Mary Tyler Moore, an iconic figure in American television, left an indelible mark on the entertainment world with her grace, charm, and impeccable talent. Beyond her illustrious career, one question that often comes up is, What is Mary Tyler Moore’s net worth? At the time of her death on January 25, 2017, her estimated net worth was a staggering $60 million. In this article, we delve into surprising facts about her wealth and how she accumulated such an impressive fortune over the years.
Early Career: The Foundation of Mary Tyler Moore’s Wealth
Mary Tyler Moore’s rise to fame wasn’t overnight. She started her career in the 1950s as a television and commercial actress, most notably playing a housewife in a kitchen commercial for Happy Hotpoint. However, her breakthrough role came in the 1960s as Laura Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show. This role not only made her a household name but also laid the foundation for her eventual financial success.
Her earnings during this time, though modest compared to her later career, were significant enough to set her on a path to accumulating a considerable net worth.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show: A Financial Breakthrough
The 1970s marked the golden era of Mary Tyler Moore’s career. When she starred in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, her fame soared to new heights. This show, considered one of the most revolutionary sitcoms of its time, played a pivotal role in building the net worth of Mary Tyler Moore. The show was an instant success and ran for seven seasons, earning her several awards, including multiple Emmy Awards.
Moore was not only the star of the show but also one of its producers through her production company, MTM Enterprises, which she co-founded with her then-husband, Grant Tinker. MTM Enterprises was responsible for producing numerous successful shows, including Hill Street Blues and St. Elsewhere. The revenue generated by these productions contributed significantly to Mary Tyler Moore’s net worth.
MTM Enterprises: A Key Contributor to Mary Tyler Moore’s Fortune
One of the lesser-known facts about Mary Tyler Moore’s net worth is how much of it came from her production company, MTM Enterprises. While her on-screen work was a significant source of income, her role behind the scenes as a producer added millions to her fortune. MTM Enterprises became one of the most successful production companies in television, creating hit shows that were beloved by audiences and critics alike.
Her production company helped build not only her wealth but also her legacy. By the time the company was sold in the late 1980s, it had become a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, adding substantially to the net worth of Mary Tyler Moore.
Investments and Real Estate: Expanding Her Financial Portfolio
Apart from her work in television, Moore was also savvy when it came to her financial investments. A significant portion of Mary Tyler Moore’s net worth came from her investment in real estate. Over the years, she purchased multiple properties, including a sprawling estate in Connecticut and an apartment in Manhattan. These properties appreciated over time, adding to her overall fortune.
Additionally, Moore invested in stocks and other ventures, ensuring a steady growth of her wealth. This diversified portfolio not only safeguarded her financial future but also contributed to her immense net worth at the time of her death.
Mary Tyler Moore’s Philanthropy and Advocacy
Despite her wealth, Moore was not one to shy away from using her fortune for good causes. Throughout her life, she was an advocate for animal rights and diabetes research. Having been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the 1960s, Moore was a vocal advocate for diabetes awareness and contributed millions to the cause through the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Her philanthropic efforts, while generous, didn’t significantly impact her fortune. However, they did help solidify her legacy as more than just a television icon — she was a compassionate and caring human being who sought to make a difference.
What Is Mary Tyler Moore’s Net Worth Compared to Her Husband?
While Mary Tyler Moore’s $60 million fortune was impressive, her wealth was not the only significant figure in her household. Her third husband, Dr. Robert Levine, a successful cardiologist, also amassed a considerable fortune. Though Mary Tyler Moore’s husband’s net worth is not as publicly documented, it is believed to be in the range of several million dollars, primarily from his medical practice. Together, they enjoyed a life of luxury, with their combined wealth enabling them to live comfortably and contribute to various charitable causes.
The Legacy of Mary Tyler Moore’s Wealth
At the time of her death, Mary Tyler Moore’s net worth was estimated to be $60 million, a sum that reflects her successful career both in front of and behind the camera. Her wealth didn’t just come from acting — her production company, investments, and real estate holdings all played vital roles in her financial success.
Moore’s fortune also underscores her ability to navigate the entertainment industry intelligently, taking advantage of opportunities that allowed her to remain financially secure while also making a significant cultural impact.
Conclusion
In summary, Mary Tyler Moore’s net worth of $60 million is a testament to her incredible career and smart financial decisions. From her early days as an actress to her role as a producer and savvy investor, Moore built a financial empire that reflected her talent and business acumen. While her wealth was impressive, her legacy goes far beyond dollars and cents — she was a trailblazer for women in television and a passionate advocate for causes she believed in.
Here is a table summarizing the key information about Mary Tyler Moore’s net worth and related details:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth at Time of Death | $60 million (as of January 25, 2017) |
| Primary Source of Wealth | Acting, Production Company (MTM Enterprises) |
| Breakthrough Role | Laura Petrie in The Dick Van Dyke Show |
| Most Iconic Role | Lead role in The Mary Tyler Moore Show |
| Key Financial Success | Co-founding MTM Enterprises, producing hit TV shows like Hill Street Blues |
| Production Company Revenue | Major contributor to her overall wealth through MTM Enterprises |
| Real Estate Investments | Properties in Connecticut, Manhattan, and others |
| Philanthropy | Advocate for diabetes research and animal rights |
| Husband | Dr. Robert Levine (Cardiologist) |
| Estimated Husband’s Net Worth | Several million dollars (exact figure not publicly documented) |
| Legacy | Trailblazer for women in television, influential in charity and advocacy |
As fans continue to reflect on her life and career, the question of what is Mary Tyler Moore’s net worth will always be a point of interest. But her true legacy lies in the joy she brought to millions of viewers and the positive change she inspired through her advocacy and philanthropy.
