Rory Calhoun's Net Worth: The Untold Story Of A Cowboy Star

Leda Cormier 13 May 2025

Ever wondered about the financial trails blazed by Hollywood's legendary cowboys? Rory Calhoun, the quintessential Western star, left behind a legacy far beyond the silver screen, and understanding his financial worth provides a fascinating glimpse into the economics of classic Hollywood.

Born Francis Timothy McCown on August 8, 1922, in Los Angeles, California, Rory Calhoun carved a remarkable career in film and television, becoming synonymous with the rugged charm of the American West. While his performances captivated audiences for decades, a persistent question remains: how much wealth did Calhoun accumulate throughout his illustrious career? Estimates vary, but at the time of his death on April 28, 1999, at Joseph's Medical Center in Burbank, Calif due to complications from diabetes, his net worth was a subject of considerable interest. Some sources suggest a figure of $2 million, while others estimate it to be as high as $10 million. Still other sources mention $6 Million. These discrepancies highlight the challenges in assessing the financial portfolios of stars from Hollywood's Golden Age.

Rory Calhoun: Biographical and Career Highlights
Full Name	Francis Timothy McCown (Rory Calhoun)
Birth Date	August 8, 1922
Birth Place	Los Angeles, California, USA
Death Date	April 28, 1999
Death Place	Burbank, California, USA
Cause of Death	Complications from Diabetes
Occupation	Actor, Producer
Years Active	1940s - 1990s
Notable Roles	Shane (1952), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1955), Numerous Western Films and TV Shows
Estimated Net Worth at Death	Varies: $2 million - $10 million (estimated)
Spouse(s)	Multiple, including Lita Baron
Children	Several children from various marriages
Career Information
Early Career	Worked various jobs including lumberjack, miner, and cowboy before acting
Breakthrough	Discovered by Alan Ladd in the Hollywood Hills
Film Appearances	Starred in over 80 films
Television Appearances	Appeared in over 1,000 television episodes
Genre Focus	Primarily Westerns, but also action, drama, and some comedies
Awards & Recognition	Golden Boot Award (1985), Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hall of Great Western Performers
Additional Information
Other Talents	Known as an excellent horseman, performing many of his own stunts
Birth Name	Francis Timothy McCown
Parents	Elizabeth Cuthbert and Floyd McCown
Interesting Fact	Before acting, worked as a boxer, truck driver, and cowpuncher
Reference Link	Rory Calhoun on IMDb