Robert Osborne
Actor

Robert Osborne Net Worth

Robert Osborne was an actor, writer, and cinematographer born in Colfax, Washington in 1932. He was best known for his role as the host of Turner Classic Movies from its inception in 1994. His love and knowledge of film was evident in his work. He began his career working for Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and was encouraged to pursue writing instead of acting. He wrote "Academy Awards Illustrated" and worked for The Hollywood Reporter. He was also the official historian of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Osborne was known for his remarkable knowledge of movies, his storytelling ability, and his gracious hosting style.
Robert Osborne is a member of Actor

Age, Biography and Wiki

Who is it? Actor, Writer, Cinematographer
Birth Day May 03, 1932
Birth Place  Colfax, Washington, United States
Age 88 YEARS OLD
Died On March 6, 2017(2017-03-06) (aged 84)\nNew York City, U.S.
Birth Sign Gemini
Alma mater University of Washington
Occupation Actor, film historian, television presenter, author
Years active 1958–2016

💰 Net worth

Robert Osborne, a well-known figure in the United States, is estimated to have a net worth ranging from $100,000 to $1 million in 2024. Recognized for his versatile talents, Osborne has made significant contributions to the industry as an actor, writer, and cinematographer. Throughout his career, he has showcased his exceptional skills and creativity, becoming a respected figure in the entertainment world. With his diversified professional background, it comes as no surprise that he has amassed a considerable fortune. As the years go by, Osborne's net worth is anticipated to grow even further, solidifying his status as a successful and influential personality in the field.

Biography/Timeline

1932

Osborne was born on May 3, 1932, in the small town of Colfax, Washington, where he was raised. His parents were Robert Eugene Osborne, a public school Teacher, and Hazel Ida (née Jolin). Osborne graduated from the University of Washington School of Journalism in 1954.

1959

One of Osborne's early television appearances was in a 1959 episode of Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse called "Chain of Command", starring Hugh O'Brian. He was also featured in the Christmas Day Desilu Playhouse installment "The Desilu Revue" in December 1959. He also had small roles in such TV shows as The Californians and the 1962 pilot episode of The Beverly Hillbillies, "The Clampetts Strike Oil" (in the role of Jeff Taylor). He refrained from signing on for the series, however, thinking the show would not be a success, and instead focused his attention on acting in television commercials.

1965

Ball suggested that Osborne focus his energies on becoming a Journalist, as he would often quip, "especially after she saw me act". After The Beverly Hillbillies, Osborne would focus more on writing and journalism. In 1965, Osborne had his first book published, Academy Awards Illustrated.

1977

In 1977, Osborne began his long-standing stint as a columnist for The Hollywood Reporter. The following year, he published 50 Golden Years of Oscar, which won the 1979 National Film Book award. Having joined the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, he was elected its President in 1981, and served as such till 1983. In 1982, Osborne began a five-year stint as the entertainment reporter on KTTV Channel 11 in Los Angeles. In addition, he began his Rambling Reporter column for The Hollywood Reporter, published five times weekly.

1980

Osborne had moved to New York City in the late 1980s. During his lifetime, few details of his personal life were reported, but upon his death it was confirmed that he had been in a 20-year relationship with David Staller of Gingold Theatrical Group; it was Staller who confirmed Osborne's death to the media.

1984

Osborne won the Publicists Guild of America 1984 Press Award. He also received an honorary doctorate from the Academy of Art University in 2005, and was awarded a star at Vine Street on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. In 2007, he received the National Board of Review's william K. Everson Award.

1994

In 1994, Ted Turner created Turner Classic Movies as a competitor to American Movie Classics (now known as AMC). Osborne was selected as the host of their nightly broadcasts. For TCM, in addition to hosting four primetime movies seven days a week, he was also the host of special one-on-one "Private Screening" interviews featuring many familiar actors and Directors. Beginning in 2006, Osborne also co-hosted TCM's The Essentials. His co-hosts were Molly Haskell from 2006 to 2007, Carrie Fisher from 2007 to 2008, Rose McGowan from 2008 to 2009, Alec Baldwin from 2009 to 2011, Drew Barrymore and finally Sally Field.

2005

Osborne also participated in events at the Paley Center for Media in New York City saluting the television careers of Lucille Ball and Cloris Leachman. Beginning in 2005, Osborne hosted the annual "Robert Osborne's Classic Film Festival" in Athens, Georgia. The non-profit event is held by the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. In 2010, Osborne hosted the very first TCM Classic Film Festival, and participated in subsequent annual festivals.

2011

In 2011, Osborne became ill and TCM announced that Osborne would be taking "a short break from his TCM hosting duties for minor surgery, followed by a vacation." Osborne continued to appear on Saturday nights, hosting "The Essentials" with Alec Baldwin. In 2012, Osborne began to share some of his hosting duties with Ben Mankiewicz. Mankiewicz hosted primetime films two nights a week as well as many daytime events. Osborne stated that he would continue to work “as long as I have health, and as long as I think I look O.K. on camera.” He also said, “If I really couldn’t do it with enthusiasm, that would be the time to quit.”

2015

In 2014, as part of an exclusive programming deal with Disney, TCM agreed to become the sponsor of The Great Movie Ride. The attraction underwent a refurbishment in 2015, with the addition of a new pre-show and post-show hosted by Osborne, who also provides onboard narration to the ride. The changes were unveiled on May 29, 2015.

2016

In January, 2016, Osborne was given the inaugural william Cameron Menzies Award from the Art Directors Guild, recognizing his 35 years as a film Historian, columnist and critic championing visual entertainment.

2017

Osborne retired from the air in early 2016 due to ill-health and missed a number of TCM annual events over the next year. Osborne died at his New York City apartment in the Osborne on West 57th Street on Monday, March 6, 2017, from natural causes. He was 84.

2018

In March 2018, Turner Classic Movies announced the establishment of the Robert Osborne Award, to be presented at the annual TCM Classic Film Festival "to an individual whose work has helped keep the cultural heritage of classic films alive and thriving for generations to come." The inaugural recipient was film Director Martin Scorsese for his work with The Film Foundation, which Scorsese helped found in 1990.

Some Robert Osborne images

About the author

Lisa Scholfield

As a Senior Writer at Famous Net Worth, I spearhead an exceptional team dedicated to uncovering and sharing the stories of pioneering individuals. My passion for unearthing untold narratives drives me to delve deep into the essence of each subject, bringing forth a unique blend of factual accuracy and narrative allure. In orchestrating the editorial workflow, I am deeply involved in every step—from initial research to the final touches of publishing, ensuring each biography not only informs but also engages and inspires our readership.