I’ll admit it—when I first heard the name Broderick Crawford, I thought it was just another one of those old Hollywood names that didn’t ring any bells. That is, until I stumbled across his role in Highway Patrol. Suddenly, I couldn’t ignore how he defined the tough-guy role in the ‘50s and ‘60s, bringing a no-nonsense authority to the screen. So, naturally, my curiosity got the best of me, and I found myself diving deep into his career and, of course, his net worth. Turns out, Crawford wasn’t just a star—he was a star.
If you’re wondering how much Broderick Crawford was worth during his prime—and how he built his wealth in the golden age of Hollywood—well, buckle up. From tough cop roles to starring in critically acclaimed films, Broderick Crawford earned his way to a hefty net worth. Let’s break it down, shall we?
Who Was Broderick Crawford?
Broderick Crawford was a character actor with a career that spanned several decades. Born on December 9, 1911, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Crawford rose to fame with his trademark gruff voice and intimidating screen presence. He was the guy you could count on to play the tough-as-nails lawman, the corrupt politician, or the rugged antihero—roles that suited his no-nonsense style.
But it wasn’t just his roles that made him stand out. Crawford was one of the first to use his voice and demeanor to capture the essence of gritty realism in film and television. You know, the kind of guy who could command the screen even when he wasn’t saying a word. But, beyond the tough guy roles, Crawford’s career also spanned the world of theater and television, where his versatility as an actor truly shone.
Image Credit: Wikipedia
What Is Broderick Crawford’s Net Worth?
Now, the fun part: Broderick Crawford’s net worth. Based on a variety of sources, his estimated net worth at the time of his passing in 1986 was around $1 million. Keep in mind, this was during the late 1980s, so the value would be much higher in today’s currency when adjusted for inflation.
While that number may seem modest by today’s standards, remember, Crawford wasn’t exactly in the business of producing viral social media content or building YouTube empires. His wealth was generated by a steady career in television and movies, which was a lot more stable back in those days.
So, what is Broderick Crawford’s net worth in 2025? Well, adjusting to inflation, $1 million in 1986 amounts to approximately $2.94 million in 2025. This is based on an average annual inflation rate of 2.8%. So it can be safely assumed that Broderick Crawford’s net worth in 2025 is in the region of $1 million and $5 million.
Image Credit: IMDB
Broderick Crawford – Personal and Professional Profile
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Broderick Crawford |
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1911 |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | Passed away at 74 years old (Died: April 26, 1986) |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor |
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Weight | N/A |
| Marital Status | Married to Mary Crawford (His wife for several years) |
| Spouse | Mary Crawford |
| Children | 2 children (names not widely disclosed) |
| Education | Attended the University of Southern California (USC), studied theater |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $1 million and $5 million (2025 estimate, adjusted for inflation) |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
How Did Broderick Crawford Build His Wealth?
1. Hollywood Roles and Movie Appearances
Crawford’s career really took off when he was cast as the lead in All the King’s Men (1949), a role that earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. The movie was a massive hit, and Crawford’s performance as the corrupt politician Willie Stark made him an instant star. From there, he continued to land important roles in films like The Brave Bulls (1951) and The Garment Jungle (1957), cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
Notably, his transition into television helped keep his career—and his bank account—well-fed. His role as the tough, straight-laced officer in the TV series Highway Patrol (1955–1959) was a defining moment in his career. The show was incredibly successful, running for several seasons, and was a major source of revenue for Crawford.
2. Television Work
While he had a significant film career, it was his role in television that truly expanded his wealth. After Highway Patrol, Crawford landed other high-profile TV roles, including The Brothers (1972) and The Sixth Sense (1972). His steady work in TV dramas kept him in the public eye and continued to add to his earnings over the years. Television was a new frontier for actors in the ’50s and ’60s, and Crawford capitalized on it—something that many movie stars struggled with at the time.
3. Business and Investments
While we don’t know the exact details of Crawford’s business ventures, it’s safe to assume that he invested wisely in real estate, as many successful actors from his era did. Back in the day, actors often supplemented their earnings with smart real estate investments, which were relatively easy to make and gave them the long-term security that helped them build their net worth.
Like many of his contemporaries, Crawford likely took advantage of the prosperity of Hollywood at the time, purchasing property and making investments that would last beyond his acting career.
How Does Broderick Crawford Compare to Other Classic Hollywood Stars?
When it comes to net worth, Broderick Crawford wasn’t exactly in the same league as some of Hollywood’s highest earners like James Stewart or John Wayne. But, for his time, he was a successful and well-established actor, and his net worth reflects his steady and consistent career in both television and film. Crawford didn’t enjoy the global fame of some other actors, but his wealth was built on a sustainable, long-term career that saw him transition between multiple media platforms—something many stars of the time struggled with.
What Does Broderick Crawford’s Net Worth Tell Us About His Career?
Crawford’s net worth isn’t just about the dollars and cents—it’s about how he built a career that was both financially successful and artistically respected. His ability to move between film, television, and even voice work (such as his voiceover roles in The Twilight Zone and other anthology series) allowed him to carve out a unique niche in Hollywood. He didn’t just wait for roles to come to him; he was actively involved in shaping his career, and that work paid off in the long run.
Credit: Wikipedia
FAQ Section
1. What did Broderick Crawford do to earn his Oscar?
Crawford won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in All the King’s Men (1949), where he portrayed a corrupt, populist politician. His powerful performance earned him critical acclaim and cemented his status as a top actor in Hollywood.
2. Did Broderick Crawford ever appear in movies after his TV career?
Yes, Crawford continued to appear in movies even after his success in television. He appeared in films like The Last Tycoon (1976) and The Big Cat (1972), among others, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
3. How did Broderick Crawford spend his money?
While there’s no detailed public information on Crawford’s exact spending habits, it’s likely that he invested in real estate and lived comfortably on his earnings from film and television roles. Actors from his time often relied on smart investments to secure their financial futures.
4. Was Broderick Crawford involved in any other business ventures?
While Crawford’s main focus was on acting, there are no widely known reports of him being involved in major business ventures outside of his entertainment career. Like many stars of his era, his wealth likely came from consistent work in television, film, and smart investments.
Legacy of Broderick Crawford: From Hollywood Tough Guy to Wealthy Icon
Broderick Crawford’s net worth may not have reached the millions we see today, but in the context of his era, he built a fortune that was a testament to his enduring career in Hollywood. From his Oscar-winning turn in All the King’s Men to his starring role in Highway Patrol, Crawford’s career not only entertained millions but set him up financially for a comfortable life.
His story is a reminder that in Hollywood, it’s not just about hitting it big once—it’s about the steady grind, making smart investments, and knowing when to transition your skills to new opportunities. So, next time you watch a classic Crawford movie, remember: the man didn’t just leave a legacy on screen—he built a fortune doing it.
