Broderick Crawford was an American film, radio, stage, and film actor popular for his infamous portrayal of Willie Stark in the film ‘All the King’s Men.’
As of 2024, Broderick Crawford's net worth is estimated to be $25 million.
| Net Worth | $25 million |
| Given Name | William Broderick Crawford |
| Famous Name | Broderick Crawford |
| Source(s) of Fame | Actor |
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1911 |
| Place of Birth | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Age At Death | 74 |
| Date of Death | April 26, 1986 |
| Cause of Death | Stroke |
| Height | 6'0" |
| Relationships | Divorced, Kay Griffith, (1940-1958)Divorced, Joan Tabor, (1962 - 1970)Married, Mary Alice Moore, (1973 - 1986) |
William Broderick Crawford was born on the 9th of December 1911 to parents Lester Crawford and Helen Broderick. He attended the Dean Academy in Franklin, Massachusetts before graduating with admission to Harvard College. Three weeks after enrolling at Harvard, Crawford dropped out to work as a dock man on the New York docks.
Being born into a family that was inclined towards the performing arts, Crawford eventually found his way into the entertainment scene. He set his career off as a vaudeville like his parents and grandparents before branching into radio. While working in radio, he collaborated with the Marx Brothers on the comedy show ‘Flywheel, Shyster, and Flywheel.’ Crawford gained exposure on the show and in 1932, he landed his first serious role in the theatrical ‘She Loves Me Not, performed at the Adelphi Theatre.
In 1937, Crawford’s fame skyrocketed after his portrayal of Lenny in the hit Broadway show ‘Of Mice and Men’. His success motivated Crawford to make the move to Hollywood for a shot in the limelight. Soon after his move, Crawford landed his debut film ‘Women Chase Men’ and immediately after appeared in ‘Start Cheering.’
Anxious to catapult his budding career, Crawford signed to Paramount where he was cast in a couple of B films before moving to Universal. It was at Universal that he landed his first starring role in the film ‘I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby.’ He continued his collaborations with Universal who in turn rewarded him with lead roles.
Crawford’s career however took a back seat when WWII began as he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He was assigned to the Armed Forces Network and was posted in Britain where he served as a sergeant. After the war, he returned to the screens with the films, ‘Black Angel,’ and ‘Slave Girl.’ Crawford’s big break came in 1949 when he appeared in the movie ‘All the King’s Men’ as Willie Stark. The film was a huge commercial success and landed Crawford an Academy Award for Best Actor and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture -Drama.
After his big break, Crawford continued to appear in numerous A films solidifying his mark as part of the great acts of the current day Hollywood. In 1955, Crawford once again appeared a lead role in the hit series ‘Highway Patrol’ which was a career highlight.
Despite Crawford’s prowess as an actor, he had a drinking and overeating problem that affected his weight and left him a victim of injuries while he was filming for ‘Highway Patrol.’ His drinking problem caused strain between Crawford and the production teams he worked with and with the law. Crawford had several DUIs to his name which eventually left him with a suspended licence.
Throughout his life, Crawford married three times. His first marriage was to fellow actress Kay Griffith and the two were blessed with two children. After his divorce, Crawford married Joan Tabor. The two divorced 5 years later and Crawford eventually married Mary Alice Moore. The couple shared 13 years of a beautiful marriage until his passing.
Broderick Crawford is not active on any social media platform.
Crawford enjoyed a full life and successful career before succumbing to a series of strokes in 1986. He died at the age of 74 in Rancho Mirage, California.
Broderick Crawford was an American actor and one of the greats. He had a net worth of $25million and two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Broderick Crawford has sometimes been associated with other Actors such as KJ Smith, Ari Stidham, Shari Eubank, Joyce Jameson, John Bell, Mike Evans, Terry Wilson, Julie Mond, and Kim Hyun-mok.