Natalie Schafer was born on November 5, 1900, in Red Bank, New Jersey, the eldest of three children of Jennie (née Tim) and Charles Emanual Schafer, both of German-Jewish descent.
She began her career on Broadway, appearing in 17 plays between 1927 and 1959, including Lady in the Dark, The Doughgirls, and Romanoff and Juliet. In 1941, she moved to Los Angeles to act in films. She also guest-starred in television, including Sherlock Holmes and I Love Lucy in 1954.
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Table of Contents
Natalie Schafer Net Worth
Natalie Schafer had a net worth of $10 million at the time of her death. She was reportedly a breast cancer survivor, a fact she kept private from fans and friends.
Upon her passing, a family spokesman stated that her survivors included her longtime companion, Maurice Hill.
Early Life
In 1969, Natalie Schafer appeared in The Survivors, a prime time soap opera on ABC, alongside stars like Lana Turner, Kevin McCarthy, and George Hamilton.
Despite its high profile, the show was a ratings failure and lasted only one season. During the 1971–1972 season, she joined the CBS daytime serial Search for Tomorrow as Helen Collins, followed by her role as Augusta Roulland on Love of Life. Her final performance was in the 1990 TV horror film, I’m Dangerous Tonight.
Career
During the 1990s, Verónica Castro began hosting variety shows, a role she has continued to fulfill. In 2009, she returned to telenovelas, leaving Mexico for Argentina to film Los Exitosos Pérez, which premiered in Mexico on August 30, 2009.
Personal Life
Natalie Schafer was married to actor Louis Calhern from 1933 to 1942; they had no children. The two appeared together in the 1956 film Forever, Darling.
Schafer was famously secretive about her age, never revealing her true birth year even to her husband. For decades, her birth year was listed as 1912, though her actual birth year, 1900, was only discovered after her death, surprising even close friends. She was also a breast cancer survivor, a fact she kept private from fans and friends.
How Much Did the Cast of Gilligan’s Island Make?
The cast members of Gilligan’s Island were paid a weekly salary of $750 during the show’s run. This pay was substantial for the time but did not translate into long-term residuals from the show’s syndication, a common practice in the industry today.
Conclusion
Natalie Schafer’s life was a blend of on-screen charisma and off-screen financial wisdom. Her portrayal of Lovey Howell will forever be remembered, but her legacy also includes her remarkable success in real estate, which secured her financial victory long after the cameras stopped rolling.
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FAQs about Natalie Schafer
- What led to Natalie Schafer’s interest in real estate? Schafer’s interest in real estate was likely fueled by a desire for financial security and savvy investment opportunities beyond her acting career.
- Did Natalie Schafer have any children? Natalie Schafer did not have any children. Her legacy and estate were left to her co-star, Dawn Wells, her dogs, and the Lillian Booth Actors Home.
- What was Natalie Schafer’s most memorable role? Schafer’s most memorable role was as Eunice “Lovey” Wentworth Howell on Gilligan’s Island, a character that became iconic in American pop culture.
- How did Natalie Schafer contribute to charity? Schafer generously bequeathed a portion of her fortune to the Lillian Booth Actors Home in New York, showcasing her commitment to supporting the acting community.
- What is Natalie Schafer’s lasting impact on Hollywood? Beyond her memorable performances, Schafer’s lasting impact lies in her demonstration that actors can successfully navigate financial waters through wise investments, leaving a legacy that extends beyond their filmography.
