Earl Hamner Net Worth (Updated 2025).

Earl Hamner Jr. was born on July 10, 1923, in Schuyler, Virginia, a small town that would later inspire the fictional community of Walton’s Mountain in his renowned works. Hamner’s career in storytelling began at an early age, with his first published story appearing in the Saturday Evening Post when he was just 19 years old. This marked the start of a prolific career that would span over six decades.

Hamner’s big break came in the 1960s when he began writing television scripts. His first major success was the teleplay “The Homecoming: A Christmas Story,” which aired on NBC in 1971 and became a huge hit with audiences. This poignant tale of a family’s Christmas reunion, based on his own family’s experiences, showcased Hamner’s ability to craft compelling, heartwarming narratives that resonated with viewers.

Earl Hamner Jr.’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Earl Hamner Jr.’s estimated net worth is approximately $10 million. This figure is based on the latest available information, considering his successful career in television and writing.

Career

Earl Hamner Jr. is renowned for his impact on American television. He began his career in the 1960s, writing for iconic shows like “The Twilight Zone” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show”. His most notable work is creating the beloved series “The Waltons”, which aired from 1972 to 1981. He also wrote the screenplay for the 1972 film “The Homecoming: A Christmas Story”, which was based on his novel of the same name.

Other Ventures

In addition to his television and literary work, Hamner has also ventured into theater. He wrote the book for the musical “The Grand Tour”, which premiered on Broadway in 1993. He has also been involved in various charitable causes, including supporting the National Kidney Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

Assets

Earl Hamner Jr. has invested in real estate, owning properties in Virginia and California. He also has a substantial portfolio of stocks and bonds. His most valuable asset, however, is his extensive library of published works, including novels, short stories, and screenplays.

Annual Income

Hamner’s annual income is derived from royalties, residuals from his television and film work, and occasional writing projects. While the exact figure fluctuates, it’s estimated to be around $500,000 per year. This places him comfortably in the top tier of American television writers in terms of earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Earl Hamner

Frequently Asked Questions about Earl Hamner

1. What is Earl Hamner’s net worth?

Earl Hamner’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.

2. When was Earl Hamner born?

Earl Hamner was born on July 10, 1923.

3. Where was Earl Hamner born?

Earl Hamner was born in Schuyler, Virginia, USA.

4. What was Earl Hamner’s cause of death?

Earl Hamner passed away on March 24, 2016, from natural causes at the age of 92.

5. What was Earl Hamner’s profession?

Earl Hamner was an American television producer, writer, and actor, best known for creating the TV series “The Waltons”.

6. What awards has Earl Hamner won?

Earl Hamner has won several awards, including two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series for “The Waltons” (1973 and 1974). He also won a Peabody Award in 1973.

7. What was Earl Hamner’s first job in the entertainment industry?

Earl Hamner’s first job in the entertainment industry was as a writer for the TV series “Sugarfoot” in the late 1950s.

8. Was Earl Hamner married?

Yes, Earl Hamner was married to his wife, Josephine “Jo” Gamble, from 1948 until her death in 2015.

9. Did Earl Hamner have any children?

Yes, Earl Hamner had four children with his wife Jo.

10. What was the inspiration behind “The Waltons”?

The Waltons was inspired by Earl Hamner’s own family and his memories of growing up in rural Virginia during the Great Depression. The show was based on his 1973 novel “The Homecoming: A Christmas Story”.