Best known for his gruff portrayal of Joe Mannix on the stalwart police procedural Mannix, Mike Connors is, to many, a Hollywood legend. Connors’ career stretched more than six decades, making him a household name, renowned for his charisma, dedication and impressive acting skills. As well as his screen career, Connors has amassed a considerable portion of fortune thanks to his hit television and film work. In this article, we take a closer look at Mike Connors Net Worth, career highlights and legacy.
Who Was Mike Connors?
Mike Connors born Krekor Ohanian on August 15, 1925, in Fresno, California, was American of Armenian descent. Connors studied law at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) before realizing his true calling was acting. His nickname Touch came from his athletic days as a basketball player and also led to his early acting career.
Connors started acting in the late 1940s, snagging small roles in movies and TV shows before he drew attention for his rugged good looks and versatile talent. He went on to become one of the biggest stars in the world, particularly in crime dramas.
How Much was Mike Connors Worth at Death?
Mike Connors was worth around $6 million at the time of his death in 2017. His fortune was mainly earned during his decades-long acting career, with Mannix being the cornerstone of his financial success. Connors’ role as Joe Mannix made him one of the highest-paid television actors of his era, adding to his net worth considerably.
Connors also made money from his appearances in films, endorsements and royalties played on his iconic TV series, which ensured a steady income throughout his life.
Net Worth: Career Highlights That Contributed to It
Breakthrough with Mannix
Mike Connors’ career hit a high note in 1967 when he was cast as Joe Mannix, a private investigator, in the hit CBS show Mannix. The show lasted for eight seasons from 1967 to 1975 and became one of the most popular detective dramas of its time.
Connors’s depiction of Joe Mannix, a hard boiled but tenderhearted detective, struck a chord with audiences. That role not only made him a household name but also brought him many award nominations, including a Golden Globe win for Best Actor in a Television Series in 1970.
The success of the show brought Connors into American homes and made him one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors. He earned a small fortune from his salary at the peak of Mannix.
Early Film and TV Career
Connors had appeared in many films and TV series before Mannix. His early appearances in films like Sudden Fear (1952) and The Ten Commandments (1956) demonstrated his range as an actor. On TV, he starred in Tightrope (1959–1960), playing an undercover agent, reinforcing his genre gangster credentials.
Though none of those early parts brought him the same level of fame he would enjoy with Mannix, they gave him steady work and experience that helped him form a foundation for his career.
Guest Spots and Subsequent Roles
After Mannix, Connors worked in television and film, with guest roles on popular television shows like Love Boat and Murder, She Wrote. Connors seemed never to recapture the gigantic success of Mannix, but he did stay involved with entertainment, which meant he had a reliable income stream.
How Mike Connors Acquired His Wealth
Mike Connors Net Worth $6 million was amassed through a combination of:
Television Success: His lead on Mannix earned him most of his money, making him among the best-paid actors in television of his era.
Film Appearances: Connors acted in movies such as The Ten Commandments and other features that added to his wealth.
Syndication Royalties: After Mannix continued to be enjoyed in reruns, Connors reaped syndication royalties.
Endorsements and Appearances: His fame opened up opportunities for endorsements and public appearances which added to his income.
Personal Life Of Mike Connors
Mike Connors was married for almost 70 years to his college sweetheart, Mary Lou Willey, a rarity in Hollywood. Connors and the couple had two children and Connors time and again opened up about how important family was for him.
Connors, who was known for his philanthropy, became a supporter of Armenian causes and charitable organizations. His dedication to his roots and magnanimity gained him celebrities and fans alike both on and off screen.
Conclusion
Lisa Connors passed away at the age of 87, due to cellular carcinoma. His take on the private investigator remains one of television’s most celebrated performances.
Mike Connors Net Worth of around $6 million may not compare to that of modern Hollywood stars, but it is a testament to a career built on talent, hard work, and consistency. The legacy of Connors lives on in the classic appeal of Mannix and his works in television and film.
FAQ About Mike Connors Net Worth
What was Mike Connors Estimated Worth?
Mike Connors died with an estimated net worth of $6 million at the time of his death, much of it coming from his acting career.
What Was Mike Connors’ Most Famous Role?
Connors is most famous for featuring as Joe Mannix on the smash hit TV series Mannix, which aired for eight seasons.
Did Mike Connors Win Any Awards for His Work?
Yes, Connors won a Golden Globe in 1970 for his role on Mannix. He also received multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
Was Mike Connors Active Before He Passed Away?
Connors cut back on his acting in later years but made occasional guest appearances in television shows and movies.
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