What Was Robert Altman Net Worth?

Robert Altman had an estimated net worth of $60 million at the time of his death in 2006. Widely regarded as one of the most influential directors of the New Hollywood era, Altman built his wealth through a prolific career in film, television, and theater.

He became known for his distinctive filmmaking style, including ensemble casts, overlapping dialogue, and innovative camerawork, which helped define a new generation of American cinema.

Early Life

Robert Altman was born on February 20, 1925, in Kansas City. Raised in a Catholic household, he attended Jesuit schools, including Rockhurst High School, before enrolling at Wentworth Military Academy.

He graduated in 1943 and soon joined the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, serving as a co-pilot on bombing missions in the Pacific.

Early Career

After leaving the military, Altman moved to California and began working in the entertainment industry as a writer. He co-wrote the story for the film Bodyguard, which helped him gain initial recognition.

He later returned to Kansas City, where he directed industrial films and began experimenting with storytelling techniques. During this time, he also directed stage productions, refining his approach to working with actors.

Television Directing Career

Altman’s early directing career gained momentum in television during the 1950s and 1960s. He directed episodes of several popular series, including:

• Alfred Hitchcock Presents
• Bonanza
• Combat!

These projects allowed him to develop the technical skills and narrative style that would later define his film work.

Breakthrough With “MAS*H”

Altman achieved major success with M*A*S*H, a satirical war film set during the Korean War. The film was both a critical and commercial hit, earning multiple Academy Award nominations and winning the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

MASH* became one of the highest-grossing films of its time and established Altman as a leading figure in Hollywood.

Acclaimed Films of the 1970s

Following his breakthrough, Altman directed a series of influential films throughout the 1970s, including:

• McCabe & Mrs. Miller
• The Long Goodbye
• Nashville

Nashville, in particular, received widespread acclaim for its complex narrative and large ensemble cast, earning multiple Academy Award nominations.

Career Challenges

In the late 1970s and 1980s, Altman faced commercial setbacks with several films that underperformed at the box office. As a result, he shifted his focus toward theater and television projects.

During this period, he directed adaptations of stage plays, including Streamers and Fool for Love, demonstrating his continued commitment to character-driven storytelling.

Comeback in the 1990s

Altman experienced a major career resurgence with The Player, a satirical look at Hollywood that earned critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.

He followed this with Short Cuts, which won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

In the 2000s, Altman achieved further success with Gosford Park, a murder mystery that earned seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Director.

His final film, A Prairie Home Companion, was released the same year as his death.

Personal Life

Robert Altman was married three times. His final marriage was to actress Kathryn Reed, whom he married in 1959. The couple remained together until his death.

Altman had six children across his marriages and maintained a strong connection to both family and creative collaborators throughout his life.

Awards

Throughout his career, Altman received five Academy Award nominations for Best Director. In 2006, he was honored with an Academy Honorary Award in recognition of his contributions to filmmaking.

His work has been widely praised for its originality and influence, with many filmmakers citing him as a major inspiration.

Death

Robert Altman passed away on November 20, 2006, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at the age of 81 after battling leukemia.