 1986.
Sterling Hayden’s Legacy
Sterling Hayden’s legacy is multifaceted, from his iconic roles in film to his achievements as a sailor and author. He was an individualist who lived life on his own terms, and his experiences and adventures provided rich material for his writing and acting.
Today, he is remembered as an icon of American cinema and sailing, someone who epitomized the free-spirited and adventurous spirit of the mid-20th century.
FAQs
1. What was Sterling Hayden’s net worth?
Sterling Hayden’s net worth at the time of his death in 1986 was $10 million.
2. What was Sterling Hayden’s most famous role?
Sterling Hayden’s most famous roles were Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper in “Dr. Strangelove” and Captain McCluskey in “The Godfather.”
3. Did Sterling Hayden win any sailing races?
Yes, Sterling Hayden won two prestigious sailing races in the 1950s, the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race and the Transpacific Yacht Race.
4. How many children did Sterling Hayden have?
Sterling Hayden had seven children.
5. What books did Sterling Hayden write?
Sterling Hayden wrote several books, including his memoir “Wanderer” and the novel “Voyage: A Novel of 1896.”
6. Where did Sterling Hayden live?
Sterling Hayden spent much of his life living on his boat, and he had homes in Sausalito, California, and France.
7. How did Sterling Hayden die?
Sterling Hayden committed suicide at his home in Sausalito, California, in 1986.
Conclusion
Sterling Hayden’s stunning net worth is a testament to his diverse and adventurous career. From his early days as a sailor to his iconic roles in film to his achievements as a writer, he lived life on his own terms and left behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences today. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out his books and films to get a glimpse into the life of this Hollywood legend.