James Cagney Net Worth: Exploring the Life of the Legendary Hollywood Star

What is James Cagney’s Net Worth and Salary?

James Cagney had a successful acting career, which made him a considerable amount of money. When he died in 1986, his net worth was reported to be around $10 million. During the peak of his career, he earned around $500,000 a year, which was a significant amount at that time. He made most of his money from acting and producing films. Cagney also owned a farm that produced apples and he invested in real estate.

Early Life and Education

James Cagney was born on July 17, 1899, in New York City. His father was a bartender, and his mother was an Irish Catholic who worked as a piano teacher. Cagney grew up in a rough neighborhood in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. He attended public schools and dropped out of high school when he was sixteen to work odd jobs.

Career

Cagney started his acting career on Broadway in 1925. He appeared in the play “Penny Arcade” and then went on to star in several other productions. He made his film debut in 1930 in the film “Sinners’ Holiday.” Cagney became famous for his role in the film “The Public Enemy” released in 1931. He went on to act in several other films, including “Angels with Dirty Faces” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”

Cagney was known for his tough-guy roles and his unique acting style, which was a mix of dance and violence. He was also a talented dancer and showed off his skills in films like “Footlight Parade” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” Cagney won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”

In addition to acting, Cagney was a producer and owned his production company, Cagney Productions. He produced several films, including “Johnny Come Lately” and “Blood on the Sun.”

Personal Life

James Cagney had a happy personal life. He was married to his wife, Frances, for 64 years until his death in 1986. They had two children, James Jr. and Casey. Cagney was known for his loyalty and generosity to his friends and family. He was also a devout Catholic and credited his faith for keeping him grounded throughout his life.

Illness and Death

James Cagney retired from acting in the 1960s. In the early 1980s, he suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak. He spent his final years in his Stanfordville, New York, farm where he died on March 30, 1986, at the age of 86.

Real Estate

James Cagney owned several properties during his lifetime. He owned a farm in Stanfordville, New York, which was his primary residence. He also owned an apartment in New York City and a house in Martha’s Vineyard. Cagney invested a considerable amount of money in real estate, as he believed it was a safe and sound investment.

Legacy

James Cagney was considered one of the greatest actors of his generation. He was known for his unique acting style and tough-guy roles. His contribution to the film industry was recognized when he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute in 1974. Cagney’s influence on Hollywood and the acting community is still seen today in the work of actors like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much did James Cagney make from his films?

James Cagney made several hundred thousand dollars per movie during the peak of his career in the 1930s. By the 1940s, he was earning around $100,000 per film. He made most of his money from acting and producing films.

2. What was James Cagney’s signature on-screen move?

James Cagney was known for his unique acting style, which included a signature move where he would stand with his feet close together and shake his fists. This move became known as the “Cagney Shake.”

3. What kind of person was James Cagney off-screen?

Off-screen, James Cagney was known for his loyalty and generosity. He was a devout Catholic and credited his faith for keeping him grounded throughout his life.

4. Did James Cagney win any awards for his acting?

Yes, James Cagney won several awards for his acting. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute in 1974.

5. Did James Cagney produce any films?

Yes, James Cagney produced several films under his production company, Cagney Productions. Some of the films he produced include “Johnny Come Lately” and “Blood on the Sun.”

6. What was the cause of James Cagney’s stroke?

It is not publicly known what caused James Cagney’s stroke in the early 1980s. The stroke left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak.

7. Was James Cagney married?

Yes, James Cagney was married to his wife, Frances, for 64 years until his death in 1986. They had two children, James Jr. and Casey.

8. Did James Cagney have any hobbies?

Yes, James Cagney was an avid dancer and often incorporated his dance skills into his movies. He was also interested in farming and owned a farm that produced apples.