Introduction

Rory Calhoun wasn’t just another face in Hollywood—he was the ultimate rebel-turned-star, with a backstory as wild as the Westerns that made him famous

. From his troubled youth and prison stints to becoming a household name alongside legends like Marilyn Monroe and Rock Hudson, Calhoun’s life was a real-life adventure.

But what really makes his story intriguing? His soaring net worth, his string of hit movies and TV shows, and the dramatic twists of his personal life, right up until his final days battling emphysema and diabetes. Dive into the fascinating world of a man who didn’t just act like a cowboy—he lived like one.

Early Life and Journey to Hollywood

Rory Calhoun, born Francis Timothy McCown on August 8, 1922, in Los Angeles, had a troubled youth, including time in prison for car theft. Despite this, he was discovered by Alan Ladd while working as a lumberjack, which led to his acting career.

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Calhoun’s transition to Hollywood was helped by talent agent Henry Willson, the same man who crafted stage names for stars like Rock Hudson. Willson suggested the name Rory Calhoun, and from that moment on, Calhoun’s career began to rise rapidly.

Rory Calhoun’s Career: Movies, TV Shows, and Income Sources

Movies

Calhoun’s success in Hollywood was largely due to his extensive work in Westerns. He appeared in over 80 films, showcasing a broad range of acting skills. Some of his most notable films include:

• How to Marry a Millionaire (1953): In this romantic comedy, Rory starred alongside Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall, showcasing his ability to step out of the Western genre.
• River of No Return (1954): Calhoun played a supporting role in this Western classic starring Monroe and Robert Mitchum.
• The Spoilers (1955): A quintessential Western, this film solidified Calhoun’s place as one of Hollywood’s top cowboy actors.

Notable Film Roles

Year	Film Title	Genre	Role
1953	How to Marry a Millionaire	Comedy	Eben
1954	River of No Return	Western	Harry Weston
1955	The Spoilers	Western	Glennister
1957	The Hired Gun	Western	Gil McCord

TV Shows

Rory Calhoun also found success in television, which became a significant part of his career. His most famous television role was in The Texan (1958-1960), where he played the lead role of Bill Longley, a wandering gunfighter. The show was a hit and contributed significantly to his popularity.

He appeared in several other well-known TV shows, including:

• Bonanza
• Gunsmoke
• The Rifleman

His TV roles allowed him to maintain a strong presence in Hollywood long after the Western film genre began to decline.

Income Sources and Business Ventures

In addition to acting, Rory Calhoun was a savvy businessman. He invested in real estate during the height of his career, which significantly boosted his financial standing. His income streams included:

• Film and TV Salaries: His acting career brought in substantial earnings.
• Real Estate: Investments in properties added to his financial portfolio.
• Endorsements: Calhoun occasionally capitalized on his fame through product endorsements.

Rory Calhoun’s Net Worth at Death

At his death in 1999, Rory Calhoun’s net worth was about $10 million, earned through his long acting career, smart investments, and lasting relevance in Hollywood.

Source of Income	Estimated Contribution
Film and TV Roles	$6 million
Real Estate Investments	$3 million
Endorsements	$1 million

His financial status was quite respectable compared to his contemporaries, and he remained one of the best-known faces in Hollywood’s Western films for many years.

Personal Life: Wife and Family

Rory Calhoun’s personal life was just as eventful as his career. He married actress and singer Lita Baron in 1948, and they had three daughters: Cindy, Tami, and Lorri. Their rocky marriage ended in 1970, with Baron accusing Calhoun of numerous affairs—claims he didn’t deny.

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After his divorce, Calhoun married Sue Rhodes in 1971, and they remained together until his death. While his personal life had its ups and downs, Calhoun was known to be a devoted father and maintained close relationships with his daughters.

Addressing Speculation: Was Rory Calhoun Gay?

There were occasional rumors about Rory Calhoun’s sexuality, similar to other actors of his time like Rock Hudson, but they had no basis. His two marriages and public affairs with women show that these speculations were unfounded.

Rory Calhoun’s Death: Complications from Emphysema and Diabetes

Rory Calhoun passed away on April 28, 1999, at 76, due to complications from emphysema and diabetes. Despite his health issues, he continued acting into the late 1980s, showing his dedication to his craft.

His death marked the end of a remarkable era in Hollywood, particularly for fans of Western films. Calhoun’s rugged portrayal of cowboy characters left an indelible mark on the genre, making him an unforgettable figure in Hollywood history.

Interesting Facts About Rory Calhoun

• Before becoming a Hollywood star, Rory Calhoun was arrested multiple times and served time for car theft.
• Alan Ladd discovered him while he was working as a lumberjack, kickstarting his acting career.
• Calhoun became an icon in Western films and TV shows, though he worked in other genres.
• His real cowboy skills added authenticity to his Western roles.
• Calhoun was close friends with Rock Hudson, though their friendship was purely platonic despite rumors.
• He starred in over 80 films across his career.
• Beyond acting, Calhoun was a successful real estate investor, boosting his wealth.
• He was married twice, first to Lita Baron for 22 years and later to Sue Rhodes.
• He continued acting into the late 1980s, with his final role in 1993.
• After his death, he received posthumous tributes from Hollywood stars and fans for his contributions to entertainment.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Rory Calhoun’s Hollywood legacy extends beyond Westerns; he seamlessly transitioned between film and TV, bringing authenticity to his tough characters, shaped by his complex past.

Though his health failed him in his later years, his work continues to be celebrated, particularly by fans of classic Western movies. Calhoun’s ability to overcome personal challenges and rise to stardom is a testament to his resilience and talent.

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In conclusion, Rory Calhoun’s net worth at death, his dynamic career, personal relationships, and health struggles define the life of a man who lived through Hollywood’s golden age. His contributions to film and television continue to inspire actors today, ensuring his name remains etched in the annals of cinematic history.

table

Category	Details
Full Name	Francis Timothy McCown
Stage Name	Rory Calhoun
Date of Birth	August 8, 1922
Place of Birth	Los Angeles, California, USA
Date of Death	April 28, 1999
Cause of Death	Complications from Emphysema and Diabetes
Net Worth at Death	Estimated $10 million
Major Film Roles	How to Marry a Millionaire, River of No Return, The Spoilers
Famous TV Shows	The Texan, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, The Rifleman
Wife(s)	Lita Baron (m. 1948–1970), Sue Rhodes (m. 1971–1999)
Children	3 daughters: Cindy, Tami, and Lorri
Occupation	Actor, Real Estate Investor
Popular Genres	Westerns, Drama, Comedy
Legacy	Starred in over 80 films and numerous TV shows; Hollywood Western icon
Health Issues	Emphysema, Diabetes
Key Friends and Mentors	Alan Ladd, Rock Hudson
Interesting Fact	Discovered by Alan Ladd while working as a lumberjack

Rory Calhoun’s Net Worth, Income Sources & Career Breakdown