American actor Steve McQueen was born on the 24th March 1930, in Beech Grove, Indiana, , and is an perhaps best remembered for starring in such films as “The Sand Pebbles” in 1966 for which he won an Academy Award, and for his appearances in the TV series “Wanted: Dead Or Alive” in 1958, “The Great Escape” in ’63, “Bullitt” in ‘68 and “Papillon”in 1973, among many others. His acting career spanned 1953 to 1980 when he passed away.
Have you ever wondered how rich Steve McQueen was? According to authoritative sources, it is estimated that Steve’s net worth was over $30 million, the main source being his successful career as a professional actor.
Steve McQueen Net Worth $30 Million
Terence Steven McQueen was born to Julia Ann and William Terens McQueen; his father was a pilot, but his mother had problems with alcohol, and was also a sometime prostitute, so he was raised by maternal grandparents in Slater, Missouri. However, as a child he was abused, so interestingly he moved to Greenwich Village, New York City to live with his mother at the age of 16. Before his acting career started, Steve served in the US Marine Corps, proving somewhat rebellious, but at one point saved several lives during an Arctic exercise, and so was honored.
Steve`s acting career began in the 1950s, after he began taking acting classes at Sanford Meiner`s Neighborhood Playhouse, and worked with renowned actress Stella Adler. Steve began as a stage actor, appearing in such productions as “Peg O’ My Heart”, “Two Fingers of Pride”, and “The Member of the Wedding”. After initial success, Steve made his Broadway debut in the production “A Hatful of Rain” in 1955, following which Steve decided to move to California, and audition for Hollywood movies. In 1956 he made his debut screen appearance in the Westinghouse Studio One presentation entitled “The Defenders”, which was followed by appearances in the film “Somebody Up There Likes Me” the same year, and “Never Love a Stranger” in 1958. The same year he also appeared in the film “The Blob” as Martin Cabell, which was his first appearance in a lead role. Then in 1958 he was selected for the role of Josh Randall, in the TV series “Wanted: Dead Or Alive” (1958-1961), which certainly added to his net worth, and boosted his popularity.
From that point, his career went only upwards, making several notable appearances over the next 20 years. During the 1960s, Steve appeared in such additional films and TV series as “Hell Is for Heroes”, “Love With the Proper Stranger” and “Baby The Rain Must Fall”. In the second half of the 1960s, his career reached a whole new level, as he featured in more high profile films with other stars of the ‘60s, which only increased his net worth. He starred in the film “Cincinnati Kid”, alongside Ann-Margaret and Karl Malden, and the following year he appeared again alongside Karl Malden in the film “Nevada Smith”. The same year he featured in the film “The Sand Pebbles”, with Candice Bergen and Richard Attenborough, for which he received an Oscar nomination. Before the 1960s ended, he appeared in films “The Thomas Crown Affair”, and a film which became iconic for a car chase through San Francisco – “Bullitt” – among others, all of which added to his net worth.
He continued his successful career throughout the 1970s, securing roles in such films as “Le Mans”, “Papillon” , “The Getaway”, and “An Enemy of the People” (1978), among others. Before his death, Steve played the lead role in “Tom Horn”, with Linda Evans, and Richard Farnsworth in lead roles, and as Papa Thorson in the film “The Hunter”, which was his last role.
Thanks to his talents, Steve received numerous prestigious awards, plus a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1986 for his achievements as actor.
Steve was also a recognized motorcycle and car racer – even winning his class in the 1970 12 Hours of Sebring race – which he employed in films whenever possible, and for his success was inducted into the Off-road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1978.
Regarding his personal life, Steve was married firstly to Neile Adams from 1956 to ‘72, with whom he had two children. A year later, he married actress Ali MacGraw, but they divorced in 1978. He married Barbara Minty not long before his death.
Steve died from a heart attack in his sleep, shortly after surgery was performed which was part of the treatment needed to remove tumors that had spread throughout his abdomen and his neck. The surgery was successful, however, his heart couldn`t withstand the post-operative pressure. He passed away on the 7th November 1980 in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.
