Ken Kercheval, best known for his iconic role as Cliff Barnes on Dallas, accumulated significant wealth over his extensive career in television and theater.
In this article, we’ll explore Ken Kercheval net worth, his career highlights, and the financial decisions that shaped his wealth.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Kenneth Ronald Kercheval |
| Popular Name | Ken Kercheval |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | July 15, 1935 |
| Age | 81 (Died: April 21, 2019) |
| Parents | Marine Kercheval, Christine Rieber |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Birthplace | Wolcottville, Indiana |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Neighborhood Playhouse, New York |
| Marital Status | Divorced (four times) |
| Spouse | Cheryl Paris (m. 1994–2004), Ava Fox (m. 1986–1993) |
| Children | 5 |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $800,000 |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, TV Roles, Broadway |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
What is the Net Worth Of Ken Kercheval in 2024?
Ken Kercheval’s net worth is estimated at $800,000 as of 2024. Over the years, his financial standing has been shaped by his decades-long career on Dallas, Broadway, and various TV roles.
In comparison to his peers in the entertainment industry, his wealth places him on a modest level when compared to more famous contemporaries, but his steady career has left a lasting legacy.
Some of the closest names in the same career space include:
- Larry Hagman
- Patrick Duffy
- Linda Gray
- Victoria Principal
- Charlene Tilton
- Barbara Bel Geddes
- Jim Davis
- Susan Howard
- Steve Kanaly
- Ken Kercheval
To explore more about the wealthiest stars in Hollywood, check out our page on top net worths in Hollywood.
Ken Kercheval Wealth, Salary and Finance Overview
How He Built His Wealth Through Acting
Ken Kercheval‘s wealth can be directly attributed to his extensive career in television. His most prominent role was as Cliff Barnes on the legendary show Dallas.
This role not only solidified his place in Hollywood history but also provided him with substantial earnings throughout its long run.
The iconic series, which aired from 1978 to 1991, continues to generate revenue through reruns, keeping Kercheval’s finances stable long after the show’s conclusion.
Apart from Dallas, Ken also appeared in a range of TV shows and films, contributing to his overall wealth.
These projects, including The Defenders and The Most Deadly Game, were instrumental in expanding his financial portfolio.
Although Kercheval’s earnings might not have reached the astronomical figures of some of his co-stars, his long-lasting impact on television has ensured that his wealth remains stable.
Career Highlights and Contributions to Financial Success
Ken Kercheval’s acting journey began in the theater, with performances in Broadway productions like The Defenders.
These early successes in theater not only shaped his acting career but also helped establish him as a sought-after talent in both film and television.
His broad range of roles helped boost his visibility and, consequently, his income.
His role in Dallas was arguably his most lucrative. As part of the Dallas ensemble, Kercheval earned a steady income, but the residuals from syndicated reruns and DVD sales continued to pay dividends throughout his life.
This is a common way for TV stars to accumulate wealth over time, with residuals acting as a reliable income stream.
Earnings from Residuals and Other Roles
Over the years, Ken Kercheval’s residual income from Dallas helped sustain his wealth. Even after the show’s original run ended, the syndication deals and streaming services kept generating revenue.
This ongoing income played a significant role in bolstering his net worth.
Besides TV roles, Ken Kercheval also participated in various commercial and endorsement deals.
While these deals were not as high-profile as those of some of his peers, they added to his financial standing.
Additionally, his participation in stage productions, while less frequent in later years, likely offered another source of income.
Personal Investments and Business Ventures
While the exact details of Kercheval’s personal investments remain private, it is possible that his involvement in the entertainment industry led to business opportunities.
Many celebrities invest in real estate, production companies, or other ventures, and it would not be surprising if Kercheval followed suit, albeit quietly.
Given his substantial time on Dallas and other television projects, it’s likely that Kercheval secured his financial future through investments, saving strategies, and perhaps private equity interests.
Though not heavily publicized, these income streams could have contributed to his total wealth.
Lasting Legacy in the Entertainment Industry
Ken Kercheval’s influence on television can still be felt today. His portrayal of Cliff Barnes in Dallas remains a cultural touchstone for fans of the show.
The financial success of Dallas, which has spanned decades, is partially due to Kercheval’s commitment to the role and his collaboration with the rest of the cast.
As one of the enduring characters on the show, his portrayal of Barnes remains iconic.
Kercheval’s legacy extends beyond his financial earnings. The long-lasting popularity of Dallas continues to bolster the financial success of its stars.
The show remains one of the highest-grossing TV shows of its era, and Ken Kercheval, as one of its main actors, enjoyed the fruits of this success.
FAQs about Ken Kercheval
Who was he married to?
He was married four times throughout his life. While details of his spouses remain largely private, his personal life was a subject of interest to fans throughout his career.
How many children did he have?
He had seven children over the course of his life. His family played an important part in his personal life, though he kept much of it private.
What was his source of wealth?
His main source of wealth came from his acting career, especially his role in the iconic TV series Dallas. He also had other income sources, including his Broadway performances and television guest spots.
Where was he born?
He was born in Wolcottville, Indiana, in the United States, on July 15, 1935.
Conclusion
Ken Kercheval’s long career in acting, especially his role on Dallas, helped build his $800,000 net worth.
His legacy continues to thrive through reruns and syndication. To explore more insights about famous celebrities’ financial journeys, leave a comment, share this article, or check out more of our content at andomoney.com.
