Cornel Wilde Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Cornel Wilde, born Kornel Lajos Weisz in Hungary, began his career in the entertainment industry at a young age. He started as a dancer in the 1920s, touring with various vaudeville acts and later joining the Martha Graham Dance Company. His journey into acting began when he was discovered by a talent scout while performing in a Broadway play.

Wilde’s film debut came in 1939 with a small role in “The House on 56th Street.” However, it was his performance in the 1945 film “Leave Her to Heaven” that catapulted him to fame. This role, opposite Gene Tierney, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, launching his career as a leading man in Hollywood.

Cornel Wilde’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Cornel Wilde’s current net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This figure takes into account his successful acting career, directing, and producing work, as well as his other ventures.

Career

Cornel Wilde, born Cornelius Louis Wilde, was an American actor, director, and producer. Born in 1912, he started his career in the 1930s, appearing in several Broadway plays. He transitioned to film in the 1940s, starring in notable movies like “The Escape” and “The Naked Prey”. Wilde also directed and produced films, including “The Big Combo” and “Beach Red”. He was known for his versatility and intensity on screen.

Other Ventures

In addition to his acting and filmmaking career, Wilde was also a skilled fencer and a passionate art collector. He won the U.S. National Sabre Championship in 1946 and was a member of the U.S. Fencing Team at the 1952 Olympics. His art collection included works by Picasso, Matisse, and Miró, among others.

Assets

Wilde’s assets included a diverse portfolio of real estate, investments, and art. He owned several properties in Los Angeles and New York, including a historic home in Beverly Hills. His art collection was valued at over $1 million at the time of his death in 1989. Wilde also owned a production company, Cornel Wilde Productions, which produced several of his films.

Annual Income

Wilde’s annual income varied throughout his career. In the 1950s and 1960s, he was one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, earning around $250,000 per film. As a director and producer, he also received royalties and profits from the films he made. His annual income from his art collection and real estate investments is not publicly known.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Cornel Wilde

Frequently Asked Questions about Cornel Wilde

1. What was Cornel Wilde’s net worth?

Cornel Wilde’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million at the time of his death.

2. When was Cornel Wilde born?

Cornel Wilde was born on October 13, 1912, in Prievidza, Austria-Hungary (now Slovakia).

3. How tall was Cornel Wilde?

Cornel Wilde stood at a height of 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters).

4. What was Cornel Wilde’s cause of death?

Cornel Wilde died on October 16, 1989, from a heart attack, two days after his 77th birthday.

5. What was Cornel Wilde’s birth name?

Cornel Wilde was born as Kornél Lajos Weisz.

6. What was Cornel Wilde’s first film?

Cornel Wilde’s first film was “The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse” in 1938, where he had an uncredited role.

7. What was Cornel Wilde’s most famous role?

Cornel Wilde is best known for his role as Captain Ronpey in the 1953 film “Stalag 17”.

8. Did Cornel Wilde win any awards?

Yes, Cornel Wilde won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama for his role in “The Devil’s Hairpin” in 1957.

9. What was Cornel Wilde’s final film?

Cornel Wilde’s final film was “The Big Picture” in 1989, which was released posthumously.

10. Where is Cornel Wilde buried?

Cornel Wilde is buried at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.