What Was Sally Kellerman Net Worth?

Late actress and singer Sally Kellerman had an estimated net worth of $2.5 million at the time of her death in 2022.

Kellerman was best known for her unforgettable role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan in director Robert Altman’s critically acclaimed 1970 black comedy war film MASH*. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, helping establish her as one of Hollywood’s most distinctive talents.

Throughout a career spanning more than six decades, Sally Kellerman built a reputation for playing unconventional, intelligent, and emotionally layered characters. In addition to MASH*, she appeared in several Robert Altman films, including Brewster McCloud and The Player, while also enjoying an extensive television career with appearances in classics like The Twilight Zone, Star Trek, and later shows such as Maron and Decker.

Aside from acting, Kellerman also pursued music and stage work, cementing herself as a versatile entertainer.

Early Life

Sally Kellerman was born on June 2, 1937, in Long Beach, California.

She was raised by her parents, Edith, a piano teacher, and John Kellerman, an executive at Shell Oil. Sally had two sisters — an older sister named Diana and a younger sister, Victoria, who tragically died in infancy.

During elementary school, Kellerman’s family relocated to the San Fernando Valley, and later moved to Park La Brea in Los Angeles.

She attended Hollywood High School, where she first developed an interest in acting despite describing herself as naturally shy. During her school years, she appeared in a production of the musical Meet Me in St. Louis.

After graduation, Kellerman attended Los Angeles City College, continuing to nurture her interest in performing arts.

Early Film Career

Sally Kellerman began her acting career in Hollywood during the 1950s.

Her first movie role came in 1957, when she appeared in the teen drama Reform School Girl.

She later built experience through smaller film appearances in productions such as:

• Hands of a Stranger (1962)
• The Third Day (1965)
• The Boston Strangler (1968)

Although these early performances did not make her a household name, they helped establish her as a promising actress capable of handling dramatic material.

Breakthrough Success With MASH*

Sally Kellerman’s major breakthrough came in 1970, when she landed the role of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan in Robert Altman’s groundbreaking film MASH*.

The dark comedy, set during the Korean War, became one of the most celebrated films of the era.

Kellerman’s portrayal of the sharp, emotionally complex army nurse stood out among an ensemble cast and transformed what could have been a one-dimensional character into someone memorable and nuanced.

Her performance earned her:

• An Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress
• Widespread critical praise
• International recognition

The role became the defining performance of her career and helped solidify her reputation in Hollywood.

Years later, actress Loretta Swit would take over the role of Margaret Houlihan in the television adaptation of MASH*, but Kellerman remained closely associated with the original version of the character.

Working With Robert Altman

Following the success of MASH*, Kellerman continued collaborating with director Robert Altman, appearing in several of his films.

Her projects with Altman included:

Brewster McCloud (1970)

Kellerman reunited with Altman in this quirky comedy-drama, further strengthening their creative partnership.

The Player (1992)

More than two decades later, she joined Altman again in his acclaimed Hollywood satire.

Prêt-à-Porter (1994)

She later appeared in Altman’s fashion-industry satire, continuing a professional relationship that spanned decades.

Film Career Highlights

Beyond MASH*, Sally Kellerman enjoyed a steady film career across several genres.

Some of her notable movie credits include:

• Last of the Red Hot Lovers (1972)
• A Reflection of Fear (1972)
• Slither (1973)
• Lost Horizon (1973)
• The Big Bus (1976)
• Foxes (1980)
• Back to School (1986)
• Three for the Road (1987)
• It’s My Party (1996)
• American Virgin (1999)

She also voiced characters in animated films, including The Mouse and His Child.

Although she never became a traditional Hollywood blockbuster star, Kellerman carved out a respected career playing memorable supporting and character roles.

Television Career

Sally Kellerman was equally successful on television.

During the 1960s, she appeared in a long list of classic series, including:

• The Twilight Zone
• The Outer Limits
• Cheyenne
• Star Trek
• Bonanza
• My Three Sons
• Mannix
• That Girl

Her television work slowed somewhat in the 1970s, though she landed a notable role in the NBC miniseries Centennial.

Career Revival in the 2010s

Kellerman enjoyed renewed attention later in life with several notable television roles.

Chemistry (2011)

She starred on the Cinemax dramedy series as eccentric artist Lola Marquez, one of her biggest television roles in years.

Unsupervised (2012)

Kellerman voiced Principal Stark on the animated sitcom.

Maron (2013–2016)

She played the mother of comedian Marc Maron’s character, earning praise for her heartfelt and comedic performances.

The Young and the Restless (2014–2015)

Her role on the soap opera earned her an Emmy Award nomination, demonstrating her enduring appeal decades into her career.

She also joined the fourth season of Decker, playing First Lady Janet Rothman Davidson.

Stage Career

In addition to film and television, Sally Kellerman remained active in theater.

Early stage productions included:

• An Enemy of the People
• The Marriage-Go-Round
• Call Me by My Rightful Name

She also appeared in the original Broadway preview of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Later stage performances included starring roles in:

• Mame
• Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
• The Vagina Monologues
• The Wild Party

Kellerman frequently performed in cabaret shows and charity concerts throughout her career.

Music Career

Outside acting, Sally Kellerman also pursued music.

In 1972, she released her debut album, Roll with the Feelin’.

Nearly four decades later, she released a second album titled Sally in 2009, featuring interpretations of songs by artists such as:

• Aerosmith
• Nina Simone
• Marvin Gaye
• Neil Diamond
• James Taylor

She also contributed music to several film soundtracks, including Brewster McCloud and Lost Horizon.

Personal Life

Sally Kellerman experienced several high-profile relationships throughout her life.

One of her earliest serious relationships was with actor William Duffy, which resulted in an unwanted pregnancy in 1961.

In 1970, she married television producer Rick Edelstein, though the marriage ended in divorce just two years later.

Kellerman later dated musician Mark Farner, before marrying talent manager Jonathan D. Krane in 1980.

Together, the couple adopted twins:

• Jack
• Hannah

Although they separated at different times during their marriage, they remained legally married until Krane’s death in 2016.

She also adopted her sister’s estranged daughter, Claire.

Real Estate

Sally Kellerman made several real estate investments over the years.

In 1990, she purchased a Hollywood Hills home for $650,000.

She eventually sold the property in 2017 for just under $1.4 million.

In 2014, another Los Angeles property she owned was sold through a foreclosure sale for approximately $1.4 million.

Health Struggles and Death

In her later years, Kellerman suffered from dementia.

She died from heart failure on February 24, 2022, at the age of 84.

Her passing marked the end of a remarkable Hollywood career that stretched across film, television, music, and theater.

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