How Much Was William Haines Worth? Uncovering The Late Star’s Net Worth!
Hollywood has produced several brilliant actors throughout its history, and William Haines remains one of the most iconic stars. Known for his exceptional acting talent, fashionable outfits, and off-screen scandals, Haines left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. However, many people have always wondered just how much he was worth. In this article, we will take a deep dive into William Haines’ worth and uncover fascinating details about his life, career, and earnings.
Who Was William Haines?
William Haines was an American actor, interior decorator, and fashion designer. Born on January 2, 1900, in Virginia, he rose to fame during the silent era of Hollywood and was widely considered as the first openly gay star. Haines began his acting career in 1922, and his most significant work included films such as “Brown of Harvard,” “The Midnight Express,” and “Tell It to the Marines.” Due to his friendly personality and charming screen presence, Haines became a favorite amongst audiences and eventually landed a contract with MGM Studios, which made him one of the highest-paid actors of his time.
William Haines’ Net Worth
William Haines amassed a vast fortune during his lifetime, thanks to his blockbuster movies and savvy business skills. According to various sources, the actor had an estimated net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in 1973. Haines made several investments, including a successful interior design career, which generated over half of his earnings. Additionally, he was also well-known for his glamorous lifestyle and lavish spending habits, which included expensive cars, homes, and clothing.
William Haines’ Career
William Haines’ success in Hollywood can be attributed to his stint at MGM, where he became a crowd favorite due to his acting talent and unique sense of humor. Haines was an undisputed star between 1928 and 1933 and featured in several hit films such as “Alias Jimmy Valentine,” “Navy Blues,” and “Are You Listening?” During his time at MGM, Haines also pursued other ventures such as a fashion line, which proved incredibly lucrative. He left MGM in 1933 after refusing to end his relationship with his then-partner, Jimmie Shields, and later went on to establish his own interior design company that catered exclusively to high-end clients.
William Haines’ Earnings
William Haines’ earnings were substantial, and they varied depending on the contract he had with whichever studio he was working with. For instance, during his time at MGM, Haines was reportedly making $1,250 per week. Haines became one of the highest-paid actors of his time and reportedly signed a contract worth $200,000 per film, which was unheard of in those days. His interior design business also generated a lot of revenue, with a client list that included the likes of Joan Crawford, Carole Lombard, and Gloria Swanson. His design business reportedly earned him more than his acting career, making up to $400,000 annually.
William Haines’ Awards and Accolades
William Haines’ contributions to Hollywood and interior design were recognized with several awards and accolades during his lifetime. In 1998, Haines was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which honored his contributions to the film industry. As an interior designer, Haines received recognition from the Los Angeles Times, which named him the top interior designer of the year in 1962.
William Haines’ Legacy
William Haines’ legacy continues to inspire young actors and designers today. The star’s contributions to Hollywood paved the way for other openly gay actors to succeed in the entertainment industry. Additionally, Haines’ design firm was the first of its kind, laying the groundwork for several successful designers who have followed in his footsteps. The actor’s impact on Hollywood was recognized in the 1995 documentary, “The Celluloid Closet,” which focuses on the portrayal of gay and lesbian characters in the film industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who was William Haines?
A1: William Haines was an American actor, interior decorator, and fashion designer who rose to fame during the silent era of Hollywood.
Q2: How much was William Haines worth?
A2: William Haines was worth an estimated $5 million at the time of his death in 1973.
Q3: What were William Haines’ most significant films?
A3: William Haines starred in several hit films, including “Brown of Harvard,” “The Midnight Express,” and “Tell It to the Marines.”
Q4: How much did William Haines earn per week during his time at MGM?
A4: William Haines earned $1,250 per week during his time at MGM.
Q5: What was the primary source of William Haines’ earnings?
A5: William Haines made most of his money through his interior design business, which reportedly earned him over $400,000 annually.
Q6: What awards did William Haines receive during his lifetime?
A6: William Haines received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998 and was named the top interior designer of the year by the Los Angeles Times in 1962.
Q7: In what ways did William Haines’ legacy impact Hollywood?
A7: William Haines paved the way for other openly gay actors to succeed in the entertainment industry and established the first design firm of its kind, which laid the groundwork for several successful interior designers today.
Conclusion
William Haines remains a prominent figure in Hollywood’s history, and his legacy as an actor, interior designer, and fashion icon continues to inspire today. Haines’ success in Hollywood and his entrepreneurial spirit generated a fortune that cemented his place in the entertainment industry’s hall of fame. As we look back at his life and career, we celebrate the contributions he made to Hollywood and the interior design industry and honor his bravery as one of the first openly gay actors in the film industry.