George Campbell Scott (October 18, 1927 – September 22, 1999) was a celebrated American actor known for his commanding presence and complex portrayals of authority figures. He won two Golden Globes, two Primetime Emmys, and an Oscar for Patton (1970), which he famously declined.
His acclaimed films include Anatomy of a Murder, The Hustler, Dr. Strangelove, and The Exorcist III. A five-time Tony nominee, Scott also starred in TV classics like 12 Angry Men. He frequently collaborated with his wives Colleen Dewhurst and Trish Van Devere.
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Table of Contents
George C Scott Net Worth
George C. Scott had a net worth of $25 million at his death in 1999. On TV, he starred in Country Justice, Titanic (1996) as the captain, and The Searchers (1996). He won another Emmy for playing Juror No. 3 in 12 Angry Men (1997).
He hosted Weapons at War on A&E, later credited on The History Channel, before being replaced by Robert Conrad. His final roles were in Gloria, Rocky Marciano, and Inherit the Wind with Jack Lemmon. Known for being moody, Maureen Stapleton once said, “I’m scared of him.”
Early Life
George Campbell Scott was born on October 18, 1927, in Wise, Virginia, to Gerald Dewey Scott and Helena Agnes Slemp. After his mother’s death, he was raised by his father in Detroit. Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Scott aimed to become a writer.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps (1945–1949), stationed at Arlington National Cemetery. Later, he studied at the University of Missouri, majoring in journalism before turning to drama, graduating in 1953 with degrees in English and theater.
Career
George C. Scott gained early acclaim with Joseph Papp’s New York Shakespeare Festival, winning an Obie Award in 1958 for Children of Darkness, As You Like It, and Richard III, where he gave a famously “angry” performance.
He debuted on Broadway in Comes a Day (1958) and on television in A Tale of Two Cities, directed by Robert Mulligan. Scott also appeared in The Outcasts of Poker Flat, Kraft Theatre, and Omnibus. His feature film debut came in The Hanging Tree (1959) alongside Gary Cooper.
Personal Life
George C. Scott was married five times. With Carolyn Hughes (1951–1955), he had daughter Victoria. With Patricia Reed (1955–1960), he had Matthew and actress Devon Scott. He married Colleen Dewhurst twice (1960–1965, 1967–1972), fathering writer Alexander Scott and actor Campbell Scott.
In 1972, he wed Trish Van Devere, co-starring with her in films like The Changeling (1980); they stayed married until his death. He also had daughter Michelle with Karen Truesdell, and adopted George Dressell, Van Devere’s nephew. Scott resided in Malibu, California.
Why did George C. Scott not accept his Oscar?
For his role as General George S. Patton in the 1970 film Patton, George C. Scott became the first actor to decline an Oscar. He had warned the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences months in advance, stating he would refuse the award because he believed that performances cannot be compared and judged against one another.
His decision was based on a firm conviction that the competitive nature of the Oscars was inappropriate for artistic achievements.
Conclusion
George C. Scott remains a towering figure in the annals of American cinema. His legacy, marked by his impressive net worth, groundbreaking performances, and a life lived on his own terms, continues to inspire actors and audiences alike.
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FAQs about George C. Scott’s Net Worth
- What contributed to George C. Scott’s net worth?
- His earnings from acting, directing, and real estate investments.
- Did George C. Scott have any children who followed in his footsteps?
- Yes, his children, including actors Devon and Campbell Scott, have made their marks in the acting world.
- What was George C. Scott’s most financially successful film?
- “Patton” stands out as one of his most lucrative projects.
- Did George C. Scott’s refusal of the Oscar affect his career earnings?
- While controversial, his decision did not negatively impact his earning potential.
- What were George C. Scott’s other sources of income besides acting?
- In addition to acting, Scott earned money from directing, producing, and his investments in real estate.
